2.5 stars

Well, I can certainly understand the mainstream appeal. This is a fairly entertaining read, with enough cultural/ religious/ historical tidbits packed in to make it feel Intellectual too. (EDIT: It is definitely much less impressive when you learn just how many errors there are.)

But I managed to answer half the riddles and predict most of the plot twists even with my extremely limited knowledge in this academic field, and I really wasn't trying at all. I also wasn't a fan of the sheer number of POVs (and the constant switching between them); it certainly didn't help that none of the characters felt like they had a distinct voice or personality.

Honestly, though, possibly the biggest thing that kept me from taking this book seriously is no fault of its own: the fact that I couldn't stop comparing it to the 39 Clues series, which I was super into when I was younger. And as fond of my memories are of reading the 39 Clues books, playing the game, and trading references with my friends (#UniversalForce), it's hard to get past that.

content warnings:

Spoiler

self-flagellation and -mutilation, blood, on-page violence, transphobic language

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CONVERSION: 7.4 / 15 = 2.5 stars

Prose: 5 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 4 / 10
Emotional Impact: 2 / 10
Development / Flow: 8 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 2 / 5
Rereadability: 1 / 5
Memorability: N/A