False Memory Review

False Memory

Published: 1999

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

False Memory Summary

The Review

False Memory is a book written by Dean Koontz that was published in 1999. Koontz's characters are well fleshed out, sound real, and relate extremely well with me and my own perspectives of life. His characters have heart and are lovable, yet the evil lurking, as in real life, frequently comes at you with a grin; such a lethal weapon. This big gem of a story was no exception, and I quite loved it.

It doesn't concern me that his novels have happy endings, even though they don't always feel like they would play out nicely in real life, and you think, "That would never happen, in real life, they'd be alone, dead, or destitute!"

Because, except for in actual situations, where happy endings are frequently denied, in the mythical realm where the protagonists of books exist, you have the ability to change that. But for many of us, these narratives and happy endings have even nourished us and given us that glimmer of hope we've always needed.

The Audiobook was recorded by American actor Stephen Lang, and I really like Lang's portrayal of Dr. Ahriman.

False Memory was initially published by Cemetery Dance Publications as a limited edition hardback in two editions:

-1- A limited edition of 698 signed, numbered, and slip-cased copies signed by Dean Koontz and Phil Parks, who designed the Cemetery Dance editions' images.

-2- A lettered edition of 52 signed, lettered, and tray-cased copies, with Dean Koontz and Phil Parks also signing.

Fighting the horrible mind-control tricks of a sociopathic narcissist villain with heart and faith, the couple and their four-legged pal uncover evidence of a sinister goal and meet new valiant friends. Survival is the ultimate goal of the game. In the end, though, faith, friendship, and bravery show to be real and triumphant.

Koontz, as always, constructs a superb narrative with an outlandish antagonist and ordinary people with the passion to oppose him. The writing is engaging and well written, the narrative is intriguing, and the characters are compelling.

If you've never read anything by this author (Dean Koontz) before, this is one of the first novels you should read because it sets the tone and expectations for all future works by the author. 

It is a story of how powerful mental influence can be, and it is a fascinating read. I can't and won't summarize it since it would ruin the experience of reading it, so I'll just say it's a fantastic read, and if you've never read any of Koontz's stories, this is a terrific one to start with.

I was surprised when my reader friends informed me they didn't enjoy the book or gave it a negative recommendation. I don't see how someone could give this book a negative rating and call it sluggish. I had no idea what novel they were reading.

This novel is surprising, horrifying, and stomach-churning at times, but it is never sluggish. Wonderful characters, an incredible idea, great humanity, and the worst of humanity. Very beautifully written. It's startling. I really suggest it, so don't listen to or read anything that says it's bad. Yes, it is mature and not suitable for children, but it is still a nice book and narrative.

Dean Koontz is unquestionably a prolific and astute writer. He doesn't claim to be a brilliant writer; he is popular because he is an entertainment based writer, and "False Memory," despite its implausibilities, loopholes, and apparently unending sequences, is a damn fine read. 

The characters of Dusty, Martie, Skeet and Fig Newton are quite appealing, and readers should sympathize with their terrible situation. Also, in a little but significant supporting part, Susan Jagger is a wonderfully sympathetic character. 

Martie takes her agoraphobic friend Susan to the extraordinary Dr. Mark Ahriman at the start of the novel. Martie soon discovers her own phobia: autophobia, or dread of oneself. That one will knock your socks off. Although the moments in which Martie races through the home looking for any potential weapon are a touch too protracted and overblown, they do demonstrate the extent of her anxiety. 

Koontz unveils the villain early in the novel, and even though you know what's going on, you don't get all the gruesome details until a showdown with Dusty's parents late in the book. 

And the villain of this story is one of Mr. Koontz's most heinous creations. What's more, Koontz doesn't try to make us feel sorry for the guy because of his awful background. 

Neither does Koontz leave any loose ends in this one. After completing Peter Straub's "Mr. X," that's certainly refreshing. Mr. Koontz has learned over the course of his great writing career that you must finally delight your readers; terrify them, confuse them, but don't leave them suspended in the air with ridiculous literary antics. Mr. Koontz, congratulations on "False Memory." It's one of your finest pieces!

Final Thoughts

I've seen in this author's writings that not all of the characters receive what they deserve. Like in real life, the innocent suffer at times, while the guilty thrive. 

What I adore about his heroes is how absolutely dedicated and faithful they are to each other and their pets. 

I won't tell anything about the narrative because it's difficult and a little out there. I found it interesting and engrossing, despite the fact that it is quite unlikely (I hope and wish hard!) It was full of black humor, which I love; in fact, reading a well-written book of pure fiction like this may teach you something since you may need a dictionary.

Suspense, mystery, and uncertainty might be stressful at times, but it all came together at the end, middle, and beginning with twists, surprises, and shocks that I never saw coming, and the ending was rewarding.

Yes, there were moments when the author went on and on and on about something, but once you got through it, it all made sense.

The characters, well, not all of them, are described so clearly and endearingly that I was dragged into their worlds and lives. Dean Koontz's depictions were so lifelike that I fell in love with these individuals, well, not everyone. This is a fantastic book on so many levels.

Warning... Spoiler in this paragraph... This is an excellent suspense book. A psychiatrist manipulates numerous people through hypnosis to do anything he wants (Koontz will reveal this early in the book). Suicide, sex, murder, chasing, and other such activities

The book might be a little monotonous at first because every other chapter is about a husband and wife. Keep your calm; the book will strike you.

The only criticism I have for this work is that it might have been shorter for new readers and even avid ones at some times. Sometimes I feel that some of the characters' speech or actions were unnecessary. However, the premise, narrative, and action make it a really enjoyable read.

Synopsis

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

No fan of Dean Koontz or of psychological suspense will want to miss this extraordinary novel of the human mind’s capacity to torment—and destroy—itself.

It’s a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It’s the one fear you cannot escape no matter where you run . . . no matter where you hide.

It’s the fear of yourself. It’s real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly.

False Memory . . . Fear for your mind.

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Best Friend, Fear Nothing, Friend Susan, Main Characters, Manchurian Candidate, Martie And Dusty, Mind Control, Seize The Night, Stephen King, Twists And Turns

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/False-Memory-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/False-Memory-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-1998-R

Hideaway (1995) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

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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Winter Moon Review

Winter Moon

Published: 1975 (as Invasion) - 1994 (as Winter Moon)

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Aaron Wolfe)

Genre: Alien Invasion, Crime, Family Life, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Paranormal, Rural, Small Town, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Zombie

Check the summary of this book here:

Winter Moon Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's 1975 horror-thriller Invasion was initially published under the pen name Aaron Wolfe. Koontz reissued the book under the title Winter Moon in 1994, with additions and improvements. Winter Moon is the current title under which the book may be purchased.

The Winter Moon is broken into two halves. Chapters one through thirteen are included in Part One: The City of the Dying Day. Chapters fourteen through twenty-two form Part Two: The Land of the Winter Moon.

I honestly forgot I was reading Dean Koontz and thought it was a Stephen King novel because it reads nearly exactly as if King wrote it, and if someone discovers a copy without the cover and information that it was written by Koontz, that person will undoubtedly assume it was a King novel. That should be enough to convey what was going on in this work, as well as how fascinating and bizarre the story must be. A fantastic present for Dean Koontz and Stephen King followers.

Winter Moon was a fantastic book for me. I think it was a brilliant idea to alter the title from Invasion to Winter Moon because the story takes place in the winter. 

Koontz alternates between writing supernatural horror fiction and thrillers. This is unquestionably among the former. 

The writing is excellent, as always. The characters are nicely developed, and I didn't mind moving between scenes in Los Angeles and those in Montana in the first half of the novel. I knew the characters in both areas would ultimately interact because they weaved a fantastic plot. The second part of the novel combined the two storylines into a single engrossing conflict between good and monster evil.

One of the moments where one character opens the door and sees a familiar person standing in front can be a heart attack triggering moment for the character as well as the reader or audience if it was a movie. But I'm not going to say anything else about it except that I enjoyed it.

A metropolitan street in Los Angeles is transformed into a fiery Armageddon. A weird entity invades a woodland in a remote part of Montana. Neither the living nor the dead are safe when these events collide and spiral out of control.

The plot is compelling, and the dialogue and descriptions are as we've come to expect from this author, but it's tough to suspend disbelief in some of the creature's otherworldly features and skills. In several places, I also thought it was overly gruesome. For Koontz lovers, it's still an interesting narrative that's definitely worth reading.

I've heard some of my reader friends complain that it's a book with unbelievable things happening in it, and they didn't enjoy it because of that, and I've merely informed them by saying... Yes, it is difficult to believe what is occurring in many instances, but remember that this is a fantasy and fiction book, so if you got it without understanding what genre it is, it is your fault, so just have fun reading or gift it to someone who likes this type of material.

The primary characters, Jack and his family, are quite endearing. They are storing people, and I found myself reading their ideas and feeling the same way about things in life. 

Koontz is a fantastic writer whose words evoke the ultimate terror of the unknown. I admired the child's ingenuity yet lamented the loss of innocence.

Eduardo is an elderly guy who lives alone on Quatermass ranch, distant from any towns or people, and he discovers strange things. Animals acting strangely around him, dirt and odor in his home, terrifying pulsing, and noises that become stronger and stronger.

I think it can be difficult to read at night, especially if you are alone, as the old guy was, and I practically had to remind myself to breathe as he continued uncovering things. After all, it was a good read, another good novel from Koontz.

It can be frightening, as I indicated earlier about the lonely old guy and not reading the book at night, so keep the lights on if you dare to read such passages.

I wish the conclusion was a little longer and the book had a few dozen more pages, but at least the author gave some kind of hint that if he wants, he can write a sequel to it, but I'm still waiting after all these years.

I can make a connection between this book and another, but just in the backdrop of this narrative and not actually related. If you like Stephen King's The Tommyknockers, you will most likely enjoy this. The novel is quite entertaining. It was another of the King's works that I enjoyed, so I'm sure you'll enjoy this old classic as well. It was also about a form of invasion, so just try it and watch the movie, which was also not bad.

Final Thoughts

I enjoy Dean Koontz's writings, and one of the themes in many of his novels is the interconnectedness of individuals, a sense of belonging to a larger picture. He draws strangers together to fight evil and defend what is good and true. This book's strongest feature is its sense of interconnectivity. 

In more than one way, the McGarvey family is linked to Eduardo Fernandez. Fernandez's son died in the line of duty but had enormous regard and affection for McGarvey, and Fernandez himself maintains the link. 

Eduardo's generosity allows the McGarveys to fight evil with Eduardo even though he is not physically present with them.

I really like this book and wanted to give it a perfect score, but I couldn't since it appears to take heavily from previous works, notably Phantoms, which may lead many of my readers to believe I'm prejudiced. 

As a result, it is rather formulaic. I still had a great time with it and couldn't put it down. Another thing that can be mentioned about this topic is that it is a book that can obtain full marks if you are not an ardent reader and have never read novels that are comparable to it, particularly Dean Koontz's own works and Stephen King's books. So have fun and marvel at this lovely gem.

This story begins with what could be described as a conventional police action thriller. The injuries, healing, and escape from the hazards of life in a large metropolis with numerous difficulties seemed reassuring. At first, I was skeptical about how well this novel would go.

The good fortune of being given a home in the woods of a distant state appeared ideal. Unfortunately, obtaining a windfall is not always as beneficial as it appears. Things might undoubtedly become much worse, but as the situation worsens, an unexpected avenue to escape the misery emerges.

This novel really lived up to my expectations, which was a good thing. I highly suggest this book.

Synopsis

“"Koontz is brilliant in the creation of his characters and in building tension."

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

In Los Angeles, a hot Hollywood director, high on PCP, turns a city street into a fiery apocalypse. Heroic LAPD officer Jac McGarvey is badly wounded and will not walk for months. His wife and his child are left to fend for themselves against both criminals that control an increasingly violent city and the dead director's cult of fanatic fans.

In a lonely corner of Montana, Eduardo Fernandez, the father of McGarvey's murdered partner, witnesses a strange nocturnal sight. The stand of pines outside his house suddenly glows with eerie amber light, and Fernandez senses a watcher in the winter woods. As the seasons change, the very creatures of the forest seem in league with a mysterious presence. Fernandez is caught up in a series of chilling incidents that escalate toward a confronation that could rob him of his sanity or his life--or both.

As events careen out of control, the McGarvey family is drawn to Fernandez's Montana ranch. In that isolated place they discover their destiny in a terrifying and fiercely suspenseful encounter with a hostile, utterly ruthless, and enigmatic enemy, from which neither the living nor the dead are safe.

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Good Read, Half Of The Book, Jack McGarvey, Keeps You Turning, Koontz Books, Los Angeles, Page Turner, Police Officer, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Winter-Moon-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Winter-Moon-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-1998-R

Hideaway (1995) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

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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Lightning Review

Lightning

Published: 1988

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Time Travel

Check the summary of this book here:

Lightning Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's book Lightning was published in 1988. A new Afterword by the author discusses editorial dynamics in a 2003 edition. A storm hit the night Laura Shane was born, and the weather was unusual in a way that people would remember for years. The blond-haired man who emerged out of nowhere to save Laura from catastrophe was even more mysterious. And I had a feeling it will be a time travel novel that I will enjoy because I am a sucker for everything "time travel."

Dean Koontz's work with his Odd Thomas series was fantastic, and I thoroughly appreciated those works. Lightning shares several of the same qualities of that series, including outstanding characters, a tight, fast-paced storyline, edge-of-your-seat intensity, and, mercifully, a happy ending. 

In fact, the suspense was often so intense that I had to put the book down for a few moments to collect my breath. Even though one of my favorite characters died, this book was everything I love about this genre. I won't say who died or why, but I believe this story had a happy conclusion for me, which may not be the case for other readers because it is a decision that each reader has.

Here's a breakdown of how time travel works in this novel; I loved some of the concepts, but I don't want to see that type of difficult system in genuine time travel. I believe it is and will be feasible to time travel in some form, and I am confident it is still occurring. If you study and investigate a little, you will discover numerous incidents that will verify my point. Try searching or Googling "Mandela Effect" and you'll be shocked by what you find.

The Nazi time machine is described in the novel as looking like a tunnel; when the necessary mathematical calculations are performed, the machine is set, and the traveler walks inside and vanishes, reappearing with some degree of precision at the physical and temporal place chosen. To make time travel operate, there are a lot of unique elements and physics.

The fictitious world lends credence to the argument that nature will not allow a contradiction, even meeting oneself, to exist. Furthermore, time can only be traveled towards the future to avoid the "Back to the Future" syndrome of preventing one's own existence by previous deeds. 

The energy utilized to travel across time affects the natural environment upon arriving at the desired period and location, resulting in tremendous inexplicable lightning storms (thus the title of the book). The return from the future to the present does not result in a lightning storm.

Regardless of how long the traveler spends at his destination, he will have spent precisely 11 minutes (Something similar was used in Stephen King's 11/22/63, but I do not consider it a copy or stolen idea) when he returns to his own time stream (through a push-button mechanism often disguised in a belt buckle). 

Changes done at one moment in time will have an effect on all future occurrences originating from that timeline; nevertheless, only the traveler will be aware that anything has changed because his own past has not been affected. 

As previously established, a time traveler cannot return to a temporal location he has already visited (even if it is to a different physical location), because he will technically still be there, creating a contradiction.

Now, regarding that thinking cap: there is one part of this book that made me believe that I should be taking notes from time to time, and that aspect is time travel and the physics that allow it to happen, according to this author. To be honest, I had to reread a number of portions to ensure that I understood everything. This is not a critique; rather, it is a beautiful aspect of a really pleasant work. I'd rather do some rereading to comprehend anything than rush through something that resembles literary fluff.

Another thing I did was read the author's Afterword at the conclusion of the book. I loved his insights into the writer's world and the types of against-the-grain efforts he frequently had to do to publish works that pleased both him and his fans. 

Not all novels can easily get high stars, ratings, or points, but I felt this book to be worth every point on every point. 

Chris, Danny, Laura, Stefan, and Thelma are all characters I grew to care about, and I admire Mr. Koontz's efforts in developing them. If you read the evaluations, you'll notice that I admire your perseverance in sticking to your convictions and writing the kinds of novels you enjoy.

This tale piques your interest right away and continues to surprise you throughout the journey. What a fantastic book, full of adventure, mystery, and tension, as well as terrific comedy that readers will not only enjoy but also appreciate. The plot takes an unexpected turn that you won't soon forget.

It was incredibly thrilling for me. There's amazing scientific complexity mixed in with various romantic narratives, humor and sarcasm, and Dean Koontz's unique ability to explain things so beautifully that you can imagine the sights in your head almost as if they were movies. I can't recommend this book enough. You will be surprised, riveted, and hooked the entire time.

Final Thoughts

This is a lighthearted and engaging tale with a unique take on the time-travel genre. Dean Koontz immerses us in Laura Shane's world. We observe that someone continues intruding in her life at critical junctures. We have no clue why or how this happened. Finally, we discover that her mystery benefactor is not from our era, but his real location is a great surprise.

This is also an alternate history novel. Ironically, this book was published in 1989, thus events a few years later and the demise of the Soviet Union would reveal history reverting to the pattern with which he concludes this book.

This was a very interesting novel that was well worth the money, as Koontz is always. His stories are often more complex than you think. I've now finished all of his series and have been rewarded with his quick wit, superb story-telling, and works that I will read again and again. Loved returning to "Lightning," pick it up. Excellent reading!

Dean Koontz demonstrates his command of his distinct genre of literature once more. This time, the protagonist is a woman, and sadly there is no dog in this novel. His point of view is constantly new and fascinating. Suspenseful and fascinating, this novel is recommended for Koontz aficionados and anyone interested in trying his work for the first time.

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz’s brilliantly thrilling novel of suspense.

In the midst of a raging blizzard, lightning struck on the night Laura Shane was born. And a mysterious blond-haired stranger showed up just in time to save her from dying.

Years later, in the wake of another storm, Laura will be saved again. For someone is watching over her. Is he the guardian angel he seems? The devil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond all time and space?

“A gripping novel…fast-paced and satisfying.”—People”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Edge Of Your Seat, Guardian Angel, Koontz Books, Laura Shane, Page Turner, Twists And Turns, Years Ago

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Lightning-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Lightning-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

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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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House of Odd Review

House of Odd

Published: 20, March 2012

Author: Dean Koontz, Landry Q. Walker, Queenie Chan

Genre: Comic, Crime, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Horror, Manga, Mystery, Thriller

Odd Thomas Graphic Novels Book 3

Check the summary of this book here:

House of Odd Summary

The Review

House of Odd is Dean Koontz's third graphic novel featuring Odd Thomas. Landry Walker and Koontz wrote it, while Queenie Chan illustrated it in Manga style. House of Odd is a must-read for fans of Odd Thomas and his admirers, as well as a fantastic introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the series. 

Don't pass it up! This was a delightful and intriguing prequel to the events of Odd Thomas' first novel. These graphic books are an excellent introduction to the character and are lighter in tone and scope than the novels, but they are no less engaging. 

We get a glimpse of what came before and the history of Odd and Stormy in the comic books. House of Odd is a pleasant and easy one-sitting read for those who have followed Odd from the beginning to newcomers who came across the title while browsing graphic novel selections.

It's fantastic as a science fiction/fantasy mash-up. The characters are fantastic, the universe is colorful, and the tale is rich, especially for such a short story.

Time to highlight that this is a comic book and not a novel with only text in it, and the main information that some readers need to understand is that a graphic novel does not mean a scary or violent novel, but rather a comic book, so please do not buy this book or any book in this series if you do not like comics, and do not blame me or the author if you do. 

I know a lot of people who were upset and disappointed when they purchased the book online and then opened it to read it. Because they assumed it was a novel, but when it turned out to be a comic book, they blamed Dean Koontz and gave the book negative ratings and reviews without even reading the material, but in reality, these readers were the ones who made a mistake and had no knowledge that a graphic novel meant a comic.

Once again, Koontz and his comic colleagues provide another fantastic Odd Thomas Manga. As previously stated, I believe you would like them a lot more if you read at least the first novel before diving in, to get a sense of the characters. 

This one takes a somewhat different approach in that it is framed as Odd writing down more of his exploits sometime after Odd Hours—it is still set before the events of the first novel but is told from a later point in time and Odd is dealing with something new.

I absolutely liked this book. The first was excellent, whereas the second was only OK. But this one has truly pushed the boundaries. The artwork is wonderful and properly reflects Odd Thomas' world!

This is what will happen in a few lines... You either like graphic books or you don't, and some readers may not. But having these 'early' stories, with Stormy, and others from the main gang was fantastic for me. You can read them in around ten minutes but feel delighted he did it with the artists.

If you don't mind reading comic books, this is a must-read. Another fantastic addition to the Odd series, and the more you read, the more you want, and I've been waiting a long time for a new book or comic in the Odd saga.

I adored Queenie Chan's artwork, as well as the other two in this series In Odd We Trust and Odd Is on Our Side. She is a fantastic artist, and I believe she has captured Odd precisely. I also bought and read her Manga series 'The Dreaming,' which was inspired by her work on the Odd Thomas series, and I really enjoyed it.

The tale is, as is typical for a graphic book, more of a short story than a novel, but it's far from horrible. I adore receiving these tiny Odd vignettes outside of Koontz's works! In this one, Odd is asked to assist a buddy in determining what is causing workers to flee a construction site and never return.

Odd Thomas is one of the greatest and most distinctive literary characters to appear in a long time, and Queenie Chan's interpretation of the character is excellent. Stormy is alive, well, and kicking behinds in the graphic novels, which are set before the events in the first Odd Thomas novel.

This is the final and, in my opinion, best of the original graphic novels in this series, and I hope there will be more soon.

Even with the occasional Manga eyes in the picture, I really enjoyed this book. Overall, I liked it.

Final Thoughts

This is the third installment of Dean Koontz's graphic novel series. See my previous reviews, where I discuss Dean Koontz's works in general, as well as Odd Thomas and these graphic novels. Landry Q. Walker collaborated with Dean Koontz on the series for the first time. It's a better tale with more humor than the previous two volumes.

Odd Thomas' acquaintance invites him to assist a movie director who has purchased a mansion that appears to be haunted. However, she believes Odd and his pistol-wielding girlfriend Stormy Llewellyn are inexperienced and incapable of assisting her, despite the fact that, as we all know, they are. 

Odd has the gift of seeing the dead. She recruits a squad of three ghost-busters, three imposters who execute absurd deeds that contribute to the story's hilarity. Both adults and children will love this book and, perhaps, be motivated to read more of Koontz's writings.

These Odd Thomas comic books are incredible. And rather fascinating. The artwork is superb. However, I feel that the graphic books are a step down from the regular Odd Thomas tales in that it is not a full-length novel and may be considered a short story or novella if you count the text, but it is still not awful because the art can convey the plot.

A wonderfully enjoyable book that comes highly recommended. Excellent artwork and an entertaining plot in the vein of Koontz's Odd series. I appreciate the concept and would want to see and learn more about it.

Synopsis

“Could there really be such a thing as hell on earth? Odd only knows.

#1 New York Times bestselling maestro of macabre suspense Dean Koontz plunges everyone’s favorite spirit-spotting fry cook into his most frightening encounter yet, in the thrill-packed third Odd Thomas graphic novel.

Transforming a ramshackle mansion into a dream house has become a nightmare for onetime Hollywood producer Nedra Nolan, whose newly purchased fixer-upper in Pico Mundo has sent a string of spooked contractors scurrying off the job, claiming the place is haunted. Who’s she gonna call? Her friend recommends Odd Thomas, the mild-mannered young man with a gift for communing with ghosts who won’t rest in peace. With his soul mate and sidekick, Stormy Llewellyn, in tow, Odd agrees to investigate the eerie incidents. But his spirit-seeking style is cramped by the obnoxious TV ghost hunters Nedra hires to flush out the troublesome phantoms with elaborate gadgets . . . and a psychic cat.

As night falls and a raging storm traps them all in the maze like manse, Odd tries in vain to scare up some lost souls. But instead, something more terrifying than any apparition—something with flesh, blood, and teeth—makes its sinister presence known. And with nowhere to hide, Odd and his fellow hunters suddenly become the prey.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Koontz And The Odd, Like A Comic, Much Better, Odd Books, Odd Series, Regular Books, Thomas Series, Wait For The Next

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/House-of-Odd-Kindle

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