https://discord.com/invite/eTZuVZXycX https://www.facebook.com/Book.Reviews.by.Namsu https://www.instagram.com/namsu_corp https://www.pinterest.com/namsucorps https://www.reddit.com/r/Book_Reviews_by_Namsu https://alltop.com/my/Namsu https://twitter.com/NamsuCorp https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pSnAi4ji3dx8HWMpHmYBQ

Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts

The Vision Review

Dean Koontz, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

The Vision

Published: 1977
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Synopsis

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

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


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No comments:

The Face of Fear Review

Dean Koontz, Brian Coffey, American, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Face of Fear

Published: 1977
Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Brian Coffey)
Genre: American, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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


Synopsis

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

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

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


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No comments:

Odd Interlude Review

Dean Koontz, American, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Romance, Suspense, Thriller

Odd Interlude

Published: 2012
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
Book 4.1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Odd Interlude is a suspense thriller. A Special Odd Thomas Adventure is the title of this book. Its primary character defines it as a deviation from his journey's main arc. There are three intertwined storylines, comparable to John Saul's "Blackstone Chronicles." As others have pointed out, there are no earth-shattering revelations, yet the plot reads like an Odd Thomas story. The only significant drawback is that this should not be your first Odd Thomas story. It is necessary to be familiar with the character. In fact, I would recommend reading the previous four standard novels in order before diving into this one. If you're a fan of Odd Thomas, you'll want to add this to your collection.

Dean Koontz's writings, the prolific horror expert that he is, are included independently from the official series about so far seven Odd Thomas books. It was initially released as a three-part series of novellas before being printed in a single paperback volume. 

It was released among both Odd Apocalypse and Deeply Odd. However, it falls between Odd Hours and Odd Apocalypse in canon chronology and on the author's website. Simply said, it may be inserted as a chapter in the fifth Odd Thomas novel, taking place about 24 hours after the events of Odd Hours.

Odd Interlude takes off where Odd Hours left off. Odd and his new companion Annamaria, the golden retriever Raphael, and the white German shepherd ghost dog Boo are traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway from Magic Beach, California to Santa Barbara. 

A powerful pull, however, drives them to Harmony Corner, a little village with a café and homes for rent dating back to the late 1940s and early 1950s. Both Annamaria and Odd have a sneaking suspicion that something dark and wicked is lurking in the shadows of Harmony Corner. Unfortunately, Odd Thomas is likely to be the only one who can cope with it.

This book deviates from the norm in terms of Odd Thomas adventures, owing to its start as an e-book serial. Until recently, Odd's paranormal abilities—seeing dead people, psychic magnetism, the occasional prophetic dream, and so on—were mostly utilized to ward off just mortal creatures. 

His abilities have enabled him to stay alive while eliminating wicked individuals before they can carry out their intentions to bring even more widespread death. 

He foiled a plot to shoot up and bomb a retail mall. He rescued a prisoner from a witch and her kooky followers. He saved a school of monks, nuns, and crippled children from a murderous experiment by a crazy doctor. And he foiled a plot to bomb many American cities and utilize the resulting turmoil to take over the country. 

Though the mysterious power that keeps pulling him from crisis to crisis has been picking up speed and magnitude like an avalanche—though Odd very reasonably suspects that he won't be able to survive much longer—he can take solace in the fact that, aside from his psychic powers, he has only had to deal with normal human wickedness.

As with any Dean Koontz work, the writing is razor-sharp, the conversation is natural, the character development is deep and in-depth, and the plot keeps you wondering until the shocking conclusion. 

However, with Odd Thomas, the author has created a really distinctive character that talks to millions of his admirers and is even the inspiration for an Odd Thomas film. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Odd Thomas is the sort of character you wish you could meet in real life. Forget about his fluffy pancakes; this young man is someone you could sit down with and talk about life and how the very nature of it is amazing and awe-inspiring. That would be a great way to spend the day.

I adore this series, and this was a nice read while readers wait for the final book in the series Saint Odd to be released (it is already released.) 

However, because of the brief length of this novel, there isn't much lead in to develop the other characters; instead, the adventure begins immediately and unravels swiftly. 

Though it was intended to fill in the gaps and offer readers a taste of the popular novels if you're a fan, it's a good read, but it won't make sense if you haven't read the prior books to understand Odd Thomas's backstory.


Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic little interlude between two Odd Thomas books. It's a fun diversion, in my opinion. Odd encounters some strange people. 

One "character" is an artificial intelligence dubbed "Ed," who has a sense of humor. Jolie Harmony, a little girl of 12 with knowledge beyond her years, is by far the most endearing character. 

Odd is once more the "doer of good acts," as the Wizard of Oz would put it. He's been lured to Harmony Corners to assist in ridding the Harmonies of something that has been tormenting them for years.

Odd Interlude, in the Odd Thomas series, did not disappoint. Odd's or Koontz's comedy, in my opinion, is becoming more political and incisive all the time. 

Though he does not explicitly state his political beliefs, there is a distinct DC flavor to his always-entertaining, usually laugh-out-loud amusing narration. 

In this story, though, I felt it was hurried and shortened in an attempt to keep it short while still offering his customary ambiguous finish that leaves his audience thinking about what occurs next. 

Because this story is sandwiched between two previously published Odd Thomas pieces, it was first unsettling, but the adjustment was swift and never proved to be a major distraction. 

Though I think he went a bit too far in explaining why the people from this book aren't mentioned in the novel that follows. That had a rough edge that needed to be sanded down.

Overall, Koontz is still the type of novelist that other writers despise. No one should be that good, but he is. 

A one-off installment in the Odd Thomas series. You never know where a Koontz novel will lead you, as he does with many of his works. 

It begins as a spooky mystery and quickly transitions into Sci-Fi. Koontz is a master of both genres and more. 

This installment into Odd's tale was once only available in digital form, making it easy to overlook. Even if you've finished the rest of the series, this is worth revisiting.


Synopsis

"Odd Interlude, Dean Koontz’s New York Times bestselling three-part digital series—now in one volume for the first time.

THERE’S ROOM AT THE INN. BUT YOU MIGHT NOT GET OUT.

Nestled on a lonely stretch along the Pacific coast, quaint roadside outpost Harmony Corner offers everything a weary traveler needs—a cozy diner, a handy service station, a cluster of cottages . . . and the Harmony family homestead presiding over it all. But when Odd Thomas and company stop to spend the night, they discover that there’s more to this secluded haven than meets the eye—and that between life and death, there is something more frightening than either."


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Another Great, Forward To The Next, Fry Cook, Good Read, Harmony Corner, Looking Forward, Page Turner, Thomas Series


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No comments:

You Are Destined to Be Together Forever Review

Dean Koontz, Fantasy, Murder, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

You Are Destined to Be Together Forever

Published: 9, December 2014
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Fantasy, Murder, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Book 6.1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever is the second novella and eighth text in Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series. Dean Koontz once again provides a suspenseful story that will keep you riveted to the page. In the conclusion, it's fast-paced and spellbinding. The regular Joe balances out the otherworldly evil. Even though it is only the size of a chapter of a normal-sized book, this one practically begs for a sequel.

You may argue that this modest contribution is unnecessary because Odd and Stormy readers have read about this unique incident in each of the Odd Thomas books, with varying amounts of detail but always the same depth of passion. 

However, being able to share it with them makes it much more special, as if Odd and Stormy intentionally requested us to accompany them as they cement this very important pact between the two of them. 

It's especially satisfying to be present when their destiny is disclosed for the first time since it will sustain us when we miss them, just as it will for Odd in the sequels to come.

I might be a little prejudiced. I've been a long-time admirer of Dean Koontz's stories since I first discovered them half a lifetime ago. 

Anyway, back to Odd Thomas and this fantastic fast read... I absolutely adore this entire series. Koontz didn't write a lot of serial work before this, but these are highly worth reading. But keep in mind that he has a couple more series that I will be reviewing in the near future.

It serves as a recap and prequel to the first Odd Thomas novel. It is a very brief novella intended as a filler to remind readers who may have forgotten how it all began, in preparation for the great conclusion to the series, Saint Odd, which arrived just a few months later. 

Actually, I found it and read it halfway through Saint Odd in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. It has some intriguing nuggets about Odd and Stormy when they were both 16 and went to the carnival where they received the fatal "You are meant to be together forever" fortune, but don't anticipate any huge discoveries or fresh insights.

If you're alright with a Star Wars-style chronology in which you get to the meat and potatoes of a series first, then travel back to learn how it all started, then you won't mind reading this short narrative. 

However, if you like to do things in chronological order from the character's point of view, read this first. Then, Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd, Odd Hours, Odd Interlude, Odd Apocalypse, Deeply Odd, and Saint Odd will follow. There are also several graphic novels that precede Odd Thomas.

These volumes are written in the first person as a memoir of this imaginary character, which is unusual for Koontz and makes for a quick, delightful read. 

Odd is the series' crown gem, but some of his companions along the journey are charming, unexpected, and bizarrely entertaining. They are consistently engaging and difficult to put down. 

Even though this is the beginning of the story for these people, and it is all but the final book in the series with foresight, it was still a gripping read that you should read for yourself.

I read this short story right before reading Saint Odd but stopped and started reading Saint Odd but in the middle I started reading it again. It's heartbreaking to think that I'll be turning the final page of that final book very soon.

Unlike one friend who argued that this short tale was nothing more than an advertisement for the Odd series, I am quite certain that the short appeared before the novels. 

I am also confident that the series does not require any extra promotion beyond Mr. Koontz's reputation and the enjoyment the series has offered to so many people. 

I truly like his thoughts woven together as if they were an expensive and precious tapestry made from the rarest strands and the richest hues.

Mr. Koontz and his books are highly recommended to anybody who can read. The joy of reading surpasses the annoyance of daily life.

This short novella has everything that has made Odd Thomas one of the most beloved fictional heroes since the publication of the first book in the series. 

The fortuneteller's card that guaranteed Odd and Stormy will always be together remained a constant throughout the entire series. Now, Koontz provides Odd lovers with a beautiful narrative that is precisely what it says it is: the happenings of that tragic night.

Odd and Stormy are traveling to the carnival with Elvis Presley's lingering ghost in the backseat when a second lingering spirit disrupts their plans and leads them on an unexpected and perilous detour. 

Odd and Stormy are only teens, but his "quirks" and her harsh upbringing have taught them that "real evil roamed the earth" — Which makes them worry if they can securely sail this treacherous voyage known as life together. This short tale is expertly used by Koontz to build up the events of the last novel Saint Odd in this series.


Final Thoughts

Dean Koontz's short stories are usually entertaining. This is especially true as he's going to deliver the Odd Thomas conclusion and tell us about a narrative that has been hinted at in all the other novels. 

This is a fantastic short for any Odd Thomas fan and should not be missed! It starts with Odd and Stormy on their way to the Pico Mundo carnival. 

Odd, of course, lives up to his name, and they become involved in supernatural happenings that allow Odd and Stormy to join up and remind us delightfully and cruelly of their amazing connection and the depth of its loss.

Dean Koontz is a terrific five-star author, as you undoubtedly already know. This brief prequel about Odd and his girlfriend Stormy will finish before it really begins, at least that's how it appeared to me when I read it. 

In some ways, this short narrative didn't contribute much to what had already been discussed in the majority of the Odd Thomas pieces about the two. 

That's why I only gave this tale ninety points, as if it matter, but it was still a fun new story. However, right at the start of "You Are Destined to Be Together Forever," Koontz throws in a new little adventure that I don't recall seeing in the series previously. 

It's truly exclusively for fans, of which I am one. It was a buck well spent, but I suggest you get Saint Odd as soon as possible. It's fantastic.


Synopsis

The following synopsis is taken from the Audiobook version of this story.
“This exclusive audiobook short story looks back - way back - to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever.

Amid the dizzying rides, tantalizing games of chance, and fanciful attractions of a state fair, two teenage sweethearts on the cusp of life and love's pleasures find their way to a shadowy carnival tent brimming with curiosities. There, from the bizarre and enthralling Gypsy Mummy, a mechanized merchant of dreams and prognosticator of tomorrows, the young couple learns what fate promises for them. But fate, for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, is something altogether different: full of dark corners, sharp edges, and things no seer or soothsayer could ever anticipate.

And for Odd Thomas, a gallant fry cook from a sleepy California desert town, the future beckons - to listen to unquiet spirits, pursue unsettling mysteries, and learn shocking truths...for a purpose far greater than himself.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Destined To Be Together, Final Book, Gypsy Mummy, Last Book, Looking Forward, Odd And Stormy, Quick Read, Short Story, Thomas Series, Together Forever


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No comments:

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.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Addison Timlin, Anton Yelchin, Dead People, Fry Cook, Fungus Man, Highly Recommend, Howard Kaplan, John Baldecchi, Looking Forward, Nico Tortorella, Patton Oswalt, Pico Mundo, Rlj Entertainment, Sees Dead, Sixth Sense, Stephen Sommers, Thomas Series, Well Written, Willem Dafoe, Young Man


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Odd Thomas (2014) (16+)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No comments:

Cell Review

Stephen King, Action, Adventure, Apocalyptic, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Murder, Psychic, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller, Zombie

Cell

Published: 24, January 2006
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Action, Adventure, Apocalyptic, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Murder, Psychic, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller, Zombie

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's Cell is a post-apocalyptic zombie horror book. The plot revolves around a New England artist who is attempting to reunite with his young kid after a strange signal transmitted over the global mobile phone network transforms the bulk of his fellow humans into mindless savage beasts or zombies. This novel contains and also has the potential to promote technophobia in persons who already have a fear of technology.

The screenplay was written by Stephen King himself, and he modified a few things for the film, so I can't put the differences on anybody else, but it wasn't a poor adaptation in my opinion, just not as detailed as a book can be, so watch it after reading the book, or vice versa. 

The film is only adequate, and it is not as horrible as many people believe; I would classify it as an above-average zombie film with a technological twist and it is watchable even by those who are not lovers of zombie films.

We follow a group of unaffected 'normies' as they try to do what characters in zombie flicks do: figure out what's going on, go after those they care about, and survive.

When compared to the general fiction industry, Cell is a solid thriller. There are some extremely dramatic and scary moments, particularly the destruction in the immediate aftermath of the Pulse and the phoners' strange conduct as the Pulse's effects intensify. 

However, when compared to previous Stephen King novels, it was not awful, but some people may not enjoy it because of the pacing and other events, but for me and many other fans, it will be like a mix between The Stand and The Road.

The post-apocalyptic novel has already been done by King, and it's difficult to imagine how you could match 'The Stand' as a scary character-based thriller in such a context. 

Cell required such treatment to function, with lengthy backstories and layers of information to show us how the world has evolved. 

I kept expecting to be set up for a parody on contemporary technologies and their impact on our culture. 

What could be more obvious than turning Smartphone users into aggressive, gibbering idiots? Instead, King moved towards the manner of 'The Road,' a minimalist work in which mood is more essential than telling a great plot. The cellphone ends up being nothing more than a zombie-creating instrument.

This novel is basically The Stand, The Road, a little bit of 28 Days Later, several zombie movies, and a lot of King's superb knack for crafting a wonderful narrative all combined together. 

As usual, King's distinctive depiction of human connection and realistic, one-of-a-kind, daily speech make it a short, simple, and enjoyable read.

I was immensely delighted, but Cell has so many of the classic King themes prevalent in his past works that we end up with a somewhat predictable story of what happens when practically everyone on the globe turns insane save for a select few.

By predictable, I mean King's telepathic addiction, dreams coming true, young teens with adult wit and sophistication, and the main character being a writer or artist. 

Make no mistake, Cell is written with Stephen King's wonderful ability to weave an intense, violent thriller that keeps you turning the pages, so regardless of what anyone thinks, it is still a terrific book if you know how Stephen King writes.

I'm a huge admirer of George Romero. I'm also a great fan of Richard Matheson. To my view, the greatest that both have made represents some of the craziest, spookiest material ever, and if industry ever gets its game together to film I Am Legend correctly, it will be a massive box office success.

Having said that, Stephen King's book, Cell, is dedicated to both men, which is understandable.

The first half of the book is a great experience. It's similar to The Stand, but without the religious overtones. The survivors are on the road in an attempt to locate one of their group's youngsters.

That's the basic setup. There's a lot that comes from that simple concept, and it's rather captivating. The Stand became trimmer and tougher somewhere along the road. 

He's shed some of the baggage that came with his Dark Tower series, which could have easily been reduced into two solid volumes instead of seven lengthy ones for certain non-readers or casual readers. 

In my perspective, he can write anything and still have readers buy and read it, which is why he can write as long and as much as he wants, which I don't mind because I am also turning into him. 

What I mean is that he didn't go wild and overwrite this narrative into a thousand-page tome; instead, he kept it brief for his standards, and I was still going to adore it even if it was a gigantic book. 

This is another of his apocalyptic stories, and I know many of the people I know and see would not have lasted a moment in the world he's constructed. 

The fact that mobile phones transmit the problem hits it home. I think what he did with the not-so-clear explanation and not concentrating on the science of this stuff was a brilliant move, since he left it up to the readers to figure out what and why it happened. 

I have an idea, but describing it here would ruin the tale and take away the enjoyment for the readers. I am open to inquiries and will respond if someone wishes to discuss or ask me what I think about it.


Final Thoughts

I know individuals who despise Cell, but I'm sure I'm not the only one that likes it! And the reasons are simple: I love post-apocalyptic fiction, the raw emotion poured out on the page, and zombie-related stuff, plus it shows the reality of the mindless masses that are just glued to their screens and are turning into shells of themselves who are basically blind to everything that is going on around them. 

The characters right down to Rafe the cat, have a genuine aspect about them that makes you care about them. 

Reading about Alice will undoubtedly make you feel something, but I can't explain what because of spoilers.

The ending, for me, is mixed with both hope and, since I don't want to use the other word, I'll use hope again because I selected the good things and happiness above the sadness, but it was all left up to the reader to decide, as with many works by Stephen King and other creative authors like him.

I believe it's a terrific book, and it does a great job of having you wonder what the hell is going on at moments. 

Even though I stated that it is a zombie narrative, it is not your typical zombie apocalypse story; the story and world-building are unique and wonderfully done! 

The adventure was fantastic, and the characters, particularly Alice and Jordan, were superb. 

The finale was not what I had expected, not that I knew what it would be, but I had a few notions of where it would go in general. 

Even if the finale wasn't great, it wasn't terrible either. It was just what it was. Excellent book, which I would strongly suggest to everyone who enjoys reading.


Synopsis

“From international bestseller Stephen King, a high-concept, ingenious and terrifying story about the mayhem unleashed when a pulse from a mysterious source transforms all cell phone users into homicidal maniacs.

There’s a reason cell rhymes with hell.

On October 1, God is in His heaven, the stock market stands at 10,140, most of the planes are on time, and Clayton Riddell, an artist from Maine, is almost bouncing up Boylston Street in Boston. He’s just landed a comic book deal that might finally enable him to support his family by making art instead of teaching it. He’s already picked up a small (but expensive!) gift for his long-suffering wife, and he knows just what he’ll get for his boy Johnny. Why not a little treat for himself? Clay’s feeling good about the future.

That changes in a hurry. The cause of the devastation is a phenomenon that will come to be known as The Pulse, and the delivery method is a cell phone. Everyone’s cell phone. Clay and the few desperate survivors who join him suddenly find themselves in the pitch-black night of civilization’s darkest age, surrounded by chaos, carnage, and a human horde that has been reduced to its basest nature...and then begins to evolve.

There’s really no escaping this nightmare. But for Clay, an arrow points home to Maine, and as he and his fellow refugees make their harrowing journey north they begin to see crude signs confirming their direction. A promise, perhaps. Or a threat...

There are 193 million cell phones in the United States alone. Who doesn’t have one? Stephen King’s utterly gripping, gory, and fascinating novel doesn’t just ask the question “Can you hear me now?” It answers it with a vengeance.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Brian Witten, Cell Phone, Character Development, Clayton Riddell, Dark Tower, George Romero, Isabelle Fuhrman, Richard Saperstein, John Cusack, Living Dead, Main Characters, Michael Benaroya, Page Turner, Raggedy Man, Salems Lot, Samuel L. Jackson, Shara Kay, Tod Williams, Tower Series, Viacom


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Cell (2016) (R)

Bag of Bones Season 1 (2012) (13+)

Dolores Claiborne (1995) (R)

It (1990) (R)

It (2017) (R)

It Chapter Two (2019) (R)

Needful Things (1993) (R)

Desperation (2006) (16+)

Silver Bullet (1985) (R)

The Tommyknockers (1993) (M)

Christine (1983) (R)

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Follow This Blog