The Eyes of Darkness Review

The Eyes of Darkness

Published: 10, May 1981

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)

Genre: Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Eyes of Darkness Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense thriller novel The Eyes of Darkness follows a woman on a mission to discover whether her son actually died one year ago, or whether he is still alive. An engaging, exciting, suspenseful tale first published under the alias Leigh Nichols in which 'evil' is vanquished by a mother's love.

I appreciate pure thrillers, suspense, and crime, as well as light read romances, literary classics or otherwise, works that deal with life in general and how people live it, with its challenges, choices, ethical concerns, and so on.

As a result, reading this was ideal for me. It has exactly the right amount of suspense to get my heart racing, but not to the point where my blood pressure rises, which isn't good for anybody. It contains only a smidgeon of romance, and the paranormal element works for me as well.

The story discusses a bioweapon known as Gorki-400 after the Soviet city of Gorki, where it was developed. Because of the Cold War's conclusion, the provenance of the bioweapon was shifted to the Chinese city of Wuhan, and it was dubbed Wuhan-400 for the 1989 edition, forward generating conjecture from some in early 2020 that Koontz had somehow foreseen coronavirus outbreak in 2019 known as COVID-19. 

And when I heard about Wuhan and the emergence of a virus called COVID-19, I recalled this book and the virus called Wuhan-400, and then I remembered my own words about some of these great authors, that they must be time travelers or have knowledge of the future.

I kind of read it again because of the allusion to the current pandemic in Wuhan, China, but it isn't quite what social media portrays it to be. I'm happy I read that instead of fretting about Covid-19 since I really loved it. 

I identified with the mother's character. The fact that the narrative is about a woman and her child appeals to me. In addition, I like debating conspiracy theories.

As a writer, I aspire to write blockbusters like this one day, if not Little Women or To Kill a Mockingbird.

But, first and foremost, do not expect too much association with the Wuhan Covid virus, or you will be disappointed. Aside from that, the story is jam-packed with tension, a humorous premise, and intriguing paranormal activity. 

I liked how the youngster communicated, even though it was a little strange at times. Whereas Tina and Eliott's relationships appeared to be a fad, they hardly had time to be together as a couple since they were partners in the kid's rescue.

The Eyes of Darkness is a reworked version of Koontz's earlier novel. I had never heard of the novel, Leigh Nichols, or Dean Koontz because I was still a child. I came upon Watchers and tried to locate anything else he'd written. Like many others, I became a fan. This is the fifth book he has reprinted under the Nichols name that has been revised and somewhat altered to be more relevant in the twenty-first century, according to him.

It's a real delight. While there were a few stumbling blocks, the plot, heroes, villains, minor characters, locales, and conversation were all engaging without being unduly wordy. 

This was the Koontz I knew from the beginning. Not the present fashion of publishing two novels every year. I discovered paragraphs ranging in length from two phrases to a full-page, describing anything from chilly, short winter days to the odors of a small-town restaurant to the evergreens on a snow-capped peak. You feel as though you may have entered the universe that his imagination had constructed for you. You could sense the mother's distress, befuddlement, and eventual rage: she was the Ripley from Aliens before there was an Aliens Ripley.

The Eyes of Darkness is a decent science fiction/thriller novel. It takes place in modern-day Nevada. The language used is contemporary conversational English. It is modest in length. 

The second time around, I listened to an audiobook instead of reading the book. I was able to follow much of it; however, I had to re-listen to places when there is a lot of description of the landscape. The narrative is of high quality.

I've read practically all of Dean Koontz's novels, but the most recent ones I've read or listened to are Funhouse, Whispers, The Voice Of The Night, and now The Eyes of Darkness. I liked the first two novels, but they were different in that they contained more brutal crime and abysmal despair. This story is more of a science fiction/thriller novel, and while it is gloomy at points, there are also bright moments and some romance, but they are all fantastic as novels of different genres.

From the first page of The Eyes of Darkness, I was hooked. I was not let down. My only hope is that there was a method to transfer this author's novels from paper to screen while keeping his storylines intact and faithful to his objectives.

According to author Dean Koontz in the afterword of a 2008 paperback edition, television producer Lee Rich bought the rights to the book, as well as The Face of Fear, Darkfall, and a fourth unidentified novel, for a television series based on Koontz's writings. 

Ann Powell and Rose Schacht, co-writers of Drug Wars: The Camarena Story, were supposed to write The Eyes of Darkness, but they were never able to provide a satisfactory script. Finally, The Face of Fear is the only one of the four books that has been adapted into a television film.

Final Thoughts

Excellent read - extremely frightening that this was published in 1981 and foreshadowed what is occurring now!

I should clarify that this work was brought to my notice at this time since it mentioned a virus and a specific city, Wuhan, in China. That, I discovered, is only an incremental part of the tale, and while it is a fascinating, and even fantastic, coincidence, it is not really what the story is about. I despise writing anything that may ruin someone else's reading experience. I just mention this in case someone wants to read this article right now for that reason.

This is by far my favorite so far. I can see his growth as an author. Except for the purposes of comparison and contrast, I think the last two books I've read are not on this level even though they are already great masterpieces.

This is a book I strongly recommend. It's a classic Koontz thriller that won't let you down.

Synopsis

“A mother’s greatest wish—or darkest nightmare—comes true in this chilling thriller from the Master of Suspense, Dean Koontz.

“Koontz puts his readers through the emotional wringer.” –The Associated Press

In the year since her son Danny’s tragic death, Tina Evans has suffered incredible heartache. But now, with her Vegas show about to premiere, Tina might be ready to put her grief behind her and start over.

Until a shocking message appears on the chalkboard in Danny's room: NOT DEAD. Those two words send her on a terrifying journey from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the cold shadows of the High Sierras, where she uncovers a terrible secret.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Conspiracy Theories, Good Book, Good Read, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Las Vegas, Leigh Nichols, Odd Thomas, Son Danny, Tina Evans

Rating: 85/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Voice of the Night Review

The Voice Of The Night

Published: 1980

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Brian Coffey)

Genre: Coming Of Age, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Voice Of The Night Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's work The Voice of the Night was published under the pen name Brian Coffey. Mr. Koontz is an entertainer's entertainer. I suppose I've read almost all of his writings. I must have liked them since I kept returning. However, after 5 to 7 works by Koontz, you begin to discover a pattern. There's usually a heroic hero, a lovely heroine, and a dog. You are always welcome, and while it may appear repetitive, it is not, and you must read to comprehend the power of words. This novel and its companion short story deviated from the norm while preserving the author's great writing style. That is very enjoyable.

I was never a fan of books with children as the main protagonists, even as a child, since I believed some of the things they did were impossible until I started reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz, simply read IT by Stephen King or Firestarter, and this one was still really excellent. 

Because there is so much dialogue in this story, it only took a few days to read. Koontz, as always, does an excellent job of explaining everything from the vital aspects to the fundamental surroundings. He clearly puts thought into almost everything he says. 

There does appear to be one common flaw in many of his writings, and that is his fondness for mature and occasionally perverted themes and scenarios. This is vital to the tale to some extent, although it appears to be uncontrolled with Koontz. It's as though he feels compelled to include anything in order for the novel to mature at some time. It was just this narrative that I could grasp since it is used to portray a character's morals, yet it is not in some cases. 

But when I think about it with an open mind, it becomes clear that he sometimes does it to prove to the readers that a character is pure evil and in some cases, the extent of love two characters have for each other, but again, using adult content can be a double-edged sword and many readers may not like it, but on the other hand, many readers like it in any form possible, so it all comes down to the readers' preference. 

That, along with the fact that he seldom manages to create a narrative without some form of romance, gives the impression that he is making an attempt to include something for every type of reader. 

There are better Koontz books out there, but this one is still worth reading. Just be ready for some depravity. After saying that, I must reiterate that I adore this method of attempting to write something that will appeal to every reader's taste, but it still creates a problem of choice, since some may enjoy or despise the style. But I'm satisfied, and I know a lot of folks who adore Dean Koontz's work.

Dean Koontz's works are always genuinely rewarding and pleasant. This was an older book, and I had heard that it was a simple book with a simple tale, so I wanted to see it for myself. 

What I discovered was a gently developing tension that culminated in an unexpected ending. I stayed up all night reading the book because it is stunning. 

I've previously read all of Koontz's works since the beginning of his writing career, so as I wait for his latest, I've been reading some of the earlier books and revisiting the current ones. 

Mr. Koontz has brought me so much delight, suspense, and insight throughout the years! In addition to the narrative, which has brought hours of entertainment, I generally uncover a deeper meaning. 

Fortunately, I'm constantly reading the latest books by great authors and sometimes not-so-great authors, and I'm hoping he'll have written another before I complete the current ones I'm reading. I honestly don't know how people live without loving Dean Koontz's writings!!!

This novel and its companion short tale broke the usual pattern while maintaining the superb writing style. Very entertaining. Yes, the style was distinct. It didn't always read like Dean Koontz. And any novel that begins, "Have you murdered anything?" with two adolescent lads makes you uncomfortable. You initially wonder, "Do I even want to read it?" But you should read it if you're like me and many other readers who love Dean Koontz and Stephen King for their insane ideas and stories with twists that will blow your mind. But I still encourage you to take a chance. It's worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

I almost quit reading this novel because I felt it was taking me somewhere I didn't want to go, and I was planning to read it ten pages a day, but then I thought, let's read a bit more, and it turned out to be a perfect decision! 

As I read further, I understood that the author was narrating an age-old narrative, and I thoroughly loved it! Great narrative, well-crafted, and the sad aspect is that it reveals mankind's actual character!

Overall, this is a terrific novel with intriguing characters and enough narrative to keep you engaged from beginning to end. The nicest aspect is how simple I found it to identify to the characters and scenario since it could happen to anybody. 

I found myself seriously despising Colin's mother. It's simple to see where she's coming from, but I practically wanted to step into the book and urge her to quit speaking and listen for a change. 

She may be the lesser of two evils in Colin's situation, but she is just as awful a parent as Colin's father. 

Roy was excellent as the "evil guy." As several of my reader friends have pointed out, it's easy to despise him while yet feeling sorry for him. Except for the murderous aspect, he reminds me of a lot of youngsters I've known throughout the years. 

The "accident back story" might be difficult to read as a parent, but it is essential to the storyline progression. 

My only criticism of this book is its finale. I understand why Koontz chose that ending, but it leaves the reader hanging. It would be fascinating to hear how the other characters are resolved, such as the Colin-Mother problem, where Colin and Heather go from there, and, of course, what happens to Roy. 

We'll never know because this novel was written a long time ago with no sequel. But don't worry, it's a full plot; you simply have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks for the minor characters, just like any movie or book with a straightforward finale.

This book reminds me of some of Stephen King's early works. We are aware of the presence of evil greater than that which we have confronted. 

The short tale "Silence" adds significantly to the worth of this story and was a welcome addition. This is a highly recommended read!

Synopsis

This cult favorite coming-of-age suspense includes a BONUS short story “Silence,” on Kindle!

“A fearsome tour of an adolescent's psyche. Terrifying, knee-knocking suspense.” - Chicago Sun-Times

“Hair-raising from cover to cover.” - Houston Chronicle

#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz gives new meaning to blood brothers in this chilling audiobook of friendship gone awry.

No one could understand why Colin and Roy were best friends. Colin was so shy; Roy was so popular. Colin was fascinated by Roy - and Roy was fascinated by death. Then one day, Roy asked his timid friend: “You ever killed anything?”

From that moment on, the two were bound together in a game too terrifying to imagine - and too irresistible to stop.

NOW WITH BONUS SHORT STORY “SILENCE”

30 years later...the story continues with the spine-tingling follow-up “Silence.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Blood Brothers, Easy To Read, Edge Of Your Seat, Killed Anything, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Page Turner, Santa Leona, Year Old, Years Ago

Rating: 85/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Whispers Review

Whispers

Published: April 1980

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Adult, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Parenting, psychological, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Whispers Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Whispers is a suspense thriller. It was the first of Koontz's novels to reach the New York Times Best Seller list, and it is largely regarded as the book that launched his career as a best-selling novelist. The novel was also turned into a film of the same name in 1990. The film was bizarre. Unlike the book. I like the book, but it terrified me. The film was simply bizarre. The acting was mediocre. It lacked belief, emotion, and realism. They could have done so much better than the finished outcome. Still, the film was passable. Unfortunately, the youngster in the film performed poorly. But then, so were the grownups, and even the bugs were bad actors. 

Despite being scheduled for a theatrical release, the picture was released direct to video in the United States via Live Home Video. In 2012, the film was re-released on DVD under the label Scorpion. I've included a link to the movie at the conclusion of the review, but it may not be available in all countries, so double-check the information on the website you'll arrive at after clicking the link.

Unfortunately, I cannot suggest it to young readers since numerous extended adult paragraphs, scenes, and explanatory passages, particularly in the second half, make for difficult reading.

Though if like me, you enjoy being a witness to the development of a good writer into a great one, and you enjoy the intimacy of that experience, even if it is shared with millions of other readers, you should read "Whispers." The narrative is fascinating intellectually, but the clumsy language makes it less pleasant than many other Koontz stories.

It's not a good introduction for anyone who hasn’t yet learned to enjoy the fantastic rides that his later works provide. I'd want to see a revised and re-edited edition of the book. 

The narrative line is highly intriguing, and the two major protagonists were beautifully done. However, the conversation and explicit scenes had me practically shouting to myself as to why Koontz was writing such ridiculous dialect and too detailed adult material that was characterized as a cheap paperback one would buy in an adult book store. 

Regardless of how original and intriguing the narrative was, these two factors seriously undermined the work. Perhaps the author was doing it for the purpose of the plot, as an experiment, or simply to attract new readers to his novels. I'm not sure, but I believe it hurts more when someone is unable to publicly discuss a book, even if it was excellent, but, it contained adult content.

However, even after saying these things, I must state that they are solely meant for novice readers and/or non-fans; otherwise, it was a fantastic work for fans and readers who enjoy reading large volumes.

Hilary struck me as a fairly strong character. She understands what she wants and how to care for herself, but this is also her weakness.

Minor imperfections were there, but they did not detract from the action. The ancient mansion was situated on a somewhat inaccessible position, so how did they transport workers and goods up there? 

Regardless of Katherine's intricate narrative, in a small town, there would always be one or two nosy neighbors with suspicions, and there would have to be some chatter. 

I'm also not certain that an experienced detective would have allowed himself and two civilians to stroll into a potentially violent scenario or enter a property where there was possible evidence in a live crime investigation, even only to air it out.

Nonetheless, these did not distract from the story's overall suspense. It was a suspense novel, not a study of police procedures or actual crime.

It was amusing, if readers viewed the movie first, the novel will fill up many gaps. and many aspects from the film that brought the tale together.

It's not as fantastic as some of Koontz's later works like my favorites The Key To Midnight and Intensity, but it's still highly fascinating, twisted, dark, strange, and intriguing.

Dean Koontz has us on the edge of our seats, chewing our nails yet again. The suspense builds until I can't take it anymore. Nonetheless, he manages to construct a villain who is so shattered that I end up feeling sad for him.

The first third of the book moved slowly and took me a few days to finish. When it finally began moving, it accelerated. The narrative was fairly predictable, and I recognized how everything was going to play out around the time the speed picked up. 

Even though it was predictable, it kept my attention to the conclusion. There was too much explicit content for my tastes, but that's just my opinion. I don't like romance in thrillers, but this was far too graphic for me, and if I wanted that, I'd read a corny romance novel. As previously stated, I still recommend this book.

Final Thoughts

Only a few authors, like Dean Koontz, can make you sympathize with a nasty serial murderer. Everyone has a history, and for many people, child abuse had a role in shaping who they are. A variation on the divided personality.

Only around three pages into the narrative did it start to get very interesting! Needless to say, this was not your typical stalker tale!!! It began with a more spooky and sci-fi vibe and quickly took off! This one's storyline was right up there with the greatest! This was fantastic and, after all, classic Koontz! It did take a couple of chapters for things to pick up, which is NOT usual of Koontz! 

He usually has you hooked inside the first two pages! "What's going on here?" I kept asking myself throughout the story. What is he up to? 

He was creating an odd, bizarre, and captivating plot. This one is both innovative and intriguing. This is classic Koontz, who, as his admirers know, is extraordinary!!!! 

So, what can I say about this book that is appropriate? To begin with, it boasts one of the finest villains I've ever read about. He's not just psychotic and nasty, but in the end, you understand he's also a victim. You genuinely feel bad for him.

The other characters are equally excellent. They're all of them. It's unusual not to dislike a single character in a novel.

The narrative follows. Simply said, it's a fantastic narrative. Very nicely told and written. Add in a fantastic cast of characters, and you have one heck of a novel.

I've read practically everything Koontz has written, and this is by far one of his greatest. The others, Shattered and Watchers, were not awful; in fact, they were pretty good as well, but not on the same level as this magnificent work. Simply said, this is a must-read.

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz “pulls out all the stops” (Publishers Weekly) in this haunting psychological thriller...

For thirty-five years, Bruno Frye has lived in the shadow of the adopted mother who made his heart beat with constant fear. And even though she died five years ago, the whispers still haunt him in the dark...enough to make him kill—and kill again.

Hilary Thomas is one of his intended victims. And she’s about to learn that even death can’t keep a bad man down...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bruno Frye, Don Carmody, Douglas Jackson, Edge Of My Seat, Even Though, Ever Read, Filmrise, Great Book, Hilary Thomas, Jean Leclerc, John Dunning, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Second Time, Victoria Tennant, Well Written, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Whispers (1990) (R)

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The Funhouse Review

The Funhouse

Published: 1980

Author: Dean Koontz (written as Owen West)

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

Check the summary of this book here:

The Funhouse Summary

The Review

The Funhouse is a novelization by American author Dean Koontz based on a screenplay written by Larry Block alias Lawrence J. Block and adapted into the 1981 film The Funhouse, directed by Tobe Hooper. The book was released before the film since the film's production took longer than planned. Koontz first published the work under the pen name Owen West.

I initially read this book many years ago and truly enjoyed it. I've read it several times over the years since it's always excellent for a nice shock! However, the film adaptation fell flat and did not adequately convey the tale. 

The audiobook edition was fantastic. Giving the characters voices brought this narrative to life. Although the story focused mostly on Amy, I appreciated how the author introduced you to Gina, Joey, and Liz. Their experiences all fit together nicely, and the backdrop leading up to Amy's ordeal was effectively handled. 

The only thing I would have preferred is a bit more towards the end. It concluded with Liz doing what she thought was best for her circumstances, but I would have wanted to see Amy confront her mother Gina about the actual story behind the funhouse.

It's weird because the first time I read it, I related with the daughter because of her troubles with her mother, which were far more extreme than my own experiences with the individuals I met, and the second time I can't help but identify with the mother and genuinely feel empathy for her. 

Overall, a nice novel. More for the story-telling component than for the shock value. Who knows, maybe I'll pick it up again in ten years. And, in my opinion, if you want to re-read and re-purchase the same book more than once, it says a lot. It has to be good.

I find that Koontz's characters must change and become more than they were when they were introduced, and there is usually a good reason for this. This work, on the other hand, appears to believe that character growth, as shallow as it appears to be, should please us despite of its lack of advancement.

The only slightly developed character in the entire novel is the two-dimensional daughter of a rigid religious mother, who becomes into the person she most feared: her mother, therefore degrading her own daughter with even more fervor and enthusiasm, albeit there is a good explanation for this. Even this character fades as the pages pass since there is no development, understanding, redemption, or even hope.

Mr. Koontz's best guess is that this woman periodically questions who she has become. There were a few times when I believed the light would alter this woman, as the real Dean Koontz could be seen molding her, but he immediately reverted to pen speed and lost any pretense of bringing this character forward.

This novel appears to have been put together from a succession of plot boards that may have appeared coherent but were just slapped together. Points of interest? Quite predictable. 

Finally, an ancient and worn brush is used to paint the "Religious" woman. Novelists nowadays are either unfamiliar with actual spiritual characters or just refuse to depict any religious person as a three-dimensional, sane, reasonable, or even joyous individual.

I see why this lack of "normalcy" is associated with the characters of both religious ladies, but a little more investigation may have given this novel a true story point: salvation. 

In a few words, I'll explain why it seems this way: it's a screenplay that Dean Koontz turned into a novel, so keep that in mind when reading this book, and don't blame him for its flaws.

This was a pleasant read, but it left me wanting much more, perhaps a hundred more pages. I desperately wanted the youngsters to inform their mother what had occurred. I was curious about what occurred as they grew up and had their own children. I sought to know if they will have regular children. 

It took me three days to read it the first time when I was reading around ten other novels, but on the third day, I just proceeded from the hundredth page to the last page. I simply wish the finale continued through Amy and her brother exiting the funhouse. And I'd love to see a sequel to this novel, for which I've been waiting for years.

The narrative seemed to finish abruptly, leaving me wanting more. We seemed to end in the middle of the narrative rather than at the end. However, the reason for this sort of sentiment and tale is because it was taken from a script for a movie that was released after the novel rather than before it.

Final Thoughts

I agree with many of my friends that a better-developed finale might have been achieved with an additional 100 pages, but it remains one of my favorite Koontz readings. 

The fact that it takes place in fictitious Coal County, PA makes you question if it's intended to be Coal Township in the Shamokin region or southwestern Pennsylvania. In any case, the characters are typical of small-town rural Pennsylvania, which adds to the amusement.

This is a fantastic book. I read it once when I was younger, then many times over the years, and now I'm listening to the audio version before writing the review. I didn't recall much about it back then, except that I enjoyed it. Reading it again, I see why I enjoyed it so much. 

The tale is fine albeit a little predictable, but what I truly appreciated was the characters' well-developed depth. You have access to each of the primary characters' brains and consequently the motivation behind their acts.

Dean Koontz will send shivers down your spine. If a horror/paranormal writer can scare you to that extent, believe me when I say it's a truly terrifying read. As seen by his primary characters, Koontz is a superb storyteller and character developer. 

Amy was conflicted until the very end when she matured and could distinguish between evil and everyday life. From beginning to end, The Funhouse is a captivating, enthralling novel that was impossible to put down for such boring duties as earning a livelihood.

I really suggest this book to any horror/paranormal readers. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz. Even with all of its imperfections, it is a fantastic story that I am proud to recommend to all Koontz aficionados and other readers.

Synopsis

“Evil comes in frightening and familiar forms in this terrifying novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Once there was a girl who ran away and joined a traveling carnival. She married a man she grew to hate—and gave birth to a child she could never love. A child so monstrous that she killed it with her own hands...

Twenty-five years later, Ellen Harper has a new life, a new husband, and two normal children—Joey loves monster movies and Amy is about to graduate from high school. But their mother drowns her secret guilt in alcohol and prayer. The time has come for Amy and Joey to pay for her sins, because the carnival is coming back to town... “

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Funhouse (1981) (R)

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The Vision Review

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 Vision Summary

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.

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The Key To Midnight Review

The Key to Midnight

Published: 1979

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Key to Midnight Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense-horror thriller The Key to Midnight was published under the pen name Leigh Nichols. It is regarded as Koontz's first commercial triumph. This is one of Koontz's early works; however, he has lately significantly updated it. And that was a lot of fun. I loved the characters, enjoyed the twists, and finished the book.

I read this book in three days! So many twists. Never a disappointment from this author. Dean Koontz at his finest. The Key to Midnight is one of those works that was published a long time ago yet has been rewritten multiple times. I believe I read both the most recent and the earlier versions. However, I don't believe it altered my thinking about anything.

Koontz's imaginative writing evokes vivid imagery and keeps you on the edge of your seat. He never fails to astonish me. This narrative grabs your interest from the first page and doesn't let go until the very last.

While this was unusual for Mr. Koontz, which makes sense given that it is one of his earliest works, it is certainly worth reading. It has it all: suspense, intrigue, romance, yeasts, and turns. 

If you're searching for the supernatural, look elsewhere; he didn't need it. This novel pulls you from the first page and keeps you wondering throughout.

I adore Dean Koontz's works, and The Key to Midnight is no exception! The government, the conspiracy, and spies, and how readily they may penetrate our lives. The city descriptions make you want to visit Kyoto, and I truly wish I could try the food!!

The Japanese setting is fantastic, the tempo and pitch are ideal, and the afterword informs us that this is an upgraded/edited edition. I've read practically all of this author's books at least twice, and now I'll be reading them three times since I'm reviewing them all. 

Many of the Forewords in the volumes describe his early struggles with genre mixing and convincing publishing houses to let him trust his instincts and allow his writing style to emerge naturally without a lot of rule-following. I enjoy this author since his novels cover a wide range of topics. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz for another great novel!

There were various instances in the novel where Dean Koontz just went off on a tangent on cuisine, settings, and so on. Yes, the description is good, but leave some room for the imagination. For some readers, all he actually did was detract from the primary tale, but I believe that done right, this is not a terrible thing. 

One notable novelist who writes in this style is Stephen King. Clive Cussler uses this a lot, and it makes me angry at times while I'm reading his works, but I can't stop reading even if I don't like the usage of phrases like; what was served or what was on the table, and what was the recipe for that soup. Some of these authors get away with it because the main book and tale are excellent, and we, the readers, read without stopping.

Mr. Koontz didn't create any supporting characters, except from the distractions in the descriptions. They were more present, but they had little bearing on the overall tale. The plot revolved entirely around Alex and Joanna. This work suffers from a severe absence of supporting characters. Again, I must remind readers that I have read numerous books with only a few characters that were excellent, therefore it does not matter if a plot lacks supporting characters.

There was a point in the narrative where it became clear that there was a massive conspiracy at work. As I already stated, I believe I read one of the later editions of the book and an older version as well. That, I feel, aided the overall tale. I'm not sure how this conspiracy worked in the first edition. The twists and turns were quite beneficial.

I enjoyed the characters, how they grew and became genuine, how the present Russian situation gives credibility to the narrative, and how the storyline always surprised me along the way. I'll recommend it to my book group and encourage others to read it.

Final Thoughts

I've stated it several times in this review, and it's true: you'll read it straight through and won't put it down until the conclusion, so make sure you have enough time to complete it. 

I usually read ten or so books at a time to avoid boredom and to be able to read a lot of books in a short period of time, but every now and then a book comes along that I can't put down and I just keep reading it until it's finished, and during that time I ignore all other books that I'm reading, and this is truly one of those nonstop read books.

Sometimes it felt like he made it up as he went along rather than having a storyline before he started, but this is due to the spontaneity of the action and the fast-paced incidents. 

I like this method and use it while writing my own works; I have a concept and a plot outline in mind, but everything happens on the spot and in the flow. I occasionally have to rewrite a few lines or a portion of the narrative, but I enjoy the overall result. I wish I could disclose my pen names so that readers may get a sense of what I write, but I can't because it is a copywrite concern and a private issue that I do not want to modify because I am a very private person. Maybe eventually I'll open up about who I really am, but for now, I'm content with my solitude.

Dean Koontz normally works in a distinct genre. Things that go bump in the night will turn into monsters, and the golden retriever will be an intelligent ally in addressing the matter. Where was that dog in this book? 

In this fantastic work, the main characters face actual peril and relentless action. They live by using their wits and inherent intellect. The finale came as a complete surprise. Do not read this late at night, as you should with all of his works!

This novel kept me up and later engaged, believing I knew where the author was leading me only to be taken aback by another fantastic story twist. An intriguing and enjoyable book! He is the master at setting the scene, making you feel as though you are part of the action, and leaving you wanting more.

Synopsis

“Joanna Rand left the U.S. ten years ago to sing in a Japanese nightclub. Ever since, she’s been haunted by the same horrifying nightmare. Each time she awakens, she feels violated, used, and scared. The only man who can help her is Alex Hunter. Ten years ago, he saw her picture in the papers as a senator’s daughter who’d disappeared. Now he has to bring her memories back to her—memories of a past more terrifying than they dreamed possible…”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alex Hunter, Bad Guys, Edge Of Your Seat, Great Read, Joanna Rand, Koontz Books, Leigh Nichols, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Twists And Turns, Years Ago

Rating: 85/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Intensity Review

Intensity

Published: Nov 1995 (UK) - Jan 1996 (US)

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Intensity Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Intensity is a best-selling work. According to Koontz, he created the novel to challenge the popularly accepted belief that thrillers must have intervals of low action to keep the pace moving, instead deciding to maintain the tension high throughout the novel and continuing from crisis to conflict without moments of relieved stress.

The title "Intensity" is accurate, and this novel is Intense from start to finish. Chyna Shepherd is one of my favorite female heroines, second only to Lillith from Octavia Butler's "Lillith's Brood" series, which I also suggest if you enjoy a strong female lead and science fiction. 

I've probably read it twice, once in audio and once in print. It's the type of book you can read once a year and appreciate it just as much each time. If you're a fan of Koontz, you won't be disappointed. You will not be disappointed if you appreciate suspense. If you like thrillers, you won't... well, you get the idea. I seriously encourage you to read the first 25 pages of this book, after which you will be unable to put it down.

The adversary is a result of existential nihilism whose life ambition is fulfilling his "reptilian" cravings, whereas the protagonist is a classic moralist who sees a world of human responsibility, hope, and meaning. 

I could go on about symbolism and irony, but I don't want to give anything away. I try not to include these connotations or my ideas, such as talking about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein's Monster and stating that he is a victim rather than a monster or a villain, but I find that I start talking or typing and my hands just keep typing, much like one of my favorite authors Stephen King. I understand that some people find it uninteresting, but others enjoy it and want to learn more and compare their own opinions and judgments on a book and its content.

This has to be one of the scariest, most terrifying, most evil books I've ever read. If I could, I'd give it 1000 points or stars! The plot captivated me from the start, and I remained in Koontz's grasp until the shocking conclusion!

My only qualm was Chyna's inability to keep her distance. I wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her on several instances! Some of her decisions were just absurd. But I doubt we'd have had such an exciting narrative without them, would we?

I'm sick of the stubborn heroine who believes no one else can fix problems and puts herself and others in jeopardy. There were a few possibilities she passed up. I get it; if she'd been completely reasonable, there wouldn't have been much of a tale left. I simply hope that our trusted authors would steer clear of this sort of heroin but as I mention before an author has to introduce characters like that or the story will die and not move even one page.

Aside from that, it's still a 1000 star, as you'd expect from Dean Koontz. It can't be anything less than well-thought-out, well-written, and unrelenting. Even though the novels are unrelated, this reminds me of Velocity. If you haven't read Velocity, you should since I like it better.

This book has a very good rating in my opinion. I went into this book with extremely high expectations, which were fulfilled and exceeded. I was promised a terrifying, gut-wrenching, emotional read, and I got it. 

This novel does an excellent job of conveying the emotions of the characters and frequently shifts perspectives. You spend two-thirds of the book with Chyna and the other third with Vess, for example. 

This explains why the decisions of the characters are so accurate since I can understand their mental processes. Some books fail to achieve this by having characters make spontaneous judgments that I am expected to accept as a reader. This novel does not allow for a ridiculous narrative and never leaves you wondering why a character would do something. 

Although this is one of the finest novels I've ever read, I have a few minor quibbles. To begin with, the author can go into these extensive description sessions with our characters at various moments in the narrative. For example, Chyna enters an automobile that appears only once in the whole novel. The author then describes the automobile for three to five minutes of reading time. 

Don't get me wrong, I love descriptive writing, but this book pushed it to a whole new level several times. This, along with a few other minor problems, is all I have to say about this book. This is a must-read for me, and one of the greatest books by this author I've read.

I strongly advise everybody who can get their hands on it to read it. It will captivate you for hours on end and make you fearfully check behind your back. I recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a scary and suspenseful journey. This book is not for the faint of heart and is intended for a more adult audience. Overall, this is one of the finest books I've ever read, and the intensity is real.

In 1997, Intensity was converted into a two-part TV movie that was broadcast on the Fox Network in the United States. Molly Parker, John C. McGinley, and Tori Paul appeared in it.

Several moviegoers pointed out strong parallels between the plots of High Tension and Intensity. When asked about the parallels at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, director Alexandre Aja said that he had read the novel and was aware of them. 

According to his website, Koontz was aware of the parallel but would not sue "because he regarded the picture so puerile, repulsive, and intellectually bankrupt that he didn't want the association with it that would certainly arise if he filed a case against the filmmaker." 

I was unable to obtain a decent and trustworthy source for paid movie downloads or online sales, but as soon as I do, I will include the links on this page. If anyone has a source, please share it with me.

Final Thoughts

I had a great time reading about Vess. He was the maniacal serial murderer who was torturing Chyna. His character was one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel for me, and he kept the book in my hands.

The topic in the book isn't precisely realistic, but it depicted the thoughts and sentiments I would have if I were in the same circumstance.

 I feel like the main character in a lot of stories makes terrible judgments that I would never make, but Chyna is a really good decision-maker in this narrative. The characters are also fairly trustworthy. She had a difficult background, and that upbringing might sometimes hold her back in adulthood. This may be incredibly relatable to someone who has had a similar childhood.

It's neither the best nor worst narrative I've ever read and it depends on who is reading, but it's interesting and gets the message through.

One of the most captivating novels I've ever read! It keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way to the finish. The writing is fantastic, the characters are wonderfully developed, and the action will take your breath away. The author does an excellent job of providing the reader with a realistic and often horrifying image of events.

This narrative will take you by the soul and twist and pull at your basic beliefs till you want to scream.... or stop the adventure... but you can't. Then the trek downhill begins again..... And this time it will terrify the heck out of you.

This is how I would characterize the book in a nutshell; it was really nicely written. Suspenseful and heavy. Captivating main characters—you won't be able to put it down, even if your stomach is tightened and you need to take a break from the book to breathe. Simply awesome!

Synopsis

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This ebook edition contains a special preview of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner.

Past midnight, Chyna Shepard, twenty-six, gazes out a moonlit window, unable to sleep on her first night in the Napa Valley home of her best friend’s family. Instinct proves reliable. A murderous sociopath, Edgler Foreman Vess, has entered the house, intent on killing everyone inside. A self-proclaimed “homicidal adventurer,” Vess lives only to satisfy all appetites as they arise, to immerse himself in sensation, to live without fear, remorse, or limits, to live with intensity. Chyna is trapped in his deadly orbit.

Chyna is a survivor, toughened by a lifelong struggle for safety and self-respect. Now she will be tested as never before. At first her sole aim is to get out alive—until, by chance, she learns the identity of Vess’s next intended victim, a faraway innocent only she can save. Driven by a newly discovered thirst for meaning beyond mere self-preservation, Chyna musters every inner resource she has to save an endangered girl . . . as moment by moment, the terrifying threat of Edgler Foreman Vess intensifies.

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alexandre Aja, Bad Guy, Chyna Shepard, Chyna Shepherd, Edge Of Your Seat, Edgler Foreman, Edgler Vess, Ever Read, Fast Paced, Fox Network, Hard To Put, John C. McGinley, Koontz Books, Molly Parker, Page Turner, Serial Killer, Tori Paul, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Intensity-Kindle

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