The Taking
Published: 2004
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Dean Koontz wrote the novel The Taking. I was really looking forward to the movie adaptation of this novel, and it was certain to be a fantastic one if the content from the book was included. In 2006, Sam Raimi's Ghost House Productions revealed that they had obtained the rights to this novel and intended to make a miniseries based on it for their new television banner. But sadly, neither the series nor the Ghost House TV unit came to fruition.
I adored this book and the concept that evolved into a suspenseful and mysterious novel. It has become one of my all-time favorites, and I'd like to put it almost on par with The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew) by Stephen King in terms of my personal list of finest stories.
After reading this book, I will always see rain in a new light and with a remembrance of one of my favorite stories, much as I recall The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) and The Fog when I am in fog or mist. It's an incredible experience for me, and instead of being afraid, I like it.
From the beginning, Koontz had my whole attention. I had the impression that I was there from beginning to end. I sensed the characters' terror, curiosity, sadness, and all the other feelings they must have felt. With the suspense, worry, and description, it took my thoughts on a wild journey. It was terrifying in and of itself, but towards the conclusion of the novel, I was overcome with emotion.
I'm the sort of person that gets a buzz from having nightmares. I'm pleased when they're finished, but I wouldn't change the dreams I experienced. This was one of those kinds of situations. It was like one of those lengthy, terrifying, end-of-the-world nightmares that is amazing in and of itself.
Some of my friends did not enjoy this book, and many of them did not complete it. This suggests that the plot's convoluted and unrealistic situation may not pique the interest of all readers. If you enjoy basic one-track books, you might not enjoy this one, but if you want an exciting and otherworldly experience, I definitely suggest it.
Mr. Koontz, like the protagonist in this novel, has decided to create a book about hope. He can scare the bejesus out of us, but he also gives us hope that virtue and love will triumph over evil. And my favorite aspect of his writings is that he always features dogs that represent the finest of our planet.
Even in the midst of the tragedy, I recognized beauty in most of the narrative. I started reading with an open mind, and when I finished it, I felt like a better person. Whether or not Koontz intended it, I felt closer to my own inner self.
I've mentioned The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) a few times in this review, and I adore that story even more than this one, but I'd want to point out that it's not a full-length book, but rather a novella or a short story.
Now, let's get back to The Taking... This novel contains all the twists and turns of a well-crafted narrative and characters. The ending grows clearer and clearer, and it's very evident around 3/4 of the way through, but it's the subtleties that make it so brilliantly written.
Of course, dogs play an important role in his tales, and these canines have remarkable abilities. So endearing.... Congratulations, Mr. Koontz! Congratulations!
One of Koontz's books you won't be able to put down. It's about bravery and optimism in the face of tragedy and loss. I had a feeling there was more to the extraterrestrial encounter than meets the eye...there are a lot of signs I hope you don't overlook. Once again thank you, Dean Koontz, for writing about the end of the world in such an artful manner.
Final Thoughts
This was fantastic, and I'm afraid I won't be able to give it credit! Dean Koontz has always been a favorite of mine, but he's truly exceeded himself with this one.
What began as a riveting sci-fi/horror novel quickly morphed into something with such profound meaning that I was left dumbfounded and in awe of Dean Koontz's ability by the time I reached the final page.
The message of the book had a tremendous impact on me. I arrived expecting a light read and instead received a true gem. Wow is all I have to say.
This is the book for you if you enjoy mysteries, sci-fi, psychological thrills, and feeling chills. This man can tie your mind into knots trying to figure out what's going to happen next, then Bang - he blows your mind again.
I've been a fan for years, and I once ran out of gas on the road while listening to one of his books. Read Dean Koontz if you want to broaden your horizons!!!
I like this book until the very end, when it evolved into a whole other sort of novel, and that is the only reason I did not give it a full recommendation since I know some readers will not appreciate the conclusion and the changes that occurred to the tale.
Despite the author's last-minute changing of gears, I rather appreciated this book. It had a lot of suspense and was really creative. I felt it to be a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel that was driven by plot rather than character development.
Beginning as an extraterrestrial invasion thriller, the depictions of the world's devastating ecological changes are genuinely terrifying.
For the most part, Koontz is at his best in this disturbing and frightening book, which begins as an extraterrestrial invasion story and progresses into an allegorical age-old narrative of the war between good and evil.
Though I wish it had been a nice old-fashioned alien invasion thriller, I can't begrudge the author for following his heart. The subjects in the book are ones that have emerged in many of the author's prior novels and are definitely ones that he is passionate about.
Synopsis
The synopsis below is from the mass market paperback edition of this book.
“On the morning that marks the end of the world they have known, Molly and Neil Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof. A luminous silvery downpour is drenching their small California mountain town. It has haunted their sleep, invaded their dreams, and now, in the moody purple dawn, the young couple cannot shake the sense of something terribly wrong.
As the hours pass, Molly and Neil listen to disturbing news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. By nightfall, their little town loses all contact with the outside world. A thick fog transforms the once-friendly village into a ghostly labyrinth. And soon the Sloans and their neighbors will be forced to draw on reserves of courage and humanity they never knew they had. For within the misty gloom they will encounter something that reveals in a shattering instant what is happening to their world—something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Alien Invasion, Black Lake, Husband Neil, Koontz Books, Left Behind, Molly And Neil, Odd Thomas, Waste Of Time, Years Ago
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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