Brother Odd Review

Brother Odd

Published: 28, November 2006

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Thriller

Book 3 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Brother Odd Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz wrote the novel, Brother Odd. It is the third novel in Koontz's series about Odd Thomas, a young man. Koontz's work is marked by excellent characterization and meticulous planning, and this narrative about the triumph of modesty over arrogance is extraordinary on both counts. A work that is both lively and amusing, as well as having the proper heart.

I like Koontz, Odd Thomas, and Anton Yelchin, who played him so wonderfully in the movie adaptation. He was very young at the time of his sad death. Anton Yelchin was the first actor I saw after reading the novels who matched my expectations. Rest in Peace 

It's fantastic to cheer for a genuinely good man who prioritizes others before himself and just feels that's how it should be. He's terrified, humorous, humble, and unassuming. In any case, this series stimulates. shocks, draws you in, makes you talk to the characters out loud, and offers insights that will serve you well.

Another exciting Odd Thomas novel. I had intended to download the series and read them while on the go, but I had to switch to audio because it was difficult to read while moving. I'm nearly halfway through the third book again and I'm completely captivated!

These are what I'd term Paranormal Murder-Mysteries. It's not too out of the ordinary, but it's also not too out of the unexpected. 

My only gripe has been that they are a touch overly wordy, and I thought it was a little long for the real narrative matter, but I still like it and wanted more.

Brother Odd does not fail in the mystery department: as it begins with Odd in the Monastery, you wonder how Mr. Koontz can tell a good story at a monastery?! But it completely works. 

The colorful monks provide color to the narrative. For me, the saddest aspect of the novel was the ending, when someone dies. That came as a surprise to me. 

Don’t forget to buy the next book Odd Hours because as soon as you are done with it, I am sure you'll get crazy about reading the next one.

The first book Odd Thomas was fantastic, deserving of the start of a completely new character-based series. Unfortunately, the second book Forever Odd felt forced and would never have made it to market if it had been a stand-alone book, but only if it had been compared to the first one, as I previously noted in the review for Forever Odd, otherwise it was a wonderful read.

In some ways, the ending of Brother Odd is reminiscent of Dean Koontz's earlier novel of an extraterrestrial invasion, The Taking, except that it is done in reverse. I can't say much more without giving anything away, but if you've read The Taking and applied its ending, but in reverse, to this novel, you'll be able to figure out who the villain is, but I'm probably being too vague.

This novel makes up for the second novel Forever Odd by providing us with a reason to keep Odd Thomas around. It's highly enjoyable, and while it's a little predictable, it's still engaging, and the characters are folks you'd like to spend a few hours with.

Koontz has progressed from being a pure horror writer to crafting novels with a larger meaning. According to several of my friends who have read this book, it is not what they were searching for. 

This book is classified as a moral lesson. I prefer his religious undertones, so that's okay with me, but not everyone will love his anti-science stance. 

I believe the morality is intended to be more about seizing power and wanting to become a deity than it is about being anti-science and anti-scientist. Overall, this book is well worth the time you'll spend reading it.

Dean Koontz has created a tale with complex characters and intriguing circumstances, as he usually does. 

Odd Thomas has a special place in my heart because he's scrupulously honest, loyal, and hardworking, and he struggles with the responsibilities he's assigned when they don't appear to match his values. 

Mr. Koontz's characters that surround Odd are well-developed and give him with both aid and amazement, which keeps the reader entertained. 

If you appreciate Dean Koontz's work in general, you will likely enjoy this book and the series as well. If you're new to Dean Koontz, I recommend starting with the first book in the series Odd Thomas and working your way forward; keeping in mind that Odd has a name for a reason! And if you're a fan of Odd Thomas, you should absolutely read the entire series. I'm about to complete this book again on audio, and I'm already excited for the next one!

Odd Thomas' third novel had me intrigued once more by Koontz's extraordinary mastery of wit, language, and vision.

A more concentrated tale than the last one called Forever Odd, I could readily imagine the events within the Monastery and the thought bending bone creatures. It's always a pleasure to feast on the creativity of a skilled wordsmith.

Dean Koontz has been writing for a long time and is well-versed in his craft. He's even written how-to books on it. Here, the master storyteller expertly builds an engrossing storyline that will have you flipping pages long after the sun has gone down. 

In the midst of all the horrific events, Koontz instills a sense of hope, humor, and wonder, and the author has created a protagonist in Odd Thomas who is immensely likable and admirable, to the point where Koontz may be making Odd too saintly (The title of the seventh book, fittingly, is "Saint Odd,") and whose self-effacing but unwavering personality drives the narrative. 

Final Thoughts

This time, he has some extra assistance! The third novel maintains the blend of humor, mystery, horror, good and evil, Elvis, always entertaining societal insights, and this time, a meeting between Science and God. 

Furthermore, a compelling and powerful picture of people with disabilities of all levels and origins, what they provide to us, and what we owe them.

I loved this book as much as I did the previous Odd Thomas novels I've read. Although I guessed the villain very early on, this did not detract from my pleasure of the narrative.

Without giving too much away about the narrative, here are some of the things I like about the book: The reality that someone who looked to be a clear "evil person" turned out to be the polar opposite.

I also felt it was refreshing to utilize a monk's abuse of science as the tool of devastation here rather than a supernatural force.

The fact is that, in the end, Odd is summoned out of his comfort zone and into the broader world.

Synopsis

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Loop me in, odd one. The words, spoken in the deep of night by a sleeping child, chill the young man watching over her. For this was a favorite phrase of Stormy Llewellyn, his lost love. In the haunted halls of the isolated monastery where he had sought peace, Odd Thomas is stalking spirits of an infinitely darker nature.

As he steadfastly journeys toward his mysterious destiny, Odd Thomas has established himself as one of the most beloved and unique fictional heroes of our time. Now, wielding all the power and magic of a master storyteller at the pinnacle of his craft, Dean Koontz follows Odd into a singular new world where he hopes to make a fresh beginning—but where he will meet an adversary as old and inexorable as time itself.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Another Great, Dead People, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Looking Forward, Pico Mundo, Sense Of Humor, Thomas Series, Young Man

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Forever Odd Review

Forever Odd

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Humor, Psychic, Psychological, Psychology, Suspense, Thriller

Book 2 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Forever Odd Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Forever Odd is the sequel to Odd Thomas. The story picks up six months after the events of Odd Thomas. This is an excellent continuation of the story, and I am confident that all readers will eagerly await the subsequent installments. The narrative mechanics, which are always a strength for Koontz, are excellent, as are the characterizations, which are vivid and well-drawn. 

Koontz understands how to transform dramatic and hazardous circumstances into page-turners. The Odd Thomas series, on the other hand, is almost totally dependent on how you feel about the main character and if he is likable and consistent. This second book in the series achieves this quite effectively for the most part, and I have no reservations in recommending it, as well as the series as a whole.

Dean Koontz's writing has moved from tense horror fiction to something considerably larger at some point in his career. The literary elite may disagree, but this reader would confidently compare a page from this book to a page from any of today's critically renowned literary literature and argue that the accuracy of word choice and poetry of expression would more than hold its own. So would the book's philosophical material, notably his case for envy as man's original sin, as well as Odd's therapeutic power of passivity and steadfast honesty in the face of extreme emotional agony.

The flipside of Koontz's growth is that admirers of his earlier work may believe that Forever Odd's increased attention on character and subject comes at the price of narrative, intricacy, and general creepiness. 

While the narrative of this work should have been better explored, the terror octane is undeniably strong. 

Indeed, the earthquake and fire-ravaged Indian casino that serves as the background for most of the novel evokes a degree of terror comparable to Stephen King's hotel in The Shining. And the spooks that haunt it, whether alive, dead or undead, would hold their own against the residents of Mr. King's Overlook Hotel.

So, if you want to be afraid but not feel guilty about it, Forever Odd and its first part Odd Thomas will serve you just as well as anything since Edgar Allan Poe.

After seeing the film Odd Thomas, which I truly loved, I decided to extend my delight by reading the novels. The main character is endearing. He was presented in the film as someone I'd like to get to know better. He is a down-to-earth, uncomplicated young man with exceptional abilities that he grudgingly employs. 

I would strongly advise you to see the film in order to acquire a decent sense of the main character. I really hope there would be another Odd Thomas film, but in the meanwhile, there are numerous more novels in the series to enjoy. 

But I still believe that you should think of both mediums as separate things in order to experience them as they should be.

The novel's events take place over the course of one action-packed day, during which Odd risks several perils to assist a friend. 

I do not believe this book is as wonderful as Koontz's first novel in this series, Odd Thomas; nevertheless, I did like it quite a bit, which does not imply that this book is just acceptable since it is fantastic, but it is not a blockbuster if compared to the first book. 

The first novel exposes the reader to a colorful ensemble of people. The eccentric residents of Odd's community are what made the novel so enjoyable, and the narrative was intricate and cryptic, giving the required tension.

It was so action-packed that if it had been dragged out, it would have been really long, but the author chose to keep it tight, which is sort of great in that respect, even if I wanted more out of this story.

You never know what Odd will get himself into. This one starts on the first page. I was taken aback by how soon I was exposed to the primary plot.

I was also intrigued by how the sequel would be different without Stormy. I don't think I've really recovered from the conclusion of Book one. However, there were some wonderful nods to their connection.

Even though I want Odd to develop and be able to move on, I'd like to hear about her in the following novels as well.

This is without a doubt one of my favorite series, which I have finished and still want more of. It's terrifying, but it's also entertaining. You've gotten an excellent blend. In addition, you receive Dean Koontz's writing. There's nothing to complain about. 

I can't help but add another wonderful series, even though they're completely different but I'm sure dedicated readers would enjoy: the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.

If you like Koontz's first Odd Thomas book, you must continue reading. Odd's second adventure is relentless, as a good page-turner should be. 

Koontz tells a really grim story with amazing comedy and wit, so there is never a dull moment, and you simply keep reading to see what happens to Odd next.

Final Thoughts

In simple words this book was fantastic. The story's flow was excellent, and it maintained my attention throughout. Dean Koontz has always been a favorite of mine, and this novel does not disappoint.

In simple words, Forever Odd is wonderful, however, I felt the first book was a little better since I couldn't put it down. However, once I got far into it, I couldn't put it down either. I rushed out and bought Brother Odd as soon as I completed this, so it is definitely worth the read.

This novel, on the other hand, concentrates almost entirely on Odd, who is alone for large portions of the narration. The narrative is less enigmatic and more of an action-packed adventure. 

The villain was a little more fascinating than the antagonists in the first part, but the total entertainment value has been reduced because Odd's incredibly interesting companions have receded into the background.

The narration's tone is another facet of this book that will either please or irritate readers. Odd brutally mocks the politically correct establishment's holy cows in the narrative. These are the enjoyable sections if you think above the reality and enjoy this as a fantasy novel.

The book is really well written and has excellent illustrations in terms of word choice. The main character, which was nicely developed in the previous novel, is even more developed in this one.

I appreciate reading stories in which the main character or characters appear in almost all of them. They become like long-lost friends. A must read book and series for Koontz fans and I recommend it to non fans as well. 

Synopsis

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

I see dead people. But then, by God, I do something about it. Odd Thomas never asked for his special ability. He’s just an ordinary guy trying to live a quiet life in the small desert town of Pico Mundo. Yet he feels an obligation to do right by his otherworldly confidants, and that’s why he’s won hearts on both sides of the divide between life and death. But when a childhood friend disappears, Odd discovers something worse than a dead body and embarks on a heart-stopping battle of will and wits with an enemy of exceptional cunning. In the hours to come there can be no innocent bystanders, and every sacrifice can tip the balance between despair and hope.

You’re invited on an unforgettable journey through a world of terror and transcendence to wonders beyond imagining. And you can have no better guide than Odd Thomas.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Dead People, Looking Forward, Main Character, Page Turner, Pico Mundo, Psychic Magnetism, Second Book, Story Line, Thomas Series

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Odd Thomas Review

Odd Thomas

Published: 2003

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Action, Crime, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Murder, Occult, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller

Book 1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Odd Thomas Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Odd Thomas is a thriller. The title is derived from the main character, Odd Thomas, a twenty-year-old short-order cook. The book, which got positive reviews and acclaim from reviewers, went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Following the popularity of the novel, Koontz wrote six sequels: Forever Odd (2005), Brother Odd (2006), Odd Hours (2008), Odd Apocalypse (2012), and Deeply Odd (2013). Saint Odd (2015), the concluding novel in the series, was released on January 13, 2015. 

Three graphic novel prequels have also been released: In Odd We Trust, Odd Is On Our Side and House of Odd. 

In the graphic novel's postscript, Koontz notes, "God willing, there will be six Odd Thomas novels." Odd Interlude, a special Odd Thomas Adventure short novel, was released on December 26, 2012, and Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever was released on December 9, 2014. 

Dean Koontz praised the film, saying, "It is so wonderful that I am whacked flat by happiness." So I'm not going to comment on it, but it wasn't a bad film adaptation of Dean Koontz's novel.

Strange in name and odd in talents, the titular character is Odd. A twenty-year-old short-order fry cook who has the gift or misfortune of seeing the dead. He resides in Pico Mundo, a tiny California desert hamlet that translates as "top of the world." 

At first, I assumed our hero's name was Thomas, and Odd was an accurate description of him. 

In the first several chapters, he immediately dispels this myth. Odd is the moniker given to him, and despite his boring employment and lowly surroundings, our poor MC's life has been anything but simple. 

This narrative appears to be a slice of what Odd has been through since infancy, but his current journey threatens to ruin all he loves most.

In most stories when the main character possesses a remarkable ability, he or she is seldom, if ever, believed. 

Odd has a great support network and many friends, including the chief of police, which I admire. Police officers are generally the last people to fall for such nonsense, but Chief Porter does. He's like Odd's father, something our young hero obviously needs. Odd doesn't have to face the weight of his skill on his own. It's not a fully hidden ability; it's just an ability.

People who know him not only accept that he has it, but also trust him with it, and his friends are as diverse as they are: Viola and her daughters Nicolina and Levanna, Terry his boss with her Elvis obsession, his landlady Rosalia Sanchez, who asks him every day if she is visible, the previously mentioned Chief Porter and his wife Karla, Little Ozzie, who is probably the biggest man in town, and, of course, Stormy Llewellyn. While they have no idea what he is capable of, they all recognize that he is Odd.

He exemplifies the theme of hiding power in simple settings, in which we frequently see the orphan or foundling who was abandoned or hidden in order to conceal and protect who they are and what they have. 

Odd is also quite courteous, which I appreciated, especially coming from a young person who is frequently and tritely characterized as rude. He addresses everyone as "sir" or "ma'am," and he shows no disrespect to anyone.

Odd's skills show themselves as a tiny girl named Penny Kalisto, which immediately draws you in. Even if the dead never speak to him, they have a way of making themselves known.

The ones that remain are there for a reason, and Odd believes it is his responsibility to figure out what that reason is. His ability to see the dead isn't his only one, but I won't tell you what it is.

Despite the fact that I figured out the key twist well before the last chapter, I still gave this story high points and immediately began reading the following novel, Forever Odd, as soon as I was able to purchase it, and then the next and the next until I finished the series. 

As I previously stated, the movie is not horrible, but it is recommended that you watch it after reading the book and solely watch it as a movie rather than as an adaptation so that you may appreciate both media equally.

Odd Thomas's melancholy is palpable. It is the root of every phrase and hides between each word. If we don't allow ourselves to hope, we won't be able to persevere.

Many readers have a curious issue with Dean Koontz's works, which is his closing up all loose ends at the conclusion, and I am surprised that many people don't want that... on the other hand, many people have an issue with Stephen King for not tying up many ends and even leaving the plot open-ended. 

What is wrong with these readers, and what do they want? I am a fan of both of these excellent authors, and I enjoy both of their ending methods because they make you think. Comment and share your ideas on this topic so that we may discuss it further.

Final Thoughts

The protagonist is complex and realistic. The plot is pretty brilliant. This sentence appears in practically every review of a great author's work, but it is accurate, and that phrase is... Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. 

 Please be advised that there are some unsettling and violent situations in this book and this book is not suitable for youngsters or early teens.

Where the film pays justice to the novel, this delves further into Odd's thoughts and feelings because it is told by him and tells us about his past. 

Odd Thomas has the capacity to sense "the lingering dead," and using this and other abilities, he finds a coming calamity and tries everything he can to avert it. 

The story's conclusion comes on strong and quick, and it's a page-turner. Even if this book isn't for everyone, it's a novel that anybody might appreciate. 

I'm glad the book has a conclusion and that the reader isn't obligated to read the rest of the series. 

However, there are certain questions that will be answered in the coming novels, and I am confident that readers will like them.

Odd Thomas is unquestionably one of Dean Koontz's best-written novels. The narrator's voice is great, and the narrative flows beautifully. 

The finale contains a fantastic emotional surprise that will leave the reader speechless. This is a fantastic read! Dean Koontz, thank you.

Synopsis

“Meet Odd Thomas, the unassuming young hero of Dean Koontz’s dazzling New York Times bestseller, a gallant sentinel at the crossroads of life and death who offers up his heart in these pages and will forever capture yours.

“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Odd Thomas (2014) (16+)

https://rebrand.ly/Odd-Thomas-2014-16

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