Twilight Eyes
Published: 1987
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Twilight Eyes is a novel written by Dean Koontz that was first published in 1985 by Land of Enchantment and then extended in 1987 by Berkley. Throughout the novel, a character known only as "Slim MacKenzie" used his psychic abilities to pursue Goblins, a type of creature that appears to be capable of impersonating humans.
I am a huge Dean Koontz fan, and I truly mean it since I have read practically all of his works, as well as those of Stephen King, Anne Rice, and many other greats. I've read some really good and some really bad novels, but I've never read a bad novel by any of the great authors I've just mentioned or many others that I did not. Yes, it's true that sometimes a story or two can feel bad even if it isn't because readers expect a perfect experience every time, which is humanly impossible to provide.
This book is fantastic!! I generally read novels more than once but owing to time restrictions, I just finished it for the third time in audio format. I enjoy these characters, the setting, and the story, which never gets old. I'd love to see this made into a picture, but I'm glad Mr. Koontz turned down those who didn't want to create the story as it is. Maybe it can still happen... the current "IT" adaptation by Stephen King was wonderful and so faithful to the original novel, so I have confidence!
I've grown so accustomed to Dean Koontz in recent years; his newer work, in my opinion, leaves a lot to be desired and is unduly sanctimonious to boot. I have a stronger fondness for his early work, particularly Twilight Eyes.
This is one of those rare novels that I can revisit every few years and like it just as much as the first time I read it. It distinguishes out from the majority of Koontz's writing, mostly because he avoids most of the hallmarks that he brings to practically everything he writes.
The majority of Koontz's books are set in California, feature protagonists in their thirties, a dog, particularly a Golden Retriever, which Koontz appears to believe is the most noble being in the animal kingdom, and a psychopathic human villain whose point of view is elaborately depicted, with extensive justification for his atrocious acts.
Instead of Koontz's usual thirty-somethings, the hero and heroine in this story are just out of their twenties, and the action takes place on the east coast, mostly in the Pennsylvania coal-mining region.
Not only does the action take place outside of Koontz's preferred southern California setting, but it is also set in the past: the early 1960s, most likely due to the impossibility of having a freak show in this carnival if it had been set in the 1980s when such attractions were no longer considered socially acceptable.
One of his hallmarks that he does use here is the "heroine with the tragic childhood," as well as the "patient and understanding hero who helps the heroine overcome her traumatic background." Nonetheless, these traits are less heavy-handed than in some of his earlier writings, and he's not quite as sanctimonious as he became later in his career.
The story itself is intriguing, with the teenaged hero sensing the presence of beings he refers to as "goblins," who can perfectly disguise themselves as ordinary humans but are filled with hatred and loathing of humanity, and derive their sole pleasure from the anguish and suffering they inflict on the ordinary humans around them.
After killing one of them in his hometown, the main character flees to join a traveling carnival, eternally cutting himself off from "straight" society and forcing him to forge a life for himself among the carnies. This eventually comes in handy for him throughout his war against the goblins.
The carnival atmosphere also helps to distinguish this novel from Koontz's normal fare and makes it intriguing in its own right. The reason for the presence of the goblins is scientific rather than magical, and even though it is extremely unlikely, one can easily suspend disbelief and enjoy the narrative. Overall, I suggest it as one of Koontz's most odd and amusing stories.
This book was published in two distinct editions. The original hardcover publication only included the first half of the narrative. The whole text was published in paperback for the first time in America. The hardcover was initially produced in a limited edition with four variants:
-1- Trade Hardcover
-2- Collector's Edition - # 1 through 50
-3- Signature Edition - # 51 through 250
-4- Lettered Edition - 24 copies marked A through Y
The trade hardback was released without the patterned leatherette slipcase that accompanied the numerous autographed versions.
The Signature Edition, Collector's Edition, and Lettered Edition all have a limitation page signed by Dean Koontz and illustrator Phil Parks.
The Collector's Edition was the same as the Signature Edition save for a special inscription by Koontz and an original drawing by Parks. Koontz, Parks, and publisher Christopher shared the 24-copy Lettered Edition.
Final Thoughts
This is a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Dean Koontz transforms the ills of reality into demon monsters from our dreams, displaying the basic frailty of the human condition.
He transmits the light and power of our better selves in his stories without leaving out our flaws, providing relief from the realities of our existence.
You can almost imagine yourself in the scenario from his descriptions. As always, I enjoy his works' mystical elements. This one was no different. The narrative was fantastic.
Twilight Eyes was the first of numerous books by Koontz that I read. I came across the book in an antique and used book store, and the cover immediately drew my interest. After becoming a Koontz fan, I discovered that the author has been interested in carnivals since boyhood, and it shows in this novel.
The plot revolves around Slim MacKenzie, a young man with the talent of Twilight Eyes. The novel draws you into the lives of a carnie and a youngster who sees what few can, the actual identity of those who live on Earth.
After the first chapter, Koontz pulls you straight into the plot, something he excels at. The carnival and its characters are "rich" and authentic. You can smell the cotton candy and feel the dust from the carnival pathways in your lungs.
The "Demons" are also well shown, and the excitement of conflicts between Slim and these terrible things is high.
The plot progresses at a leisurely and steady pace, and while the finale may have been better, this is still one of my favorite Koontz novels to date.
If you enjoy carnivals as I do or want to go into Dean Koontz's universe, I definitely recommend this book.
Twilight Eyes, Lightning, Darkfall, Odd Thomas series, and The Bad Place are among a few of my personal favorites. Twilight Eyes' narrative premise is not only intriguing but it is also thought stimulating.
Twilight Eyes is highly recommended. There are some sections of the work that are vividly and nearly visually explicit. Simply read it, and I'm confident you'll appreciate it.
Synopsis
“In this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz, the carnival is coming to town—and it's like nothing you've ever seen.
Slim MacKenzie is no ordinary man. With eyes the color of twilight, he’s been blessed with a psychic gift: premonitions. He’s also been cursed, for Slim can see the monsters hiding among us, feeding on our suffering...
And when Slim joins a traveling carnival seeking sanctuary, what he’ll find is a hunting ground—with humanity as the prey.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Ability To See, Highly Recommend, Joel Tuck, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Second Half, Slim Mackenzie, Stephen King, Years Ago, Young Man
Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
Buy the Kindle Version Here
Free With Free Audible Trial
Phantoms (1998) (R)
The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)
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