Odd Hours Review

Odd Hours

Published: 20, May 2008

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller

Book 4 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Odd Hours Summary

The Review

Odd Hours is the fourth novel in horror suspense writer Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series, and it, like the others Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, and Brother Odd, doesn't waste time immersing the reader in the heart and soul of a young man who's both a fantastic short-order cook and a gifted psychic who can see the dead as well as horrifying events that are about to occur.

This is not Odd Thomas from the first three volumes. Looking for the humble, amusing explorer who travels around California confronted by aliens, ghosts, and insane scientists? That is not the case in this narrative. 

Odd has matured and gained a sense of self-awareness. Yes, his sense of humor and trust in kindness remain, but this tiny fry chef has learned to use more than a spatula. 

Odd is living in Magic Beach, bored of the winter in the California Mountains, cooking, until the fog arrives, along with a peculiar group of human evil men. 

He meets Annamaria, who we never really understand, and attempts to save America from nuclear devastation with a motley crew of supernaturally endowed folks. But it's a little over the top, and, like Koontz's manner Your Heart Belongs to Me, there are a lot of loose ends in the plot. 

If you appreciate Koontz's writing, especially his more philosophical open-ended stuff, you'll enjoy it a lot. Otherwise, it's an excellent read, maybe the finest sequel yet, with some fascinating characters, tension, and a conclusion that definitely has to be handled in the next Odd book.

Since reading Koontz's Watchers years ago, I've been a fan. I'm an animal lover, which immediately makes me a dog person as well, therefore the particular bond in that narrative was hard not to enjoy. 

When I first met Odd Thomas on a cross-country vacation, I thought his narrative was one of the greatest Dean Koontz has written, and I absolutely agree with other readers who like the story and character and say exactly what I just stated.

Odd prides himself on being a simple man. His abilities, on the other hand, make him extremely complicated. He is drawn to exactly what he is seeking for, or in other situations, precisely what he is attempting to escape. 

I was engrossed in each of Odd's four volumes, waiting to see what would happen next. What I liked about the last three Odd Thomas tales was that they all had a satisfying conclusion. It was a full-fledged narrative.

Without giving anything away, this novel begins to connect the other three together. The finale, on the other hand, raises more questions than it answers. 

This would be a wonderful marketing tactic if you weren't already a die-hard Odd Thomas fan. This finale, on the other hand, felt flat for those readers who pre-ordered these novels because they knew they'll be fantastic. 

If you read this when it originally came out, chances are you were looking forward to the next one, which you'd want to see come out tomorrow if it were feasible at the time (luckily next book is already out for many years at this moment and you can buy it as soon as you are done with this book or much better you order now.)

There was no cliffhanger in this story. Instead, we're left with an unfinished stanza from lovely poetry. It's unclear whether we're supposed to make up our own finale or wait for the next Odd adventure, which I knew was coming since I discovered hints in this book and even near the end of it also.

Whatever the case may be with the flat finish. This is a nice read. The characters are intriguing and engaging. I wouldn't call this one of Koontz's finest works compared to the first book in the series, but I'm giving it to my brother, who is now reading the second installment in the series and he is not even a book lover. 

I'm excited about another Odd Thomas novel, and I'm going to pre-order it since Odd is such a nice guy with unique methods of getting out of sticky situations. I've already finished the series (there are seven in all at the moment of posting this review), but I'm hoping for more.

Odd is wearing a sweater with the words MYSTERY TRAIN on it at the opening of the book. He afterwards changes into a T-shirt with the word WYVERN on the front. These are all allusions to the Moonlight Bay Trilogy, implying a probable connection between the two.

The author has developed maybe the finest character of his career in Odd Thomas. Millions of readers, like myself, can't get enough of this magnificent protagonist with his kind nature and compassion, who chooses to combat evil in order to defend the innocent. 

Odd is a fictitious character, yet he brings hope to everyone who reads his stories. However, the reader should be aware that in this story, Odd is forced to take matters into his own hands, calculating the cost of a few lives against the cost of millions.

Final Thoughts

If you're searching for something to read on a rainy day, this is the book for you. You don't need to have read the first three books in the series to enjoy this one. As he tells the narrative, Koontz fills in the gaps in the reader's knowledge of the past, but I don't believe it's a smart idea to start with this book. 

It's far preferable to start with Odd Thomas, the first novel in the series. This review may not make sense to people who have not read the other three books because this one is kind of a standalone novel. 

However, after reading the other three volumes, I'm left with a lot of questions concerning Annamaria, the baby, the lightning grate, and, of course, Stormy's role in it all.

This is one of my favorite of the sequels to the original novel. Sure, there are a lot of unanswered concerns and strange events, but I'm hopeful these will be addressed in upcoming novels (maybe not, given Dean Koontz's narrative style). 

This book brings a slew of new personalities and situations for Odd to deal with, all delivered with his characteristic candor. 

When you think about the plots of the Odd novels, they generally take place over a single day or a maximum of two and not much truly occurs. 

Dean Koontz doesn't feel the need to rush things. Odd's internal monologue and Dean Koontz's descriptions of Odd's surroundings provide the most fun. The action moves quickly. The surrounding features are sketched out. A fantastic read that comes highly recommended!

Synopsis

"#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas is one such literary hero, who has come alive in readers’ imaginations as he explores the greatest mysteries of this world and the next with his inimitable wit, heart, and quiet gallantry. Now Koontz follows Odd as he is drawn onward, to a destiny he cannot imagine. Haunted by dreams of an all-encompassing red tide, Odd is pulled inexorably to the sea, to a small California coastal town where nothing is as it seems."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guys, Frank Sinatra, Fry Cook, Ghost Dog, Good Read, Highly Recommend, Looking Forward, Magic Beach, Pico Mundo, Story Line, Thomas Series

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Odd-Hours-Kindle

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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.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Brother-Odd-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Brother-Odd-Audible

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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.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Forever-Odd-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Forever-Odd-Audible

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