Honest Book Reviews by Namsu

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Icebound-Kindle

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Icebound Review

Dean Koontz, David Axton, Adventure, American, Assassination, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Science Fiction, Suspense, Teen, Terrorism, Thriller, Young Adult

Icebound

Published: 1995

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as David Axton)

Genre: Adventure, American, Assassination, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Science Fiction, Suspense, Teen, Terrorism, Thriller, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:

Icebound Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz is the author of the best-selling novel Icebound. The novel was first published in 1976 under the alias David Axton by Koontz, and then was rewritten and re-released in 1995 as Icebound. Definitely not you’re typical Dean Koontz, but what an amazing, emotionally evocative read! Believe me, you will feel chilled while reading it. Trapped, freezing, on the point of calamity, with a psychopath in your midst—it doesn't get any more gripping than this. I ended up eating it in a few days without realizing it. Thank you for republishing these novels and sharing them with us, Mr. Koontz!

Icebound is a well-written, captivating thriller that is considerably different from Koontz's other writings. A murder mystery, sort of, although the suspense is the main focus of this novel.

Will they all escape alive? There are no paranormal or supernatural aspects in this book, so if you're expecting them because it's a Koontz novel, you'll be disappointed. However, it remains a fascinating narrative. It's well worth reading.

It is not a horror novel, but you will be terrified. It's an action-packed, dramatic thriller about a group of scientists who become stranded on a drifting iceberg. A massive winter blizzard prohibits ship or plane rescue, and of course, one of the scientists is a crazy killer, but which one? Very engaging book with a thrilling conclusion that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The men's stories, particularly the submarine captain's, make you care about the conclusion. Although Koontz is humble enough in his Afterword to downplay his technological detail in comparison to a Tom Clancy, I felt like I was there! I enjoy underwater experiences, and this is among the greatest.

The vivid description of what it must be like to labor in such a harsh environment is noteworthy. The descriptions of the arctic and the weather are fantastic. Even the death sequence in which one man drowns is so realistic that I could vividly understand what it was like to die this way.

In addition to the inherent dangers they encounter, there is one warped mind among them who is hell-bent on murder. This part of the narrative is also really nicely done.

In summary, I should have mentioned it earlier! I have nothing negative to say about this narrative or writing style. Because it was so captivating, I read it at breakneck speed. I wholeheartedly suggest this book to everyone who appreciates a technothriller, not only Koontz aficionados.

If you're solely searching for a supernatural horror narrative, this isn't it. But if you like Koontz's enormous creativity and want to read an intriguing thriller go ahead and read it!

In many cases, I decide not to read books that show you the idea that someone is trapped on a cliff, a ship, or any other plot device that feels like it will be in one room or a small space but don't be fooled because some of the greatest stories that I read were kind of like this, and I am fortunate that I read this and those stories even if I don't want to read this kind of story.

I recall a game that has nothing to do with this book or narrative but serves as an illustration of what I mean.

My brother bought me The Room, a game from the Silent Hill game universe, and at first, I thought it was just a game where you are stuck in a room, but once I started playing it, I realized it is basically a whole city that is connected with the room and you travel around it, and I fell in love with it in a matter of hours.

The same thing happened to me when reading this book, as well as many others with the similar backdrop of a concept being too little or not extensible in our thoughts. However, it is enormous in actuality.

The reason for this is because we, as readers, think with our own brains and decide not to read the book, but in actuality, the author constructed a vast world in that short space, which we never read and therefore miss out on wonderful and amazing time that we might spend reading that book.

This book's suspense will keep your heart pounding! The twists, turns, and perils that these people face will leave you breathless!

If you didn't read Dean Koontz's Icebound when it first came out, you're losing out on a fantastic read! Suspense!! Good old-fashioned, nail-biting, page-turning, heart-pounding suspense!!

I enjoyed every minute of it. So much suspense, and just when I thought I figured out who the evil guy was, I was proven wrong. I'm generally correct. However, I thoroughly loved this. Excellent work.

There are no extremely scientific topics in this work. There are no monsters. There is no hulking psychopath on the loose. However, it was a fantastic novel. I had a great time. I, for one, dislike reading the same type of book again and again. Anyone who is on the verge of reading this should do so. You will not be let down.

Final Thoughts

I was a Stephen King fan and was always concerned about what I would do if I ran out of his novels, but I got lucky and discovered Dean Koontz. The good news is that they write similarly, with minor differences in style and genre, so I have twice as many books to read, which is a fantastic find for me. I discovered a few more writers, although they are not the same as these two, but I appreciate them as well.

As with practically all of his works, I'm on my second or third reading of this one and it's even better the second time around!! So different from his earlier novels, yet so similar in suspense, wording, and readability!!!

Even for one of his early initial reads, this is incredible. He is a fantastic writer who draws you into the tale quickly and creates characters you like straight away!

Koontz is an exceptional writer, and this early novel, revised by the author, exemplifies his incredible talent. Few writers are capable of combining thrilling adventure and narrative with superb characterization. This is what Koontz excels at.

This is a pure technothriller. There is never a boring time in the action, and it is all extremely well done. I might add that it's a very plausible situation.

Once again, a terrific thriller in which, unlike most of Dean Koontz's other works, there are no boogeymen or otherworldly elements. It's a survival thriller that won't let up. Whether you enjoy Koontz's previous works or not, this one is not to be missed. It comes highly recommended.

Synopsis

“The arctic night is endless. The fear is numbing. Screams freeze in the throat. Death arrives in shades of white. And cold-blooded murder seems right at home.

Conducting a strange and urgent experiment on the Arctic icefield, a team of scientists has planted sixty powerful explosive charges that will detonate at midnight. Before they can withdraw to the safety of their base camp, a shattering tidal wave breaks loose the ice on which they are working. Now they are hopelessly marooned on an iceberg during a violent winter storm. The bombs beneath them are buried irretrievably deep . . . and ticking. And they discover that one of them is an assassin with a mission of his own.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

David Axton, Edge Of Your Seat, Even Though, Fast Paced, Group Of Scientists, Harry And Rita, Koontz Books, Russian Submarine, Stranded On An Iceberg, Tom Clancy, Well Written

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Icebound-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

Dark Rivers of the Heart Summary

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Dark Rivers of the Heart Review

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

Dark Rivers of the Heart

Published: 1994

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Conspiracy, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Political, Spy, Supernatural, Suspense, Technothriller, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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

Free With Free Audible Trial

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

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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

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Winter Moon Review

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

Winter Moon

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

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Aaron Wolfe)

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

Check the summary of this book here:

Winter Moon Summary

The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

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

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

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

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-Kindle

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Mr. Murder Review

Dean Koontz, Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Ghost, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Mr. Murder

Published: 1993

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Fiction, Genetic Engineering, Ghost, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Mr. Murder Summary

The Review

Mr. Murder is a horror novel written by best-selling novelist Dean Koontz. This is one of the finest thrillers by Dean Koontz. He resurrects his interest in genetic engineering to create a really terrifying adversary, but one for whom you almost feel sad. The characters are an extremely likable family with two wonderful children. The narrative proceeds at an almost breakneck rate. There are no dull moments. The finale is a little obvious in that "there's no other way out," but it's still pleasant. I am certain you'll enjoy it if you read it.

The narrative and realistic tale were what I like most about this book. The characters were fantastic. Koontz has always been good at inventing memorable characters.

When reading, the readers may think to themselves, "This is an exciting book. The plot twists and turns, and every time I think I've figured it out, I worry whether my assumptions are hasty. I still have about eighty pages to read, so I may be surprised, but this Koontz adventure is the best ever!" I think you get the idea of what I'm trying to say. I'm not going to say anything else because I want everyone who reads it to have as much enjoyment as I did.

I'm not sure why so many of my reader friends disliked the book! Koontz was ahead of his time when he wrote this in 1993. The plot is fantastic and just gets better as the narrative progresses.

Prepare for a story with many twists and turns. It's incredible how he puts you inside the mind of a murderer. As the tale progresses, you begin to doubt your own morals. A dynamic conclusion will leave you guessing about how everything will play out. It's a fantastic read!

While reading this book, I had the feeling that I had read it before, but I couldn't recall the story as I was progressing, and then I realized it was a new story but I was confusing it with some stories that Stephen King wrote, and even some of its style was like a few more of Dean Koontz's own stories, but don't worry it is not a copy and it is not a mixture of many stories either.

Another item that sprang to mind was the 2001 film Replicant, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, which had some cloning and other small elements that reminded me of it. But it is the only link between these two mediums.

I believe that happened to me because I read a lot and have read so many books from the same genres, which sometimes confuses my cerebral microprocessor, and I am sure many enthusiastic readers have to cope with the same scenario again and again.

Yes, individuals like me can give you the whole narrative of a movie from start to finish, and we can even create novels because of that amazing memory bank in our heads.

It's been a lot of pleasure exploring Dean Koontz's previous reads during the last few weeks. I'm still a long way from the latest novel, and I'm actually relieved that I have many other wonderful books to hold me over till his next one comes out.

Mr. Koontz is a superb writer who creates realistic scenarios with the nuance of a single word here and there. His mind can dream up the finest storylines, blending mystery, intrigue, and fear.

I'm going to add some content in the next few lines that is essentially from the book's synopsis, so I don't consider it a spoiler.

The Dean Koontz School of Writing is evident in "Mr. Murder." It's a well-written novel about an author and his clone. Neither the writer nor the clone is aware of the other until the doppelganger’s wiring malfunctions and he comes to claim the novelist's family and life.

Clones do not appear spontaneously, as we all know; they must be created by a large and evil Network intent on creating a super-soldier.

Things didn't go well for this clone since he wasn't supposed to be formed from the novelist's DNA. It's comforting to know that God is still in the details, even for the multi-cultural, super-rich, super-powerful terrible men.

Following the release of Mr. Murder, Koontz sold the picture rights to Savoy Pictures. The adaptation was slated to be released in 1996 as a big-budget theatrical film starring Bruce Willis as Marty Stillwater and directed by Uli Edel. This version, however, was never completed.

Due to the failure of the feature film, the rights to the idea were sold to a new production firm, which developed it as a miniseries on a considerably lesser budget.

Dick Lowry directed this adaption based on a teleplay by Stephen Tolkin. Stephen Baldwin portrayed Marty Stillwater, Julie Warner portrayed Paige Stillwater, Thomas Haden Church portrayed Drew Oslett Jr., and James Coburn portrayed Drew Oslett, Sr., a character not in the novel.

It first aired in New Zealand on September 21, 1998, and then on ABC in the United States on April 26 and 29, 1999.

The characters in this novel, like in his others, are interesting and surprising. The villains are genuinely terrible, while the heroes are inspirational. This book will captivate you from beginning to end, and you will not be able to put it down.

Final Thoughts

Dean Koontz is beginning to give me the sense that he can make even the most banal things in life exciting. Not that the book is dull, but his writing style makes some of the book's more routine facts more engaging.

There is an implausible premise that is vitally fundamental to the tale, as it is in many of his writings. This, to me, is what makes it more exciting since it goes beyond your typical thriller novel.

Nothing against females, but I had to mention this, and it also goes in the opposite direction since the heroes are the same and make excellent boyfriends or husbands. Koontz appears to model the romantic female interest character after the cliché of the flawless, supporting, bright, overly capable, and gorgeous woman.

I don't mind it, but is it really feasible to find someone like that in real life every time a person falls in love? Perhaps all of the heroes in these tales are really lucky.

And in this narrative, he pulls this character even further into silliness. The main character's psychologist wife turns out to be G.I. Jane as well, with no explanation other than that she had had some training.

She is not only all of the aforementioned things, but she is also extremely tactical and competent with weaponry. She approached issues with the knowledge and skill of a Navy Seal, and she was essentially the family's defender.

Realistically, handling a shotgun might be intimidating for anybody who hasn't shot one before, yet she handles it like Rambo despite the vast difference in size and expertise.

Simply put, it is a novel and not a real-life situation, so have fun and don't put too much pressure on your brain, but one thing I can understand is that even if you don't know how to use a weapon or have never fought, if your family and loved ones are in danger, you will undoubtedly become a killing machine, so think of this as what is happening in this novel. If you can disregard it, it's a fairly decent story with a nice surprise at the end.

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz delivers a gripping novel of a man accused of stealing not just someone’s identity, but his entire life...

A big house. A beautiful wife. Two happy and healthy children. It’s a nice life that writer Martin Stillwater has made for himself. But he can’t shake this feeling of impending disaster.

One bad moment on an otherwise fine day has put Marty on a collision course with a killer—a man with a mere shadow of an identity who is desperately searching for something more...

Martin’s home. Martin’s family. Martin’s life.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ann Kindberg, Bill Smitrovich, Brittney Lee Harvey, Bruce Willis, Character Development, Dan Lauria, Dark Half, Dark Rivers, Dean R. Koontz, Debbie Smith, Dennis Creaghan, Dick Lowry, Don Hood, Don Mcmanus, Doug Mchenry, Edge Of Your Seat, George Jackson, James Coburn, Julie Warner, K Callan, Kaley Cuoco, Koontz Books, Martin Stillwater, Marty Stillwater, Rivers Of The Heart, Stephen Baldwin, Stephen Tolkin, Thomas Haden Church

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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

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Dragon Tears Review

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

Dragon Tears

Published: 1993

Author: Dean Koontz

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

Check the summary of this book here:

Dragon Tears Summary

The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

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

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-Kindle

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Hideaway Review

Dean Koontz, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Media Tie-In, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Hideaway

Published: 1992

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Media Tie-In, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Hideaway Summary

The Review

Hideaway is a novel by horror writer Dean Koontz that was released in 1992 by Putnam. It is a supernatural thriller centered on Hatch Harrison, an antique dealer who establishes a psychic link with a serial murderer after a car accident renders him clinically dead for more than eighty minutes.

This was a highly engaging novel that I thoroughly loved. The epilogue was amusing but not shocking. I find it amusing that individuals would see this as an attack on their beliefs. It is not religious teaching; it is entertainment, and as such, it is a success!!!!!!

I can't express how much I like Dean Koontz's works. Each novel is a fantastic read. As much as I enjoy reading the novels, I look forward to reading the "Afterword" that follows each time. The content is so fascinating that it would be ideal if the editors just published a single source that had only the Afterword(s) from each novel.

This is definitely a slow burner. A lot of time is spent getting to know the characters before the final act begins and the book abruptly ends. I loved it and wished it would continue; Hideaway was entertaining, but Watchers remains my favorite.

In my effort to re-read Dean Koontz's works, this was one of the "oldies" that I purchased for my Kindle. One of the benefits of reading after a long time is that I can re-read a book without actually remembering the plot when I start reading again.

Hideaway is not one of my top favorite Koontz books. On the bright side, Koontz emphasizes the importance of family being there for one another and sticking up for what is right.

However, I could not perceive the power in the characters that I have come to expect from his works. The reason I don't consider this book among my top great novels isn't because of the author or the tale; it's because of a character, and I don't like her. Otherwise, the book is fantastic, and if I don't think about that character, this book becomes one of my top great books.

One of the good elements was how Hatch's death and resurrection transformed the Harrisons' marriage bond and helped them accept the death of their son five years before. Hatch and Lindsey even decide to share their newfound love of life by adopting a special-needs kid.

When the kid (Regina) first meets the Harrisons, she tries everything she can to make them not want to adopt her, exaggerating her disability and repeatedly referring to herself as a "cripple," but the reader knows she is everything but that, and this was one of my favorite sequences in the novel.

However, once Regina returns home with the Harrisons, her character doesn't truly grow, and she appears to play the part of the helpless kid.

This book began off fast, dragging the reader into the plot, then it slowed and you may want to put it down, but don't because around halfway through, maybe a few chapters before that point, it starts to consolidate into a great story, and then it becomes good.

The thrill that Koontz had captured in the opening few chapters had returned. Overall, I'm delighted I completed the book. It turned out to be an enjoyable book. The finale, though, was classic Koontz. I would suggest this book if you have the patience to get over the first third because it is well worth it.

The antagonist in this tale did not appeal to me. Koontz gave us his wicked side while never making him appear to be a "genuine" person. Because he is pure evil and feels unreal, but believe me, I have seen people worse than him in real life and he is 100% genuine.

I still loved the book, but I wouldn't suggest it as a first read for someone interested in Dean Koontz's work. Start with Watchers, Lightning, Phantoms or, better still, the Odd Thomas series.

In 1995, it was adapted into a film starring Jeff Goldblum, Christine Lahti, Alicia Silverstone, and Jeremy Sisto.

Brett Leonard turned the story into a feature movie. Koontz apparently was so dissatisfied with the picture that he attempted to have his name removed from the credits.

Final Thoughts

I realized that this book can be described in completely two different ways, so in the review section, I talked about other readers or my friends who did not get the actual meaning behind the story and thought it was slow, but in this section about Final Thoughts, I will talk about exactly what I and others like me thought of this book.

Once again, it's exciting, eerie, and tinged with the uncanny. The only thing missing was a dog, which would have completed the novel's perfection as a Dean Koontz book.

Excellent book. I enjoyed rereading it. I felt really bad and sad when I completed it since, as usual, I want to read a long novel if I like a couple of the characters.

Hideaway is a superbly written, fast-paced mystery. It describes the depth of good and the essence of evil in great detail.

Koontz incorporates a lot of the supernatural, allowing readers to broaden their perspectives and go deep into their own souls as they ponder the strong ideas portrayed here.

Finally, the book reveals the strength of love and innocence, God's hand watching over the pure of heart, and the unavoidable reality that evil cannot defeat light. This book was highly engaging, well-written, and very fulfilling to me.

Dean Koontz has a knack for creating characters that you fall in love with. It is quite simple to imagine who and what they are in the narrative.

The author has an intriguing way of contrasting good against evil in a very realistic manner. This is not a lighthearted book; rather, it is dark and suspenseful. Some of the characters in this novel did not grow on me but Dean Koontz has created yet another masterpiece.

It's a spellbinding story and it is still one of my favorite Koontz stories. This book is terrifying, captivating, and amazing; it's comparable to a Stephen King story in that you're not sure you want to turn the page because you're not sure you want to know what happens next, but you must!

Synopsis

“Strange visions plague a man after he survives a near-death experience in this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Surviving a car accident on a snowy mountain road is miraculous for Lindsey Harrison, but even more so for her husband, Hatch, who was clinically dead for eighty minutes.

After experimental procedures bring Hatch back to life, he awakens with the terrifying feeling that something is it out there. But it soon becomes apparent that the evil stalking Hatch is within him—a dark force of murderous rage that hides within us all...”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Abandoned Amusement, Agatha Dominik, Agatha Hanczakowski, Alfred Molina, Alicia Silverstone, Amusement Park, Back To Hell, Back To Life, Brett Leonard, Brought Back, Car Accident, Christine Lahti, Gimel Everett, Hatch And Lindsey, Hatch Harrison, Jeff Goldblum, Jeremy Sisto, Jerry A. Baerwitz, Jerry Baerwitz, Koontz Fan, Rae Dawn Chong, Tristar Pictures

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-Audible

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)