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Showing posts with label Espionage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Espionage. Show all posts

The Face Review

Dean Koontz, Espionage, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Face

Published: 2003
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Espionage, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

The Face is a novel by Dean Koontz that is another mixed-genre entry from him. It is essentially an espionage story with a lot of twists, as is typical of this author. Dean Koontz is an expert in his field. This novel is no different. You get invested in the characters' lives and fear for them. The plot teases you with Typhoon's real identity while also misdirecting you, which is what is expected in a genre like this, and I call it marvelous.

It got off to a sluggish start for me. If it does the same for you, keep reading!! After the first seven to ten percent of the story, the action picks up. Once it gets started, it's a nonstop roller-coaster ride all the way to the end! Great character development, story, and surprises to keep you reading. Mr. Koontz hits yet another home run!

The storytelling is outstanding, the personalities are well evolved, and the supernatural component is very convincing. Another one of my favorite Koontz books so far and I've read almost all of them except for the ones I may not have found or that have not yet been published. 

Adults who appreciate supernatural crime dramas should check it out. Laputa is a villain you can cheer for and loath, and there are numerous characters you can't help but root for, notably Fric!

This novel has a lot of surprising twists and turns that had me reading beyond my bedtime. It has some supernatural elements to scare you, but it trails behind "Watchers," "Cold Fire," and "Fear Nothing" in terms of plot. 

As a result, The Face appears to be too long. One hundred pages less will undoubtedly make it a much better read for someone who does not enjoy reading as much as avid readers who will enjoy it as much as I did and wish for more at the end. 

However, Koontz's intensely developed characters more than compensate for the plot. The two protagonists, Ethan and Fric, are enthralling.

Fric's sorrow as his family loves itself more, and Ethan's melancholy after his wife's death, are both beautifully shown. They have an authenticity and sensitivity about them that keeps me anchored to their narrative and destiny. And then there's Corky, who is evil incarnate. The ending is heartwarming, and I'm glad Ethan and Fric have each other to live for.

I was browsing remarks about Mr. Koontz's recent works. Not very nice, and I'm always surprised as to why these individuals post these phony evaluations as if they read a different book than I did.

This is outstanding! You don't want to put it down. These aren't just characters; they're individuals you feel strongly about as if they really were your close friend. From start to finish. You wouldn't want it to end. It's a shame they won't be continued in future books.

Instead of fussing about Odd Thomas or author's political ideas, why not try reading this one or Intensity, both of which were fantastic. 

I know why Stephen King and Dean Koontz get these fake reviews, and it's because of their political views and the open way they talk about it in their novels, which is actually a good thing because it shows the reality of things, and we must stop living like slaves and be free of the false freedom, but we must first free our minds and begin thinking with an open mind... Okay, let’s get back to the review...

As an ardent reader, I can assure you that The Face is fantastic. This is a true thriller with supernatural elements, but the plot is compelling. The clues left by the would-be murderer become clear only after the plot begins to unfold. 

The narrative's lead character for me is a young boy. His antics keep the reader entertained while the security chief attempts to track down the killer using strange clues. It was an enjoyable read. As with many outstanding novels of a good size, I read it in a matter of days. Once again, a page-turner.

The Face contains substantially less graphic violence than many of Koontz's other novels. There is some "fantasy," but the novel is mostly a "who did this?" mystery. I started liking the true relationship grow. 

Fans of Koontz will enjoy this, but those who have been put off by some of his previous explicit crime-related stories should give it a shot.


Final Thoughts

Mr. Koontz, you are a great writer who manages to craft stories that keep me up throughout the night wondering what would happen next. I'm referring to being caught up in something as if it were real life. I always enjoy the ride, so thank you for taking me on another exciting adventure. 

As always, keep doing what you're doing because you're an incredible writer who comes close to Stephen King's level but in your own style, so there's no comparison and a reader actually needs to read a lot and understand both of you and what you write to appreciate every word and sentence you two write.

This novel captures your attention from the beginning and never lets you go. I've never been a fan of the overused term "page-turner," but this one fits the bill well. Almost every chapter would have something happen that would draw you in, making you want to know what was going on. 

The worst part about reading this is that it caused me to stay up much later than usual because I lost track of time. 

Moreover, unlike other works in this genre, Koontz provides excellent descriptive descriptions of every person, location, and item. 

There is also a lack of the typical stock characters that appear in many of today's books, movies, and television shows. There is no tough girl with a terrible attitude, no side character with an unfathomable desire to see the hero fail, and so on. 

The only thing that might put some readers off is the book's paranormal elements. It is unlike your average criminal narrative in that some of it is supernatural in nature. But that is one of the reasons why the book is so good, and you bought it knowing it was written by Dean Koontz, but if you don't know who he is, try to finish it and you might become a new fan of the author and this crazy mixed genre.


Synopsis

“Acknowledged as “America’s most popular suspense novelist”(Rolling Stone ) and as one of today’s most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human. Now he delivers the page-turner of the season, an unforgettable journey to the heart of darkness and to the pinnacle of grace, at once chilling and wickedly funny, a brilliantly observed chronicle of good and evil in our time, of illusion and everlasting truth.

He’s Hollywood’s most dazzling star, whose flawless countenance inspires the worship of millions and fires the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying, enigmatic “messages” breaches the exquisitely calibrated security systems of his legendary Bel Air estate.

The boxes arrive mysteriously, one by one, at Channing Manheim’s fortified compound. The threat implicit in their bizarre, disturbing contents seems to escalate with each new delivery. Manheim’s security chief, ex-cop Ethan Truman, is used to looking beneath the surface of things. But until he entered the orbit of a Hollywood icon, he had no idea just how slippery reality could be. Now this good man is all that stands in the way of an insidious killer

—and forces that eclipse the most fevered fantasies of a city where dreams and nightmares are the stuff of daily life. As a seemingly endless and ominous rain falls over southern California, Ethan will test the limits of perception and endurance in a world where the truth is as thin as celluloid and answers can be found only in the illusory intersection of shadow and light.

Enter a world of marvelous invention, enchantment, and implacable intent, populated by murderous actors and the walking dead, hit men and heroes, long-buried dreams and never-dying hope.

Here a magnificent mansion is presided over by a Scottish force of nature known as Mrs. McBee, before whom all men tremble. A mad French chef concocts feasts for the mighty and the malicious. Ming du Lac, spiritual adviser to the stars, has a direct line to the dead. An aptly named cop called Hazard will become Ethan’s ally, an anarchist will sow discord and despair, and a young boy named Fric, imprisoned by celebrity and loneliness, will hear a voice telling him of the approach of something unimaginably evil. Traversing this extraordinary landscape, Ethan will face the secrets of his own tragic past and the unmistakable premonition of his impending violent death as he races against time to solve the macabre riddles of a modern-day beast.

A riveting tour de force of suspense, mystery, and miraculous revelation, The Face is that rare novel that entertains, provokes, and uplifts at the same time. It will make you laugh. It will give you chills. It will fill you with hope.

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


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guy, Channing Manheim, Corky Laputa, Corner Of His Eye, Ethan Truman, Head Of Security, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Page Turner, Year Old


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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Dark Rivers of the Heart Review

Dean Koontz, Conspiracy, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Political, Spy, Supernatural, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller

Dark Rivers of the Heart

Published: 1994
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Conspiracy, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Political, Spy, Supernatural, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Dark Rivers of the Heart is an espionage thriller. No one can match Koontz's ability to build great characters, from horribly flawed yet unapologetically entirely decent to sophisticated and unthinkably wicked, and to design for them intriguing scenarios that are both absolutely ridiculous and terrifyingly plausible. And no one can match Koontz's command of the discourse. This work exemplifies his mastery of the art, and, as has been his custom, contains a dog as a complete character. For me, if I don't encounter a dog in a Dean Koontz work, I believe it's incomplete, another thing I mentioned is that he is unrivaled… it is not entirely accurate if you are including other greats such as Stephen King.

In this book, Koontz focuses on one of our greatest threats: the world's growing fascist governments, particularly at the federal level, but to a lesser extent at other levels. The more authority governments give themselves, the more appealing "service" becomes to bad people, and the more power these terrible individuals wield over innocent people, the less appealing "service" becomes to good people. 

Over the last few years, the government's attention has shifted from predators to those who resist the government's growing authority. Murderers sentenced to life in jail without the possibility of parole have been freed by the same "authorities" who aggressively arrest company owners for refusing to obey and bankrupting themselves at the government's whim. Almost everything Koontz prophesied has come true. This book was astonishingly foresighted.

I read this many years ago, but a few years after it was published in 1994, and it has stood the test of time well. Remember, this was written when we were only finding Windows 95 and computer technology was just getting started, so considering what Koontz had to deal with, I'd think he did an excellent job.

This big brother is watching story begins with a fortuitous encounter between a guy and a woman at a bar and leads the reader on a journey to hell and back. Dean Koontz gives us one of his best thrillers, only this time there's no supernatural element, just a great story of conspiracy and greed with a little romance. 

From power-mad secret governmental agencies run by insane killers to two people and a dog in a pedal to the metal flight across the country to avoid capture and certain death. This work clearly displays what Koontz can achieve with a genre other than horror. 

Go ahead and read it if you haven't already. And if you've previously read it and appreciated it, you might want to read it again in light of today's social networking media-crazed world. 

His most recent novels, according to some, have not lived up to this standard. But I think he was and still is a terrific writer, and all of his works are enjoyable to read.

I loved the extensively researched facts, which ranged from L.A.'s gum trees to high-tech monitoring tactics and computer hacking. 

I particularly like Koontz's brilliance in connecting the past and present and employing dream sequences in an un-clumsy manner. Any backstory that was inserted was captivating rather than ponderous. And I'm a sucker for conspiracies, so the shadow government worked for me. He made it credible and terrifying.

One of my all-time favorite novels. Intrigue, advanced tech (for the period), espionage, stealth, and pursuit all contribute to a fascinating narrative. I wish Koontz will write more like this, maybe with modern, super-tech in mind. The technology described in the book was not even available at the time it was published. This is one of his few non-mystical or otherworldly novels.

This was a thrilling ride that I thoroughly liked. The finale had some delicious justice, but it left things a little jumbled. I hoped Koontz had flipped the script on the assassin and let the monster murder the creator. If you've read the book, you'll understand what I mean. 

The irony would have been delightful, and I was sorry that he didn't pull the trigger. Also, Valerie makes a point of saying she'll have to kill whoever is chasing her, yet that encounter never occurs in the novel. I was duped into thinking it would appear near the conclusion of the novel and was disappointed when it didn't. But that's all I'll say to protect new readers from spoilers.

Overall, I loved the narrative, although I wish the ending had been a little more neat and gratifying. It may have been different if Koontz had done things differently.

Despite the fact that this novel is profoundly dark, terrifying, and so beautifully described that it frequently seems to represent current events, Dean Koontz manages to nurture hope for a better future. It was difficult to put down the book to go about my daily activities, but finishing the novel was well worth the effort.


Final Thoughts

One of my favorite author's is Dean Koontz. This is without a doubt one of his greatest novels, right up there with "Watchers." It's fast-paced, with an engaging and thought-provoking plot about a corrupt government that's probably closer to the truth than any of us like to think about too hard. 

By the end of this fantastic adventure, you'll feel like you know the characters personally. Mr. Koontz, you've done it again and again! I wish I had your enthusiasm for life. Please do not slow down and continue to publish books.

Dark Rivers of the Heart released many years ago, depicts the social and political attitudes of 2015 and many years following. In comparison to Dan Brown's Digital Fortress, which examines the impact of technology on society, Koontz strikes all the appropriate notes with the location and people in this novel. 

As with most of Koontz's works, he strikes a balance between descriptive mood and action. Dark Rivers of the Heart is a fantastic work in its genre.

Check it out if you're looking for a well-researched novel with rounded characters, a gripping narrative with beautifully interwoven strands of past and present, and a great dog who eventually gets his day to be a hero.

Everyone gushes over the Watchers and other stories, and deservedly so. But Dark Rivers of the Heart is maybe one of my favorites. It is one of his larger works, and it incorporates more underground government agency material than others. 

The struggle of the main characters is prominent, and you are cheering for them to catch up to each other. Their adversary is the most powerful and merciless undercover government spy you'll ever read about, with infinite finance and human resources to fulfill his goals. Not to add his terrible peculiarities/hobbies as a warped personality. Dark Rivers of the Heart is highly recommended.


Synopsis

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

A man and a woman meet by chance in a bar. Suddenly they are fleeing the long arm of a clandestine and increasingly powerful renegade government agency -- the woman hunted for the information she possesses, the man mistaken as her comrade in a burgeoning resistance movement.

The architect of the chase is a man of uncommon madness and cruelty -- ruthless, possibly psychotic, and equipped with a vast technological arsenal. He is the brazen face of an insidiously fascistic future. And he is virtually unstoppable. But he has never before come up against the likes of his current quarry. Both of them are survivors of singularly horrific pasts. Both have long been emboldened by their experiences to fight with reckless courage for their own freedom. Now they are plunged into a struggle for the freedom of their country, and for the sanctity of their own lives.

Dark Rivers of the Heart is an electrifying thriller that steers us along the razor edge of a familiar, terrifying reality.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Asset Forfeiture, Dark Rivers, Edge Of Your Seat, Forfeiture Laws, Government Agency, Koontz Books, Roy Miro, Spencer Grant, Valerie Keene, Years Ago


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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Fear Nothing Review

Dean Koontz, Conspiracy, Contemporary, Espionage, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Medical, Occult, Psychological, Rural, Science Fiction, Small Town, Suspense, Technothrillers, Thriller

Fear Nothing

Published: 1998
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Conspiracy, Contemporary, Espionage, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Medical, Occult, Psychological, Rural, Science Fiction, Small Town, Suspense, Technothrillers, Thriller
Book 1 of 3: Moonlight Bay

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Fear Nothing is a novel written by best-selling novelist Dean Koontz. The book is the first of what is said to be a three-part series of books titled the Moonlight Bay Trilogy, which stars Christopher Snow, who suffers from the uncommon (but genuine) disease XP (Xeroderma Pigmentosum). Seize the Night, the second installment in the trilogy, was released in 1999. The publishing date for the third book, Ride the Storm, has yet to be determined. At the time of writing this review (28, April 2022), there is no information about the third book in this series, but I will alert you as soon as I discover more about the date or the book. Fear Nothing is a spiritual successor to Koontz's 1987 novel Watchers in various aspects.

This book is a hidden gem in Dean Koontz's incredible library. You'll enjoy this if you've read any of the Odd Thomas series. 

Christopher Snow appears to be the template for Odd Thomas - both are seemingly ordinary young men with one distinguishing feature that sets them apart. Both live in tiny towns and have only a few close friends who genuinely understand them. Both are lured into situations over which they have little control and must do whatever it takes to defend themselves and their loved ones.

This is a fantastic novel with a fantastic tale and fantastic characters. Orson deserves special note since he dominates every scene he's in and, in my opinion, is the book's star. 

I must repeat that I have yet to encounter an author who can make a dog such a vital component of a story as Dean Koontz can.

I enjoy novels about strange events and mysteries, and this one had both. It was a little sluggish in places, but once it got going, it kept my attention till the finish. There were many twists and turns, yet it was simple to follow.

I'm disappointed that Mr. Koontz didn't write the third book in this series until now because I adore the characters. It's a fantastic narrative, but more than that, it's a story about characters that, although being fake, seem very, very real. 

Dean Koontz is a genius at building characters who crawl their way into your heart and become a part of it. This novel and its sequel, Seize the Night, are both fantastic. This novel and its sole sequel are highly recommended to everyone who appreciates a nice read and a hot cup of tea on a wet day.

Dean Koontz has always been a fantastic writer, and this novel illustrates his ability to merge authentic physical locations with real occurrences, laying the groundwork for the storyline and making every component feel real and true. 

Then, as the narrative develops, seemingly unbelievable events take on an organic and authentic feel. My only regret was the ending—I need the next book to be finished right away since the state of suspense in which I am currently leaves me desperate for closure! But don't worry, these are my thoughts from the first time I read this book, and the second book is already available for purchase.

This narrative takes hold in Moonlight Bay, California, another little town on the coast rather than the desert-like Pico Mundo. Christopher has a unique skin ailment that only permits him to walk out at night. As a result, he can see in practically complete darkness. But he doesn't have Odd's ability to see the dead.

If you enjoy it, you should buy the sequel, Seize the Night. Frankenstein series which was to be a TV miniseries, so it was apparent there'd be more than one, and Odd Thomas, these are the only books that Koontz connected together. In other words, he made a multi-book series out of these volumes.

Christopher is a gentleman who is a staunch supporter of the good and a despiser of evil. He is bombarded by the latter. It's a science fiction thriller, but it's not too far out there. The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton is a novel that is similar to this one.

Dean Koontz's work is one of my favorites for several reasons, one of which is that he is able to take the technology and science we have right now one step too far to depict what may happen if we allow ourselves to be governed by greed, fear, or warmongers. 

He always manages to instill moral principles and morality in his hero, giving you faith that good will eventually win over evil. And don't forget that the dogs in his novels are great, and I adore them as well.

It's a unique yet interesting story with unusual personalities. Another thing I admire about Koontz is the extent to which he researches his characters. This brings the character to life, and you get the impression that you are hearing the story from the character himself, rather than the author.


Final Thoughts

This novel just blew me away. Christopher Snow, Orson, Sasha, and Bobby are fantastic characters, and I'm re-reading their exploits because I have a feeling the third Christopher Snow novel may be out sooner than we think, and I need to catch up. I sincerely hope that what I just said becomes a reality very soon.

I really like the characters in this one. Although the main character, Christopher Snow, has a similar voice to Odd Thomas, he is still a charming figure. And this one doesn't have your typical, predictable finish. It was fantastic! If you like Koontz, you'll want to grab this one. However, if he isn't, it's a great place to start. Excellent thriller with a sci-fi twist. I've mentioned it several times in this review, and I'll say it again: I love this book; it offered a lot of thought-provoking concepts for me. Friendship is something that we all wish we had with our friends.

This novel has so much intrigue and action that I couldn't put it down! Unfortunately, the finale was a little anticlimactic, and there were a few aspects that weren't thoroughly explored like, what was in the attic? What happened to the briefcase? I was curious. The reference to the novel Watchers was fantastic. Overall, another fantastic Dean Koontz novel!

There aren't many writers that can construct characters or conversation as well as Koontz. Actually, suspense and storyline are nearly the same. Especially in the narrative - Koontz is a master at constructing dangers that are both world-threatening and very intimate. This book is similar, and it's a great read. It works on all levels. It comes highly recommended.


Synopsis

“Fear, compassion, evil, courage, hope, wonder, the exquisite terror of not knowing what will happen on the next page to characters you care about deeply—these are the marvels that Dean Koontz weaves into the unique tapestry of every novel. His storytelling talents have earned him the devotion of fans around the world, making him one of the most popular authors of our time, with more than 200 million copies of his books sold worldwide.

Christopher Snow is different from all the other residents of Moonlight Bay, different from anyone you've ever met. For Christopher Snow has made his peace with a very rare genetic disorder shared by only one thousand other Americans, a disorder that leaves him dangerously vulnerable to light. His life is filled with the fascinating rituals of one who must embrace the dark. He knows the night as no one else ever will, ever can—the mystery, the beauty, the many terrors, and the eerie, silken rhythms of the night—for it is only at night that he is free.

Until the night he witnesses a series of disturbing incidents that sweep him into a violent mystery only he can solve, a mystery that will force him to rise above all fears and confront the many-layered strangeness of Moonlight Bay and its residents.

Once again drawing daringly from several genres, Dean Koontz has created a narrative that is a thriller, a mystery, a wild adventure, a novel of friendship, a rousing story of triumph over severe physical limitations, and a haunting cautionary tale.

This ebook edition contains a special preview of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Christopher Snow, Keith Szarabajka, Koontz Books, Moonlight Bay, Page Turner, Stephen King, Takes Place


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Odd Thomas Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Crime, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Murder, Occult, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller

Odd Thomas

Published: 2003
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Crime, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Murder, Occult, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller
Book 1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Odd Thomas is a thriller. The title is derived from the main character, Odd Thomas, a twenty-year-old short-order cook. The book, which got positive reviews and acclaim from reviewers, went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Following the popularity of the novel, Koontz wrote six sequels: Forever Odd (2005), Brother Odd (2006), Odd Hours (2008), Odd Apocalypse (2012), and Deeply Odd (2013). Saint Odd (2015), the concluding novel in the series, was released on January 13, 2015. 

Three graphic novel prequels have also been released: In Odd We Trust, Odd Is On Our Side and House of Odd. 

In the graphic novel's postscript, Koontz notes, "God willing, there will be six Odd Thomas novels." Odd Interlude, a special Odd Thomas Adventure short novel, was released on December 26, 2012, and Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever was released on December 9, 2014. 

Dean Koontz praised the film, saying, "It is so wonderful that I am whacked flat by happiness." So I'm not going to comment on it, but it wasn't a bad film adaptation of Dean Koontz's novel.

Strange in name and odd in talents, the titular character is Odd. A twenty-year-old short-order fry cook who has the gift or misfortune of seeing the dead. He resides in Pico Mundo, a tiny California desert hamlet that translates as "top of the world." 

At first, I assumed our hero's name was Thomas, and Odd was an accurate description of him. 

In the first several chapters, he immediately dispels this myth. Odd is the moniker given to him, and despite his boring employment and lowly surroundings, our poor MC's life has been anything but simple. 

This narrative appears to be a slice of what Odd has been through since infancy, but his current journey threatens to ruin all he loves most.

In most stories when the main character possesses a remarkable ability, he or she is seldom, if ever, believed. 

Odd has a great support network and many friends, including the chief of police, which I admire. Police officers are generally the last people to fall for such nonsense, but Chief Porter does. He's like Odd's father, something our young hero obviously needs. Odd doesn't have to face the weight of his skill on his own. It's not a fully hidden ability; it's just an ability.

People who know him not only accept that he has it, but also trust him with it, and his friends are as diverse as they are: Viola and her daughters Nicolina and Levanna, Terry his boss with her Elvis obsession, his landlady Rosalia Sanchez, who asks him every day if she is visible, the previously mentioned Chief Porter and his wife Karla, Little Ozzie, who is probably the biggest man in town, and, of course, Stormy Llewellyn. While they have no idea what he is capable of, they all recognize that he is Odd.

He exemplifies the theme of hiding power in simple settings, in which we frequently see the orphan or foundling who was abandoned or hidden in order to conceal and protect who they are and what they have. 

Odd is also quite courteous, which I appreciated, especially coming from a young person who is frequently and tritely characterized as rude. He addresses everyone as "sir" or "ma'am," and he shows no disrespect to anyone.

Odd's skills show themselves as a tiny girl named Penny Kalisto, which immediately draws you in. Even if the dead never speak to him, they have a way of making themselves known.

The ones that remain are there for a reason, and Odd believes it is his responsibility to figure out what that reason is. His ability to see the dead isn't his only one, but I won't tell you what it is.

Despite the fact that I figured out the key twist well before the last chapter, I still gave this story high points and immediately began reading the following novel, Forever Odd, as soon as I was able to purchase it, and then the next and the next until I finished the series. 

As I previously stated, the movie is not horrible, but it is recommended that you watch it after reading the book and solely watch it as a movie rather than as an adaptation so that you may appreciate both media equally.

Odd Thomas's melancholy is palpable. It is the root of every phrase and hides between each word. If we don't allow ourselves to hope, we won't be able to persevere.

Many readers have a curious issue with Dean Koontz's works, which is his closing up all loose ends at the conclusion, and I am surprised that many people don't want that... on the other hand, many people have an issue with Stephen King for not tying up many ends and even leaving the plot open-ended. 

What is wrong with these readers, and what do they want? I am a fan of both of these excellent authors, and I enjoy both of their ending methods because they make you think. Comment and share your ideas on this topic so that we may discuss it further.


Final Thoughts

The protagonist is complex and realistic. The plot is pretty brilliant. This sentence appears in practically every review of a great author's work, but it is accurate, and that phrase is... Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. 

 Please be advised that there are some unsettling and violent situations in this book and this book is not suitable for youngsters or early teens.

Where the film pays justice to the novel, this delves further into Odd's thoughts and feelings because it is told by him and tells us about his past. 

Odd Thomas has the capacity to sense "the lingering dead," and using this and other abilities, he finds a coming calamity and tries everything he can to avert it. 

The story's conclusion comes on strong and quick, and it's a page-turner. Even if this book isn't for everyone, it's a novel that anybody might appreciate. 

I'm glad the book has a conclusion and that the reader isn't obligated to read the rest of the series. 

However, there are certain questions that will be answered in the coming novels, and I am confident that readers will like them.

Odd Thomas is unquestionably one of Dean Koontz's best-written novels. The narrator's voice is great, and the narrative flows beautifully. 

The finale contains a fantastic emotional surprise that will leave the reader speechless. This is a fantastic read! Dean Koontz, thank you.


Synopsis

“Meet Odd Thomas, the unassuming young hero of Dean Koontz’s dazzling New York Times bestseller, a gallant sentinel at the crossroads of life and death who offers up his heart in these pages and will forever capture yours.

“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.”


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Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Odd Thomas (2014) (16+)

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The Chemist Review

Stephenie Meyer, Action, Adventure, Contemporary, Espionage, Female Lead, Fiction, Mystery, Politics, Psychological, Romance, Spy, Suspense, Thriller, Women’s, Young Adult

The Chemist

Published: 8, November 2016
Genres: Action, Adventure, Contemporary, Espionage, Female Lead, Fiction, Mystery, Politics, Psychological, Romance, Spy, Suspense, Thriller, Women’s, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
The Chemist Summary


The Review:

The narrative and story of The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer are compact and well developed, with engaging characters who all originate from various perspectives but finally fit beautifully. Stephenie Meyer crafts a novel that is long enough to be finished without the necessity for ten additional sequels. Truth be told, the characters might be fascinating enough to warrant another book. It's definitely worth reading!!

Stephenie Meyer's early chapters don't usually pull me into the plot, but I keep reading since I realize this is a defect in her writing, but this will be an issue for new readers.

While reading the first few pages, I instantly thought to myself, "This is awful Dean Koontz fan fiction." I kept reading, and while the novel reminded me of a Dean Koontz suspense thriller, it wasn't a blatant copy of his work; rather, it was the author's original work.

The novel is a pleasant escape into a world of love and commitment. In some ways, it reminds me of Twilight. However, to be able to indulge in fantasy, one must ignore or otherwise justify a great deal.

The book tells us that the torture of US citizens is rampant in the United States. Torture is used by US agencies both overseas and in the United States on a regular basis. Also, torture is effective. For me, the most important point is that torture does not work.

However, in this novel, it's the primary female character's eccentricity; it's what she does. People are being tortured in order to get the truth. However, if you, like me, can just ignore all of these inconsistencies, you may enjoy a fast-paced and amusing thriller.

This is a fast-paced narrative that does not allow you to relax for long periods of time. It was distinct from author's earlier stories in that it is highly scientific and intellectual, but it also has a lot of murdering, pursuing, combat, and fleeing for your survival.

You'll come across twists and turns, surprises, what-the-heck moments, and lovely romance. I can smell the rage at the opening of this book, and I'm curious whether it began as a reaction to some frightening events years ago but evolved into exquisite artistry.

The sheer quantity of pages made me pleased, but even though it took a few days to finish, it was still a real page-turner. The epilogue, on the other hand, utterly surprised me. It took me two readings of the last chapter and epilogue before it all came together.

The epilogue, on the other hand, utterly surprised me. It took me a while to get through the last chapter and epilogue, but once I did, everything started to make sense.

Normally, the epilogue is one of the book's personal viewpoints; however, this epilogue was not. So I was thrown aback, and as I remembered specific details from the novel, the puzzle pieces began to fall into place.

It's similar to how they find things out in the novel. It was done on purpose, and I believe it was a great technique to make the reader ponder.

It's violent, but the profanity and gore factor are kept in check. This one was quite enjoyable for me, especially when I learned about Einstein, the coolest security dog ever, and his gang.

Stephenie Meyer has matured as a writer. Her Twilight books were well-written, but they were also heavy on youthful romance and anguish. The Host came up with a unique premise, depicting the invasion of Earth through the eyes of an extraterrestrial, complete with anguish.

Regardless, the novel's unusual plot made it one of my favorites. The Chemist, a gripping action/mystery with minimal angst, is now available. It was fantastic. Exciting, inventive, and well-written.

It was very engaging and even a little instructive! Very tense and sorrowful, but not overly dark considering the topic line. Given the circumstances, the romance seems a little brief and weird.

I would have wanted a longer conclusion or a more descriptive epilogue about where the people ended up, as well as what happened to a couple of characters that I can't discuss because of the spoiler concern.

I found the main character refreshing because of how she was presented, and that is a genuine human, which makes it a story that is founded in reality.

I stayed up late to complete it. Although there is romance, it is not significant. Instead, you're on the edge of your seat from page one, waiting to find out who lives and who dies.

In my thoughts, the characters came to life, and my heart raced as I struggled with them on their quest for freedom and another day of life. And that makes this a fascinating read.


Final Thoughts:

I enjoy that this is a stand-alone novel, but I wouldn't mind if author made it into a series. It is more mature than her previous works, and it is intended for an adult audience; there are implied sexual situations and violence, which should be avoided by people who wish to safeguard young minds.

This was a fantastic read for me. From beginning to end, the narrative was well-written, exciting, and interesting. The protagonist was intelligent, strong, and capable, and the characters were genuine.

She develops odd allies and exploits her highly specialized skill set in a race to rescue their lives after being betrayed by the clandestine government agency that developed her.

The Chemist was a thrilling, suspenseful narrative that had you on the edge of your seat! And the possibilities for where the author may take these characters in the future are infinite, which is something I eagerly await.

This is an excellent book for minds that have already been distorted. The summary gives you a good idea of what this book is about, and if you like Dean Koontz, you'll enjoy it.

Wow, she can write, I kept thinking. Very good at times, I wondered if it wasn't truly her who wrote this novel, but Stephenie Meyer doesn't need any fancy words from me.

She has a long list of accomplishments on her resume. However, as the book's end came, I disliked having to leave characters and their world since it was so naturally structured, well-crafted, and thoroughly researched, with characters that were so genuine and engaging.

Even the most romantic readers, the most hard-core action lovers, and those who enjoy surprises within surprises will find something to enjoy in The Chemist.


Synopsis:

“In this gripping page-turner, an ex-agent on the run from her former employers must take one more case to clear her name and save her life.

She used to work for the U.S. government, but very few people ever knew that. An expert in her field, she was one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn't even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came for her without warning.

Now she rarely stays in the same place or uses the same name for long. They've killed the only other person she trusted, but something she knows still poses a threat. They want her dead, and soon. When her former handler offers her a way out, she realizes it's her only chance to erase the giant target on her back. But it means taking one last job for her ex-employers.

To her horror, the information she acquires only makes her situation more dangerous. Resolving to meet the threat head-on, she prepares for the toughest fight of her life but finds herself falling for a man who can only complicate her likelihood of survival. As she sees her choices being rapidly whittled down, she must apply her unique talents in ways she never dreamed of.

In this tautly plotted novel, Meyer creates a fierce and fascinating new heroine with a very specialized skill set. And she shows once again why she's one of the world's bestselling authors.”


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

The Host (2013) (PG-13)

Twilight (2010) (PG-13)

New Moon (2009) (PG-13)

Eclipse (2010) (PG-13)

Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) (PG-13)

Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012) (PG-13)

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The Doomsday Conspiracy

Originally Published: 1991
Author: Sidney Sheldon
Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance, Mashup Fiction, Fiction, Espionage, Thriller, Suspense, Science fiction

This was my first book by Late Mr. Sidney Sheldon. The way I got hooked to his writing was by accident and I am glad it happened.

One of my cousins was on a visit and she brought this book with her to our home. One night I was sitting in the dining room, having coffee and thinking about starting a new book. By chance I saw this book; it was on the table across from where I was sitting. I looked at the cover, read a bit from the back cover, and started reading.

I read a few pages and was about to leave for my room when I realized it was not my book so I left it where I found it. But I was already addicted to this new world.

The next day I found the book in the TV lounge and started reading again. Basically, I was reading it in episodes and it was like being on a drug that you can’t have because I didn’t want anyone to know that I am reading it. After all, I was not on talking terms with my cousin. Few days passed like this and then she left and took her book with her. I was still in the middle of the story so the next day I went to the book store and bought a copy of my own.

The story is gripping but sometimes sad, but that is a part of the plot and the mystery is going to make you crazy. Even with all the drama, action, suspense, and thrills, the book is written in a very simple and understandable way. Don’t confuse it with the doomsday conspiracy or the cold war because it has nothing to do with that. It is about something else and you should read it in the book instead of me telling you about it. The pace is almost perfect; you don’t get bored and even with the parts with “sadness.”

Some writers were so accurate about the new world conspiracies, that you start to believe that they had time machines or they already knew what the governments are planning because they had informants working for them. Mr. Sidney Sheldon was one of these writers.


Synopsis:
“OPERATION DOOMSDAY… ACTIVATE…

Commander Robert Bellamy of US Naval Intelligence is dispatched on a top secret mission. A weather balloon carrying sensitive military information has crashed in Switzerland. Bellamy must locate the ten witnesses to the incident so that they can be sworn to secrecy.

But as he conducts his search Bellamy begins to suspect that he, too, is being hunted, by an unknown lethal force… that what he was told about the balloon was only one part of an almost unbelievable happening..”

Influence: Dan Brown the author of The Da Vinci Code, named The Doomsday Conspiracy as the book that inspired him to write thriller fiction, citing its "simplicity of the prose and efficiency of the storyline"


This book and the story are going to make you believe.

Rating: 100/100
Recommended: 100/100 YES.

Buy the book here. If the link is not working, then copy and paste it into your browser:


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