Twilight Eyes Review

Twilight Eyes

Published: 1987

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Twilight Eyes Summary

The Review

Twilight Eyes is a novel written by Dean Koontz that was first published in 1985 by Land of Enchantment and then extended in 1987 by Berkley. Throughout the novel, a character known only as "Slim MacKenzie" used his psychic abilities to pursue Goblins, a type of creature that appears to be capable of impersonating humans.

I am a huge Dean Koontz fan, and I truly mean it since I have read practically all of his works, as well as those of Stephen King, Anne Rice, and many other greats. I've read some really good and some really bad novels, but I've never read a bad novel by any of the great authors I've just mentioned or many others that I did not. Yes, it's true that sometimes a story or two can feel bad even if it isn't because readers expect a perfect experience every time, which is humanly impossible to provide.

This book is fantastic!! I generally read novels more than once but owing to time restrictions, I just finished it for the third time in audio format. I enjoy these characters, the setting, and the story, which never gets old. I'd love to see this made into a picture, but I'm glad Mr. Koontz turned down those who didn't want to create the story as it is. Maybe it can still happen... the current "IT" adaptation by Stephen King was wonderful and so faithful to the original novel, so I have confidence!

I've grown so accustomed to Dean Koontz in recent years; his newer work, in my opinion, leaves a lot to be desired and is unduly sanctimonious to boot. I have a stronger fondness for his early work, particularly Twilight Eyes. 

This is one of those rare novels that I can revisit every few years and like it just as much as the first time I read it. It distinguishes out from the majority of Koontz's writing, mostly because he avoids most of the hallmarks that he brings to practically everything he writes.

The majority of Koontz's books are set in California, feature protagonists in their thirties, a dog, particularly a Golden Retriever, which Koontz appears to believe is the most noble being in the animal kingdom, and a psychopathic human villain whose point of view is elaborately depicted, with extensive justification for his atrocious acts. 

Instead of Koontz's usual thirty-somethings, the hero and heroine in this story are just out of their twenties, and the action takes place on the east coast, mostly in the Pennsylvania coal-mining region. 

Not only does the action take place outside of Koontz's preferred southern California setting, but it is also set in the past: the early 1960s, most likely due to the impossibility of having a freak show in this carnival if it had been set in the 1980s when such attractions were no longer considered socially acceptable. 

One of his hallmarks that he does use here is the "heroine with the tragic childhood," as well as the "patient and understanding hero who helps the heroine overcome her traumatic background." Nonetheless, these traits are less heavy-handed than in some of his earlier writings, and he's not quite as sanctimonious as he became later in his career.

The story itself is intriguing, with the teenaged hero sensing the presence of beings he refers to as "goblins," who can perfectly disguise themselves as ordinary humans but are filled with hatred and loathing of humanity, and derive their sole pleasure from the anguish and suffering they inflict on the ordinary humans around them. 

After killing one of them in his hometown, the main character flees to join a traveling carnival, eternally cutting himself off from "straight" society and forcing him to forge a life for himself among the carnies. This eventually comes in handy for him throughout his war against the goblins.

The carnival atmosphere also helps to distinguish this novel from Koontz's normal fare and makes it intriguing in its own right. The reason for the presence of the goblins is scientific rather than magical, and even though it is extremely unlikely, one can easily suspend disbelief and enjoy the narrative. Overall, I suggest it as one of Koontz's most odd and amusing stories.

This book was published in two distinct editions. The original hardcover publication only included the first half of the narrative. The whole text was published in paperback for the first time in America. The hardcover was initially produced in a limited edition with four variants:

-1- Trade Hardcover

-2- Collector's Edition - # 1 through 50

-3- Signature Edition - # 51 through 250

-4- Lettered Edition - 24 copies marked A through Y

The trade hardback was released without the patterned leatherette slipcase that accompanied the numerous autographed versions. 

The Signature Edition, Collector's Edition, and Lettered Edition all have a limitation page signed by Dean Koontz and illustrator Phil Parks. 

The Collector's Edition was the same as the Signature Edition save for a special inscription by Koontz and an original drawing by Parks. Koontz, Parks, and publisher Christopher shared the 24-copy Lettered Edition.

Final Thoughts

This is a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Dean Koontz transforms the ills of reality into demon monsters from our dreams, displaying the basic frailty of the human condition. 

He transmits the light and power of our better selves in his stories without leaving out our flaws, providing relief from the realities of our existence. 

You can almost imagine yourself in the scenario from his descriptions. As always, I enjoy his works' mystical elements. This one was no different. The narrative was fantastic.

Twilight Eyes was the first of numerous books by Koontz that I read. I came across the book in an antique and used book store, and the cover immediately drew my interest. After becoming a Koontz fan, I discovered that the author has been interested in carnivals since boyhood, and it shows in this novel. 

The plot revolves around Slim MacKenzie, a young man with the talent of Twilight Eyes. The novel draws you into the lives of a carnie and a youngster who sees what few can, the actual identity of those who live on Earth. 

After the first chapter, Koontz pulls you straight into the plot, something he excels at. The carnival and its characters are "rich" and authentic. You can smell the cotton candy and feel the dust from the carnival pathways in your lungs. 

The "Demons" are also well shown, and the excitement of conflicts between Slim and these terrible things is high. 

The plot progresses at a leisurely and steady pace, and while the finale may have been better, this is still one of my favorite Koontz novels to date. 

If you enjoy carnivals as I do or want to go into Dean Koontz's universe, I definitely recommend this book.

Twilight Eyes, Lightning, Darkfall, Odd Thomas series, and The Bad Place are among a few of my personal favorites. Twilight Eyes' narrative premise is not only intriguing but it is also thought stimulating. 

Twilight Eyes is highly recommended. There are some sections of the work that are vividly and nearly visually explicit. Simply read it, and I'm confident you'll appreciate it.

Synopsis

“In this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz, the carnival is coming to town—and it's like nothing you've ever seen.

Slim MacKenzie is no ordinary man. With eyes the color of twilight, he’s been blessed with a psychic gift: premonitions. He’s also been cursed, for Slim can see the monsters hiding among us, feeding on our suffering...

And when Slim joins a traveling carnival seeking sanctuary, what he’ll find is a hunting ground—with humanity as the prey.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ability To See, Highly Recommend, Joel Tuck, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Second Half, Slim Mackenzie, Stephen King, Years Ago, Young Man

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-1991-R

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Darkfall Review

Darkfall

Published: February 1984 (UK) - October 1984 (US)

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Horror, Suspense, Ghost, Crime, Thriller, Contemporary, Literature, Fiction

Check the summary of this book here:

Darkfall Summary

The Review

Darkfall is a novel written by best-selling novelist Dean Koontz that was published in 1984. Darkness Comes is another title for the novel. Dean Koontz's early shocker in which a pretty unpleasant witch doctor employs voodoo to spread terror and death over New York City. The pace is rapid yet allows for some wonderful characterization, and the wintery, cold-shrouded metropolis serves as an excellent backdrop for mystery and mayhem. Our protagonists, an uncompromising and principled officer, and his female colleague are both realistic and lovable, but the villain, with his unearthly powers, is a tough, frightening antagonist who deploys some unusual and unnerving henchmen to torment his foes. Koontz's style is concise and enjoyable to read as always, and everything builds to a terrifying and bizarre conclusion. Fans of supernatural thrillers should definitely check it out.

Dean Koontz is on the level of great authors like Stephen King and Anne Rice, and they seldom disappoint the fans. However, it is common for us to expect 1000 percent performance from these authors all of the time, which is not always possible. 

Mr. Koontz has been creating stories that captivate his audience's attention and imagination for many years. In fact, From The Corner Of His Eye was the first book of his that I ever read. I got this book from a person who was ready to close his store and offered it to me at a decent price. Secondly, I bought this because I'd heard this author writes like Stephen King.

Normally, I have a large number of books on my to-read-list, but I decided to start reading it anyway, so I picked up this book with the intention of reading only a chapter or two, but I was so surprised in only a few pages that I forgot to eat and simply read it nonstop for many days because it is a large book. But then something happened: I had to acquire all of Dean Koontz's books so I could read them all as soon as possible.

Darkfall, on the other hand, is one of Mr. Koontz's best stories. According to Koontz in the afterword to a 2008 paperback reissue of The Eyes of Darkness, television producer Lee Rich bought the rights to this book, The Face of Fear, The Eyes of Darkness, and a fourth unidentified novel for a television series based on Koontz's work. 

Darkfall was written by Koontz himself. However, a change in studio heads led to the project being put on hold because the new network head, according to Koontz, "didn't want to create a movie about 'tiny monsters dwelling in the walls.'" The Face of Fear was the only one of the four books to be adapted into a television film. I thought it was going to be a terrific film with many sequels but, unfortunately, that never occurred.

I originally read this many years ago and have enjoyed Mr. Koontz's writings throughout the years. This one tale, in particular, remained with me because it was set in New York, which was a welcome contrast from the southern California books that came before it. 

Nobody writes adventure/supernatural stories like Mr. Koontz, and this older work is as fun today as it was when it was originally published.

This novel will keep you up late and then make you want to leave the lights on when you eventually go to bed. It's one of the most intense and terrifying Koontz novels I've ever read. That said, it's also a highly enjoyable book that's well worth your time. It comes highly recommended.

Darkfall is a novel that should not be read before bedtime if you want to have a decent night's sleep.

A fantastic novel that led me to unexpected places. It maintained my curiosity and drove me to want to read more. I'm hoping that others will read it as well. Scary but entertaining.

Dean Koontz builds a fantastic story in this book. As evil gathers pace, I found myself reading faster and quicker, and this reminded me of Clive Cussler's writing, but not in the plot sense; it was the feeling of being out of breath and the tempo at which I was reading the lines, which are similar in many ways in both authors' novels. The characters are "genuine," and the ending astonished me.

Final Thoughts

This is another of my all-time favorite novels. I've read it several times. I read it every couple of years and still appreciate it. The struggle between good and evil, as well as Jack's faith and commitment to save people he cares about. That's all there is to it.

Darkfall is an enjoyable book, however, it has several abnormalities. It has the feel of an early attempt by Mr. Koontz. There are some lengthy dialogue exchanges that remind me a lot of the Odd Thomas novels.

This is just one of his many excellent books. Darkfall is a difficult book to put down. Every page flip is a new anticipation of what is to come. 

The novel leaves you wanting more and then, all of a sudden, the book is done. Dean Koontz has yet to write a terrible or disappointing novel in my opinion.

The literature is written in a way that young people and teenagers can understand it, yet the narrative line is incredible. Mr. Koontz has an incredible capacity to immerse his audience in the universe he has created. 

If and when he releases a new book, you best keep an eye out because I expect to be the first person in line to get a copy.

I couldn't put it down even though it caused me nightmares. A fantastic page-turner with horror, suspense, and romance. Despite the fact that the plot was brief, the characters were nicely developed. Highly recommended - forward to the next Koontz adventure!

Dean Koontz's writing is fantastic! He's genuinely one of my top favorite authors, and everything I've read by him has been fantastic. This novel was no different! It was fantastic! I always enjoy the animal links he has in his stories, as well as the Law Enforcement ties. He is simply fantastic!

Synopsis

“A blizzard brings a city to a standstill and ushers in an evil that defies imagination in this gripping tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Winter gripped the city. Terror gripped it, too. They found four corpses in four days, each more hideous than the last.

At first the cops thought they were dealing with a psychopath. But soon they heard eerie sounds in the ventilation system—and saw unearthly silver eyes in the snow-slashed night.

In a city paralyzed by a blizzard, something watches, something stalks…”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Edge Of Your Seat, Fast Paced, Good Read, Great Read, Jack Dawson, Koontz Books, Main Characters, New York, Rebecca Chandler, York City

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

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Phantoms Review

Phantoms

Published: March 1983

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Contemporary, Crime, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Rural, Science Fiction, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Phantoms Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Phantoms is full of horror suspense. The narrative is based on a now-debunked urban legend of a community unexpectedly disappearing in Angikuni Lake. The plot was brief and mostly well-written. Some of the situations and conversations looked stereotyped. This is without a doubt one of my favorite genres, thus I admit that my opinion is prejudiced. But I did my hardest to remain focused on what is real to me and to be as honest as possible.

Fantastic and delightfully creepy! When debating whether to buy this book, I was first concerned by the synopsis because it looked like such a fascinating concept! This worried me because I was afraid it would be one of those books where the author takes a really great idea with amazing potential, maybe even one with ideas that seem plausible and realistic thus making it even scarier, only to build the suspense, get you completely hooked... then drops you with a bang after 85-90 percent of the book that is done by making some predictable decisions. Thankfully, such was not the case here, and it did not disappoint. It actually grew better with each passing paragraph and page!

This book was deemed a horror novel by Koontz, and it surely featured more unexpected twists and turns than most of his writings. It is, nevertheless, really well written and quick-paced.

This is a what-if book in the best style of horror stories, which I enjoy in general. However, Koontz took care to make the work he was required to write also the novel he desired to write. 

Tightly paced, and, like all of Koontz's writing, loaded with vividly sketched characters, both good and bad, and, above all, brimming with his signature combination of unyielding suspense. 

There is just enough believability to keep the reader engaged, and just enough pauses to keep the reader from becoming bored. Easily one of Koontz's greatest. Definitely one of the greatest of any in this genre.

The novel contains numerous literary nods to H.P Lovecraft's work, such as the suggestion that the novel's Ancient Enemy is H.P Lovecraft's god Nyarlathotep, also known as the Crawling Chaos, and the fact that the air force expert who may come into touch with non-human intelligence is titled Captain Arkham (cf. Lovecraft's invention Arkham). The majority of these Lovecraftian allusions were removed from the 1998 film adaptation of Koontz's novel.

I enjoy Dean Koontz's books and can attest that many non-readers become readers after being introduced to them - especially young men like my brother, who is not into reading but is happy to read Koontz's books and sometimes I make him read Stephen King as well, but only if I tell him it is 100% recommended. 

People are drawn to the conflict between good and evil, as well as the plotline, which suggests a relationship to folk traditions, mystic forces, or government misdeeds. 

His protagonists are easy to identify with and the heroic cause of the conflict seems to be a good mix for the skeptical reader. He appeals to me since I am an animal lover, particularly a dog lover.

In certain situations, teachers may choose to consider this as YA, but only with parental approval. When it comes to reading material, some of my young acquaintances prefer to feel like they are making adult decisions, but their parents are still in the process. For many years, Koontz was my go-to author, and I gave away many copies of his books, receiving comments that it converted some people into readers.

This book's plot is one of the creepiest and most spine-chilling I've ever read. Dean Koontz's works can conjure up some horrific pictures, and this story is a horror classic. The Ancient Enemy is a sentient immortal entity with extraordinary survival and predatory abilities, as well as a hive mind that may be both beneficial and deadly, depending on who owns it.

This is one of my favorite novels, and it's one of the stories that got me even more hooked on Dean Koontz. This is the story for you if you enjoy spooky stories!

In 1998, Phantoms was turned into a film starring Peter O'Toole, Rose McGowan, Liev Schreiber, Ben Affleck (Batman), and Joanna Going. Joe Chappelle directed the film, which was produced by Neo Art & Logic and distributed by Dimension Films. It was shot in Colorado.

The film is prominently mentioned in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, notably by Affleck himself. It was a good movie in my opinion, but it lacked a lot of material from the book, particularly H.P Lovecraft-related material.

When I first heard about the film, the notion of this narrative piqued my interest. I recently returned to it and decided to re-read it (I actually used the audio version this time as I am doing with almost all the revisits to old books). I've been reading Stephen King and H.P Lovecraft for years and have read almost all of their works, including Dean Koontz - I'm a major horror fan—and wanted to broaden my horizons.

I won't go into the description because the synopsis is included with the book. If you've read any of Dean Koontz's books, you'll note that the basic premise is the same: a woman is threatened by a bad guy, and a man with remarkable talents rides to her aid. Not to mention a good boy dog. This one is unique in that the evil guy is a dreadful thing.

Overall, I was always ready to return to it, which makes for an excellent novel.

Final Thoughts

It reads like a movie, with good characters, locations, mystery killings, and so on. You get an idea of what this is all about if you combine Poltergeist with a slasher film and then put in the traditional old-school Star Trek god-like evil entity. 

When describing supernatural or unique species, I normally prefer less explanation to more, but this depiction was at least creative. Be aware that there are scenes of intense gore.

According to one of my friends, it took 200 pages to get to the monster, which is correct, but boy did it really build-up to the monster.

I attempted to conjure up an image of the creature. I was tossed for a spin. It's pretty unique because it connects to the historical realities of mass disappearances. It's one of the most inventive monster conceptions I've ever read, and it definitely has a Lovecraftian vibe to it. In fact, the word "Lovecraftian" appears in the narrative.

If you want a fantastic monster story that seems genuine and might maybe happen in real life... heck, if you enjoy a good scare in general, stop reading my review and go read Phantoms. You will not be sorry.

Synopsis

““Phantoms is gruesome and unrelenting…It’s well realized, intelligent, and humane.”—Stephen King

They found the town silent, apparently abandoned. Then they found the first body, strangely swollen and still warm. One hundred fifty were dead, 350 missing. But the terror had only begun in the tiny mountain town of Snowfield, California.

At first they thought it was the work of a maniac. Or terrorists. Or toxic contamination. Or a bizarre new disease.

But then they found the truth. And they saw it in the flesh. And it was worse than anything any of them had ever imagined...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ancient Enemy, Ben Affleck, Bob Weinstein, Edge Of Your Seat, Ever Read, Harvey Weinstein, Highly Recommend, Jenny And Lisa, Joanna Going, Joe Chappelle, Koontz Books, Liev Schreiber, Mass Disappearances, Miramax, Page Turner, Peter O'Toole, Rose McGowan, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

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The Mask Review

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 Mask Summary

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

https://rebrand.ly/The-Mask-Kindle

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Whispers Review

Whispers

Published: April 1980

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Adult, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Parenting, psychological, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Whispers Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Whispers is a suspense thriller. It was the first of Koontz's novels to reach the New York Times Best Seller list, and it is largely regarded as the book that launched his career as a best-selling novelist. The novel was also turned into a film of the same name in 1990. The film was bizarre. Unlike the book. I like the book, but it terrified me. The film was simply bizarre. The acting was mediocre. It lacked belief, emotion, and realism. They could have done so much better than the finished outcome. Still, the film was passable. Unfortunately, the youngster in the film performed poorly. But then, so were the grownups, and even the bugs were bad actors. 

Despite being scheduled for a theatrical release, the picture was released direct to video in the United States via Live Home Video. In 2012, the film was re-released on DVD under the label Scorpion. I've included a link to the movie at the conclusion of the review, but it may not be available in all countries, so double-check the information on the website you'll arrive at after clicking the link.

Unfortunately, I cannot suggest it to young readers since numerous extended adult paragraphs, scenes, and explanatory passages, particularly in the second half, make for difficult reading.

Though if like me, you enjoy being a witness to the development of a good writer into a great one, and you enjoy the intimacy of that experience, even if it is shared with millions of other readers, you should read "Whispers." The narrative is fascinating intellectually, but the clumsy language makes it less pleasant than many other Koontz stories.

It's not a good introduction for anyone who hasn’t yet learned to enjoy the fantastic rides that his later works provide. I'd want to see a revised and re-edited edition of the book. 

The narrative line is highly intriguing, and the two major protagonists were beautifully done. However, the conversation and explicit scenes had me practically shouting to myself as to why Koontz was writing such ridiculous dialect and too detailed adult material that was characterized as a cheap paperback one would buy in an adult book store. 

Regardless of how original and intriguing the narrative was, these two factors seriously undermined the work. Perhaps the author was doing it for the purpose of the plot, as an experiment, or simply to attract new readers to his novels. I'm not sure, but I believe it hurts more when someone is unable to publicly discuss a book, even if it was excellent, but, it contained adult content.

However, even after saying these things, I must state that they are solely meant for novice readers and/or non-fans; otherwise, it was a fantastic work for fans and readers who enjoy reading large volumes.

Hilary struck me as a fairly strong character. She understands what she wants and how to care for herself, but this is also her weakness.

Minor imperfections were there, but they did not detract from the action. The ancient mansion was situated on a somewhat inaccessible position, so how did they transport workers and goods up there? 

Regardless of Katherine's intricate narrative, in a small town, there would always be one or two nosy neighbors with suspicions, and there would have to be some chatter. 

I'm also not certain that an experienced detective would have allowed himself and two civilians to stroll into a potentially violent scenario or enter a property where there was possible evidence in a live crime investigation, even only to air it out.

Nonetheless, these did not distract from the story's overall suspense. It was a suspense novel, not a study of police procedures or actual crime.

It was amusing, if readers viewed the movie first, the novel will fill up many gaps. and many aspects from the film that brought the tale together.

It's not as fantastic as some of Koontz's later works like my favorites The Key To Midnight and Intensity, but it's still highly fascinating, twisted, dark, strange, and intriguing.

Dean Koontz has us on the edge of our seats, chewing our nails yet again. The suspense builds until I can't take it anymore. Nonetheless, he manages to construct a villain who is so shattered that I end up feeling sad for him.

The first third of the book moved slowly and took me a few days to finish. When it finally began moving, it accelerated. The narrative was fairly predictable, and I recognized how everything was going to play out around the time the speed picked up. 

Even though it was predictable, it kept my attention to the conclusion. There was too much explicit content for my tastes, but that's just my opinion. I don't like romance in thrillers, but this was far too graphic for me, and if I wanted that, I'd read a corny romance novel. As previously stated, I still recommend this book.

Final Thoughts

Only a few authors, like Dean Koontz, can make you sympathize with a nasty serial murderer. Everyone has a history, and for many people, child abuse had a role in shaping who they are. A variation on the divided personality.

Only around three pages into the narrative did it start to get very interesting! Needless to say, this was not your typical stalker tale!!! It began with a more spooky and sci-fi vibe and quickly took off! This one's storyline was right up there with the greatest! This was fantastic and, after all, classic Koontz! It did take a couple of chapters for things to pick up, which is NOT usual of Koontz! 

He usually has you hooked inside the first two pages! "What's going on here?" I kept asking myself throughout the story. What is he up to? 

He was creating an odd, bizarre, and captivating plot. This one is both innovative and intriguing. This is classic Koontz, who, as his admirers know, is extraordinary!!!! 

So, what can I say about this book that is appropriate? To begin with, it boasts one of the finest villains I've ever read about. He's not just psychotic and nasty, but in the end, you understand he's also a victim. You genuinely feel bad for him.

The other characters are equally excellent. They're all of them. It's unusual not to dislike a single character in a novel.

The narrative follows. Simply said, it's a fantastic narrative. Very nicely told and written. Add in a fantastic cast of characters, and you have one heck of a novel.

I've read practically everything Koontz has written, and this is by far one of his greatest. The others, Shattered and Watchers, were not awful; in fact, they were pretty good as well, but not on the same level as this magnificent work. Simply said, this is a must-read.

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz “pulls out all the stops” (Publishers Weekly) in this haunting psychological thriller...

For thirty-five years, Bruno Frye has lived in the shadow of the adopted mother who made his heart beat with constant fear. And even though she died five years ago, the whispers still haunt him in the dark...enough to make him kill—and kill again.

Hilary Thomas is one of his intended victims. And she’s about to learn that even death can’t keep a bad man down...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bruno Frye, Don Carmody, Douglas Jackson, Edge Of My Seat, Even Though, Ever Read, Filmrise, Great Book, Hilary Thomas, Jean Leclerc, John Dunning, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Second Time, Victoria Tennant, Well Written, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Funhouse Review

The Funhouse

Published: 1980

Author: Dean Koontz (written as Owen West)

Genre: American, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Funhouse Summary

The Review

The Funhouse is a novelization by American author Dean Koontz based on a screenplay written by Larry Block alias Lawrence J. Block and adapted into the 1981 film The Funhouse, directed by Tobe Hooper. The book was released before the film since the film's production took longer than planned. Koontz first published the work under the pen name Owen West.

I initially read this book many years ago and truly enjoyed it. I've read it several times over the years since it's always excellent for a nice shock! However, the film adaptation fell flat and did not adequately convey the tale. 

The audiobook edition was fantastic. Giving the characters voices brought this narrative to life. Although the story focused mostly on Amy, I appreciated how the author introduced you to Gina, Joey, and Liz. Their experiences all fit together nicely, and the backdrop leading up to Amy's ordeal was effectively handled. 

The only thing I would have preferred is a bit more towards the end. It concluded with Liz doing what she thought was best for her circumstances, but I would have wanted to see Amy confront her mother Gina about the actual story behind the funhouse.

It's weird because the first time I read it, I related with the daughter because of her troubles with her mother, which were far more extreme than my own experiences with the individuals I met, and the second time I can't help but identify with the mother and genuinely feel empathy for her. 

Overall, a nice novel. More for the story-telling component than for the shock value. Who knows, maybe I'll pick it up again in ten years. And, in my opinion, if you want to re-read and re-purchase the same book more than once, it says a lot. It has to be good.

I find that Koontz's characters must change and become more than they were when they were introduced, and there is usually a good reason for this. This work, on the other hand, appears to believe that character growth, as shallow as it appears to be, should please us despite of its lack of advancement.

The only slightly developed character in the entire novel is the two-dimensional daughter of a rigid religious mother, who becomes into the person she most feared: her mother, therefore degrading her own daughter with even more fervor and enthusiasm, albeit there is a good explanation for this. Even this character fades as the pages pass since there is no development, understanding, redemption, or even hope.

Mr. Koontz's best guess is that this woman periodically questions who she has become. There were a few times when I believed the light would alter this woman, as the real Dean Koontz could be seen molding her, but he immediately reverted to pen speed and lost any pretense of bringing this character forward.

This novel appears to have been put together from a succession of plot boards that may have appeared coherent but were just slapped together. Points of interest? Quite predictable. 

Finally, an ancient and worn brush is used to paint the "Religious" woman. Novelists nowadays are either unfamiliar with actual spiritual characters or just refuse to depict any religious person as a three-dimensional, sane, reasonable, or even joyous individual.

I see why this lack of "normalcy" is associated with the characters of both religious ladies, but a little more investigation may have given this novel a true story point: salvation. 

In a few words, I'll explain why it seems this way: it's a screenplay that Dean Koontz turned into a novel, so keep that in mind when reading this book, and don't blame him for its flaws.

This was a pleasant read, but it left me wanting much more, perhaps a hundred more pages. I desperately wanted the youngsters to inform their mother what had occurred. I was curious about what occurred as they grew up and had their own children. I sought to know if they will have regular children. 

It took me three days to read it the first time when I was reading around ten other novels, but on the third day, I just proceeded from the hundredth page to the last page. I simply wish the finale continued through Amy and her brother exiting the funhouse. And I'd love to see a sequel to this novel, for which I've been waiting for years.

The narrative seemed to finish abruptly, leaving me wanting more. We seemed to end in the middle of the narrative rather than at the end. However, the reason for this sort of sentiment and tale is because it was taken from a script for a movie that was released after the novel rather than before it.

Final Thoughts

I agree with many of my friends that a better-developed finale might have been achieved with an additional 100 pages, but it remains one of my favorite Koontz readings. 

The fact that it takes place in fictitious Coal County, PA makes you question if it's intended to be Coal Township in the Shamokin region or southwestern Pennsylvania. In any case, the characters are typical of small-town rural Pennsylvania, which adds to the amusement.

This is a fantastic book. I read it once when I was younger, then many times over the years, and now I'm listening to the audio version before writing the review. I didn't recall much about it back then, except that I enjoyed it. Reading it again, I see why I enjoyed it so much. 

The tale is fine albeit a little predictable, but what I truly appreciated was the characters' well-developed depth. You have access to each of the primary characters' brains and consequently the motivation behind their acts.

Dean Koontz will send shivers down your spine. If a horror/paranormal writer can scare you to that extent, believe me when I say it's a truly terrifying read. As seen by his primary characters, Koontz is a superb storyteller and character developer. 

Amy was conflicted until the very end when she matured and could distinguish between evil and everyday life. From beginning to end, The Funhouse is a captivating, enthralling novel that was impossible to put down for such boring duties as earning a livelihood.

I really suggest this book to any horror/paranormal readers. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz. Even with all of its imperfections, it is a fantastic story that I am proud to recommend to all Koontz aficionados and other readers.

Synopsis

“Evil comes in frightening and familiar forms in this terrifying novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Once there was a girl who ran away and joined a traveling carnival. She married a man she grew to hate—and gave birth to a child she could never love. A child so monstrous that she killed it with her own hands...

Twenty-five years later, Ellen Harper has a new life, a new husband, and two normal children—Joey loves monster movies and Amy is about to graduate from high school. But their mother drowns her secret guilt in alcohol and prayer. The time has come for Amy and Joey to pay for her sins, because the carnival is coming back to town... “

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Funhouse (1981) (R)

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The Vision Review

The Vision

Published: 1977

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Vision Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel The Vision is a horror mystery. Suspense, anticipation, intrigue, and mystique are all synonyms for suspense. Dean Koontz is at his most creative. His works are usually simple to read and keep you turning the pages, and this one is no exception. It was rather nice for such an early effort. You can see where later efforts that were far more sophisticated came from. I hope Mr. Koontz will return to the early subjects that drew me in as a reader. It appealed to me. What I enjoyed best was that I thought I knew how it would end and that it was predictable but nice... only to discover that it wasn't that predictable and was better than expected... and wonderfully written. 

I just find Koontz to be an entertaining read in general. The Vision is still a lot of fun and distinctly Dean Koontz. It begins slowly and builds to a thrilling finale in the second half.

Koontz's writing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and he always ties up the ends without leaving you with a million questions.

Even while there is an epic surprise in the novel that will make you think about life in a different manner, it was one you could see coming from miles away and I genuinely felt it nearly from the start. There were just too many red herrings in the book to mention. They were there the moment you read them. The only reason I'm not labeling this as a major blunder is because of this amazing twist, which some readers may miss, making it an epic twist for them.

Except for the obviousness of who the killer is, the plot is how it should be and is the greatest portion of the book here. I'm not going to give too much away because of the surprise, but just know that this is the finest tale he's written so far. The storytelling of Dean Koontz's writing career was already strong at the time, but it improved over the years.

You can tell this is one of Koontz's earlier works since it's a little predictable, bordering on clichéd at moments. Despite this, I absolutely loved the book. It's short for a Koontz novel and pretty fast-paced, making it a quick read. 

I was very confident I figured out whodunit inside the first 100 pages, but the (why) was considerably more difficult. Overall, I believe this novel has enough twists and turns to keep most readers entertained.

I am a fan of almost anything written, even murder mysteries with class that are well written, and this one, in my view, is a fantastic mystery that includes both class and writing.

For the most part, I adore Koontz's novels. For me, this one was a touch too predictable. But it had me guessing on the evil guy a number of times. If you were unfamiliar with Koontz's writings, I believe you would have enjoyed it more and it would not have been as predictable. 

Also, the thing I generally adore about his novels, which is his amazing ability to develop his characters, was mildly absent in this one and the reason for this is that I read a lot and sometimes forget that I am trying to keep my standards very high, which is not good for a new author. 

When readers start to keep very high standards and very high hopes, we forget we need to give chance and keep our expectations at a level so we can actually enjoy the books and help the authors by encouraging them.

However, I believe it is more true of his older novels. The Vision was an easy read. And a generally nice plot. It just doesn't have the same depth as his latest work, which is my fave. But still it's well worth reading.

The problem with this book is that it gradually reveals to the reader who the primary villain is, but in cryptic ways, and if you read a lot of books, you will discover who it is. In murder stories, there are basically two styles: one in which the reader knows who the culprit is from the start, and one in which it is completely hidden until the last few pages...but this book is neither of the two because it never tells us who it is and instead gives us hints and we can guess who it is, which is why many readers disliked it.

Yes, it appears that a new author wrote this novel and it worked out well, but when you learn that the author is Dean Koontz, you may be disappointed, but keep in mind that it was one of his early works and it is not as horrible as you believe or hear about it. 

I truly loved this novel in both the book and audio version, and if you give it a chance, I am confident you will appreciate it as well. Aside from that, it's a fantastic mystery and thriller novel! It's also a short and simple read.

Final Thoughts

You turn the pages, anticipating the conclusion, which is once again concealed in a different chapter. Koontz is a true master. He understands how to interact with his readers. It's not his finest novel, but when it comes to best books, everyone has an opinion. 

The Vision kept me engaged for a long time. A necessity for Dean Koontz's admirers - a method for strangers to see what this man is capable of doing to your evenings.

With her tremendous ESP talents and fearless nature, I fell in love with Mary immediately. Max is the ideal match for her, with his powerful arms and even deeper feelings for her. 

The narrative unfolds quickly and provides a terrific trip. It was nearly difficult to put it down to sleep. This is a must-read for every mystery/thriller aficionado. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz for writing this amazing story.

When the storyline slowed down, the characters maintained my attention. I enjoyed the concepts offered and loved the talks that brought the heroine's problems forward.

The Vision is a typical Koontz novel, and that is what I appreciate most about his work. He keeps the reader guessing until the very end when he discloses the true perpetrator, who is not at all who the reader (not myself) suspects. 

The Vision, like many of his stories, has a happy conclusion. I would strongly suggest this book to anyone who likes Dean Koontz's work.

Synopsis

"In this terrifying novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz reveals the darkness in a woman's mind—and the killer lurking there...

Mary Bergen aids the police in solving crimes, those that have happened and those that are about to. Now this gifted clairvoyant is using her psychic gift to help track a serial killer. But something terrible from Mary's past has been invading her dreams and she is haunted by the sound of leathery wings. The killer knows secrets even she has locked away. Knows about the torture she was administered at the hands of a psycho when she was a little girl. And he is coming for her next."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guy, Edge Of Your Seat, Even Though, Good Read, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Koontz Earlier, Love Dean, Mary Bergen, Serial Killer, Twists And Turns

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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