“Well, science and religion are not competitors, they’re two different languages trying to tell the same story. There’s room in this world for both.”

“Origin” is the fifth book in the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown and follows Robert Langdon around the Basque region and other areas of Spain as he industriously tries to solve one mystery after another. This installation of the Robert Langdon series deals with big-picture questions in relation to technology, evolution, and religion: where do we come from and where are we going?

At the start of “Origin,” one of Langdon’s former students, Edmond Kirsch, invites him to an elegant event with a presentation that is geared toward answering these questions. Kirsch, who is an atheist, has made a discovery that he believes will change the course of mankind. Before the presentation is able to proceed, the night erupts in chaos. Thus begins the Langdon chase for codes, clues, and answers, this time with the director of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and princess-to-be, Ambra Vidal, as his cohort. For a large portion of the novel, Robert and Ambra race across the beautiful city of Barcelona and through the colorful and intricate architecture of Gaudí as they try to stay ahead of their pursuers. Meanwhile, Spain’s Guardia Real and the royal palace are trying to figure out how the king, his loyal friend Bishop Valdespino, and the prince might be implicated in the problems arising from Kirsch’s failed presentation.

Brown gives us his usual lessons in history, art, literature, religion, and architecture; however, this time he includes a lesson in technology past and present. “Origin” did not flow as well as the first three books of the series did. This novel seemed disjointed at times and appeared more like a whodunit rather than an complexly woven plot. At times the lessons felt heavy-handed and not always in sync with the quick rhythm of the action throughout. The stop-and-go effect this produces is a bit unsettling and provides the reader with a bit of a bumpy ride.

Flaws aside, “Origin” is an enjoyable read. It was good to read about Langdon’s adventures and near-death experiences.