The Servants of Twilight Review

The Servants Of Twilight

Published: 1984

Author: Dean Koontz (Wrote as Leigh Nichols)

Genre: Contemporary, Cult, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Servants Of Twilight Summary

The Review

The Servants of Twilight is a novel by thriller writer Dean Koontz, first published in 1984 under the pen name Leigh Nichols. The initial title was simply Twilight. The narrative of the novel centers around a single mother who is persecuted by members of a religious cult whose leader believes the woman's son is the Antichrist. In 1991, a movie adaptation was released.

I often remark that as a Dean Koontz fan, I've read practically all of his works. Despite the fact that it was one of his earlier ones I simply had to have it!

It's a short read by Koontz standards, but it's amusing and thought-provoking all the way through. It was first published under one of Koontz's numerous aliases, "Leigh Nichols," before being re-released in 2011 under his own identity and with an afterword from him.

This novel is a good sociological experiment in terms of "what may happen" in a circumstance like this.

It's a terrifying look into the world of religious extremists and how they may wield absolute authority over their followers. It dives into the core of mankind and calls into question the very deeds that one considers to be right. 

This is seen not only from the "good folks," but also from the villains point of view. You can see why they're doing this and feel a little sorry for "Mother Grace," but not enough to lose sight of who you're rooting for in this novel.

The middle of the narrative was thrilling. The characters were in terrible situations, sometimes for so long that it was difficult to believe they would live.

The characters are well-rounded and not overly numerous, and everyone contributes to the plot in their own unique manner. At moments, Koontz has us wondering, "Who is truly right?" and I believe that is one of the book's attractions. Although the plot is at times obvious, the question "Who is truly on the right team?" creeps into the subconscious mind.

The novel hooked me from the first few pages and took me on a rollercoaster journey to its thrilling climax. It demonstrates Koontz's earlier writing style, which I much prefer to his more recent novels.

I just re-read (mainly listened to) this book, wondering if the passage of time and contemporary technology would cause it to deteriorate; it did not. Its narrative is still a possibility, if not exacerbated by the advance in technology and cell phones. These things would make locating any innocent (or a criminal) person quite straightforward nowadays.

And, certainly, a nutcase might still concentrate on a highly empathetic child or person and easily find deluded followers who could be persuaded to go on a 'holy' mission to murder the child or person. So, in today's reality, I found this novel much scarier.

After the novel became an international bestseller, a television film adaptation of The Servants of Twilight was produced in 1991. The film was directed by Jeffrey Obrow and starred Jarrett Lennon as Joey, Belinda Bauer as Chris, Bruce Greenwood as Charlie Harrison, and cult favorite Grace Zabriskie as Grace Spivey, also known as Mother Grace, the charismatic leader of a fanatical religious cult known as the Church of the Twilight. When it was released, the picture received a slew of negative reviews and failed to create an impression. Most nations, including the United States, have the film available on DVD.

There is, indeed, a Golden Retriever in the novel. Dean Koontz virtually always sneaks one into one of his novels! That makes it even more incredible for me because I am an animal lover, particularly our furry loyal pals with wagging tails.

Now there is something that is and is not a part of this book, and because a portion of it has something to do with it, I realized this is a fantastic opportunity to discuss it here... I was irritated when Joey fed chocolate to his dog in the story. 

Isn't it common knowledge that chocolate is poisonous to dogs? The author was quite reckless in unwittingly pushing other children to feed chocolate to their pets. On the other side, I believe the author was attempting to illustrate that this is simply an innocent child who is unaware of how deadly chocolate is to dogs. 

So, once again, we must tell and teach our children not to unintentionally feed poisonous substances to dogs or other animals, and it is a good idea to teach them what is good and what is not for whatever pet you have for the animal's protection.

Final Thoughts

Once again, one of Koontz's earliest pieces feels new and exciting. Koontz's insights into the emotional and psychological ramifications of childhood trauma are what struck me the most about this book. He dives into this as though he had firsthand knowledge! 

He has incredible understanding and empathy for his characters. I particularly enjoy the child/adult interaction that develops here; it's amusing, clever, and tragic. In a nutshell, a good novel!

Though I enjoy Dean Koontz's works, this one had a little issue in that the romance developed a little too rapidly for my tastes, but in line with the story pacing. I, too, would have liked more searching for the boy's absent father than was presented. The author never really explained the leak, blaming it on the whacko's psychic abilities. It would have been creepier if it had been the receptionist or another person, in my opinion.

I am a free-spirited person who understands that love may happen at any moment and with anybody, and I don't really care what others do until I am involved or dragged into it or someone is in danger, but what follows is what many readers may say about the love and romance in this work... You've probably heard about the myth of love at first sight. It was true love at first sight. So when two of the main characters fell "in love" on their first meeting, I had to scoff. I was expecting something more conventional.

One of the twists at the end was practically always insight, and I believe virtually every reader will guess it long before it occurs, but I won't say what it is for the avoidance of spoilers.

One mystery was how Spivey was able to track her quarry so swiftly and successfully. Was she actually prophetic? I was counting on a tracking device attached to the dog's collar and was astonished Charlie hadn't considered it. Also, does Joey possess any psychic abilities? This was merely alluded to. However, readers may learn all of this while reading the book.

When I came close to the end of the narrative, I just had to continue reading, even though I was exhausted and sleepy. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone who hasn't read the book yet, so all I can say is that I strongly advise everyone to read it.

Synopsis

““Koontz is brilliant.” –Chicago Sun-Times

An ordinary parking lot in southern California. Christine Scavello and her six-year-old son are accosted by a strange old woman.

"I know who you are," the woman snaps at the boy. "I know what you are."

A scream, a threat—and then a grotesque act of violence. Suddenly Christine's pride and joy, her only son, is targeted by a group of religious fanatics. They've branded him the Antichrist. They want to kill him. And they are everywhere…”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Al White, Belinda Bauer, Bruce Greenwood, Bruce Locke, Carel Struycken, Dale Dye, Dante D'andre, Dudu Mkhiz, Edge Of Your Seat, Fast Paced, Grace Spivey, Grace Zabriskie, Jack Kehoe, James Harper, Jarrett Lennon, Jeffrey Obrow, Jillian McWhirter, Kelli Maroney, Koontz Books, Lionsgate, Little Boy, Odd Thomas, Old Woman, Page Turner, Patrick Massett, Religious Cult, Richard Bradford, Russel Lunday, Venetia Stevenson

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-Audible

Phantoms (1998) (R)

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

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Darkfall-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Darkfall-Audible

Phantoms (1998) (R)

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

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-Audible

Phantoms (1998) (R)

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

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The House of Thunder Review

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 House of Thunder Summary

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.

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-House-of-Thunder-Audible

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

AMC Plus Horror, Amy And Joey, Character Development, Derek Power, Derek Powers, Edge Of Your Seat, Funhouse Loose Ends, Good Read, Jack McDermott, Koontz Books, Largo Woodruff, Long Time, Miles Chapin, Odd Thomas, Owen West, Shawn Carson, Stephen King, Steven Bernhardt, Tobe Hooper, Years Later

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-Funhouse-Audible

The Funhouse (1981) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/The-Funhouse-1981-R

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Face of Fear Review

The Face of Fear

Published: 1977

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Brian Coffey)

Genre: American, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Face of Fear Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's The Face of Fear is a suspense horror book. It was first released under the alias Brian Coffey. As a fan, I expected horror, but this narrative shocked me. It appeals to me and I would recommend it to others as well. I think his writing style is fantastic, and if you've never read Dean Koontz, you should start now. I'm not sure when he started including moral beliefs in his writings, but I like it.

If the primary characters in Koontz's recent works are a couple, they are appealing and smart, and the banter between them is enjoyable. The couple in this novel is like that—perhaps this is when Koontz began writing his characters in this manner. The novel moves quickly since there is a lot of action.

The title of this novel tells you exactly what to expect: terror, suspense, raging emotions, and surprising storyline twists and turns. Add to that the fact that the novel was written by Dean Koontz, a well-known thriller author, and you will not be disappointed from the first page.

In any event, the narrative is as credible as it can be in this genre, conveyed with compelling clarity of detail.

In this novel, Koontz outlines the novel's psychological and philosophical notion, around which the plot evolves: the mistaken sense of superiority, which motivates some to commit the most heinous crime - murder, resorting to physical and psychological punishment.

Narcissism and an overinflated ego are well-known psychological phenomena. Many people, far more than the ordinary mind would guess, endure the weight for the rest of their lives. 

However, the vast majority of them are not criminals. Only when paired with an insatiable need for illusory fame and a deeply buried inferiority mentality does this tendency turn them into monsters. 

To mention a few, consider the assassinations of Martin Luther King, John Lennon, and John F. Kennedy, as well as the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. 

However, many people have been killed indiscriminately for no other purpose than to make a statement. Torture and humiliation of their victims serve as more evidence of their power and superiority. This is a thriller about them.

I really like this book, and I'm bringing it out there right now. But there was one component of the novel that really bothered me. It got going quickly, and the tempo was fantastic. Then, when the action did take up and the killer was hunting Graham, the novel just turned sluggish. 

Fair warning, it slowed down a lot, but it was on purpose by the author, in my view, to generate tension and dread, but others may not feel the same way as me, and when I said it impacted me, it was for the same reason; otherwise, I enjoyed that slow portion. 

There is one aspect of the book's slowness that isn't as unpleasant because it aids in figuring out the ending. What appeared to be a side character turned out to be the one who figured out what was going on. 

In the vein of Ducky from NCIS, he worked as a medical examiner. The goal of the scene is to start the audience wondering about what may be going on for the rest of the book. 

Everything Koontz did in terms of explanation. He went into great detail, which regrettably delayed everything down. Now, sure, that is the book's ugliness, but it is also its finest feature. Because not everyone is a mountain climber, it was only natural for him to explain everything that was going on. Nobody would have known what he was saying if he hadn't explained it. That is why it was significant and seemed a little sluggish.

All this book did was make me want to go mountain climbing someday. I like this book a lot, possibly more than most people would.

As usual, it drew me in from the first page. It went off as a nice narrative. On the stairs, there are far too many cat and mouse situations as well as climbing. Sometimes I had to go back a page or two to make sure I was on the appropriate page, but this was due to my own lack of attention.

Graham and Connie's plight deepens with each page. We follow them through a vast, gloomy office building, where we discover them rappelling down vertical walls from the forty-first story and solving seemingly insurmountable problems.

A blend of sophisticated psychological analysis, philosophical themes, and nail-biting suspense distinguishes this work and places it among the finest modern thrillers. I wish I could give it full marks, but I know some readers may object due to the sluggish speed, even if it was necessary and had to be employed for various explanatory purposes.

The narrative was turned into a two-hour television film of the same name, which was broadcast on CBS on September 30, 1990. Lee Horsley played Graham Harris, Pam Dawber played Connie Weaver, Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman) played the Butcher, Bob Balaban and William Sadler. Farhad Mann directed it, while Dean Koontz and Alan Jay Glueckman wrote the teleplay. I was unable to locate a safe and reliable source for this film; if I do, I will post it on this page.

Final Thoughts

Even decades later, this is a fantastic story. Our hero must confront this sick individual with his wits and conquer his anxiety as he and his girlfriend are trailed in a desolate office building. There was no electricity, no phone, just his climbing abilities and luck, and one pretty cruel madman with a pistol who refused to give up. 

I just had to stay up late to see what happened. Interesting climbing method explanation and a good feeling of location, New York City in a snowstorm. 

Some of the characterizations were lackluster, but the ending twist gives some spice. You'll be flicking through the pages, hanging on the same imaginary ledge as the hero, hoping for a happy conclusion.

This is one of Dean Koontz's early works, and it's startlingly clean, clear, and plain for him. While it is true that it lacks the twists and turns and tremendous depth of his imagination shown in his recent works, I believe he is being too harsh on it. 

This was far superior to 99 percent of the generic garbage written nowadays. It just falls far short of his more recent masterpieces. I genuinely loved it, but not to the extent that his new material would have you up all night reading page after page.

To be fair, I appreciate the frequent paranormal/mystical elements. This book is light on paranormal elements but heavy on heart-pounding suspense. It is wonderfully written, and I would enthusiastically suggest it to others.

Synopsis

“For one man, facing his own murder is not as terrifying as surviving it in this blistering novel of suspense from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

A brutal killer known as “The Butcher” is stalking women in New York City. When the police enlist the help of clairvoyant Graham Harris, the horrifying images of the Butcher’s crimes replay in Harris’s mind—sometimes even at the moment they are happening. Then he sees the most terrifying vision of all—that of his own murder.

Harris and his girlfriend soon find themselves trapped on the fortieth floor of a deserted office building. The guards have been killed, the elevators shut down, and the stairways blocked. The only way out is to climb down the sheer face of the building. Otherwise they'll become the Butcher’s next victims.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alan Jay Glueckman, Bob Balaban, CBS, Connie Weaver, Edge Of My Seat, High Rise, Lee Horsley, Main Characters, Mountain Climber, New York, Office Building, Pam Dawber, Serial Killer, The Butcher, Twists And Turns, William Sadler, Years Ago, York City

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/The-Face-of-Fear-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-Face-of-Fear-Audible

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Seize the Night Review

Seize the Night

Published: 1998

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Conspiracy, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Kidnapping, Literature, Medical, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense, Time Travel, Thriller

Book 2 of 3: Moonlight Bay

Check the summary of this book here:

Seize the Night Summary

The Review

Seize the Night is a novel written by best-selling novelist Dean Koontz. It is the second book of the Moonlight Bay Trilogy, which follows Christopher Snow, who suffers from the uncommon but real-world disease XP (Xeroderma Pigmentosum). Fear Nothing is the first book in the series, and Ride the Storm is the third, with a publishing date yet to be determined.

Cemetery Dance Publications originally offered Seize the Night in two limited edition hardback editions, each with a distinct front cover artwork.

Dean Koontz has his own style, usually substituting tension-filled drama for narrative or character advancement, but his writing is so fascinating that page-turning just takes over.

Dean Koontz's novels are always a safe bet. He employs the most unexpected heroes and makes reading a delight. But still, I'm looking forward to the third chapter of Moonlight Bay.

The following few sentences are about the book, but I also included information on my experience with the audio version because, due to time constraints, I had to listen to it first. 

Dean Koontz's heroes are whole once more - witty, intelligent, and willing to go the extra mile for each other no matter how terrifying it is. The issue is that if you're listening to these books on the audio version, Koontz spends much too much time catching you up on the history from Fear Nothing. 

I fast-forwarded multiple times and screamed several times, "What about Orson!" because he is one of my favourite fictional dogs. But don't worry, everything works out as it should and it's a fantastic story... I want more!

As again, the visuals and Koontz's ability to keep you on the edge of your seat are superb, and the reader Keith Szarabajka, who may not "sound" right at first, is flawless. 

The idea of the novel is original, as it was in the first book in the series, I enjoyed the characters, and the sections that really advance the storyline are excellent. I probably wouldn't have made it to the last 150 pages or so if I hadn't listened to the entire book in the vehicle on Audible.

One of the greatest books I've read by Koontz, and he's one of my favorites as well. This novel, rich in exotic landscapes and thought-provoking conversation, explores what can happen when man progressively interferes with the natural order of existence. Man's inhumanity in the name of science is addressed extensively and provocatively in the Koontz tradition, with underlying humor and forbearance.

This was an excellent read for me. The characters from Fear Nothing return in this novel, along with some new ones. Mungojerrie, the cat from Fear Nothing, plays a greater part in this novel, which pleased me. 

However, I have a word of caution for anyone who is going to read this book. This was supposed to be a trilogy, and as I got to the end of Seize the Night, it was clear that there was more to come. 

The problem is that this was released a long time ago, and Mr. Koontz has yet to write the third book in this series. But, as usual, I am hopeful that he will write it soon, and perhaps if all of the readers let him know that we want the next part, he will do it a little faster.

With Linguistics, his writing sense of humor, and his choice of the phrase It's no wonder that he's one of the most well-known authors in his field. Years ago, I "found" his works with From the Corner of His Eye and subsequently The Watchers, which remain my favorites. 

In Book two of Seize the Night, I saw a reference to The Watchers. Mr. Koontz, we all hope you will continue with additional novels in this series. I'm sure many others share my sentiments, as do many of my friends. Also, as a dog lover, I like the fact that you include dogs in so many of your works.

Final Thoughts

I know everyone likes Odd Thomas, and I do, too, but these two books, Fear Nothing and Seize the Night, are unquestionably among Koontz's greatest. 

I confess that the characters are a touch shaky but in a nice manner. Unlike in much of his work, there is a feeling of optimism and resilience in the face of an inconceivable and terrifying future that shines through and makes you care about these unexpected heroes. 

The Frankenstein component, I believe, is what truly distinguishes it and makes it a terrific read. The bad people are indeed terrible, yet you can't help but pity them and regard them as victims as those they damage.

This novel made me laugh, weep, and want to read more. Yes, the author is unnecessarily detailed at times, and it appears like he is attempting to outdo himself with brilliant or profound life remarks. 

The plot, on the other hand, was a roller coaster that would not let me off. And the finish.... the ending was well worth the wait.

The novel struck me as quite typical of Koontz. I love his writing, sense of humor, and awareness of what is right and wrong. 

As I said in my earlier review of the first part of this book, the character in this novel looks to share many of Odd Thomas' personality characteristics. Koontz is gifted at building likable and compelling characters. That became very evident to me after reading the majority of the other authors.

A good book with an engaging narrative and excellent chapters - a suitable follow-up to Fear Nothing. Some readers may find the explanatory and philosophical verbiage a little too much, but more intellectual readers will undoubtedly appreciate it.

Dean Koontz strikes again. The novel quickly drew my interest. Because it was the second book, it answered some of the questions raised in the first. It's a book that combines a thinking game with a story. I can't wait to read the last installment of this series!

What a wonderful book it is. Similar to the Odd Thomas style, yet distinct enough that you soon warm to the main character - and his extremely intelligent dog! 

Both volumes in this series are fantastic (Fear Nothing and Seize the Night). I only hope Dean Koontz would finish the third book in the series. 

I've heard it's in the works, but there's no word on when it'll be released. And I apologize to the readers for grumbling about the third book not being published over and again, but there is a reason, and once you read both novels, you will understand why I am saying this, and I am sure you will too.

Synopsis

“BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Dean Koontz's The City.

There are no rules in the dark, no place to feel safe, no escape from the shadows. But to save the day, you must...Seize the Night.

At no time does Moonlight Bay look more beautiful than at night. Yet it is precisely then that the secluded little town reveals its menace. Now children are disappearing. From their homes. From the streets. And there's nothing their families can do about it. Because in Moonlight Bay, the police work their hardest to conceal crimes and silence victims. No matter what happens in the night, their job is to ensure that nothing disturbs the peace and quiet of Moonlight Bay....

Christopher Snow isn't afraid of the dark. Forced to live in the shadows because of a rare genetic disorder, he knows the night world better than anyone. He believes the lost children are still alive and that their disappearance is connected to the town's most carefully kept, most ominous secret—a secret only he can uncover, a secret that will force him to confront an adversary at one with the most dangerous darkness of all. The darkness inside the human heart.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Christopher Snow, Fort Wyvern, Military Base, Moonlight Bay, Sequel To Fear, Surfer Lingo, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Seize-the-Night-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Seize-the-Night-Audible

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.

Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/namsu

Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu

Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -