You Are Destined to Be Together Forever Review

You Are Destined to Be Together Forever

Published: 9, December 2014

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Fantasy, Murder, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Book 6.1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

You Are Destined to Be Together Forever Summary

The Review

Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever is the second novella and eighth text in Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series. Dean Koontz once again provides a suspenseful story that will keep you riveted to the page. In the conclusion, it's fast-paced and spellbinding. The regular Joe balances out the otherworldly evil. Even though it is only the size of a chapter of a normal-sized book, this one practically begs for a sequel.

You may argue that this modest contribution is unnecessary because Odd and Stormy readers have read about this unique incident in each of the Odd Thomas books, with varying amounts of detail but always the same depth of passion. 

However, being able to share it with them makes it much more special, as if Odd and Stormy intentionally requested us to accompany them as they cement this very important pact between the two of them. 

It's especially satisfying to be present when their destiny is disclosed for the first time since it will sustain us when we miss them, just as it will for Odd in the sequels to come.

I might be a little prejudiced. I've been a long-time admirer of Dean Koontz's stories since I first discovered them half a lifetime ago. 

Anyway, back to Odd Thomas and this fantastic fast read... I absolutely adore this entire series. Koontz didn't write a lot of serial work before this, but these are highly worth reading. But keep in mind that he has a couple more series that I will be reviewing in the near future.

It serves as a recap and prequel to the first Odd Thomas novel. It is a very brief novella intended as a filler to remind readers who may have forgotten how it all began, in preparation for the great conclusion to the series, Saint Odd, which arrived just a few months later. 

Actually, I found it and read it halfway through Saint Odd in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. It has some intriguing nuggets about Odd and Stormy when they were both 16 and went to the carnival where they received the fatal "You are meant to be together forever" fortune, but don't anticipate any huge discoveries or fresh insights.

If you're alright with a Star Wars-style chronology in which you get to the meat and potatoes of a series first, then travel back to learn how it all started, then you won't mind reading this short narrative. 

However, if you like to do things in chronological order from the character's point of view, read this first. Then, Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd, Odd Hours, Odd Interlude, Odd Apocalypse, Deeply Odd, and Saint Odd will follow. There are also several graphic novels that precede Odd Thomas.

These volumes are written in the first person as a memoir of this imaginary character, which is unusual for Koontz and makes for a quick, delightful read. 

Odd is the series' crown gem, but some of his companions along the journey are charming, unexpected, and bizarrely entertaining. They are consistently engaging and difficult to put down. 

Even though this is the beginning of the story for these people, and it is all but the final book in the series with foresight, it was still a gripping read that you should read for yourself.

I read this short story right before reading Saint Odd but stopped and started reading Saint Odd but in the middle I started reading it again. It's heartbreaking to think that I'll be turning the final page of that final book very soon.

Unlike one friend who argued that this short tale was nothing more than an advertisement for the Odd series, I am quite certain that the short appeared before the novels. 

I am also confident that the series does not require any extra promotion beyond Mr. Koontz's reputation and the enjoyment the series has offered to so many people. 

I truly like his thoughts woven together as if they were an expensive and precious tapestry made from the rarest strands and the richest hues.

Mr. Koontz and his books are highly recommended to anybody who can read. The joy of reading surpasses the annoyance of daily life.

This short novella has everything that has made Odd Thomas one of the most beloved fictional heroes since the publication of the first book in the series. 

The fortuneteller's card that guaranteed Odd and Stormy will always be together remained a constant throughout the entire series. Now, Koontz provides Odd lovers with a beautiful narrative that is precisely what it says it is: the happenings of that tragic night.

Odd and Stormy are traveling to the carnival with Elvis Presley's lingering ghost in the backseat when a second lingering spirit disrupts their plans and leads them on an unexpected and perilous detour. 

Odd and Stormy are only teens, but his "quirks" and her harsh upbringing have taught them that "real evil roamed the earth" — Which makes them worry if they can securely sail this treacherous voyage known as life together. This short tale is expertly used by Koontz to build up the events of the last novel Saint Odd in this series.

Final Thoughts

Dean Koontz's short stories are usually entertaining. This is especially true as he's going to deliver the Odd Thomas conclusion and tell us about a narrative that has been hinted at in all the other novels. 

This is a fantastic short for any Odd Thomas fan and should not be missed! It starts with Odd and Stormy on their way to the Pico Mundo carnival. 

Odd, of course, lives up to his name, and they become involved in supernatural happenings that allow Odd and Stormy to join up and remind us delightfully and cruelly of their amazing connection and the depth of its loss.

Dean Koontz is a terrific five-star author, as you undoubtedly already know. This brief prequel about Odd and his girlfriend Stormy will finish before it really begins, at least that's how it appeared to me when I read it. 

In some ways, this short narrative didn't contribute much to what had already been discussed in the majority of the Odd Thomas pieces about the two. 

That's why I only gave this tale ninety points, as if it matter, but it was still a fun new story. However, right at the start of "You Are Destined to Be Together Forever," Koontz throws in a new little adventure that I don't recall seeing in the series previously. 

It's truly exclusively for fans, of which I am one. It was a buck well spent, but I suggest you get Saint Odd as soon as possible. It's fantastic.

Synopsis

The following synopsis is taken from the Audiobook version of this story.

“This exclusive audiobook short story looks back - way back - to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever.

Amid the dizzying rides, tantalizing games of chance, and fanciful attractions of a state fair, two teenage sweethearts on the cusp of life and love's pleasures find their way to a shadowy carnival tent brimming with curiosities. There, from the bizarre and enthralling Gypsy Mummy, a mechanized merchant of dreams and prognosticator of tomorrows, the young couple learns what fate promises for them. But fate, for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, is something altogether different: full of dark corners, sharp edges, and things no seer or soothsayer could ever anticipate.

And for Odd Thomas, a gallant fry cook from a sleepy California desert town, the future beckons - to listen to unquiet spirits, pursue unsettling mysteries, and learn shocking truths...for a purpose far greater than himself.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Destined To Be Together, Final Book, Gypsy Mummy, Last Book, Looking Forward, Odd And Stormy, Quick Read, Short Story, Thomas Series, Together Forever

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Taking Review

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 Taking Summary

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

https://rebrand.ly/The-Taking-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-Taking-Audible

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Saint Odd Review

Saint Odd

Published: 13, January 2015

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Literary, Mystery, Paranormal, Psychic, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Urban

Book 7 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Saint Odd Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's Saint Odd is the seventh and final suspense novel in his Odd Thomas series. Bantam Books first published the book on January 13, 2015. In 2015, Saint Odd received the Goodreads Choice Award for Horror. Odd Thomas is without a doubt one of the most charming and enduring characters in the modern horror/thriller/paranormal genre—and Dean Koontz has handled Odd's story as wonderfully in this book as he has in previous novels in the series. I did notice fewer "treasures" in this one—those unexpected tidbits and twists of language that take you off guard when you reach them. There are fewer gems in this book, but those that are there shine even brighter because of their rarity.

This is the seventh book in the Odd Thomas series (eighth if you include Odd interlude as a separate part), and it addresses the same issues that have been discussed throughout the majority of the series: the fight between Good and Evil. Odd Thomas, a former fry cook, is tasked with preventing a satanic sect from carrying out a sinister scheme and must race against time and the forces of evil to do it.

I listed eight books, but it becomes a little more confusing when you include "Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever," but it's only a 38-page novella, so I'm not considering it among the main novels; nonetheless, I'll review it in a few days.

Then there are three graphic novels that might be added to this list that are all prequels to the main Odd Thomas story, but I'll go into each one separately later.

The novel has a lot of positive things going for it, the primary one being that it eliminates all of the more sophisticated features of the recent books: there is no dimension jumping, no parallel worlds, no horrific monsters, and no alternative demonic Odd Thomas doppelgangers. 

This book's evil is certainly human, which is a nice return to what made this series so fantastic in the first place. 

Odd is also as lovely, humble, and valiant as ever, and it's always a pleasure to read about his exploits. 

Finally, this novel feels like a sort of reunion, with Odd returning to Pico Mundo, Chief Porter, and Ozzie Boone. This adds a nice fullness to the plot.

The next few lines may include a few minor spoilers for people who have never read the preceding book in the series, so only read if you are currently on the sixth book. And yes, some of the little details from this book are included as well, so if you don't want to know anything from this volume, simply skip to Final Thoughts.

I believe the book contains certain irritating peculiarities that a frequent reader may notice, although they are not as awful as they sound:

The first one that comes to me is that one of the main draws of the book series is Odd's ability to see the lingering dead, but that component of his character is completely absent from the novel. 

Ghosts emerge, although their appearance is fleeting and irrelevant to the plot, and they may have just gone unnoticed. 

In reality, there is a misuse of psychic magnetism, which serves as a deus ex machina to move the tale along and get Odd where he needs to go, but it is a power he possesses and employs. And I believe it is what he should do whenever he needs it.

The second is that it appears Dean Koontz was unsure what to do with Annamaria, one of the important supporting characters in the previous books, thus she was essentially disregarded for the duration of the book. 

There's no conclusion, no explanation for all of her secrets, why she's always pregnant, or why she opted to join Odd in the first place. There are just confusing faux explanations that don't actually explain anything at all, which is terribly frustrating given that this is the final book of the series, but I still hope it has a purpose and Dean Koontz will someday bring back this series with a bang and give us all the answers.

The third point to make is that, while Odd does manage to resolve the immediate threat he is facing, it doesn't really do anything in the big scheme of things. He doesn't truly deal a fatal blow to the Evil group he's after; he only halts their present strategy. 

Nothing prevents them from trying again next month. Is Odd's final journey truly going to be that? Deeply Odd's events, on the other hand, are perhaps far more upsetting, demonstrating that it was not the series' last novel.

Fourth, the ending is surely kind of disappointing for the final book in the Odd Thomas series. We are told that there is a continuous battle between forces of good and evil, and Odd is only a soldier in this conflict, fighting with numerous other invisible heroes. 

Odd's exploits are finally done, and we know how the conflict will go on without him. In fact, the ending of Odd's tale isn't even really related to the plot of the book; it's as if there was a desire to make this the final book, so a series ending chapter was added, whereas otherwise there would've been an eighth book, which I still believe will happen and we will read the next book someday in the future.

Final Thoughts

Odd Thomas has been a favorite of mine from the first book. If you haven't read any of them yet, do yourself a favor and do it right now.

If you're a fan of Odd, as I and many others are, you'll like this last episode of the series. By the conclusion, you'll both love and despise Dean Koontz. 

I've read practically everything he's written, and this is most likely his masterpiece. It's unusual for me to be sad in the midst of such grief and still be filled with hope and pleasure, but that's exactly what this narrative has done for me. 

And I've been sad, and I'm still sad as I type this. I was overcome with emotion by the beauty of what I read and the way it penetrated my heart and thoughts.

The characters in this novel shimmer and radiate, as they do in all of Koontz's writing. They've matured over the course of the series, and while the finale was fixed in stone on a macro scale, the circumstances around it were fluid enough to allow for some very imaginative details. 

Even though I knew how it would end, I was nearly taken aback when it did. I hoped for something else—something more. I really want to say that I'm not sure what was "missing" from this ending—so it's subtle that I can't even tell you what it was. But I know what it is: the sadness of knowing that I will miss Odd, and the beauty of the finale, which will undoubtedly make many readers cry.

Finally, I wish I could read more of this, and I am confident that all readers who will read this series will feel the same way. Really great and highly recommended novel and series.

Synopsis

The synopsis below is from the audio version of this book.

“From "one of the master storytellers of this or any age" (The Tampa Tribune) comes the stunning final adventure of "one of the most remarkable and appealing characters in current fiction" (The Virginian-Pilot) - as #1 New York Times best-selling author Dean Koontz brings the unforgettable odyssey of Odd Thomas to its dazzling conclusion.

Odd Thomas is back where it all started…because the time has come to finish it. Since he left his simple life in the small town of Pico Mundo, California, his journey has taken him to places strange and wonderful, mysterious and terrifying. Across the land, in the company of mortals and spirits alike, he has known kindness and cruelty, felt love and loss, saved lives and taken them - as he's borne witness to humanity's greatest good and darkest evil. Again and again, he has gone where he must and done what he had to do - for better or worse - with his courage and devotion sorely tested, and his soul forever changed. Every triumph has been hard won. Each sacrifice has taken its toll.

Now, whatever destiny drives him has finally steered his steps home, where those he cares for most surround him, the memory of his tragically lost true love haunts him, and one last challenge - vast and dreadful - awaits him. For Odd Thomas, born to serve a purpose far greater than himself, the wandering is done. Only the reckoning remains.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Final Book, Fitting End, Fry Cook, Great Series, Last Book, Loose Ends, Pico Mundo, Sad To See, See It End, Sorry To See, Thomas Series, Together Forever

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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

Free With Free Audible Trial

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

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