I read 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail'. Athought, that 'book' doesn't give any answers I thought it could be interesting to read. If it's your first meeting with a book of such profile you'd b probably amazed. But, if you are more experienced reader you'd realized that there is no conspiracy or some great plot in there. Nothing of that. It's just a matter of human vanity. It's written to wake up human imagination and bring money to his authors.
When I see, or hear, Dan Brown I think the same. When he first came out with his 'brilliant idea' he was uncertain and scared. First of all, the idea doesn't belong to him. He's skilled plagiarist. Why he was scared? He was seeking for something shocking. Unfortunately, he choose to make contraversy on this way. But he thought that someone wanted to hurt him because of this book. I can't deny that, because there are many extemists in Christian world also, not only between muslims. Or maybe he wanted to look like that.
Second, you must know that this is a novel. In the novel there are often a lot of extravagance. It's obvious that this is the transparent example of it. His book can't stand any severe and honest historical test. Stack of preconceptions doesn't make this idea reliable. Only the effort of a author is remarkable.
I must clear one more thing. Contrary to the most people's thoughts Roman catholic church in fact have nothing against this book. It started many debates about the place and the role of this organisation in the history. They got whole new attention and perspective. What they did if they did in the past and what they will say on this accusations... But, this only could just further divide people. One group will continue or perhaps start to doubt the God's existance or influence and the other group will be those who will stand to 'defend the truth'. Of course, there is third group 'the unconcerned'. Most of people fit there. But those which 'defend the truth' will be focused much more into religion when they see how beloved mother church is offended. There is no need to anybody or anything defend the Christianity. Simple, because it's eternal and true. Either you believe or you don't.
I spoke to many people and I noticed that many people which know a little or nothing about Christianity or spirituality are excited with this 'book'. They fall in a trap to follow the contoversy and fiction instead to make his own choice. If this 'book' is some excuse to spit over Christianity you won't see me laughing. Beacuse, I noticed the deception.
Dan Brown is not a seeker for the truth. He's one writer cabaple to make good job when he sell his stories. Nothing more. Every man should seek truth on his own. He can do that with God or without but he doesn't need some novel to mislead him.