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Showing posts with label 85/100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 85/100. Show all posts

The House of Thunder Review

Dean Koontz, Leigh Nichols, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Suspense, Thriller

The House of Thunder

Published: 1982
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

The House of Thunder is a novel written by best-selling novelist Dean Koontz that was first published under the pen name Leigh Nichols. Few authors write as well as Dean Koontz and Stephen King about unexplained supernatural phenomena. These novels are so well-written and convincing that you almost believe there must be some element of reality in what the author wrote, and you wonder whether he has ever encountered similar occurrences in his personal life or the lives of individuals he knows.

I just forgot about it the first time I purchased it, and I've had this book on my shelf for years and hadn't gotten around to reading it until I realized I hadn't. Yes, it may happen to many avid readers who buy books in bulk, and sometimes a book by a renowned author is pushed to the back or overlooked, as happened with this book. But, at the very least, I was gripped from the start and thoroughly loved every minute of this psychological thriller.

There are some passages of this book that will make your mouth dry and your spine coil with anxiety, and these parts are enough to earn this book excellent marks and recommendations. 

A well-executed film can get a large number of admirers, but I found no film adaptation of this book, or I missed it, and I would be grateful if anybody knows and tells me anything about this issue, since there is no film adaptation of this book to my knowledge.

A gripping story with several twists and turns. When the final storyline is revealed, it is far from what was anticipated. To avoid giving away the ending, suffice it to say it is rather shocking. Dean Koontz is at his best, and the reason he is regarded as a great storyteller.

This novel has some surprising twists and turns. I mean, seriously messed up!! You'll notice things that aren't quite right as you read, but you'll never guess who the evil person is.

If you're seeking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and won't let you put it down. That's what it is!

From start to finish, this is a non-stop thriller. Dean Koontz has created another masterpiece.

Even having a juvenile style, the author's work is effective. A fantastic story! Koontz at his very best! The plot flows well and quickly, keeping you flipping pages late into the night! Author's previous tale-telling is exemplified here.

This may be a tremendous delight for Koontz fans and even people who have never heard of him if that's even conceivable. This is one of his older works, which I like; his glory days in tale world were something to savor. 

When things start to emerge in The House of Thunder, I adore how it truly screws with the reader's psyche. I read this story many years ago and it becomes great and spooky and brings in the thrills. I still remember this story warmly, even after so many years, and I just listened to the audio version; perhaps I'll read it again sometime, but not soon.

I've always enjoyed Dean Koontz's books, and it's possible that I've grown accustomed to his wonderful descriptive writing style and riveting "impossible to put down" tension. 

However, I was underwhelmed with The House Of Thunder until I realized that Koontz had initially released it in 1982 under the pen name Leigh Nichols. So, while it is still a decent read for one of his earlier works, I would want to see him rewrite it with his more mature writing style all these years later.

This is a scary narrative, a proper thriller that builds gradually to create suspense and impact. I appreciated how nothing was obvious, even to me as an avid reader; the author kept me wondering until the very end.

Now, I wasn't a big lover of the conclusion, but that's just my opinion and has nothing to do with how the narrative was written or anything. I planned the tale to continue on the same path, but it altered, which some may like and some will dislike. I didn't care for it, but I can understand why others might.

I've always enjoyed stories that are completed with a big 'twist.' This one just blew my mind. I really recommend that everyone read this one.


Final Thoughts

I can't believe I overlooked this earlier Dean Koontz novel! However, it still reads quite nicely. I've revisited a number of his other novels from the 1980s, and they're much more antiquated now that he gets so technical in his writing. This one, on the other hand, had me wondering till the very end! Excellent.

It took a moment to get into the book, and it appears like Koontz had a page restriction or something on this one since he completed it so quickly, despite the fact that it is not a small book, and I remembered The Mask because this book gave me the same feeling when I finished reading it. 

In a nutshell, I thought it was too short. I won't give anything away, but if you've read Koontz's Key to Midnight, you'll notice numerous parallels to this work.

I loved it and would suggest it to lovers of Dean Koontz. This one appealed to me since it is a true story.

This is a sleep dunker, something I read all night and continued reading the next day in a foggy vision because I was exhausted but happy and reworking the tale in my brain. So, if you want to remain up till 3 a.m., go ahead.

You're continuously trying to figure out what's going on and, if she isn't insane, who is behind it. Of course, I'm not going to ruin the surprise by revealing anything. 

That being said, I can honestly say that I did not anticipate the perpetrator to be who he was. I was hesitant at first because the first paragraph directly beneath "Chapter 1" was "The year was 1980 - an ancient period, so long ago and far away...", but I can honestly say that I liked the book and hope that anybody who enjoys thrillers and mysteries does as well!

Would I suggest The House Of Thunder? Yes, but not to introduce you to Koontz. It's an excellent novel with some great scary moments. 

I suggest it to long-time Koontz fans. It was nice to have only one character's point of view and a less detailed description, like in The Voice Of The Night.


Synopsis

“In a cavern called The House of Thunder, Susan Thornton watched in terror as her lover died a brutal death in a college hazing. And in the following four years, the four young men who participated in that grim fraternity rite likewise died violently. Or did they?

Twelve years later, Susan wakes in a hospital bed. Apparently involved in a fatal accident, she is suffering from amnesia. She does't remember who she is or why she is there. All she knows is that her convalescence is unfolding into a fearful nightmare - and that the faces that surround her, pretending loving care, are those of the four men involved in that murder years ago.

Have the dead come back to life? Or has Susan plunged into the abyss of madness? With the help of her neuro-surgeon, Susan desperately clings to her sanity while fighting to uncover who or what could be stalking her.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Car Accident, Cold War, Ever Read, Leigh Nichols, Susan Thornton, Susan Thorton, Twists And Turns, Wakes Up In A Hospital, Years Ago


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Mask Review

Dean Koontz, Owen West, American, Family Life, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Mask

Published: 1981
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Owen West)
Genre: American, Family Life, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense masterpiece The Mask was first published in 1981 under the pen name Owen West. Later, Koontz re-released the work under his own name. It's a fantastic book, a very fascinating Koontz story. My only criticism is the sudden finish. I wish there was a bit more resolution to the plot, but I enjoyed it! As much as I appreciated this narrative, it left me wanting more. It's the third novel I've read by Koontz that has left me wanting more. I believe this is due to the fact that it is one of his earliest works; I know his subsequent books had much better endings. So Koontz, like a fine wine, improves with age! 

I'm a great Dean Koontz fan, and this was yet another one of my faves. It was fantastic, but as I mentioned before, it feels too short, even if it isn't.

The main reason many of my reader friends didn't enjoy this book was the sudden ending and the way it felt a little short even though it wasn't, so it lost a few points. I was left hanging at the conclusion. The ending of this novel both shocked and saddened me. This question keeps circling in my mind. The query is. What transpired? I require a satisfactory response.

The book, on the other hand, was well-written and engaging. I'd even say the book is a page-turner. Perhaps I overlooked an essential topic in the book? But I'm not sure I did. It does not imply that the book or plot is poor; it is simply these sensations that occur when a book is wonderful and you do not want it to end. 

I definitely recommend that you read the work. Perhaps you will have a greater comprehension of the book's finish than I did, and it reminded me of Stephen King since he is another author who creates endings that leave readers wondering what is going on but are nonetheless fantastic in any case.

It was exhilarating. You had no idea what would happen next. It was a story that unfolded throughout the entire story. You were kept on your toes. Koontz pulls you from the first few pages and takes you through every twist and turn!

I don't think I've ever been let down by one of his books, and this one kept me on the tip of my seat. I didn't want it to end!!! 

The plot twists may be seen by experienced and ardent readers from a distance, and you can detect a young writer authoring this book yet a decent narrative than today's page upon page fillers that signify basically nothing and the plot and storylines are just about a page long in reality.

When I first read it when I was very young, I thought it was the best book ever. As an adult, I found it less spectacular, but still pleasant. This is something I've seen in a lot of novels, and it's because maturity alters our way of thinking and how we view or perceive things.

I read this in its first printing, as published under the pen name Owen West; I'm re-reading or listening to the audio of all of Koontz's works as I add them to my electronic collection, and I'm seeing a few differences, but not by much.

Spellbinding and enticing. Character growth is excellent. Some fans may believe it was not written by Dean Koontz, but it was. The only reason it appears different is that it is an early work by him, and you may see the author in it if you read more of his early works. 

The tense sections of the book were very enjoyable to me. Both the pursuit and the hunting scenes were wonderfully done. I was hooked and couldn't wait to find out what happened to the characters. I also liked much of the dialogue, but parts of it felt phony. However, given that the novel was published in 1981, this is reasonable.

I won't go into too much information about the plot because it's a well-written mystery thriller. You should be able to piece together the final conclusion using the clues they offer approximately halfway through. Which you'll probably appreciate if you like supernatural aspects. 

To say the finale is short, fast, and, to be honest, a little weak for some readers. It takes some time to fit the parts together... at least it did for me, which made it even better!

I've read practically all of Dean Koontz's works, and he never runs out of compelling plot lines that are easy to follow. His characters are usually engaging and well-developed to the point that you nearly feel like you know them. 

Many of his remarks are witty social or political observations. The most difficult aspect of this book was putting it down. Thank you again, Mr. Koontz, for making my life a bit brighter.


Final Thoughts

Do not read this one if this is your first time reading Koontz!! You could wind up terminating one of the best writers around! The majority of his novels are amazing! But not this one!!!! But only if it is your first novel by him, so start with another novel or a series that I can recommend to you is the Odd Thomas series, but I am sure it will spoil you and make you want to read every book by him.

Before this, I was already a great admirer of Koontz, and after reading The Mask, I was hooked by his stories and have read practically all of his books, which my friends and I shared. 

I adore the sense of being unable to put the book down, of wanting to know what happens next, and then, at the conclusion, of being disappointed that the book is finished because it was so excellent. That's how I've felt about all of Dean Koontz's works, with the Odd Thomas series being my favorite. He is a fantastic storyteller, and I had a great time re-reading one of the first books of his that I had read years ago. I can't wait to read more!

It maintains your interest and keeps you guessing. The idea had a lot of potentials, and I believe the author was planning a sequel but later decided against it, but that is just my opinion, and I truly wish he had written another one relating to this narrative.

In a nutshell, it was the usual fascinating Dean Koontz novel; full of thrills and twists around every corner, with a surprising ending that may enrage readers or even transform them into professors if they give it more consideration than I did, but I am still not finished with my final decision on this topic.

Simply recommended but not if you are a first time reader of Dean Koontz.


Synopsis

“Jane is a very good girl. But #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz shows that appearances can be deceiving—in a deadly way...

She appears out of nowhere, a beautiful teenage girl in the middle of traffic on a busy day. Paul and Carol Tracy are drawn to her—she's the child they never thought they could have. But then Carol's nightmares begin—the ghastly sounds in the night...the bloody face in the mirror...the razor-sharp ax.

Jane can't remember her past. And as Carol attempts to help her uncover who she was, she has no idea of the horrors that await...”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Best Work, Character Development, Ever Read, Favorite Authors, Feel Like, Good Book, Great Read, Koontz Books, Loose Ends, Love Dean, Supernatural Elements


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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The Eyes of Darkness Review

Dean Koontz, Leigh Nichols, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Eyes of Darkness

Published: 10, May 1981
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)
Genre: Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense thriller novel The Eyes of Darkness follows a woman on a mission to discover whether her son actually died one year ago, or whether he is still alive. An engaging, exciting, suspenseful tale first published under the alias Leigh Nichols in which 'evil' is vanquished by a mother's love.

I appreciate pure thrillers, suspense, and crime, as well as light read romances, literary classics or otherwise, works that deal with life in general and how people live it, with its challenges, choices, ethical concerns, and so on.

As a result, reading this was ideal for me. It has exactly the right amount of suspense to get my heart racing, but not to the point where my blood pressure rises, which isn't good for anybody. It contains only a smidgeon of romance, and the paranormal element works for me as well.

The story discusses a bioweapon known as Gorki-400 after the Soviet city of Gorki, where it was developed. Because of the Cold War's conclusion, the provenance of the bioweapon was shifted to the Chinese city of Wuhan, and it was dubbed Wuhan-400 for the 1989 edition, forward generating conjecture from some in early 2020 that Koontz had somehow foreseen coronavirus outbreak in 2019 known as COVID-19. 

And when I heard about Wuhan and the emergence of a virus called COVID-19, I recalled this book and the virus called Wuhan-400, and then I remembered my own words about some of these great authors, that they must be time travelers or have knowledge of the future.

I kind of read it again because of the allusion to the current pandemic in Wuhan, China, but it isn't quite what social media portrays it to be. I'm happy I read that instead of fretting about Covid-19 since I really loved it. 

I identified with the mother's character. The fact that the narrative is about a woman and her child appeals to me. In addition, I like debating conspiracy theories.

As a writer, I aspire to write blockbusters like this one day, if not Little Women or To Kill a Mockingbird.

But, first and foremost, do not expect too much association with the Wuhan Covid virus, or you will be disappointed. Aside from that, the story is jam-packed with tension, a humorous premise, and intriguing paranormal activity. 

I liked how the youngster communicated, even though it was a little strange at times. Whereas Tina and Eliott's relationships appeared to be a fad, they hardly had time to be together as a couple since they were partners in the kid's rescue.

The Eyes of Darkness is a reworked version of Koontz's earlier novel. I had never heard of the novel, Leigh Nichols, or Dean Koontz because I was still a child. I came upon Watchers and tried to locate anything else he'd written. Like many others, I became a fan. This is the fifth book he has reprinted under the Nichols name that has been revised and somewhat altered to be more relevant in the twenty-first century, according to him.

It's a real delight. While there were a few stumbling blocks, the plot, heroes, villains, minor characters, locales, and conversation were all engaging without being unduly wordy. 

This was the Koontz I knew from the beginning. Not the present fashion of publishing two novels every year. I discovered paragraphs ranging in length from two phrases to a full-page, describing anything from chilly, short winter days to the odors of a small-town restaurant to the evergreens on a snow-capped peak. You feel as though you may have entered the universe that his imagination had constructed for you. You could sense the mother's distress, befuddlement, and eventual rage: she was the Ripley from Aliens before there was an Aliens Ripley.

The Eyes of Darkness is a decent science fiction/thriller novel. It takes place in modern-day Nevada. The language used is contemporary conversational English. It is modest in length. 

The second time around, I listened to an audiobook instead of reading the book. I was able to follow much of it; however, I had to re-listen to places when there is a lot of description of the landscape. The narrative is of high quality.

I've read practically all of Dean Koontz's novels, but the most recent ones I've read or listened to are Funhouse, Whispers, The Voice Of The Night, and now The Eyes of Darkness. I liked the first two novels, but they were different in that they contained more brutal crime and abysmal despair. This story is more of a science fiction/thriller novel, and while it is gloomy at points, there are also bright moments and some romance, but they are all fantastic as novels of different genres.

From the first page of The Eyes of Darkness, I was hooked. I was not let down. My only hope is that there was a method to transfer this author's novels from paper to screen while keeping his storylines intact and faithful to his objectives.

According to author Dean Koontz in the afterword of a 2008 paperback edition, television producer Lee Rich bought the rights to the book, as well as The Face of Fear, Darkfall, and a fourth unidentified novel, for a television series based on Koontz's writings. 

Ann Powell and Rose Schacht, co-writers of Drug Wars: The Camarena Story, were supposed to write The Eyes of Darkness, but they were never able to provide a satisfactory script. Finally, The Face of Fear is the only one of the four books that has been adapted into a television film.


Final Thoughts

Excellent read - extremely frightening that this was published in 1981 and foreshadowed what is occurring now!

I should clarify that this work was brought to my notice at this time since it mentioned a virus and a specific city, Wuhan, in China. That, I discovered, is only an incremental part of the tale, and while it is a fascinating, and even fantastic, coincidence, it is not really what the story is about. I despise writing anything that may ruin someone else's reading experience. I just mention this in case someone wants to read this article right now for that reason.

This is by far my favorite so far. I can see his growth as an author. Except for the purposes of comparison and contrast, I think the last two books I've read are not on this level even though they are already great masterpieces.

This is a book I strongly recommend. It's a classic Koontz thriller that won't let you down.


Synopsis

“A mother’s greatest wish—or darkest nightmare—comes true in this chilling thriller from the Master of Suspense, Dean Koontz.

“Koontz puts his readers through the emotional wringer.” –The Associated Press

In the year since her son Danny’s tragic death, Tina Evans has suffered incredible heartache. But now, with her Vegas show about to premiere, Tina might be ready to put her grief behind her and start over.

Until a shocking message appears on the chalkboard in Danny's room: NOT DEAD. Those two words send her on a terrifying journey from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the cold shadows of the High Sierras, where she uncovers a terrible secret.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Conspiracy Theories, Good Book, Good Read, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Las Vegas, Leigh Nichols, Odd Thomas, Son Danny, Tina Evans


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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The Voice of the Night Review

Dean Koontz, Brian Coffey, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

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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The Key To Midnight Review

Dean Koontz, Leigh Nichols, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

The Key to Midnight

Published: 1979
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense-horror thriller The Key to Midnight was published under the pen name Leigh Nichols. It is regarded as Koontz's first commercial triumph. This is one of Koontz's early works; however, he has lately significantly updated it. And that was a lot of fun. I loved the characters, enjoyed the twists, and finished the book.

I read this book in three days! So many twists. Never a disappointment from this author. Dean Koontz at his finest. The Key to Midnight is one of those works that was published a long time ago yet has been rewritten multiple times. I believe I read both the most recent and the earlier versions. However, I don't believe it altered my thinking about anything.

Koontz's imaginative writing evokes vivid imagery and keeps you on the edge of your seat. He never fails to astonish me. This narrative grabs your interest from the first page and doesn't let go until the very last.

While this was unusual for Mr. Koontz, which makes sense given that it is one of his earliest works, it is certainly worth reading. It has it all: suspense, intrigue, romance, yeasts, and turns. 

If you're searching for the supernatural, look elsewhere; he didn't need it. This novel pulls you from the first page and keeps you wondering throughout.

I adore Dean Koontz's works, and The Key to Midnight is no exception! The government, the conspiracy, and spies, and how readily they may penetrate our lives. The city descriptions make you want to visit Kyoto, and I truly wish I could try the food!!

The Japanese setting is fantastic, the tempo and pitch are ideal, and the afterword informs us that this is an upgraded/edited edition. I've read practically all of this author's books at least twice, and now I'll be reading them three times since I'm reviewing them all. 

Many of the Forewords in the volumes describe his early struggles with genre mixing and convincing publishing houses to let him trust his instincts and allow his writing style to emerge naturally without a lot of rule-following. I enjoy this author since his novels cover a wide range of topics. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz for another great novel!

There were various instances in the novel where Dean Koontz just went off on a tangent on cuisine, settings, and so on. Yes, the description is good, but leave some room for the imagination. For some readers, all he actually did was detract from the primary tale, but I believe that done right, this is not a terrible thing. 

One notable novelist who writes in this style is Stephen King. Clive Cussler uses this a lot, and it makes me angry at times while I'm reading his works, but I can't stop reading even if I don't like the usage of phrases like; what was served or what was on the table, and what was the recipe for that soup. Some of these authors get away with it because the main book and tale are excellent, and we, the readers, read without stopping.

Mr. Koontz didn't create any supporting characters, except from the distractions in the descriptions. They were more present, but they had little bearing on the overall tale. The plot revolved entirely around Alex and Joanna. This work suffers from a severe absence of supporting characters. Again, I must remind readers that I have read numerous books with only a few characters that were excellent, therefore it does not matter if a plot lacks supporting characters.

There was a point in the narrative where it became clear that there was a massive conspiracy at work. As I already stated, I believe I read one of the later editions of the book and an older version as well. That, I feel, aided the overall tale. I'm not sure how this conspiracy worked in the first edition. The twists and turns were quite beneficial.

I enjoyed the characters, how they grew and became genuine, how the present Russian situation gives credibility to the narrative, and how the storyline always surprised me along the way. I'll recommend it to my book group and encourage others to read it.


Final Thoughts

I've stated it several times in this review, and it's true: you'll read it straight through and won't put it down until the conclusion, so make sure you have enough time to complete it. 

I usually read ten or so books at a time to avoid boredom and to be able to read a lot of books in a short period of time, but every now and then a book comes along that I can't put down and I just keep reading it until it's finished, and during that time I ignore all other books that I'm reading, and this is truly one of those nonstop read books.

Sometimes it felt like he made it up as he went along rather than having a storyline before he started, but this is due to the spontaneity of the action and the fast-paced incidents. 

I like this method and use it while writing my own works; I have a concept and a plot outline in mind, but everything happens on the spot and in the flow. I occasionally have to rewrite a few lines or a portion of the narrative, but I enjoy the overall result. I wish I could disclose my pen names so that readers may get a sense of what I write, but I can't because it is a copywrite concern and a private issue that I do not want to modify because I am a very private person. Maybe eventually I'll open up about who I really am, but for now, I'm content with my solitude.

Dean Koontz normally works in a distinct genre. Things that go bump in the night will turn into monsters, and the golden retriever will be an intelligent ally in addressing the matter. Where was that dog in this book? 

In this fantastic work, the main characters face actual peril and relentless action. They live by using their wits and inherent intellect. The finale came as a complete surprise. Do not read this late at night, as you should with all of his works!

This novel kept me up and later engaged, believing I knew where the author was leading me only to be taken aback by another fantastic story twist. An intriguing and enjoyable book! He is the master at setting the scene, making you feel as though you are part of the action, and leaving you wanting more.


Synopsis

“Joanna Rand left the U.S. ten years ago to sing in a Japanese nightclub. Ever since, she’s been haunted by the same horrifying nightmare. Each time she awakens, she feels violated, used, and scared. The only man who can help her is Alex Hunter. Ten years ago, he saw her picture in the papers as a senator’s daughter who’d disappeared. Now he has to bring her memories back to her—memories of a past more terrifying than they dreamed possible…”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alex Hunter, Bad Guys, Edge Of Your Seat, Great Read, Joanna Rand, Koontz Books, Leigh Nichols, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Twists And Turns, Years Ago


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Sleeping Beauties Review

Stephen King, Owen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Historical, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Post Apocalyptic, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Sleeping Beauties

Published: 26, September 2017
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Historical, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Post Apocalyptic, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Sleeping Beauties is a novel written by Stephen King and his son Owen King, who, according to Stephen King, gave him the concept for the book. The novel was first revealed in June 2016 and is set in a women's jail in West Virginia during a bizarre magical event that leads all of the world's women to fall asleep. On September 1, 2017, Entertainment Weekly released an excerpt in their special The Ultimate Guide to Stephen King edition.

An AMC series based on the book might be on the way, but it's been almost three years since the previous update, and I haven't heard anything about it. As always, I'll post any new information as soon as I get it.

This is a fantastic modernized fairy tale. I was scared they'd go down the women's good, men's evil road, and there was a little amount of that - I mean, raising the question "Is it possible that a woman has ever launched a war? I don't think so." (Or anything along those lines.) 

Could I please present you to Margaret Thatcher? What about Golda Meir? What about Queen Elizabeth I? What about Queen Victoria? And so on and so on. But they didn't do it all that much. They were reasonable.

Stephen and Owen, a father and son literary duo, have effectively crafted a continuous narrative voice in the 700+ page novel that runs straight ahead at a terrific speed. 

I've always admired Stephen King for moving out the inevitable King-style climactic and cinema-graphic confrontations between good and evil for much too long. 

These noisy, brutal, and often confused passages, for example, in "Bag of Bones" and "The Stand," to name two, may occupy 10 minutes of screen time, but pages and pages and pages of text that I read and reread are still better than any movie. 

Well, I'm pleased to report that the climax "showdown" sequences in "Sleeping Beauties" are considerably clearer but still noisy, gruesome, and well-paced.

I never liked to read an author who is the child of a famous author for obvious reasons: chances are, the book was never written by the child author, and the famous author actually wrote it for the kid to help him or her grow, but after reading Anne Rice and her son Christopher Rice's books, I changed my mind, and the same applies here. 

And now I feel that these works were written by the children rather than the parents, with the exception of the later parts of Dune, which were released after the death of the mythological Frank Herbert, and I believe they were never written by him, as no scripts were discovered late after his death. 

For me, the first three books were the best, but later they became different, and then after his death, it was entirely someone else writing those books, namely "Kevin J. Anderson and maybe Brian Herbert, but I doubt it," but I still read all the books in the series, and I always read the later parts with the clear mind that they were not written by Frank Herbert, so I don't get mad at the story or quality because, compared to the Dune, any quality will feel like a kid wrote the books. 

Don't get me wrong, Kevin J. Anderson is a fantastic author, but I'm simply comparing the first novel to any other work in the same universe.

Let's get back to the book I'm meant to be reviewing... I admit that I was apprehensive when I learned that my favorite author, Stephen King, had collaborated on a novel with his son, Owen King. 

I was curious if their writing styles would be comparable, and if they would complement one another. 

I wasn't expecting such a gripping novel, part fantasy, half science fiction, all suspense. There are several characters, like in many of the elder King's writings. 

At the beginning of the book, the writers graciously give a list of them, along with a one-line summary of their role in the plot. 

Once again, King demonstrates his ability to conceive and bring to life a wide range of characters. Some generate more pity, while others arouse more disdain, yet they all fit together.

An excellent treatment of the topic of the sexes' interaction. From men's insensitivity to women to full-fledged misogynists, the novel delves into a conceivable scenario of a single-gender society. 

Women's perspectives are strongly represented, particularly in the conclusions reached. As an open-minded individual, I believe I can connect to a variety of masculine views toward females, as well as female ones. 

I remember thinking at first that the book couldn't have been written by a man, then changing my mind to honor this candid and accurate portrayal of reality. 

A useful insight can be beneficial to both men and women. I know King is a fantastic writer who doesn't need his son's help to write all of this flawlessly, but I still like to envision them sitting together and weaving this magnificent masterpiece as a father and son team. 

I've read a number of Owen King's works, and I believe he can write with his father and add the stuff in this book, but it's clear that he still needs a lot of time to break out of the shadow of his father, the divine literary giant Stephen King.


Final Thoughts

Stephen and Owen King have created an excellent story that delves into the minds of men and women with incredible authenticity and insight. 

The universe they build is really fantastical, yet plausible since it encompasses all of the distinct characteristics of both sexes and presents them for the reader's perception.

The events that led to the female convicts' arrival in their different locations in this story reflect very vividly actual conditions in the lives of so many women. 

There are several instances where "righteous" does not imply the right to liberty.

This tale made me think deeply and showed me how narrow the line is for males to walk while dealing with so many of life's events, and how men and women behave differently. 

This is a narrative that will make you think about morals, society, and the roles of both sexes in society. 

It will not provide you with solutions, but it will certainly get you thinking. There are plenty of story twists and flights into plausible fantasy, with just enough truth to please the most discerning readers.

This book is not a quick read, but it is rewarding and hopeful, and it is wonderful if you want to discover hope since we all need it.

This novel has some extremely moving passages. I don't want to provide any spoilers, so go ahead and buy it and find out for yourself!


Synopsis

“In this spectacular New York Times bestselling father/son collaboration that “barrels along like a freight train” (Publishers Weekly), Stephen King and Owen King tell the highest of high-stakes stories: what might happen if women disappeared from the world of men?

In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep: they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If they are awakened, if the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent. And while they sleep they go to another place, a better place, where harmony prevails and conflict is rare. One woman, the mysterious “Eve Black,” is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease. Is Eve a medical anomaly to be studied? Or is she a demon who must be slain?

Abandoned, left to their increasingly primal urges, the men divide into warring factions, some wanted to kill Eve, some to save her. Others exploit the chaos to wreak their own vengeance on new enemies. All turn to violence in a suddenly all-male world. Set in a small Appalachian town whose primary employer is a woman’s prison, Sleeping Beauties is a wildly provocative, gloriously dramatic father-son collaboration that feels particularly urgent and relevant today.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Evie Black, Fall Asleep, Father And Son, Joe Hill, King Novel, Looking Forward, Many Characters, Page Turner, Son Owen


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Revival Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Revival

Published: 11, November 2014
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Revival is a novel by Stephen King. In an interview with Rolling Stone, King indicated that Revival was inspired by Arthur Machen's The Great God Pan and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and that, like several of King's other works, he had the concept for this novel since boyhood. Yes, while reading this novel, you will notice a tribute to another classic of the horror genre, H. P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror.

To be honest, I've always been a fan of Lovecraft. This novel evokes images from Lovecraft and Arthur Machen's Great God Pan, a short story worth reading in its own right. 

King had already experimented with these themes, but instead of brief stories and clues of what is beyond the veil, this takes us by the hand and then pushes us through the veil to witness with horror what truly lies beyond. 

The best aspect is that it absolutely delivered for me. Often, horror stories have a conclusion that isn't as excellent as the shocks that came before it, but I found that each part led us to a wonderful and horrifying crescendo that had me tingling long after I completed the story. 

The unease of it all lingered with me, which is a sign of a good novel. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it, but it's now one of my favorite King books.

The human characters bloom, which is typical of King's work and one of the reasons I enjoy it. 

Like Jamie develops from a nice young child to a hardened young adolescent, and then to a weary man who can't seem to get off the path he's on, despite knowing there's nothing good at the end. 

Charlie Jacobs begins as an idealistic young pastor but gradually turns his skills to his own heinous objectives. 

Jamie is fully aware that Jacobs will not approve of what he sees - no one will - but he is unable to stop Jacobs, even when he is old and withered. 

When Jacobs assists, it appears to be a miracle, but those individuals suffer far more than they will ever comprehend. 

There is no victor, no virtue that triumphs against evil. There is just a desire to look beneath the cover and the consequences of doing so. 

I think the ending was suitable for the narrative, but make no mistake: this is not a feel-good novel.

I believe I understand why many people loathe Stephen King and leave nasty comments and reviews about him. 

These individuals are divided into two groups: those who link Stephen King's name with horror stories and loathe it when the narrative is not terrifying, and others who despise him for political reasons, have never read his works, or simply dislike him. 

I belong to the third category, which differs from the first two. My group is made up of folks that admire Stephen King as a writer in general, not only as a horror writer. 

We appreciate reading his work, which goes from fast to slow, lengthy to short, strange, paranormal, monsters, human psychology demons, and whatever he writes is good for us. He is an all-around writer, and we appreciate whatever he writes.

King has a unique storytelling style. And there are tales inside tales. As a result, it doesn't upset me if Billy Summers isn't what I expected. 

Or consider The Dark Tower's finale. The storyline must be resolved, but by the conclusion of 11/22/63, it was merely furniture in one room of a home that had been a great story. 

The very inventive and vivid depiction of something awful that doesn't exist anywhere beyond the author's head is great, but it's not near as cool as the narrative itself.

I had a similar reaction to Revival. This was a fantastic story. The household. The little town. The new pastor. The adolescent crush the Rock 'n' roll and the Cars. The disaster and its aftermath. The way stories drive into the future, yet I don't feel like I've skipped a beat. 

The way minor characters become individuals I care about and identify with almost immediately.

If you're only reading for the reveal at the end, I can see how you'd be unhappy with the buildup and resolution, especially if it doesn't match the depth and significance of what you built in your head. 

Or it lacks the terror or tension of a previous King work. I am certain that, like Stephen King, I am already in the habit of rambling and not knowing when to stop, but I am proud of it.

Starting on the first page and working my way through. A single name is mentioned twice. This title should give you a sense of what to expect from this essay. Howard Phillips Lovecraft if you are clueless about Lovecraft's writings, you are tripping blindly through this, dare I say, a gem of cosmic terror.

King's work has always had a strong resemblance to Lovecraft's realm. From "It" through "The Dark Tower" and other works such as "The Stand," 

King's world may be regarded as an extension of the Lovecraftian Mythos. King has always expressed his respect and inspiration for Lovecraft's work. 

The traditional horror story. This is unmistakably King's tribute to some of those great authors as I already mentioned earlier. 

If you are unfamiliar with Lovecraft and the cosmic horror genre, you may be shocked by the book's later parts. However, as soon as you read the words and your mind processes what you have read, the questions presented will undoubtedly shiver you to the bone.

I love it when a book or a movie makes me shiver, and this novel had a few moments that had my hair standing on end because of one explanation this book presents about ourselves and our thinking. 

I'll never forget the authors that gave me the shivers, and the top two are Stephen King and the late great Anne Rice. 

Another author who gave me goosebumps was Dean Koontz in the book From the Corner of His Eye; it's a huge book but well worth the read; just note the chills when a young kid accomplishes something weird and fantastic and you'll understand what I mean.

To summarize, this book is outstanding. Every page was fantastic. It is a legitimate and proper heir to Lovecraft's cosmic horror genre, and it does it more honor than any shoddy fan fiction of Lovecraft's work that came before it. 

Yes, everything about Cthulhu published by someone other than Lovecraft is nothing more than glorified fanfiction.


Final Thoughts

The book was fascinating, and several of the passages reminded me of events in my own life. 

Stephen King has created another incredible novel that will send chills down your spine while also making you question a lot of things in real life. 

A fantastic story and a fantastic read. It was exciting. I recommend that you read Revival if you haven't already. The novel is ultimately a coming-of-age story, and it is stunning.

You won't be able to put this book down since the plot will stay in your memory, leaving you wanting to know what happens next.

Do you think Stephen King has lost his touch when it comes to horror novels? Read this to find out how incorrect you are.


Synopsis

“Stephen King presents “a fresh adrenaline rush of terror” (People) in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestseller!

The new minister came to Harlow, Maine, when Jamie Morton was a boy doing battle with his toy army men on the front lawn. The young Reverend Charles Jacobs and his beautiful wife brought new life to the local church and captivated their congregation. But with Jamie, he shares a secret obsession—a draw so powerful, it would have profound consequences five decades after the shattering tragedy that turned the preacher against God, and long after his final, scathing sermon. Now Jamie, a nomadic rock guitarist hooked on heroin, meets Charles Jacobs again. And when their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, Jamie discovers that the word revival has many meanings….”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Charles Jacobs, Dark Tower, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Jamie Morton, King Novel, Long Time, Page Turner, Salems Lot, Secret Electricity, Well Written


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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