Lightning
Published: 1988
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Time Travel
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Dean Koontz's book Lightning was published in 1988. A new Afterword by the author discusses editorial dynamics in a 2003 edition. A storm hit the night Laura Shane was born, and the weather was unusual in a way that people would remember for years. The blond-haired man who emerged out of nowhere to save Laura from catastrophe was even more mysterious. And I had a feeling it will be a time travel novel that I will enjoy because I am a sucker for everything "time travel."
Dean Koontz's work with his Odd Thomas series was fantastic, and I thoroughly appreciated those works. Lightning shares several of the same qualities of that series, including outstanding characters, a tight, fast-paced storyline, edge-of-your-seat intensity, and, mercifully, a happy ending.
In fact, the suspense was often so intense that I had to put the book down for a few moments to collect my breath. Even though one of my favorite characters died, this book was everything I love about this genre. I won't say who died or why, but I believe this story had a happy conclusion for me, which may not be the case for other readers because it is a decision that each reader has.
Here's a breakdown of how time travel works in this novel; I loved some of the concepts, but I don't want to see that type of difficult system in genuine time travel. I believe it is and will be feasible to time travel in some form, and I am confident it is still occurring. If you study and investigate a little, you will discover numerous incidents that will verify my point. Try searching or Googling "Mandela Effect" and you'll be shocked by what you find.
The Nazi time machine is described in the novel as looking like a tunnel; when the necessary mathematical calculations are performed, the machine is set, and the traveler walks inside and vanishes, reappearing with some degree of precision at the physical and temporal place chosen. To make time travel operate, there are a lot of unique elements and physics.
The fictitious world lends credence to the argument that nature will not allow a contradiction, even meeting oneself, to exist. Furthermore, time can only be traveled towards the future to avoid the "Back to the Future" syndrome of preventing one's own existence by previous deeds.
The energy utilized to travel across time affects the natural environment upon arriving at the desired period and location, resulting in tremendous inexplicable lightning storms (thus the title of the book). The return from the future to the present does not result in a lightning storm.
Regardless of how long the traveler spends at his destination, he will have spent precisely 11 minutes (Something similar was used in Stephen King's 11/22/63, but I do not consider it a copy or stolen idea) when he returns to his own time stream (through a push-button mechanism often disguised in a belt buckle).
Changes done at one moment in time will have an effect on all future occurrences originating from that timeline; nevertheless, only the traveler will be aware that anything has changed because his own past has not been affected.
As previously established, a time traveler cannot return to a temporal location he has already visited (even if it is to a different physical location), because he will technically still be there, creating a contradiction.
Now, regarding that thinking cap: there is one part of this book that made me believe that I should be taking notes from time to time, and that aspect is time travel and the physics that allow it to happen, according to this author. To be honest, I had to reread a number of portions to ensure that I understood everything. This is not a critique; rather, it is a beautiful aspect of a really pleasant work. I'd rather do some rereading to comprehend anything than rush through something that resembles literary fluff.
Another thing I did was read the author's Afterword at the conclusion of the book. I loved his insights into the writer's world and the types of against-the-grain efforts he frequently had to do to publish works that pleased both him and his fans.
Not all novels can easily get high stars, ratings, or points, but I felt this book to be worth every point on every point.
Chris, Danny, Laura, Stefan, and Thelma are all characters I grew to care about, and I admire Mr. Koontz's efforts in developing them. If you read the evaluations, you'll notice that I admire your perseverance in sticking to your convictions and writing the kinds of novels you enjoy.
This tale piques your interest right away and continues to surprise you throughout the journey. What a fantastic book, full of adventure, mystery, and tension, as well as terrific comedy that readers will not only enjoy but also appreciate. The plot takes an unexpected turn that you won't soon forget.
It was incredibly thrilling for me. There's amazing scientific complexity mixed in with various romantic narratives, humor and sarcasm, and Dean Koontz's unique ability to explain things so beautifully that you can imagine the sights in your head almost as if they were movies. I can't recommend this book enough. You will be surprised, riveted, and hooked the entire time.
Final Thoughts
This is a lighthearted and engaging tale with a unique take on the time-travel genre. Dean Koontz immerses us in Laura Shane's world. We observe that someone continues intruding in her life at critical junctures. We have no clue why or how this happened. Finally, we discover that her mystery benefactor is not from our era, but his real location is a great surprise.
This is also an alternate history novel. Ironically, this book was published in 1989, thus events a few years later and the demise of the Soviet Union would reveal history reverting to the pattern with which he concludes this book.
This was a very interesting novel that was well worth the money, as Koontz is always. His stories are often more complex than you think. I've now finished all of his series and have been rewarded with his quick wit, superb story-telling, and works that I will read again and again. Loved returning to "Lightning," pick it up. Excellent reading!
Dean Koontz demonstrates his command of his distinct genre of literature once more. This time, the protagonist is a woman, and sadly there is no dog in this novel. His point of view is constantly new and fascinating. Suspenseful and fascinating, this novel is recommended for Koontz aficionados and anyone interested in trying his work for the first time.
Synopsis
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz’s brilliantly thrilling novel of suspense.
In the midst of a raging blizzard, lightning struck on the night Laura Shane was born. And a mysterious blond-haired stranger showed up just in time to save her from dying.
Years later, in the wake of another storm, Laura will be saved again. For someone is watching over her. Is he the guardian angel he seems? The devil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond all time and space?
“A gripping novel…fast-paced and satisfying.”—People”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Edge Of Your Seat, Guardian Angel, Koontz Books, Laura Shane, Page Turner, Twists And Turns, Years Ago
Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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