Frankenstein: City of Night Review

Frankenstein: City of Night

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz and Ed Gorman

Genre: Conspiracy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Book 02 of 05: Frankenstein

Check the summary of this book here:

Frankenstein: City of Night Summary

The Review

The novel City of Night was written by best-selling authors Dean Koontz and Ed Gorman and published in 2005. This book is the second installment in Koontz's Frankenstein series. Dead and Alive, the third book in the series was released in 2009. You continue with O'Connor and Michael's frequently funny conversation, which is quite pleasant in the midst of all the excitement and occurrences. Deucalion seemed to take on a little different position, and he didn't look as frightening as he did in "Prodigal Son." 

I was first disappointed, but it worked perfectly with the flow of the plot. Victor Frankenstein's persona developed more, and you can fully sense his insanity and arrogance in what he does as he grows more and more reckless. 

Overall, the plot appears to be sluggish, but it is actually rapid, and you only realize this when the book is nearly finished or you are on the final page.

This was a fantastic read for me. The brief chapters didn't bother me this time, and I thought they added to the story's appeal. 

The premise was intriguing and grew to intensify as the story progressed. The characters did not change and stayed as they were. 

The tale delves deeper into Helios' life and gives you a better idea of what his inventions are like.

I didn't like how sudden the ending was since I wanted to read and learn more. To me, it appeared as if Mr. Koontz arbitrarily selected a point to finish the City of Night, and by both I mean the City of Night and Dead and Alive, but this was not the case, and it was done on purpose, much like an episode of a TV program is chopped to keep the viewer interested in the future episode.

This is the second book in the series that I enjoy, however it is a little slow-paced and appears to mainly build up the third book. 

This establishes the major narrative and struggle that Victor will confront, and we get to know the characters a little more in this book. 

It appears to be taking an interesting direction and has kept my interest quite well. I wish there was a better finish to this since, as I've stated several times in this review, it simply dropped off. It was as if Koontz wrote one novel and then ripped it in half to make two. But don't worry, the following book, "Dead and Alive," is excellent.

I've never liked a "second part" as much as or more than the first, but this book was out of this world! A "page-turner" in the same vein as book one. 

This novel maintains the wit and comedy of the first. It's nice to see the cops back at work, and there are even more great characters introduced that you'll like.

O'Connor and Maddison's only communication with each other consists entirely of witty banter in which they exchange snappy one-liners back and forth, and I believe some readers will dislike it because it is tiresome and unrealistic for them, but many readers will enjoy it and may laugh out loud on numerous occasions, so just read and decide which one you are.

I once again admire Koontz's ability to lure me into each chapter...and then leave me breathless as he jumps back and forth between the mini-plots of other characters. 

The only dissatisfaction I had during this never-ending sensation of emotional foreplay was my intense need to read more about the often delicate, sad, haunting, and sometimes savage Deucalion, and Koontz's teasing left me unsatisfied in this aspect. 

I anticipated Deucalion would play a larger part in the next book, as he is the Old Race's Champion, and he should be essential and center stage during the impending holocaust. 

I couldn't figure out who wrote what out of the three authors (Dean Koontz, Ed Gorman and Kevin J. Anderson) in this and the prior narrative but I don't think it matters because both novels were fantastic.

Overall, I felt the book was a fantastic read, however as I already stated, it fell short at the end. 

Dean Koontz's whole body of work is in my possession. I purchased it as soon as it was available. Sure enough, he didn't let me down. He can easily keep the reader's attention from page one to the conclusion. He is a real master storyteller. I wholeheartedly suggest all of his books!

Final Thoughts

Let me start by saying that you are lucky in that the third book in this series has already been released and that you can purchase it as soon as you finish the second.

It's a little bland at first as it sets up the remainder of the novel, but it's still amusing. It becomes a true page-turner, twisting and turning with tales merging and getting more thrilling. It's fantastic.

The City of Night picks up immediately where Prodigal Son leaves off. All of the characters have returned, plus a few new ones have been introduced, and Helios' weaknesses are becoming more apparent. 

Carson, Michael, and Deucalion's new goal is to destroy Helios, as Helios continues to strive to take over the globe with his new race.

Fans of the original novel will not be disappointed with this sequel. This book takes off precisely where the last one left off and runs from beginning to end. 

There was a brief review of what had occurred that was interspersed across the first few chapters. This is especially helpful if, like me, you purchased this book as immediately as it was available but never got around to reading it.

This is a novel I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you loved the first book in the series. 

I chose Book one since I am a major admirer of all things Frankenstein as I mentioned in my previous review. While it's a fresh take on the subject, it's been extremely nice thus far.

In a nutshell, this is what this book is... Fantastic narrative, great characters, loads of tension, and romantic hints. 

According to the previous allusions, I liked this book and despise these novels for their cliffhangers, but in a pleasant manner.

Synopsis

"The Frankenstein story is updated to the 21st century by the great American storyteller Dean Koontz. Now someone new is playing god.

They are stronger, heal better and think faster than any humans ever created – and they must be destroyed. But not even Victor Helios can stop the engineered killers he has set loose on a reign of terror through modern-day New Orleans.

The mad genius had not imagined that his creations would develop minds – and purposes – of their own. And as Deucalion and Detectives O'Connor and Maddison race to uncover an age-old conspiracy, they will discover that Victor's new, improved models have infiltrated every level of New Orleans society … and far beyond.

Dean Koontz, the master storyteller, creates a bold new legend."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Carson And Michael, Character Development, Frankenstein Series, New Orleans, New Race, Next Book, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Victor Helios

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Frankenstein: Prodigal Son Review

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz and Kevin J. Anderson

Genre: Children's Comics, Conspiracy, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Book 01 of 05: Frankenstein

Check the summary of this book here:

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Prodigal Son is a best-selling novel. The novel is the first in a series of five by Dean Koontz named Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. Kevin J. Anderson, another fantastic author, contributed to the book as a co-author. 

I was already planning to buy and read this book because it contained the name Frankenstein, but it became even more necessary after learning about both writers' names.

Koontz is one of my favorite modern fiction writers because of his sense of humor and assimilation of the spiritual component of reality in his work, where the brilliant optimism of good and the horror of evil are eloquently represented and contrasted.

The next few lines are connected to the narrative of this work, however, I am simply posting them since all of this information is already on the back of the book, thus it is not considered a spoiler. 

The basic narrative follows New Orleans detective Carson and her partner Michael as they search for "The Surgeon," a serial killer. 

Deucalion, once known as The Monster, is alarmed by reports of this serial murderer, believing that his old master and creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, has returned. 

When Carson meets Deucalion, the investigation takes a darker turn, leading Carson and Michael down the road of a 200-year-old mystery and evil that threatens more than just New Orleans.

The series' idea was based on a script created by Koontz and Anderson for the 2004 USA Network TV movie Frankenstein. 

Due to creative differences with the network, Koontz resigned from the project, and the production went on a new route with identical characters and a different narrative, while Koontz was able to publish his own series.

The production firm 1019 Entertainment announced in October 2012 that they have obtained the whole Koontz Frankenstein novel series. TNT has announced plans to adapt it into a television series, with writer James V. Hart and his son Jake Hart penning the screenplay.

This novel has so many side tales that I was worried about how everything will fit together while I was reading it. 

After a third of the way through the novel, you discover you're following two separate stories: one about Carson and Michael and the New Orleans Homicide Division, and the other about Victor and Deucalion. When the novel's end arrives, everything falls into place.

The number of characters I was following when I initially started reading this story astounded me. 

The narrative began by following four separate characters, each with their own story. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but I think it turned out well. 

I was also dissatisfied with the quantity of hopping back and forth between storylines. We seemed to be going to a different individual with each new chapter, which was around three pages long on average. 

With all of the leaping around, I was left wondering how anything could possibly progress. It wasn't long before it became clear that all of the hopping around was leading to one tale.

All of the leaping about bothered me. At the beginning of the novel, I never felt like I got to know the characters. 

I had a solid understanding of the characters at the conclusion of the book, but I lacked any kind of emotional attachment to any of them. 

I also didn't enjoy how none of the characters grew as the tale progressed. Carson was Carson from start to finish; Michael was Michael from start to finish, and so on. 

The lone character that changed significantly during the novel had such a little role in the plot that the alteration was easily unnoticed.

This book is unexpectedly clever, with aspects of both a superb detective story and a science fiction classic. 

The characters are nicely rounded, and the plot is intriguing. I'm presently reading the final book in the series, and it's just as good as the others.

All of the components of an excellent thriller are present. Some verb tense changes looked superfluous. 

If you require closure, the finale leaves a lot of loose ends, so be prepared to read the sequels. 

You may read the book summaries if you want, and I usually put a link to them near the top of the review, but if you are a genuine book lover, I recommend avoiding reading the summaries so you can be shocked by what occurs next.

Finally, Dean Koontz's and Kevin J. Anderson's thriller portrays the true story of Frankenstein's monster. 

It's a fast-paced thrill rush that you won't be able to stop following. Michael Connelly meets Mary Shelly. I am confident that you will not be able to wait and avoid reading the second book in the series.

Final Thoughts

I've always been a fan of vintage horror characters. The Frankenstein monster was one of my favorites since it was a man-made monstrosity that was never given the opportunity to learn and develop, much like my own ideal of defeating death so that we as humans may do more and achieve our full potential with an unlimited life. 

I was fascinated when I learned Dean Koontz had written a Frankenstein book. I had no idea what to expect from this book and was pleasantly pleased to discover that it was set in the modern times. 

This is set about 200 years after its birth, as if the Frankenstein monster still existed and how he would adjust to modern civilization.

I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I enjoyed the unfolding plot and never knew what would come next. 

I always had a pretty decent concept of what was going to happen, but I was never able to get even half of it correct (for example, a killer is discovered, begins to flee, is apprehended, and dies). 

When, in actuality, the perpetrator is apprehended, flees, begins to shift, finds himself in a difficult place, narrowly escapes, is killed, and yet manages to flee at the same time. Isn't it perplexing? Start reading to find out.

Overall, the plot was exciting and fast-paced. I would suggest this book to anybody who likes mysteries, especially those in which the reader is taken in by the mystery and then is left wondering, "What just occurred, I'm blown away?"

Koontz's concept is pretty intriguing, and it leaves you guessing as to how it will all play out. For fans of the Frankenstein narrative, this is a must-read.

Synopsis

“From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the story, you know only half the truth. Get ready for the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of…

Dean Koontz's Prodigal Son

Every city has secrets. But none as terrible as this. His name is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who’s traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Detective Carson O’Connor is cool, cynical, and every bit as tough as she looks. Her partner Michael Maddison would back her up all the way to Hell itself–and that just may be where this case ends up. For the no-nonsense O’Connor is suddenly talking about an ages-old conspiracy, a near immortal race of beings, and killers that are more—and less—than human. Soon it will be clear that as crazy as she sounds, the truth is even more ominous. For their quarry isn’t merely a homicidal maniac—but his deranged maker.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Body Parts, Kevin Anderson, Looking Forward, New Orleans, New Race, Odd Thomas, Serial Killer, Still Alive, Victor Frankenstein, Victor Helios

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Ghost Story Review

Ghost Story

Published: 1979

Author: Peter Straub

Genre: American, Drama, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Ghost Story Summary

The Review

Peter Straub's Ghost Story is a horror story. Coward, McCann, and Geoghegan published it on January 1, 1979, and it was made into a horror film in 1981, minus the fifth protagonist, Lewis Benedikt. It was a turning point in Straub's career, becoming a national best-seller and solidifying his reputation.

Stephen King rates Ghost Story as one of the best horror books of the late twentieth century in his non-fiction study of the horror medium, Danse Macabre, and includes a comprehensive critique inside its "Horror Fiction" section.

In the manner of Stephen King in this book, Peter Straub has linked his works and book universe, and some of the links are as follows: Ricky Hawthorne is referenced in the author's 1983 novel Floating Dragon, where it is revealed that he is the uncle of a victim in the latter book. Milburn appears briefly in Koko, which was released in 1988.

This was a mind-boggling story, vast in scale and unsettling in execution. Peter Straub is a virtuoso at trapping the incomprehensible in the net of language and producing enchantment too high for fiction in words that are typically too thin to hold it, and this book is proof of that ability. 

In the pages of this novel, a complete little town comes to life, only to break apart at the seams one by one. Too much detail would detract from the narrative's grandeur, but this is a magnificent story that must be experienced.

If things appear to be moving slowly at first, have confidence that these flows will eventually snowball into a gigantic avalanche of horror. 

The past is necessary in order to experience the full weight of the present. Knowing the people so well is essential for feeling the full scope of their tragedy. 

A horrible narrative constructed from strands of remorse, fear, and yearning, this is a towering example of what the most creative human minds are capable of when turned on, as the title suggests, a 'Ghost Story.'

The work is hypnotic. The author has constructed a waystation deep in snow in the imaginary town of Millburn where people live their own lives, unknowing of the horrifying monsters hiding in the forest ready to strike. These evil creatures eventually come for the helpless people, and they are caught off guard.

This story of ghostly vengeance is educational in many ways because it reveals the consequences of abuse humans inflict on one another. The town itself is full of individuals surviving in varying degrees of guilt, and it is precisely these scars on their souls that brand the victims for the marauders out to feed on them.

I adore this book and wanted to share three things I learned from it.

First - If you're going to get retribution, instead of focusing on a few old townsfolk, ramp it up to eleven and destroy the entire town. 

The main villain, who goes by several aliases, all of which begin with the letters AM, intends to accomplish precisely that. 

And, like the author, she instructs her victims in the ways of the occult and why they must die. Fortunately, the monster's coup de grâce cannot be delivered because of the bravery of Ricky Hawthorne, Peter Barnes, and Don Wanderly. Nonetheless, a commendable effort.

Second - in my opinion, stories in which the innocent are slaughtered like lambs are not entertaining. 

But if you take a community full of folks who have done everything from the heinous to the just irritating and go after them, you've got something. 

Of course, the Chowder Society members are the worst, because they killed a young lady, well, she seemed to be a young woman and buried the evidence. 

Add to that a lunatic farmer who is always suing people and seeing Martians, a drunken shell of a sheriff, and a woman who would rather have sex with almost every other man in town than stay at home. Wouldn't you say there's enough fodder for a spiteful, deadly, otherworldly being?

Third - This final point highlights Straub's genius. He might have provided a nice old-fashioned vindictive spirit like Henry James did in The Turn of the Screw. 

But he went one step further: he created a being—or, God help us, a race of beings—that has inhabited the globe for thousands of years and feeds not only on people's flesh but also on their fear. 

That, in my opinion, is what pushes this work over the top. You can't merely crouch inside a circle of salt while holding a crucifix. These are actual things, that may really be living among us.

Is this Straub's greatest work? That's what I knew before I read this book, and it's very evident it is throughout and after reading it. 

It has the sense of a great classic to it when you're reading it. As I previously stated, Straub's writing is excellent, from the thrilling prologue to the sinister undertone that runs throughout the novel. 

This is one of the greatest horror books I've ever read, and I definitely recommend it. Also, while Straub does a fantastic job of conveying terror without being overly gruesome or bloody, that does not imply there isn't any. This is an excellent book.

Final Thoughts

I have to say that I am disappointed that I did not find this excellent author sooner. I had no idea who Peter Straub was until I discovered the books (The Talisman and Black House) he and Stephen King co-wrote. 

And, like many other Stephen King and Peter Straub fans, I consider myself fortunate that they collaborated on the Talisman series.

There is no comparison to Stephen King, yet I had to tell myself several times while reading this novel that I was not reading his work.

If you haven't already done so, I recommend picking up a copy of Ghost Story and bracing yourself for a night of non-sleeping. While you're at it, watch the 1981 film starring Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, and John Houseman, which was released in 1981.

Without a doubt, one of the most terrifying ghost stories ever told. If you didn't believe in them before, you will after reading this book. "The Shining" by Stephen King is right up there with it. 

You don't want to flip the page to see what happens next, but you have no choice. Do not, I repeat, do not begin reading this book late at night; you will most likely experience nightmares. 

It's best not to start it before heading to work or while you're at work, as it's tough to put down. 

Take a few days off, relax, put on all the lights, and read this fantastic terrifying tale of vengeance perpetrated by the most enraged ghost you'll ever meet.

Synopsis

"#1 New York Times bestselling author Peter Straub’s classic tale of horror, secrets, and the dangerous ghosts of the past...

What was the worst thing you’ve ever done?

In the sleepy town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell each other stories—some true, some made-up, all of them frightening. A simple pastime to divert themselves from their quiet lives.

But one story is coming back to haunt them and their small town. A tale of something they did long ago. A wicked mistake. A horrifying accident. And they are about to learn that no one can bury the past forever..."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alice Krige, Burt Weissbourd, Character Development, Chowder Society, Douglas Green, Ever Read, Ever Written, Fred Astaire, Ghost Stories, Horror Novels, John Houseman, John Irvin, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., New York, Ralph Cohn, Salem Lot, Small Town, Thing That Ever

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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Ghost Story (1981) (R)

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