Intensity Review

Intensity

Published: Nov 1995 (UK) - Jan 1996 (US)

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Intensity Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Intensity is a best-selling work. According to Koontz, he created the novel to challenge the popularly accepted belief that thrillers must have intervals of low action to keep the pace moving, instead deciding to maintain the tension high throughout the novel and continuing from crisis to conflict without moments of relieved stress.

The title "Intensity" is accurate, and this novel is Intense from start to finish. Chyna Shepherd is one of my favorite female heroines, second only to Lillith from Octavia Butler's "Lillith's Brood" series, which I also suggest if you enjoy a strong female lead and science fiction. 

I've probably read it twice, once in audio and once in print. It's the type of book you can read once a year and appreciate it just as much each time. If you're a fan of Koontz, you won't be disappointed. You will not be disappointed if you appreciate suspense. If you like thrillers, you won't... well, you get the idea. I seriously encourage you to read the first 25 pages of this book, after which you will be unable to put it down.

The adversary is a result of existential nihilism whose life ambition is fulfilling his "reptilian" cravings, whereas the protagonist is a classic moralist who sees a world of human responsibility, hope, and meaning. 

I could go on about symbolism and irony, but I don't want to give anything away. I try not to include these connotations or my ideas, such as talking about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein's Monster and stating that he is a victim rather than a monster or a villain, but I find that I start talking or typing and my hands just keep typing, much like one of my favorite authors Stephen King. I understand that some people find it uninteresting, but others enjoy it and want to learn more and compare their own opinions and judgments on a book and its content.

This has to be one of the scariest, most terrifying, most evil books I've ever read. If I could, I'd give it 1000 points or stars! The plot captivated me from the start, and I remained in Koontz's grasp until the shocking conclusion!

My only qualm was Chyna's inability to keep her distance. I wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her on several instances! Some of her decisions were just absurd. But I doubt we'd have had such an exciting narrative without them, would we?

I'm sick of the stubborn heroine who believes no one else can fix problems and puts herself and others in jeopardy. There were a few possibilities she passed up. I get it; if she'd been completely reasonable, there wouldn't have been much of a tale left. I simply hope that our trusted authors would steer clear of this sort of heroin but as I mention before an author has to introduce characters like that or the story will die and not move even one page.

Aside from that, it's still a 1000 star, as you'd expect from Dean Koontz. It can't be anything less than well-thought-out, well-written, and unrelenting. Even though the novels are unrelated, this reminds me of Velocity. If you haven't read Velocity, you should since I like it better.

This book has a very good rating in my opinion. I went into this book with extremely high expectations, which were fulfilled and exceeded. I was promised a terrifying, gut-wrenching, emotional read, and I got it. 

This novel does an excellent job of conveying the emotions of the characters and frequently shifts perspectives. You spend two-thirds of the book with Chyna and the other third with Vess, for example. 

This explains why the decisions of the characters are so accurate since I can understand their mental processes. Some books fail to achieve this by having characters make spontaneous judgments that I am expected to accept as a reader. This novel does not allow for a ridiculous narrative and never leaves you wondering why a character would do something. 

Although this is one of the finest novels I've ever read, I have a few minor quibbles. To begin with, the author can go into these extensive description sessions with our characters at various moments in the narrative. For example, Chyna enters an automobile that appears only once in the whole novel. The author then describes the automobile for three to five minutes of reading time. 

Don't get me wrong, I love descriptive writing, but this book pushed it to a whole new level several times. This, along with a few other minor problems, is all I have to say about this book. This is a must-read for me, and one of the greatest books by this author I've read.

I strongly advise everybody who can get their hands on it to read it. It will captivate you for hours on end and make you fearfully check behind your back. I recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a scary and suspenseful journey. This book is not for the faint of heart and is intended for a more adult audience. Overall, this is one of the finest books I've ever read, and the intensity is real.

In 1997, Intensity was converted into a two-part TV movie that was broadcast on the Fox Network in the United States. Molly Parker, John C. McGinley, and Tori Paul appeared in it.

Several moviegoers pointed out strong parallels between the plots of High Tension and Intensity. When asked about the parallels at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, director Alexandre Aja said that he had read the novel and was aware of them. 

According to his website, Koontz was aware of the parallel but would not sue "because he regarded the picture so puerile, repulsive, and intellectually bankrupt that he didn't want the association with it that would certainly arise if he filed a case against the filmmaker." 

I was unable to obtain a decent and trustworthy source for paid movie downloads or online sales, but as soon as I do, I will include the links on this page. If anyone has a source, please share it with me.

Final Thoughts

I had a great time reading about Vess. He was the maniacal serial murderer who was torturing Chyna. His character was one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel for me, and he kept the book in my hands.

The topic in the book isn't precisely realistic, but it depicted the thoughts and sentiments I would have if I were in the same circumstance.

 I feel like the main character in a lot of stories makes terrible judgments that I would never make, but Chyna is a really good decision-maker in this narrative. The characters are also fairly trustworthy. She had a difficult background, and that upbringing might sometimes hold her back in adulthood. This may be incredibly relatable to someone who has had a similar childhood.

It's neither the best nor worst narrative I've ever read and it depends on who is reading, but it's interesting and gets the message through.

One of the most captivating novels I've ever read! It keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way to the finish. The writing is fantastic, the characters are wonderfully developed, and the action will take your breath away. The author does an excellent job of providing the reader with a realistic and often horrifying image of events.

This narrative will take you by the soul and twist and pull at your basic beliefs till you want to scream.... or stop the adventure... but you can't. Then the trek downhill begins again..... And this time it will terrify the heck out of you.

This is how I would characterize the book in a nutshell; it was really nicely written. Suspenseful and heavy. Captivating main characters—you won't be able to put it down, even if your stomach is tightened and you need to take a break from the book to breathe. Simply awesome!

Synopsis

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This ebook edition contains a special preview of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner.

Past midnight, Chyna Shepard, twenty-six, gazes out a moonlit window, unable to sleep on her first night in the Napa Valley home of her best friend’s family. Instinct proves reliable. A murderous sociopath, Edgler Foreman Vess, has entered the house, intent on killing everyone inside. A self-proclaimed “homicidal adventurer,” Vess lives only to satisfy all appetites as they arise, to immerse himself in sensation, to live without fear, remorse, or limits, to live with intensity. Chyna is trapped in his deadly orbit.

Chyna is a survivor, toughened by a lifelong struggle for safety and self-respect. Now she will be tested as never before. At first her sole aim is to get out alive—until, by chance, she learns the identity of Vess’s next intended victim, a faraway innocent only she can save. Driven by a newly discovered thirst for meaning beyond mere self-preservation, Chyna musters every inner resource she has to save an endangered girl . . . as moment by moment, the terrifying threat of Edgler Foreman Vess intensifies.

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alexandre Aja, Bad Guy, Chyna Shepard, Chyna Shepherd, Edge Of Your Seat, Edgler Foreman, Edgler Vess, Ever Read, Fast Paced, Fox Network, Hard To Put, John C. McGinley, Koontz Books, Molly Parker, Page Turner, Serial Killer, Tori Paul, Years Ago

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Intensity-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Intensity-Audible

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House of Odd Review

House of Odd

Published: 20, March 2012

Author: Dean Koontz, Landry Q. Walker, Queenie Chan

Genre: Comic, Crime, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Horror, Manga, Mystery, Thriller

Odd Thomas Graphic Novels Book 3

Check the summary of this book here:

House of Odd Summary

The Review

House of Odd is Dean Koontz's third graphic novel featuring Odd Thomas. Landry Walker and Koontz wrote it, while Queenie Chan illustrated it in Manga style. House of Odd is a must-read for fans of Odd Thomas and his admirers, as well as a fantastic introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the series. 

Don't pass it up! This was a delightful and intriguing prequel to the events of Odd Thomas' first novel. These graphic books are an excellent introduction to the character and are lighter in tone and scope than the novels, but they are no less engaging. 

We get a glimpse of what came before and the history of Odd and Stormy in the comic books. House of Odd is a pleasant and easy one-sitting read for those who have followed Odd from the beginning to newcomers who came across the title while browsing graphic novel selections.

It's fantastic as a science fiction/fantasy mash-up. The characters are fantastic, the universe is colorful, and the tale is rich, especially for such a short story.

Time to highlight that this is a comic book and not a novel with only text in it, and the main information that some readers need to understand is that a graphic novel does not mean a scary or violent novel, but rather a comic book, so please do not buy this book or any book in this series if you do not like comics, and do not blame me or the author if you do. 

I know a lot of people who were upset and disappointed when they purchased the book online and then opened it to read it. Because they assumed it was a novel, but when it turned out to be a comic book, they blamed Dean Koontz and gave the book negative ratings and reviews without even reading the material, but in reality, these readers were the ones who made a mistake and had no knowledge that a graphic novel meant a comic.

Once again, Koontz and his comic colleagues provide another fantastic Odd Thomas Manga. As previously stated, I believe you would like them a lot more if you read at least the first novel before diving in, to get a sense of the characters. 

This one takes a somewhat different approach in that it is framed as Odd writing down more of his exploits sometime after Odd Hours—it is still set before the events of the first novel but is told from a later point in time and Odd is dealing with something new.

I absolutely liked this book. The first was excellent, whereas the second was only OK. But this one has truly pushed the boundaries. The artwork is wonderful and properly reflects Odd Thomas' world!

This is what will happen in a few lines... You either like graphic books or you don't, and some readers may not. But having these 'early' stories, with Stormy, and others from the main gang was fantastic for me. You can read them in around ten minutes but feel delighted he did it with the artists.

If you don't mind reading comic books, this is a must-read. Another fantastic addition to the Odd series, and the more you read, the more you want, and I've been waiting a long time for a new book or comic in the Odd saga.

I adored Queenie Chan's artwork, as well as the other two in this series In Odd We Trust and Odd Is on Our Side. She is a fantastic artist, and I believe she has captured Odd precisely. I also bought and read her Manga series 'The Dreaming,' which was inspired by her work on the Odd Thomas series, and I really enjoyed it.

The tale is, as is typical for a graphic book, more of a short story than a novel, but it's far from horrible. I adore receiving these tiny Odd vignettes outside of Koontz's works! In this one, Odd is asked to assist a buddy in determining what is causing workers to flee a construction site and never return.

Odd Thomas is one of the greatest and most distinctive literary characters to appear in a long time, and Queenie Chan's interpretation of the character is excellent. Stormy is alive, well, and kicking behinds in the graphic novels, which are set before the events in the first Odd Thomas novel.

This is the final and, in my opinion, best of the original graphic novels in this series, and I hope there will be more soon.

Even with the occasional Manga eyes in the picture, I really enjoyed this book. Overall, I liked it.

Final Thoughts

This is the third installment of Dean Koontz's graphic novel series. See my previous reviews, where I discuss Dean Koontz's works in general, as well as Odd Thomas and these graphic novels. Landry Q. Walker collaborated with Dean Koontz on the series for the first time. It's a better tale with more humor than the previous two volumes.

Odd Thomas' acquaintance invites him to assist a movie director who has purchased a mansion that appears to be haunted. However, she believes Odd and his pistol-wielding girlfriend Stormy Llewellyn are inexperienced and incapable of assisting her, despite the fact that, as we all know, they are. 

Odd has the gift of seeing the dead. She recruits a squad of three ghost-busters, three imposters who execute absurd deeds that contribute to the story's hilarity. Both adults and children will love this book and, perhaps, be motivated to read more of Koontz's writings.

These Odd Thomas comic books are incredible. And rather fascinating. The artwork is superb. However, I feel that the graphic books are a step down from the regular Odd Thomas tales in that it is not a full-length novel and may be considered a short story or novella if you count the text, but it is still not awful because the art can convey the plot.

A wonderfully enjoyable book that comes highly recommended. Excellent artwork and an entertaining plot in the vein of Koontz's Odd series. I appreciate the concept and would want to see and learn more about it.

Synopsis

“Could there really be such a thing as hell on earth? Odd only knows.

#1 New York Times bestselling maestro of macabre suspense Dean Koontz plunges everyone’s favorite spirit-spotting fry cook into his most frightening encounter yet, in the thrill-packed third Odd Thomas graphic novel.

Transforming a ramshackle mansion into a dream house has become a nightmare for onetime Hollywood producer Nedra Nolan, whose newly purchased fixer-upper in Pico Mundo has sent a string of spooked contractors scurrying off the job, claiming the place is haunted. Who’s she gonna call? Her friend recommends Odd Thomas, the mild-mannered young man with a gift for communing with ghosts who won’t rest in peace. With his soul mate and sidekick, Stormy Llewellyn, in tow, Odd agrees to investigate the eerie incidents. But his spirit-seeking style is cramped by the obnoxious TV ghost hunters Nedra hires to flush out the troublesome phantoms with elaborate gadgets . . . and a psychic cat.

As night falls and a raging storm traps them all in the maze like manse, Odd tries in vain to scare up some lost souls. But instead, something more terrifying than any apparition—something with flesh, blood, and teeth—makes its sinister presence known. And with nowhere to hide, Odd and his fellow hunters suddenly become the prey.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Koontz And The Odd, Like A Comic, Much Better, Odd Books, Odd Series, Regular Books, Thomas Series, Wait For The Next

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/House-of-Odd-Kindle

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Odd Is on Our Side Review

Odd Is on Our Side

Published: October 2010

Author: Dean Koontz, Fred Van Lente, Queenie Chan

Genre: Comics, Fiction, Ghost, Graphic Novel, Manga, Mystery

Odd Thomas Graphic Novels Book 2

Check the summary of this book here:

Odd Is on Our Side Summary

The Review

Odd Is on Our Side is Dean Koontz's second graphic novel featuring Odd Thomas. It's written by Fred Van Lente and Koontz, with manga-style artwork by Queenie Chan. The narrative of this book revolves around Odd's premonition that something terrible would occur during his town's Halloween festival. Elvis Presley's spirit wants to help Odd and gestures wildly, but because he can't talk, Odd has difficulties determining what will happen and who is involved.

You must understand that graphic novel means comic book and not a gory or scary book, so it is just a comic and if you buy it, you must understand that it is not a textbook, it has comic book style art that has text with it as a story, so if you buy it, don't blame me or the authors for cheating you into buying it because it clearly says it is a graphic novel! And I am going to remind this to you many times in this review.

I had read all of Odd Thomas books and decided to attempt the graphic novel, which I quite enjoyed. Text that is clean and simple to read. Excellent work of art. The plot is simple to follow. I adore the fact that he can see ghosts and other supernatural beings. Elvis, in particular!

While I appreciate Dean Koontz's novels and the comedy in his Odd Tales, I don't think this story has much depth and the humor is kind of poor. Children, on the other hand, may appreciate the book and be inspired to read his Odd Thomas non-graphic novels, which are a treat.

Dean Koontz wrote several comedic novels about the eccentric yet endearing Odd Thomas, who claims he earned his name Odd because his mother misspelled Todd. However, it is descriptive since Odd is exceedingly intelligent, courteous, and odd; he employs the titles "sir" and "ma'am" even to individuals who are focused on killing him most horrifically. His moniker is also descriptive since, unlike other people, he sees deceased men and women, such as Elvis Presley. The deceased can and frequently do gestures to Odd, but they are unable to talk. Koontz has also collaborated with others on three Odd Thomas graphic books.

Are you new to the franchise? Don't be concerned! This and the other graphic novels will bring you up to speed with the characters without giving too much away about what is to come in the books. 

Odd Is On Our Side is a terrific one-sitting read for younger readers, as well as a must-read for both die-hard Odd fans and newcomers. Examine them out! Without these, your collection is incomplete!

It was an enjoyable read. Of course, it lacks the richness and length of a whole novel, but it is a terrific self-contained narrative worth reading if you like the author and his creation.

I'll say it again: don't buy this if you don't enjoy comic books. I and other comic book fans will be pleased, but if you don't enjoy comics, this might be the worst waste of money for you. 

In the words of a number of my friends, "I had no idea this was even a comic book kind of book. I anticipated a conventional book, like the other weird novels. Was I ever incorrect? I'm not even going to read it since I can't get beyond the 'comic book' element. Those of you who enjoy comic books may be happy with it. I simply wish it said clearly that it is in comic book style." 

Okay time for my reply to these friends... One thing I must clarify is that when you see Graphic Novel printed on a book, it implies it is essentially a Comic Book, thus it was already on the book cover, and it is not the author's responsibility that you are unaware of this.

Odd Thomas is introduced to a new audience of readers. If you're not familiar with "graphic novels," have a look before purchasing this. It's essentially a comic book. However, Manga is much more than a comic book, and if you don't respect that, this is not the book for you.

Queenie Chan, a Hong Kong-born Manga artist living in Australia, drew the book. She is well-known in the Manga community and has a distinct creative flair. She gets interested in Manga projects because she likes the tale and wants to play a part in conveying it. And she demonstrates through her artwork that she likes this book and series, according to her rule of only drawing when she enjoys a story.

As stated before, the narrative was written by Fred Van Lente and Dean Koontz. Soon into the book, the reader will notice Koontz's characters are written by someone else. 

Odd is already recognizable if you've read any of Koontz's Odd novels. Odd is younger in this prequel than he is in the novels. Odd and his lover Stormy Llewellyn are among the well-written characters. There are a number of minor characters who feature in later Odd Thomas works.

The plot is straightforward, including missing children, Halloween, and maybe some poison. Odd is the only one that sees some ghostly characters along the road.

Final Thoughts

This is a traditional Odd Thomas story, and I enjoyed it as always. The art, on the other hand, was not entirely horrible because I like Manga and it was to my liking, but if you don't like Manga, you won't like it as much as I did. 

I thought the artwork had too much Manga in it, especially on the features of the female figures, and you have to see it to realize what I mean.

Odd Thomas's subsequent experiences, or perhaps his former ones, are described in a short, Manga-Esque, graphic novel manner. These volumes are essential reading for lovers of Koontz's main hero, Odd Thomas.

We explore what happened before Odd Thomas in Odd is On Our Side, and we follow Odd and Stormy on their adventures in and around Pico Mundo, California. Look for regulars you've grown to know and love over the course of the Odd Thomas novels.

Once again, all of the Odd novels are fantastic. Good for all ages and any Koontz lover. These are fantastic if you enjoy graphic novels.

This is a classic Koontz novel. It's in a format that most readers aren't used to, or, dare I say, are even interested in. Be cautious before making a purchase! This is a well-written, well-illustrated book for young readers, reluctant readers, anyone with a short attention span, aficionados of the supernatural, or Manga fans.

I read the paperback edition, and the font and images are standard sizes. According to my understanding, the Kindle edition may be more difficult to read. But still, it is worth it if you are into it.

Synopsis

“When things get scary, it’s nice to know that Odd is on our side.

The one and only Odd Thomas is back—in his second edgy and enthralling graphic-novel adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling suspense master Dean Koontz.

It’s Halloween in Pico Mundo, California, and there’s a whiff of something wicked in the autumn air. While the town prepares for its annual festivities, young fry cook Odd Thomas can’t shake the feeling that make-believe goblins and ghouls aren’t the only things on the prowl. And he should know, since he can see what others cannot: the spirits of the restless dead. But even his frequent visitor, the specter of Elvis Presley, can’t seem to point Odd in the right direction.

With the help of his gun-toting girlfriend, Stormy, Odd is out to uncover the terrible truth. Is something sinister afoot in the remote barn guarded by devilish masked men? Has All Hallows Eve mischief taken a malevolent turn? Or is the pleading ghost of a trick-or-treater a frightening omen of doom?”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Comic Books, Dead People, Fred Van, Like A Comic, Pico Mundo, Story Line, Van Lente, Waste Of Money

Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Odd-Is-on-Our-Side-Kindle

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