The Voice Of The Night
Published: 1980
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Brian Coffey)
Genre: Coming Of Age, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Dean Koontz's work The Voice of the Night was published under the pen name Brian Coffey. Mr. Koontz is an entertainer's entertainer. I suppose I've read almost all of his writings. I must have liked them since I kept returning. However, after 5 to 7 works by Koontz, you begin to discover a pattern. There's usually a heroic hero, a lovely heroine, and a dog. You are always welcome, and while it may appear repetitive, it is not, and you must read to comprehend the power of words. This novel and its companion short story deviated from the norm while preserving the author's great writing style. That is very enjoyable.
I was never a fan of books with children as the main protagonists, even as a child, since I believed some of the things they did were impossible until I started reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz, simply read IT by Stephen King or Firestarter, and this one was still really excellent.
Because there is so much dialogue in this story, it only took a few days to read. Koontz, as always, does an excellent job of explaining everything from the vital aspects to the fundamental surroundings. He clearly puts thought into almost everything he says.
There does appear to be one common flaw in many of his writings, and that is his fondness for mature and occasionally perverted themes and scenarios. This is vital to the tale to some extent, although it appears to be uncontrolled with Koontz. It's as though he feels compelled to include anything in order for the novel to mature at some time. It was just this narrative that I could grasp since it is used to portray a character's morals, yet it is not in some cases.
But when I think about it with an open mind, it becomes clear that he sometimes does it to prove to the readers that a character is pure evil and in some cases, the extent of love two characters have for each other, but again, using adult content can be a double-edged sword and many readers may not like it, but on the other hand, many readers like it in any form possible, so it all comes down to the readers' preference.
That, along with the fact that he seldom manages to create a narrative without some form of romance, gives the impression that he is making an attempt to include something for every type of reader.
There are better Koontz books out there, but this one is still worth reading. Just be ready for some depravity. After saying that, I must reiterate that I adore this method of attempting to write something that will appeal to every reader's taste, but it still creates a problem of choice, since some may enjoy or despise the style. But I'm satisfied, and I know a lot of folks who adore Dean Koontz's work.
Dean Koontz's works are always genuinely rewarding and pleasant. This was an older book, and I had heard that it was a simple book with a simple tale, so I wanted to see it for myself.
What I discovered was a gently developing tension that culminated in an unexpected ending. I stayed up all night reading the book because it is stunning.
I've previously read all of Koontz's works since the beginning of his writing career, so as I wait for his latest, I've been reading some of the earlier books and revisiting the current ones.
Mr. Koontz has brought me so much delight, suspense, and insight throughout the years! In addition to the narrative, which has brought hours of entertainment, I generally uncover a deeper meaning.
Fortunately, I'm constantly reading the latest books by great authors and sometimes not-so-great authors, and I'm hoping he'll have written another before I complete the current ones I'm reading. I honestly don't know how people live without loving Dean Koontz's writings!!!
This novel and its companion short tale broke the usual pattern while maintaining the superb writing style. Very entertaining. Yes, the style was distinct. It didn't always read like Dean Koontz. And any novel that begins, "Have you murdered anything?" with two adolescent lads makes you uncomfortable. You initially wonder, "Do I even want to read it?" But you should read it if you're like me and many other readers who love Dean Koontz and Stephen King for their insane ideas and stories with twists that will blow your mind. But I still encourage you to take a chance. It's worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
I almost quit reading this novel because I felt it was taking me somewhere I didn't want to go, and I was planning to read it ten pages a day, but then I thought, let's read a bit more, and it turned out to be a perfect decision!
As I read further, I understood that the author was narrating an age-old narrative, and I thoroughly loved it! Great narrative, well-crafted, and the sad aspect is that it reveals mankind's actual character!
Overall, this is a terrific novel with intriguing characters and enough narrative to keep you engaged from beginning to end. The nicest aspect is how simple I found it to identify to the characters and scenario since it could happen to anybody.
I found myself seriously despising Colin's mother. It's simple to see where she's coming from, but I practically wanted to step into the book and urge her to quit speaking and listen for a change.
She may be the lesser of two evils in Colin's situation, but she is just as awful a parent as Colin's father.
Roy was excellent as the "evil guy." As several of my reader friends have pointed out, it's easy to despise him while yet feeling sorry for him. Except for the murderous aspect, he reminds me of a lot of youngsters I've known throughout the years.
The "accident back story" might be difficult to read as a parent, but it is essential to the storyline progression.
My only criticism of this book is its finale. I understand why Koontz chose that ending, but it leaves the reader hanging. It would be fascinating to hear how the other characters are resolved, such as the Colin-Mother problem, where Colin and Heather go from there, and, of course, what happens to Roy.
We'll never know because this novel was written a long time ago with no sequel. But don't worry, it's a full plot; you simply have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks for the minor characters, just like any movie or book with a straightforward finale.
This book reminds me of some of Stephen King's early works. We are aware of the presence of evil greater than that which we have confronted.
The short tale "Silence" adds significantly to the worth of this story and was a welcome addition. This is a highly recommended read!
Synopsis
This cult favorite coming-of-age suspense includes a BONUS short story “Silence,” on Kindle!
“A fearsome tour of an adolescent's psyche. Terrifying, knee-knocking suspense.” - Chicago Sun-Times
“Hair-raising from cover to cover.” - Houston Chronicle
#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz gives new meaning to blood brothers in this chilling audiobook of friendship gone awry.
No one could understand why Colin and Roy were best friends. Colin was so shy; Roy was so popular. Colin was fascinated by Roy - and Roy was fascinated by death. Then one day, Roy asked his timid friend: “You ever killed anything?”
From that moment on, the two were bound together in a game too terrifying to imagine - and too irresistible to stop.
NOW WITH BONUS SHORT STORY “SILENCE”
30 years later...the story continues with the spine-tingling follow-up “Silence.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Blood Brothers, Easy To Read, Edge Of Your Seat, Killed Anything, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Page Turner, Santa Leona, Year Old, Years Ago
Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
Buy the Kindle Version Here
Free With Free Audible Trial
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