Honest Book Reviews by Namsu

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

Dark Rivers of the Heart Summary

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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

https://rebrand.ly/Dark-Rivers-of-the-Heart-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

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Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

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

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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

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Winter Moon Review

Dean Koontz, Aaron Wolfe, Alien Invasion, Crime, Family Life, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Paranormal, Rural, Small Town, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Zombie

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

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)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Dragon-Tears-Kindle

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Dragon Tears Review

Dean Koontz, Animal, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Dragon Tears

Published: 1993

Author: Dean Koontz

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

Check the summary of this book here:

Dragon Tears Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's Dragon Tears is a paranormal/horror book. It is another fantastic adventure, complete with mystery, thrills, tension, and yet another fantastic dog to add to the excitement! I believe the two main characters deserve a series, with the other characters getting their own book!

The first sentence establishes the tone: "Tuesday was a wonderful California day, full of sunshine and hope until Harry Lyon had to kill someone at lunch." The story follows the happenings of various seemingly unrelated people and how one day becomes worse and worse, concluding in a tragic predicament. With genuine creatures and magic to contend with, everyone is physically and psychologically exhausted. For Copywrite reasons, here the quoted words are not precisely as they were in the book.

This tale moves quickly and delves into new realms of wonder and dread. Dean Koontz is a fantastic storyteller who exploits the compassion of a few individuals as well as the immense propensity for cruelty and violence in the majority of humanity on the planet.

Many individuals have experienced things that have no rational explanation, and many readers will recognize the coldness of intuition and "knowing" things without proof or instruction, but rather "felt in the belly" foreboding.

We must always pay attention to our bodies' intuitions and sensations. Not everything, like tick tock, can be satisfactorily described using logic and reason.

Another enjoyable read that is classic Koontz. Exactly as good as Watchers, Lightning, or Intensity, in my opinion, but a really enjoyable read.

I especially enjoyed being in a dog's head. I'm not sure whether that's how the inner psychology of the canine mind works, but it was a wonderful way to explore the cosmos through the eyes of a dog.

Mr. Koontz, thank you for your continued greatness in your writing, and as always, I was delighted to see a dog in his story since it is like his trademark, and I adore it when he uses it. The sections when he writes from the dog's point of view are unique, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. Dean Koontz writes with a poet's heart, a deliciously crazy poet's heart.

This came as a surprise during my quest to read all of Dean Koontz's works. It is a Koontz novel from beginning to end. The characters in this novel were engaging. Bryan's persona intrigued me as a fascinating psychopath. His scenario with the blue eyeballs was so bizarre and weird that I had to look at the bigger picture. The entire incident played vivid visuals in my head, riveting, repulsive, and terrifying me at the same time.

Dean Koontz, who are you really and how do you envision and write about perversions like this? Please, whatever you do with this magic, don't put a stop to it. Bryan's craziness combined with magical abilities was, in my opinion, one of your greatest characters.

A superb storyline with many plots that keep the reader wondering. But in a few situations, it was a little longer than it should have been which may be exhausting. But persevere; it will be worthwhile. If you enjoy criminal fiction, sci-fi, and a little romance, you'll enjoy this novel. This is one of those novels that stay with you for a long time after you finish it.

Here, Koontz's creativity shines brightly. His works are in the "could something like this actually occur to anyone" category, and if I could, I would award this book 200 points (as if it mattered).

Koontz is in a league of his own and that is why Koontz is one of my favorite authors, and I own nearly all of his works. I hope he writes indefinitely.

I read this story a few years ago. One of Dean Koontz's challenges is that he is such a successful author that a comfortable public knows there will always be another Koontz novel soon enough. Several years later, I found myself recalling the dog's narrative voice again and again.

We all know that Koontz adores dogs, and most of his stories include golden retrievers. Regardless, the book's dog narrator sections are highly intriguing and difficult to forget. I was motivated to research the book's title since I own every book he's ever written, but remembering what occurred in which book is difficult.

So I had to remove a number of books from my collection and run internet searches to acquire the name because the title of this book is completely different from what I was looking for. Still a fantastic book to recommend to fans and new readers alike.

Final Thoughts

This book was fantastic and not as horrible as many of my friends imagined it would be, but it was right up there with the very best! It includes a supernatural element; a lot of tension, really well-developed characters, one of his regular whacky and insane characters, and yes don't forget the dog!

Dean Koontz's creativity runs wild in this one, making it one of his greatest works! As with most of his novels, revealing too much about what occurs spoils the enjoyment for the reader. So I'm not going to tell you anything else.

However, it is absolutely worth reading!!! I realize people say it isn't one of Koontz's finest works, but it is at the top and definitely on top of other books in the same genre.

This one was packed with storyline twists and shocks that I did not see coming. Fast-paced, with excellent character development and a compelling narrative. As is nearly often the case with Dean Koontz novels and his developed characters, the characters that grow on you!

I agree that the title is absurd. A dysfunctional family is a recurring theme in Mr. Koontz's books. But not as dysfunctional as our own families. Above and beyond. Even shocking. Now, this is a treasure trove. Choose one. That gets old for me as a fan. However, I enjoyed the plot. I wholeheartedly endorse it. And seeing through the Dog's eyes is both amusing and ideal.

I'm a major Dean Koontz fan, but this novel took me a while to get into. It appeared to be coloring an image for a long period. It was flowing smoothly by the second to the third chapter. I enjoyed the action and the typical riveting drama; good vs. evil. If you're a fan, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Synopsis

“A cop races against time to prevent his own death in this heart-pounding thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Harry Lyon is a rational man, a cop who refuses to let his job harden his soul. His partner urges him to surrender to the chaos of life. But Harry believes in order and reason. Then one fateful day, he's forced to shoot a man—and a homeless stranger with bloodshot eyes utters the haunting words that challenge Harry Lyon’s sanity...

“Ticktock, ticktock. You'll be dead in sixteen hours...Dead by dawn...Dead by dawn...Dead by dawn...””

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guy, Bad Place, Dead By Dawn, Edge Of My Seat, Fast Paced, Great Read, Harry And Connie, Harry Lyon, Koontz Books, Point Of View, Serial Killer, Ticktock

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Dragon-Tears-Audible

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Cold-Fire-Kindle

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Cold Fire Review

Dean Koontz, American, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Romantic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Cold Fire

Published: 1991

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Cold Fire Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz wrote the best-selling novel Cold Fire in 1991. Some would argue that the narrative is bad since this is a newer and softer Dean Koontz, but I like him! This is the story of a guy who is compelled to save several people by an unexplainable psychic conversation. He gives up all to follow what he believes are Godly communications. A reporter is interested when he arrives at one of his rescues. She attempts to interview him but receives no substantive responses. She uses her vacation time to look into him and how he knows where to go and who to help. Their lives become intertwined, and she urges him to look into psychic connections and why they choose some individuals over others. Both are taken aback by the answer.

The rich story unravels in delectable tangles of mystery, keeping your interest throughout. No one (that I am aware of) writes a book about strange supernatural phenomena as well as Dean Koontz.

His writings are so well-written and convincing that you almost believe there must be some aspect of reality in what he wrote, and you wonder whether he has ever encountered similar occurrences in his personal life or the lives of individuals he knows.

Koontz at his finest once more. His stories are a great delight to escape into, juggling suspense, science fiction, romance, and the occult. In his writings, there are no sluggish rides. He manages to seize your throat and hurtle you as quickly as you can flip the pages. I realize some of these things are repeated in one review and virtually all of his book reviews because he is that amazing.

I love good heroes, and this one fits the bill. I liked Jim Ironheart and would want to see a sequel where he and Holly become a powerful team. I saw Jim as a knight in sparkling armor riding on a sleek motorbike rather than a white horse, since he was modern and bright, and he learned all types of martial arts and read books about all faiths throughout the world.

Holly was single and in her thirties, with a straight head on her shoulders and a cool attitude without trying too hard, and even though you know throughout the book that Jim doesn't want any distractions as we read about how he saves some lives, it was obvious that them coming together would make for more interesting reading.

As we meet Jim, we learn that he is haunted by something horrible that haunts his nightmares and warns him of The Enemy's impending arrival.

When Holly wants to learn everything she can about him, she becomes stuck in his nightmares, forcing her to investigate his odd predictions and terrible dreams in order to rescue both of their lives.

Things go from amazing to bizarre in the middle of the book. You have no idea where the ending will lead you. Personally, I was pleased with the finish; it was wonderful while being out of the norm.

I liked that I didn't know what was going to happen next and that I couldn't predict the finale, which is unusual for me.

I enjoy it when a writer or actor breaks the boundaries, both in books and in films! For example my favorite Harrison Ford film is the one in which he plays the evil guy!

I'm not sure why people are so obsessed with deadlines. How much more enjoyable would the experience be if the author, painter, or whatever the case may be, did not have a deadline and could take their time perfecting their work? Consider some of the finest (or at least stunning) works that did not adhere to any timeline. The Sistine Chapel or China's Great Wall? What miracles could some of these great individuals do if they had unlimited resources and no time limitations?

According to Koontz in the afterword to a 2004 paperback reissue, he and an unknown filmmaker independently adapted the book into a screenplay. They then pitched the concept to several studios. Koontz was surprised that every CEO had the same idea: make the fictitious aliens in Ironheart's life story real. The project was never completed because they couldn't find someone who would support the script as-is and not demand revisions. Koontz is absolutely correct in his Afterword; one minor alteration in the screenplay would have given the film a D+ at best! Hopefully, someone out there understands this and steps forward to develop a film based on the book's tale. It was an enjoyable read.

This book was really nicely written in my opinion. It gets going quickly and holds me interested throughout. I've read practically all of Dean Koontz's works, and just a couple have ever disappointed me in technical ways, otherwise, all of them are great. This had several unexpected twists and turns, which I quite loved.

If you're a Dean Koontz fan or haven't read one of his books yet, this is a terrific introduction to his writing and great works.

Final Thoughts

I don't believe Cold Fire was much better or worse than other Koontz faves like Intensity or Watchers, but it was certainly entertaining! The author is able to blend the realm of reality with pure science fiction while still creating a plausible plot.

I appreciate how Koontz gets you like the characters and builds up the tale so you think you know what's going on, but then he deftly twists it around and nothing is as it appears. Then he makes you fear that the characters you care about won't make it out alive. I can't put it down because I adore it.

As stated in the first paragraph of this review, the novel is about two people: Jim Ironheart, who is mysteriously warned of impending accidents, and Holly Thorne, a reporter who had an experience with him and couldn't get him out of her head.

From the first page, Jim was a strong but brilliant and lovable figure who saved lives and captured female hearts. In a nice sense, it's unsettling. Mental instability is conveyed in a bizarre yet convincing way. A fantastic investigation of the power of the human imagination!

It's a real page-turner. Great idea, plot, suspense, and overall excellence. It's fantastic. I wholeheartedly suggest this book.

Synopsis

“A man on a mission must come to terms with his forgotten past in this gripping thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

In Portland, he saved a young boy from a drunk driver. In Boston, he rescued a child from an underground explosion. In Houston, he disarmed a man who was trying to shoot his own wife. Reporter Holly Thorne was intrigued by this strange quiet savior named Jim Ironheart. She was even falling in love with him. But what power compelled an ordinary man to save twelve lives in three months? What visions haunted his dreams? And why did he whisper in his sleep: There is an Enemy. It is coming. It’ll kill us all...?”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Holly Thorne, Jim And Holly, Jim Ironheart, Koontz Books, Koontz Novels, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Stephen King

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/The-Bad-Place-Kindle

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The Bad Place Review

Dean Koontz, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller

The Bad Place

Published: 1990

Author: Dean Koontz

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

Check the summary of this book here:

The Bad Place Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's horror book The Bad Place contains elements of horror, suspense, and mystery and is portrayed in part as a spin on the private eye narrative. Leave it to Dean Koontz to come up with new and unusual settings for his stories. This is one of those quick and simple readings. Koontz keeps his half of the agreement by always keeping the reader intrigued and wanting to know more. Mini mysteries and questions keep springing up, and you want to know the solutions. He introduces characters that you want to get to know and identify with. Both personally and socially.

In this story, the Dakotas are pitted against the Pollards. Koontz gets to touch on an aspect of biology that I have rarely seen in other stories with the Pollards. But I'm not going to say anything about it here.

The Dakotas symbolize the poor American family attempting to live a relatively normal existence, particularly for Julie's brother, who also has his own biological condition, Down's syndrome.

Within the numerous interwoven riddles brought on by brother Frank Pollard, the individuals all become entangled. Frank awakens in an alley, unsure of how he got there or who he is.

This is a fun book to read. Mr. Koontz, in my opinion, has surpassed many other authors as the finest horror, science fiction, and thriller writer living today. I admire Mr. Koontz's efforts to both educate and frighten his audience. Many times while reading his works, he inspires a frisson of enthusiasm. Some of his writings are on par with ancient literature. "The Taking" is my favorite of his books among many others. But I enjoy all of his work and have a library full of his Hardback, Paperback, Audiobook, and Kindle or digital copies. What a delight he provides to the reader who seeks an escape from the stresses of the world.

I'm a huge Dean Koontz fan who enjoys novels about vampires and other supernatural creatures. In my perspective, the true hero of this book is a young man with Down's syndrome.

The primary protagonists are a married couple who are saving money for their "dream." The wicked man is absolutely terrifying; as is his ill, horrible, sick family (their mother is to blame). I'm an animal lover, and I didn't enjoy the cats being used as psychological demons.

If you're the queasy kind, skip this story. This was a roller coaster trip that was both unsettling and horrifying at points. Similar to a Stephen King book. I really enjoyed this book but I am basically immune to being queasy.

I really enjoy this one, especially the superbly created, super creepy twin girls. I'm curious if the primary characters, husband, and wife private investigators Bobby and Julie, were named after Bobby Troup and Julie London.

There is never a dull minute in this novel. I believe that would make an excellent film. It contains nice guys and an enticing, yet terrifying, the tiny family of evil guys who are more than dysfunctional. There's action, love, mystery, sci-fi, and horror... so you never go overboard. It did come to an end soon, but I doubt I would have appreciated it any other way.

Warner Bros. obtained film rights to The Bad Place in 1990, according to Koontz in the Afterword of a 2004 paperback release. Don Johnson and his wife Melanie Griffith sought for the roles of Bobby and Julie Dakota. The screenplay was written by Koontz, and it generated a lot of talk within the studio until the then-studio boss judged it unclear, but the studio refused to sell the script back to Koontz.

Chuck Russell was hired to helm the picture in 1991, while Richard Jefferies wrote the screenplay. Lee Rich Productions would have produced the movie. However, Jefferies quit the project after three drafts, claiming "burnout." Andrew Wolk was hired as a writer after he left. This variant was likewise never realized.

It was written and took place in the early 1990s, and so much has changed since then that the reader is occasionally jarred by the thought "use your mobile phone!!" But Mr. Koontz is such a fantastic writer that he just takes you on great trips with his equally amazing and captivating characters, who keep you going because you have to know what happens to them. If you like Dean Koontz, you should read this book since it's a bizarre yet interesting novel.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those rare books that you hope never ends. It is quite tough to put down. From start to finish, it was thrilling.

I've yet to read a Dean Koontz novel that I didn't appreciate. It's the unsettling twist of strangeness that keeps you guessing how things will end out. There is never a dull page in this book, which is packed with captivating, loveable, and disgusting characters. But that is how practically all of this author's works are meant to be.

Do you need a good retreat as well as a moderate challenge? Pick up this book. It is remarkable in that the notion is so realistic, but could this happen? Thank you, Dean, for another amazing experience.

It's basically a classic Dean Koontz novel. He writes a fantastic tale that combines suspense, science fiction, horror, and a touch of romance. From start to finish, action. I've read nearly all of his works, and this is up there with Watchers, Lightning, Phantoms, and Strangers as one of his greatest. It's a little more than 400 pages long, but I couldn't put it down. I finished it in three days since I was reading many other novels at the same time, but I dedicated the majority of the third day and night to it. It is most definitely worth your and my time to read this book.

I love a good Dean Koontz novel. I find his writing style to be riveting and nail-biting, while yet being simple to read with few dull passages. This novel has a few unexpected twists and turns; you hardly know what to anticipate or where the characters would probably finish. I suggest it to everyone who likes scary literature as well as fast-paced tales.

It contains a lot of violence and sexual perversity, thus it's not appropriate for younger readers. But, in any case, it was an excellent read for me. If you can withstand the brutality, I strongly suggest this book.

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz delivers terrifying thrills in this novel about a man caught in a never-ending nightmare.

Frank Pollard is afraid to fall asleep. Every morning he awakes, he discovers something strange—like blood on his hands—a bizarre mystery that tortures his soul. Two investigators have been hired to follow the haunted man. But only one person—a young man with Down's syndrome—can imagine where their journeys might end. That terrible place from which no one ever returns...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Place, Bobby And Julie, Downs Syndrome, Ever Read, Frank Pollard, Great Book, Julie Dakota, Koontz Books, Roller Coaster, Years Ago

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Midnight-Kindle

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Midnight Review

Dean Koontz, American, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Horror, Literature, Political, Science Fiction, Spy, Suspense, Thriller

Midnight

Published: 1989

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Horror, Literature, Political, Science Fiction, Spy, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Midnight Summary

The Review

Midnight is a cross-genre novel written by Dean Koontz. Suspense, science fiction, a love tale, and horror are all present. Midnight, like many other Koontz works, is separated into sections. Part One: Along the Night Coast covers chapters one through fifty-seven. Part Two: Daybreak in Hades has 37 chapters but, like Part One, opens with its own 'Chapter One.' Part Three: The Night Belongs to Them, which opens with its own Chapter One and comprises forty-one chapters.

Midnight was Dean Koontz's first No. 1 hardback on the New York Times bestseller list. Even though I only intended to read a chapter or ten pages like I typically do with most novels, the day I got it and began reading it, that night became another amazing all-night read for me. Started at ten o'clock at night and was completed at five a.m. I was useless the next day since I was so sleepy, but I still read other novels because it is what I enjoy doing, so I was content.

Having said that, revisiting the novel many years later is still as fascinating and delightful as the first time. Because it's 4 a.m., my reading pace has also increased. This book introduced me to Dean Koontz in a new way, and it is still one of my favorites.

Midnight combines two classic plots: the excellent 1950s picture Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the classic H.G. Wells novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. And, fact, Koontz discusses both of them later in the narrative.

This book initially appeared in 1989. It went on to become a huge hit. It has an allegorical sense, as do many of the author's writings. Nonetheless, it's a fascinating horror story that combines several themes: technology, isolation, man's primal human desires, and the moral compass that most of us have. It's a classic horror story about good vs. evil.

It was impossible to put down! Excellent character development and tension, especially at the conclusion. It may even be worth a sequel.

A complicated narrative, with a wide range of characters, each with their own distinct personality, and a wonderful backdrop theme. It discusses human and humane principles, as well as what makes us human and what dehumanizes us. I rejoiced in the triumphs of the "non-converted" characters while fearing for their fate. I think it would make an excellent film with Dakota Fanning as the little girl! One of the greatest fiction (fiction?) novels I've ever read.

Moonlight Cove, a little coastal California community, is experiencing a rebirth in, of all things, murder. It appears that an unusually large number of its residents are being slaughtered and burned. Why is this the case? What exactly is going on? Sam Booker, an undercover FBI agent, is desperate to find out. What he discovers is beyond anyone's wildest dreams.

Because so much of the tale is fairly predictive in terms of technology, the book contains a plethora of awful situations that give the reader pause. The book takes the deterioration and desensitization of humanity through time and through nanotechnology to its logical conclusion.

The author definitely delivers enough food for thought, as well as some memorable characters and terrifying scenes. Fans of the author will undoubtedly like his new Afterword.

Midnight is both the start of evil and the end of hopelessness. This contradiction is seen in all of Koontz's writings, and as clichéd as it may seem, it is pleasant to leave the book feeling, as Koontz does, that kindness will win and love will triumph in the end.

The plot appears to foreshadow the fears expressed by other writers, that the creation of nanobots will be or maybe something that will destroy their creator (think of the TV series "Revolution") but not before causing actual physical changes in man, causing him to lose his "humanness" and become capable of terrifying things.

The presence of a "disabled" and unusual "hero" as well as a great, clever dog/ friend adds to the appeal and serves as a recurring central feature in later works. As a result, the narrative is no longer innovative, but it goes quickly and is an easy read, with characters that are both believable and, as a result, either terrifying (the evil guys) or lovable (the hero and heroines). This is suggested for horror fans who enjoy their horror with a hearty dosage of heart!

Final Thoughts

I was pleased that inside a thriller or horror story, there could be such a good message for people who take the time to reflect between the action sections.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around the idea that people could be perfected if they were freed of many of their emotions, becoming more like machines.

However, when humans are engineered in this way, their bodies and minds begin to physically fight back and fall into a more animalistic state where desires rule them completely.

Liberal Arts majors will recognize the Romantic response to the Rational Enlightenment, and those of a certain age will notice parallels to the film Altered States. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances and some of its supporters refer to humans as "wet robots," this book reminds us of the worth of life in all its defects and urges us not to worship the creature while ignoring the creator.

A fantastically well-crafted work of fiction. Amazing in today's technology, but who knows what the future holds? It is evident that Koontz has a solid handle on today's advancements in cyber technology, and he is confident that there will be future gains, as well as some setbacks as in Midnight.

I get the impression that Dean Koontz, particularly in Midnight, is writing a lot about himself: his views of life's purpose, his philosophy of religion, and philosophy in general. Both or and in opposition to his ideas he does this by what he makes his characters do and say.

It's simple to see why Midnight debuted at the top of the best-seller list when it was first released. I would suggest it to everyone since it was the greatest of Dean Koontz's work that I had read.

Synopsis

“Dean Koontz, the bestselling master of suspense, invites you into the shocking world of Moonlight Cove—where four unlikely survivors confront the darkest realms of human nature.

The citizens of Moonlight Cove, California, are changing. Some are losing touch with their deepest emotions. Others are surrendering to their wildest urges. And the few who remain unchanged are absolutely terrified—if not brutally murdered in the dead of night...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

FBI Agent, Island Of Dr Moreau, Koontz Books, Love Dean, Moonlight Cove, Page Turner, Sam Booker, Small Town, Stephen King, Strange Things, Vietnam Vet, Years Ago

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Midnight-Audible

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)