Thriller Review- Origin (Robert Langdon #5) by Dan Brown

- September 18, 2025

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

Origin is Dan Brown's fifth novel in the Robert Langdon series. It is published by Doubleday Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Publishing.

In it, we arrive at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, with Professor Robert Langdon. He is there to see his former student, billionaire Edmond Kirsch, speak. Kirsch is set to deliver the presentation of his life that promises an astounding discovery. Simulcast around the world from the museum, this closed event is filled with hundreds of vetted guests approved by the museum and its director, Ambra Vidal.

The night is a success until chaos overcomes the event, leaving Edmond Kirsch dead. With suspicion fueling their actions, Langdon and Vidal escape the museum with the aid of Kirsch's assistant, Winston, who is helping them remotely. They realize that forces are at work to stop Edmond's discovery from being shown to the world. Can Langdon and Ambra find the correct password to unlock Kirsch's presentation before those who wish to silence them catch up?

Origin is a unique book in its own right. Dan Brown gave us compelling characters that were filled with secrets. The fast-paced trek across Spain afforded plenty of locations to research (a fun part of any Langdon novel). The journey ultimately leads Langdon to discover an unbelievable secret. Ending in a twist that was shocking enough to have me calmly put down the book and think about what I had just witnessed.

I read Origin in part with the excellent voice work of actor Paul Michael. He has read three installments of the series, which made his return here a seamless transition. I particularly like his accents and flawless pronunciation of languages. Brilliantly done.

Brown has not disappointed with this latest chapter in his Langdon series. It was every bit as exhilarating as the previous stories. With epic adventure, intriguing characters, and a stellar finale, Origin was a five-star read.

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