Main Character Energy - When the setting of the Novel is the Star in Dan Brown’s New Book

Some cities don’t just act as a backdrop in fiction — they become a character themselves. Prague, Czech Republic does exactly that in Dan Brown’s newest novel, The Secret of Secrets.

Prague is a city of Gothic architecture, hidden passageways, medieval legends, astronomical wonders, and libraries full of ancient knowledge. Its atmosphere is so rich with symbolism that of course Dan Brown’s newest thriller, The Secret of Secrets takes place here.

You can retrace the novel’s path through real travel locations in Prague, including:

• Clementinum Library — one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe
• Prague Astronomical Clock — a must-see landmark in Old Town Square
• Charles Bridge — mystical sunrise views, statues, and folklore
• Prague Castle — panoramic views and centuries of political intrigue
• The Dancing House — an unforgettable piece of modern Czech architecture

These famous Prague attractions play an active role in the mystery — unlocking clues, challenging characters, and building suspense. As I read, I found myself flipping pages with one hand and searching Google Maps with the other. 

So here’s a collage of the city’s most cinematic corners — a visual companion to the novel — and inspiration for your next adventure. I know I want to go! Because sometimes, the most compelling character isn’t the protagonist but rather the setting where it takes place.

Have you ever read a book where the setting completely stole the show? Tell me your favorites — I’m building a list!

Books Where the Setting Becomes a Character

📍 Paris — The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)

📍 Florence — Inferno (Dan Brown)

📍 New York — The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

📍 New Orleans — Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)

📍 Los Angeles — The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

📍 Oxford & London — The Thursday Murder Club series (Richard Osman)

📍 South America / The Amazon — State of Wonder (Ann Patchett)

📍 Edinburgh — The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Robert Louis Stevenson)

📍 King’s Landing / Westeros — A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin)

📍 Barcelona — The Shadow of the Wind (Carlos Ruiz Zafón)

📍 Hawaii — The White Lotus (okay TV, but GREAT example for this theme!)