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Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

By the Light of the Moon Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Adventure, Conspiracy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

By the Light of the Moon

Published: 2002
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, Conspiracy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's novel By the Light of the Moon is a best-selling novel. The story explores the ethical applications of nanotechnology, the desire to do the right thing, and genetic rewiring. 

I read this book after a few years when it first came out years ago and had forgotten about it. As a consequence, it appeared like I was reading a new novel, and I was eager to get started.

This time, I really enjoyed it, and the fact that I'd read it before didn't take away from the shocks. That's one advantage of forgetting a book and reading a lot; if you read a book after a long time, all these stories become muddled, but that doesn't mean I'm forgetful or have a memory issue.

I adored the characters in this novel, as well as the bizarre plot. Koontz has a gift for making the impossible seem plausible. His writing is lyrical as usual, but it didn't irritate me too much this time.

I just sat back and listened to the narrative because of the hectic schedule, I relied heavily on the audio version this time. The narration on Audible is outstanding. I was sucked into the plot from the first page, and I believe this is due in part to Dean Koontz's ability to build convincing and complicated characters that I care about.

By the Light of the Moon was one of those unexpected and beautiful reads. The "surprise" was never exactly figuring out the doctor's motivation, particularly why he first chose Dylan and Shep to continue on his "life's work." 

The relationship becomes clearer as more information is disclosed. Dylan, Shep, and Jillian, the three main protagonists, have all been injected with a mysterious substance that has a distinct effect on each of them. Working together, the three are able to devise tactics to escape being apprehended by the "state men" who want to obtain this serum.

Koontz begins his tale with a genuine North by Northwest atmosphere, as his characters appear to be in the wrong location at the wrong time. In the novel's last pages, an intriguing story twist takes a surprising turn that will catch most readers off guard, and Koontz rips the wrong location at the wrong moment into something wholly different.

I tried to think of something I didn't enjoy about this narrative, but I couldn't come up with anything. And, having grown up around a few handicapped people and now being a friend of several fantastic autistic friends, I don't think I've ever seen the pain, frustration, and wonder of the condition so inhibited. I'll read it again next year, or whenever I'm ready, which will most likely be soon.

When I was a youngster, we used to play with two brothers who were unusual to us yet we allowed them to play with us. Kids nicknamed them Goo and Goo-Goo, but I never found out who was who since I only called them friend or brother because I was embarrassed to call them with that disrespectful term. 

After all, that is all they could say when they attempted to communicate. They never spoke, only made noises and used bizarre hand signals. 

My father advised me to be extremely kind and gentle to these kids and to never get upset, even if they did strange things. They did some crazy stuff, but it wasn't dangerous like when they shook hands, they would suddenly bring their foot up instead of hand to shake your hand, and I realized it wasn't them who discovered this crazy style, but rather some bullies who did it to them and then they started doing it to other kids. 

They were brothers with a large age difference, they constantly had spit hanging out of their mouths, and they hobbled a little, but they were decent kids who could play football with us and were extremely effective at it even with the limp. 

I believe they had mild polio and a severe form of autism, yet I never saw them sad. They were constantly smiling, except when bullies attempted to make fun of them, but the bullies had no clue I was the bully of bullies and would beat the heck out of them. 

I was extremely pleased with these two brothers when I saw them beating one of the bullies one day. I hurried to help, but by then the bully had fled. When they spotted me, they saluted me like soldiers and pointed at me, explaining that I was the one who inspired them to do it, and they were overjoyed. They then began crying and hugging me. 

It was an enriching experience for me. I'm not sure how they are now because I haven't gone to that neighborhood in a long time, but I hope they are still okay and happy. I'm not sure why I started including this incident, but it felt fantastic to talk about. Let us return to the review...

This book does not live up to Odd Thomas' high standards, but it is an interesting read that I am confident the majority of readers will appreciate.

Shep is autistic, yet his "skill" appears to be the most extraordinary and spectacular of the three, a true gift. 

Jillian, who had been a complete stranger to Dylan and Shep until that bizarre night when they were drugged, becomes a true member of the "team." She has incredible compassion for Shep and his autistic mannerisms. 

Furthermore, Koontz does an excellent job of researching autism and demonstrating what it must be like to live with and care for an autistic close relative. 

Shep develops and evolves as he welcomes Jillian as part of the "family," but he is not "cured" of his autism. His talent boosts his self-esteem and allows him to overcome his shyness in order to aid the other two.

To be honest, I find his works really entertaining. By the Light of the Moon easily ranks among his finest works, although, as previously said, it is not on Odd Thomas's level. The only disappointment I had after finishing the book was that it had come to an end.

Dean Koontz's patchwork of the story takes a new approach. Instead of switching back and forth between story strands like he did in Strangers and Mr. Murder, Koontz largely sticks with his three primary characters once they are introduced. As has become customary with Koontz, his latest novel is only a few days long.


Final Thoughts

Dean Koontz's distinctiveness, as always, made me wonder, "What's going on?" Then, eventually, he did it again!!! Thank you, Dean Koontz, for taking up so much of my time, which I will never regret because it was never wasted and provided me with pure mental pleasure.

Koontz has a unique knack for injecting comedy into his suspense-filled chapters, particularly through the character of Shep O'Conner. Shep, the unique character, is easily comparable to Tom (M-O-O-N spells Tom) from Stephen King's The Stand. Both personalities are really endearing and far more than they appear to be.

These three characters are easily among the most endearing and distinctive characters in the Koontz world. 

Despite the nonstop action and length of time that comprise the story's backdrop, Koontz manages to let the characters to grow and become three-dimensional.

This is also one of the few Koontz books without a lovable creature. I appreciated the tension of believing and I understood the doctor's motivations, only to discover that Koontz adds more to the plot right up to the finish.

I suggest this to all Koontz lovers and for those who haven't tried Koontz yet, this is a fantastic place to start. Koontz is a writer who explores characters' inner strength and their conviction in humanity's decency.

The goon team that pursues Shep, Dylan, and Jillian never develops as characters since they are always a menace in the background. 

Normally, Koontz enjoys getting inside the brains of his nasty characters and revealing their illnesses. With the exception of the terrifying Dr. Frankenstein, he mostly avoids doing so.

Those who have yet to experience the Koontz universe could not have asked for a finer introduction. By the Light of the Moon is a work of art, a masterful weaving of tension and comedic relief.


Synopsis

“Dean Koontz has surpassed his longtime reputation as “America’s most popular suspense novelist” (Rolling Stone) to become one of the most celebrated and successful writers of our time. Reviewers hail his boundless originality, his art, his unparalleled ability to create highly textured, riveting drama, at once viscerally familiar and utterly unique.

Author of one #1 New York Times bestseller after another, Koontz is at the pinnacle of his powers, spinning mysteries and miracles, enthralling tales that speak directly to today’s readers, balm for the heart and fire for the mind. In this stunning new novel, he delivers a tour de force of dark suspense and brilliant revelation that has all the Koontz trademarks: adventure, chills, riddles, humor, heartbreak, an unforgettable cast of characters, and a climax that will leave you clamoring for more.

Dylan O’Connor is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He’s on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious “doctor,” injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee--before the doctor’s enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police.

Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure that will turn the next twenty-four hours into an odyssey of terror, mystery--and wondrous discovery. It is a journey that begins when Dylan and Shep’s path intersects with that of Jillian Jackson. Before that evening Jilly was a beautiful comedian whose biggest worry was whether she would ever find a decent man. Now she too is a carrier. And even as Dylan tries to convince her that they’ll be safer sticking together, cold-eyed men in a threatening pack of black Suburbans approach, only seconds before Jilly’s classic Coupe DeVille explodes into thin air.

Now the three are on the run together, but with no idea whom they’re running from--or why. Meanwhile Shep has begun exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior. And whatever it is that’s coursing through their bodies seems to have plunged them into one waking nightmare after another. Seized by sinister premonitions, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to crime scenes--just minutes before the crimes take place.

What this unfathomable power is, how they can use it to stop the evil erupting all around them, and why they have been chosen are only parts of a puzzle that reaches back into the tragic past and the dark secrets they all share: secrets of madness, pain, and untimely death. Perhaps the answer lies in the eerie, enigmatic messages that Shep, with precious time running out, begins to repeat, about an entity who does his work “by the light of the moon.”

By the Light of the Moon is a novel of heart-stopping suspense and transcendent beauty, of how evil can destroy us and love can redeem us--a masterwork of the imagination in which the surprises come page after page and the spell of sublime storytelling triumphs throughout.

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


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Autistic Brother, Away From Heaven, Brother Shep, Corner Of His Eye, Door Away, Jillian Jackson, Koontz Books, Light Of The Moon, Mad Scientist, Main Characters


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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One Door Away from Heaven Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Adventure, Conspiracy, Fiction, First Contact, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

One Door Away from Heaven

Published: 2001
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, Conspiracy, Fiction, First Contact, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's work One Door Away From Heaven is a best-selling novel. Koontz has woven the tales of a super-intelligent handicapped girl living with a drug-addicted mother and evil Step Father, a down-on-her-luck woman living next door with her eccentric Aunt Gen, a hardened and grief-stricken PI and his elegant client, and, of course, a shape-shifting Alien hell bent on healing the World.

This tail is woven by Koontz's incomparable descriptive language, which at times resembles poetry. His abiding affection for his late Golden Retriever appears as a reoccurring topic of the spiritual relationship between people and their dogs. Despite being slightly less intelligent than humans, dogs retain an innocence that allows them to sense our Creator's Playful Presence.

All of this sets the stage for a dramatic struggle between Good and Evil. Even though I was reading this work for the second time, I found it just as exciting. I wholeheartedly suggest this for a pleasurable experience.

Even though I am an unflinching admirer of Dean Koontz and everything he has done, one of my all-time favorite Dean Koontz novels is still "Watchers," and another that may be too much for casual readers is "From the Corner of His Eye."

I have digital editions and audio versions of practically all of the books I buy, but I still enjoy turning pages, smelling the paper, and touching a book. When reading in bed, I want to feel the weight of the book, which reminds me to stay alert or the book will smack me in the face. And I know that having the book in hand would make it a lot simpler to revisit certain favorites.

I remembered why it's one of my all-time favorite stories. I fell in love with the main and supporting protagonists once more.

The main character in the narrative is a little child who is endearing from the start. He's in grave danger, and when I reread portions of it, I find myself holding my breath. I still grin and feel hopeful when he presents himself in his natural form.

The issue is that science fiction has always been my favorite reading genre. I took a risk by departing from that genre, and Mr. Koontz guided me. 

Thank goodness he's written so many novels, because I'll never let go, and I've evolved a lot over time, and I adore practically all the types and genres except straight porn or phony filler sequences that are worthless and aren't a real part of a plot.

Wonderful tale. The characters are believable and sympathetic. Leilani, who is nine years old, is extremely powerful and intellectual. Her mother is the vilest slime you can think of. And her stepfather is a psychopath. The folks she meets, Mickey and Geneva, are exceedingly good-hearted and sincere, despite their poverty. 

The alien explains "good" and assists, Leilani. However, there are alien horrors that must be avoided at all costs. Dean Koontz at his finest. The language and descriptions are so beautiful that you can't help but have a revelation.

I thoroughly loved this Koontz thriller. It alternated chapters between four characters: a ten-year-old boy whose mother was murdered and who is now alone and on the run; a nine-or ten-year-old girl with a drug addict mother and an evil stepfather; a young woman determined to save the girl from an evil fate; and a private detective who appears at the beginning and then reappears near the end. I enjoyed the characters, didn't mind the alternative chapters, and thought the action was exciting and well-paced.

I think there was too much unnecessary description, which some readers may simply skim over, but I still enjoyed it and don't think skimming it is necessary, and a lot of amusing and likable comedy, but again, someone with a lot of exposure to this type of writing may find it overdone. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant read.

If I hadn't read this book, I would have assumed that it was bad based on the opinions of my reader friends, but that was not the case, and I recommend that everyone read it. Don't let others discourage you from purchasing and reading this fantastic novel. 

Such endearing characters, and it immediately plunges you into an enormous journey! Curtis at the truck stop counter made me laugh out loud, and it's very difficult to get me to smile, much alone laugh out loud. I've never encountered a Koontz novel that was unreadable.

I'd want to express that I'm not sure what to say about this book! It has left me speechless. It's one of the greatest books I've read in a long time. It was fantastic. It's one of those novels that you don't want to finish and despise when it does. Then you'll go back and read it again. 

The characters are so real that you find yourself identifying with them. Curtis is fleeing from beings bent on destroying our Earth. Curtis has been dispatched to save us, and they are pursuing him throughout the nation. 

The FBI then becomes involved since they are looking for the drug cartels. Curtis must keep moving to avoid being caught. 

The last twenty minutes of this book are like racing down a steep slope with your brake lines severed. You can practically hear the clock ticking, resulting in a whizzing conclusion. Plenty of tension, plenty of intrinsic comedy, maybe a little too descriptive for some readers' liking.


Final Thoughts

This is a gorgeous, exhilarating, incredibly incisive picture of the horrifying reality of evil, and frequently a quite hilarious book. 

Those of us who are paralyzed have a special reason to appreciate this book and to thank Mr. Koontz for writing it. It's difficult for me to beat the character of Einstein in "Watchers," but I believe Mr. Koontz almost succeeds with his creation of Leilani. 

I'm not sure I'd want to know somebody who didn't enjoy this book. But don't judge me if I discuss these two characters since they are both amazing to me, even if they aren't the same; I'm simply comparing the writing from both works.

Although this book is a little older than some, it is a fantastic Sci-Fi action drama. There are no spoilers here, so simply pick it up. This book's characters are unrivaled. If you like Dean Koontz, you'll appreciate this. 

In all of his novels, he has a terrific way of uplifting the neglected and forgotten, but he truly outdoes himself here. In our stories, we admire heroic dogs, and no one does it better than Dean Koontz.

I could never give this tale justice since there are so many individuals involved. If you're a Dean Koontz fan and haven't read it, you're losing out on one of his greatest. It gives you a wonderful sensation and offers you hope for the future. 

He's a master of words. I sometimes have to look up the definition; therefore I've enhanced my vocabulary, as practically all of his novels do.


Synopsis

This synopsis is from the Audiobook version

“In a dusty trailer park on the far edge of the California dream, Michelina wants to change the direction of her troubled life but can't find her way. When a new family settles into the rental trailer next door, Micky meets the young girl who will change her forever.

Despite her deformed left leg and withered left hand, nine-year-old Leilani Klonk radiates a buoyant and indomitable spirit that inspires Micky. Beneath Leilani's effervescence, however, Micky comes to sense a quiet desperation that the girl dares not express. Leilani's mother is little more than a child herself, and her stepfather, Preston Maddoc, is educated but threatening. Slowly, ever more troubling details emerge in Leilani's conversations with Micky. Most chilling is Micky's discovery that Leilani had an older brother, also disabled, who vanished after Maddoc took him into the woods one night and is now "gone to the stars".

While the child-protection bureaucracy gives Micky the runaround, the Maddoc family slips away into the night. So Micky sets out across America to find them: for the first time living for something bigger than herself. One Door Away from Heaven is an incandescent mix of suspense and humor, fear and wonder, a story of redemption and timeless wisdom that will have listeners cheering.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Aunt Geneva, Away From Heaven, Corner Of His Eye, Curtis Hammond, Door Away, False Memory, Koontz Books, Leilani Klonk, Old Yeller, Preston Maddoc


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here
https://rebrand.ly/One-Door-Away-from-Heaven-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial
https://rebrand.ly/One-Door-Away-from-Heaven-Audible

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

Hideaway (1995) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

Phantoms (1998) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-1991-R

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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:


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

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

Hideaway (1995) (R)

Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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Night Chills Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Adventure, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Night Chills

Published: 1976
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller 

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense horror thriller Night Chills is a must-read for fans of the genre. The copyright for an early Dean Koontz piece described as reprinted in the 1980s is really 1976. Going back that far was a lot of fun because I had never read this one till a few years ago. The novel is definitely written in a new, more detailed style, demonstrating his stylistic progression. I miss the more straightforward manner apparent in this book. This one is obviously darker and maybe scarier since the likelihood of it happening is greater than witnessing anything magical or evil bursting out of a wall or another reality similar to what is happening in our world right now.

The premise relies around subliminal mind control, which has already been used. It's never been accomplished this well before.

A word of warning. Throughout, there is explicit violence and offensiveness. If you find it a turnoff, you might want to pass on this; if you don't mind it, the novel is an earlier written winner.

This novel makes you wonder what if...vas in, what if we had total control over other people and could force them to do our bidding, even if it meant they had to die to do so. You'll be on the verge of a nervous breakdown till the very end! Basically, it is the fundamental idea of this story, and I am repeating myself in this review, but that is how it is, and I am not ashamed of it.

I couldn't put this book down! It's filled with tension, drama, mystery, and even actual possibilities! I can nearly connect to that in the way our governments are pushing these Covid 19 immunizations, what if there is a chemical in it that persuaded us! Or a chip that is basically everywhere these days, such as in our phones. 

Actually, there are a plethora of options and things that can be done with it. What I understand about the case is that the immunizations never worked.

They know we all watch a lot of TV, so it would be simple to embed subliminal messages in us if we had some type of controlling agent in our bodies, such as bees and queen bees. And that is what I found in this novel and the message it sent me, but it all depends on how you interpret it. 

One last thing is that we are all capable of deciding for ourselves and doing what is best for us without being forced by anyone who is only trying to make money by weaponizing every new invention that can be used for the good of humanity, or simply reading this kind of book as it is supposed to be and that is just fiction but as always the ultimate choice is yours.

This book was a pleasure to read. It used to be on the list of prohibited books since it was banned a long time ago. A lot of the text is antiquated in some ways due to the year it was written. Nonetheless, I found it really intriguing. 

Some portions may have been uncomfortable, but they were vital to demonstrate to the reader how subliminal messaging can truly affect someone. 

After all, so much is possible, but it forces you to be cautious while watching advertising and not fall for the hype. To cut a long tale short, if you have an open mind and are not afraid to explore controversial concepts, this is a fantastic book to read.

This was a reread for this review, and I felt so good and realized how accurate these authors were when depicting the future or technology because most of it is basically happening in our lifetime. Few authors are worth revisiting, but Dean Koontz is one of them. Thank you for providing us with so many hours of entertainment!

Excellent insight into how power can corrupt and devour even the most upright. Be damned, morals. In the appropriate ways, it's dark and scary.

Dean Koontz at his most terrifying. One thing about Koontz's terrifying is that it is realistic. Except for the human type, there are no monsters. And those are the scariest of all. 

Subliminal messaging and mind control is at the heart of this novel. Is it true, and do they work? The answer, at least in this book and, I believe, in the actual world, is emphatical yes. If the second part of this gets written these days, I believe it will be titled Night Chills 2: Covid 19.

This book is highly worth reading. I adore all of Koontz's books, so I may seem a little prejudiced, but I always give honest evaluations, and this was a really good one. It brought me back in time and made me reconsider. 

How accurate he was about technology becoming a major problem when it wasn't when I was a youngster; I always thought there had to be more out there. It was a very satisfying read; I disliked some of it but enjoyed the majority of it. 

Definitely worth the money. I hope this has helped one of you, readers, decide whether or not to read this. It's just fantastic.


Final Thoughts

After plowing through Koontz's new works, returning to the old was a breath of fresh air. Great storyline and I appreciated how he explained things for simpletons. As with all of his other works, this one is a must-read.

The book seems to corroborate the basic concept of Big Brother interfering with our thoughts and attempting to control the populace by any means necessary. I recall thinking that it was a horror story simply because it seemed plausible.

I recommend this book if you want something frightening but not slasher gruesome monster stuff. Even today, it's uncomfortable, yet it's a great read!

This book, in my opinion, is outstanding. I enjoy books that make me think about real-life issues rather than merely transporting me to a magical world. 

I couldn't put this book down since it was so engrossing. I went to school talking about this book, and many of my classmates knew about it! They even requested to borrow it, but I learned the hard way not to do so and never gave my books away after losing a lot as a child. 

This novel was gory, but it was also intriguing... At the end of the novel, I almost burst into tears (it is a spoiler). 

I must agree that the first few pages were sluggish, but it picked up speed after that. A true recommended treasure that can open our eyes to what is going on around us.


Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz unleashes a contagion on a small Maine town—one that triggers the darkest desires of the soul.

Designed by top scientists and unleashed in a monstrous conspiracy, night chills are seizing the men and women of Black River—driving them to acts of rape and murder. The nightmare is real. And death is the only cure...”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Black River, Character Development, Koontz Books, Mind Control, Ogden Salsbury, Small Town, Stephen King, Subliminal Advertising, Subliminal Messages, Town Of Black


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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The Taking Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Adventure, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Taking

Published: 2004
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz wrote the novel The Taking. I was really looking forward to the movie adaptation of this novel, and it was certain to be a fantastic one if the content from the book was included. In 2006, Sam Raimi's Ghost House Productions revealed that they had obtained the rights to this novel and intended to make a miniseries based on it for their new television banner. But sadly, neither the series nor the Ghost House TV unit came to fruition.

I adored this book and the concept that evolved into a suspenseful and mysterious novel. It has become one of my all-time favorites, and I'd like to put it almost on par with The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew) by Stephen King in terms of my personal list of finest stories. 

After reading this book, I will always see rain in a new light and with a remembrance of one of my favorite stories, much as I recall The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) and The Fog when I am in fog or mist. It's an incredible experience for me, and instead of being afraid, I like it.

From the beginning, Koontz had my whole attention. I had the impression that I was there from beginning to end. I sensed the characters' terror, curiosity, sadness, and all the other feelings they must have felt. With the suspense, worry, and description, it took my thoughts on a wild journey. It was terrifying in and of itself, but towards the conclusion of the novel, I was overcome with emotion.

I'm the sort of person that gets a buzz from having nightmares. I'm pleased when they're finished, but I wouldn't change the dreams I experienced. This was one of those kinds of situations. It was like one of those lengthy, terrifying, end-of-the-world nightmares that is amazing in and of itself. 

Some of my friends did not enjoy this book, and many of them did not complete it. This suggests that the plot's convoluted and unrealistic situation may not pique the interest of all readers. If you enjoy basic one-track books, you might not enjoy this one, but if you want an exciting and otherworldly experience, I definitely suggest it.

Mr. Koontz, like the protagonist in this novel, has decided to create a book about hope. He can scare the bejesus out of us, but he also gives us hope that virtue and love will triumph over evil. And my favorite aspect of his writings is that he always features dogs that represent the finest of our planet.

Even in the midst of the tragedy, I recognized beauty in most of the narrative. I started reading with an open mind, and when I finished it, I felt like a better person. Whether or not Koontz intended it, I felt closer to my own inner self.

I've mentioned The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) a few times in this review, and I adore that story even more than this one, but I'd want to point out that it's not a full-length book, but rather a novella or a short story.

Now, let's get back to The Taking... This novel contains all the twists and turns of a well-crafted narrative and characters. The ending grows clearer and clearer, and it's very evident around 3/4 of the way through, but it's the subtleties that make it so brilliantly written.

Of course, dogs play an important role in his tales, and these canines have remarkable abilities. So endearing.... Congratulations, Mr. Koontz! Congratulations!

One of Koontz's books you won't be able to put down. It's about bravery and optimism in the face of tragedy and loss. I had a feeling there was more to the extraterrestrial encounter than meets the eye...there are a lot of signs I hope you don't overlook. Once again thank you, Dean Koontz, for writing about the end of the world in such an artful manner.


Final Thoughts

This was fantastic, and I'm afraid I won't be able to give it credit! Dean Koontz has always been a favorite of mine, but he's truly exceeded himself with this one. 

What began as a riveting sci-fi/horror novel quickly morphed into something with such profound meaning that I was left dumbfounded and in awe of Dean Koontz's ability by the time I reached the final page. 

The message of the book had a tremendous impact on me. I arrived expecting a light read and instead received a true gem. Wow is all I have to say.

This is the book for you if you enjoy mysteries, sci-fi, psychological thrills, and feeling chills. This man can tie your mind into knots trying to figure out what's going to happen next, then Bang - he blows your mind again. 

I've been a fan for years, and I once ran out of gas on the road while listening to one of his books. Read Dean Koontz if you want to broaden your horizons!!!

I like this book until the very end, when it evolved into a whole other sort of novel, and that is the only reason I did not give it a full recommendation since I know some readers will not appreciate the conclusion and the changes that occurred to the tale. 

Despite the author's last-minute changing of gears, I rather appreciated this book. It had a lot of suspense and was really creative. I felt it to be a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel that was driven by plot rather than character development.

Beginning as an extraterrestrial invasion thriller, the depictions of the world's devastating ecological changes are genuinely terrifying.

For the most part, Koontz is at his best in this disturbing and frightening book, which begins as an extraterrestrial invasion story and progresses into an allegorical age-old narrative of the war between good and evil. 

Though I wish it had been a nice old-fashioned alien invasion thriller, I can't begrudge the author for following his heart. The subjects in the book are ones that have emerged in many of the author's prior novels and are definitely ones that he is passionate about.


Synopsis

The synopsis below is from the mass market paperback edition of this book.
“On the morning that marks the end of the world they have known, Molly and Neil Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof. A luminous silvery downpour is drenching their small California mountain town. It has haunted their sleep, invaded their dreams, and now, in the moody purple dawn, the young couple cannot shake the sense of something terribly wrong.

As the hours pass, Molly and Neil listen to disturbing news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. By nightfall, their little town loses all contact with the outside world. A thick fog transforms the once-friendly village into a ghostly labyrinth. And soon the Sloans and their neighbors will be forced to draw on reserves of courage and humanity they never knew they had. For within the misty gloom they will encounter something that reveals in a shattering instant what is happening to their world—something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alien Invasion, Black Lake, Husband Neil, Koontz Books, Left Behind, Molly And Neil, Odd Thomas, Waste Of Time, Years Ago


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Cell Review

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

Cell

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

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Synopsis

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

There’s a reason cell rhymes with hell.

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

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

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

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


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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