One Door Away from Heaven Review

One Door Away from Heaven

Published: 2001

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Action, Adventure, Conspiracy, Fiction, First Contact, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

One Door Away from Heaven Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's work One Door Away From Heaven is a best-selling novel. Koontz has woven the tales of a super-intelligent handicapped girl living with a drug-addicted mother and evil Step Father, a down-on-her-luck woman living next door with her eccentric Aunt Gen, a hardened and grief-stricken PI and his elegant client, and, of course, a shape-shifting Alien hell bent on healing the World.

This tail is woven by Koontz's incomparable descriptive language, which at times resembles poetry. His abiding affection for his late Golden Retriever appears as a reoccurring topic of the spiritual relationship between people and their dogs. Despite being slightly less intelligent than humans, dogs retain an innocence that allows them to sense our Creator's Playful Presence.

All of this sets the stage for a dramatic struggle between Good and Evil. Even though I was reading this work for the second time, I found it just as exciting. I wholeheartedly suggest this for a pleasurable experience.

Even though I am an unflinching admirer of Dean Koontz and everything he has done, one of my all-time favorite Dean Koontz novels is still "Watchers," and another that may be too much for casual readers is "From the Corner of His Eye."

I have digital editions and audio versions of practically all of the books I buy, but I still enjoy turning pages, smelling the paper, and touching a book. When reading in bed, I want to feel the weight of the book, which reminds me to stay alert or the book will smack me in the face. And I know that having the book in hand would make it a lot simpler to revisit certain favorites.

I remembered why it's one of my all-time favorite stories. I fell in love with the main and supporting protagonists once more.

The main character in the narrative is a little child who is endearing from the start. He's in grave danger, and when I reread portions of it, I find myself holding my breath. I still grin and feel hopeful when he presents himself in his natural form.

The issue is that science fiction has always been my favorite reading genre. I took a risk by departing from that genre, and Mr. Koontz guided me. 

Thank goodness he's written so many novels, because I'll never let go, and I've evolved a lot over time, and I adore practically all the types and genres except straight porn or phony filler sequences that are worthless and aren't a real part of a plot.

Wonderful tale. The characters are believable and sympathetic. Leilani, who is nine years old, is extremely powerful and intellectual. Her mother is the vilest slime you can think of. And her stepfather is a psychopath. The folks she meets, Mickey and Geneva, are exceedingly good-hearted and sincere, despite their poverty. 

The alien explains "good" and assists, Leilani. However, there are alien horrors that must be avoided at all costs. Dean Koontz at his finest. The language and descriptions are so beautiful that you can't help but have a revelation.

I thoroughly loved this Koontz thriller. It alternated chapters between four characters: a ten-year-old boy whose mother was murdered and who is now alone and on the run; a nine-or ten-year-old girl with a drug addict mother and an evil stepfather; a young woman determined to save the girl from an evil fate; and a private detective who appears at the beginning and then reappears near the end. I enjoyed the characters, didn't mind the alternative chapters, and thought the action was exciting and well-paced.

I think there was too much unnecessary description, which some readers may simply skim over, but I still enjoyed it and don't think skimming it is necessary, and a lot of amusing and likable comedy, but again, someone with a lot of exposure to this type of writing may find it overdone. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant read.

If I hadn't read this book, I would have assumed that it was bad based on the opinions of my reader friends, but that was not the case, and I recommend that everyone read it. Don't let others discourage you from purchasing and reading this fantastic novel. 

Such endearing characters, and it immediately plunges you into an enormous journey! Curtis at the truck stop counter made me laugh out loud, and it's very difficult to get me to smile, much alone laugh out loud. I've never encountered a Koontz novel that was unreadable.

I'd want to express that I'm not sure what to say about this book! It has left me speechless. It's one of the greatest books I've read in a long time. It was fantastic. It's one of those novels that you don't want to finish and despise when it does. Then you'll go back and read it again. 

The characters are so real that you find yourself identifying with them. Curtis is fleeing from beings bent on destroying our Earth. Curtis has been dispatched to save us, and they are pursuing him throughout the nation. 

The FBI then becomes involved since they are looking for the drug cartels. Curtis must keep moving to avoid being caught. 

The last twenty minutes of this book are like racing down a steep slope with your brake lines severed. You can practically hear the clock ticking, resulting in a whizzing conclusion. Plenty of tension, plenty of intrinsic comedy, maybe a little too descriptive for some readers' liking.

Final Thoughts

This is a gorgeous, exhilarating, incredibly incisive picture of the horrifying reality of evil, and frequently a quite hilarious book. 

Those of us who are paralyzed have a special reason to appreciate this book and to thank Mr. Koontz for writing it. It's difficult for me to beat the character of Einstein in "Watchers," but I believe Mr. Koontz almost succeeds with his creation of Leilani. 

I'm not sure I'd want to know somebody who didn't enjoy this book. But don't judge me if I discuss these two characters since they are both amazing to me, even if they aren't the same; I'm simply comparing the writing from both works.

Although this book is a little older than some, it is a fantastic Sci-Fi action drama. There are no spoilers here, so simply pick it up. This book's characters are unrivaled. If you like Dean Koontz, you'll appreciate this. 

In all of his novels, he has a terrific way of uplifting the neglected and forgotten, but he truly outdoes himself here. In our stories, we admire heroic dogs, and no one does it better than Dean Koontz.

I could never give this tale justice since there are so many individuals involved. If you're a Dean Koontz fan and haven't read it, you're losing out on one of his greatest. It gives you a wonderful sensation and offers you hope for the future. 

He's a master of words. I sometimes have to look up the definition; therefore I've enhanced my vocabulary, as practically all of his novels do.

Synopsis

This synopsis is from the Audiobook version

“In a dusty trailer park on the far edge of the California dream, Michelina wants to change the direction of her troubled life but can't find her way. When a new family settles into the rental trailer next door, Micky meets the young girl who will change her forever.

Despite her deformed left leg and withered left hand, nine-year-old Leilani Klonk radiates a buoyant and indomitable spirit that inspires Micky. Beneath Leilani's effervescence, however, Micky comes to sense a quiet desperation that the girl dares not express. Leilani's mother is little more than a child herself, and her stepfather, Preston Maddoc, is educated but threatening. Slowly, ever more troubling details emerge in Leilani's conversations with Micky. Most chilling is Micky's discovery that Leilani had an older brother, also disabled, who vanished after Maddoc took him into the woods one night and is now "gone to the stars".

While the child-protection bureaucracy gives Micky the runaround, the Maddoc family slips away into the night. So Micky sets out across America to find them: for the first time living for something bigger than herself. One Door Away from Heaven is an incandescent mix of suspense and humor, fear and wonder, a story of redemption and timeless wisdom that will have listeners cheering.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Aunt Geneva, Away From Heaven, Corner Of His Eye, Curtis Hammond, Door Away, False Memory, Koontz Books, Leilani Klonk, Old Yeller, Preston Maddoc

Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here
https://rebrand.ly/One-Door-Away-from-Heaven-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial
https://rebrand.ly/One-Door-Away-from-Heaven-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-1998-R

Hideaway (1995) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

Phantoms (1998) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)
https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-1991-R

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False Memory Review

False Memory

Published: 1999

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

False Memory Summary

The Review

False Memory is a book written by Dean Koontz that was published in 1999. Koontz's characters are well fleshed out, sound real, and relate extremely well with me and my own perspectives of life. His characters have heart and are lovable, yet the evil lurking, as in real life, frequently comes at you with a grin; such a lethal weapon. This big gem of a story was no exception, and I quite loved it.

It doesn't concern me that his novels have happy endings, even though they don't always feel like they would play out nicely in real life, and you think, "That would never happen, in real life, they'd be alone, dead, or destitute!"

Because, except for in actual situations, where happy endings are frequently denied, in the mythical realm where the protagonists of books exist, you have the ability to change that. But for many of us, these narratives and happy endings have even nourished us and given us that glimmer of hope we've always needed.

The Audiobook was recorded by American actor Stephen Lang, and I really like Lang's portrayal of Dr. Ahriman.

False Memory was initially published by Cemetery Dance Publications as a limited edition hardback in two editions:

-1- A limited edition of 698 signed, numbered, and slip-cased copies signed by Dean Koontz and Phil Parks, who designed the Cemetery Dance editions' images.

-2- A lettered edition of 52 signed, lettered, and tray-cased copies, with Dean Koontz and Phil Parks also signing.

Fighting the horrible mind-control tricks of a sociopathic narcissist villain with heart and faith, the couple and their four-legged pal uncover evidence of a sinister goal and meet new valiant friends. Survival is the ultimate goal of the game. In the end, though, faith, friendship, and bravery show to be real and triumphant.

Koontz, as always, constructs a superb narrative with an outlandish antagonist and ordinary people with the passion to oppose him. The writing is engaging and well written, the narrative is intriguing, and the characters are compelling.

If you've never read anything by this author (Dean Koontz) before, this is one of the first novels you should read because it sets the tone and expectations for all future works by the author. 

It is a story of how powerful mental influence can be, and it is a fascinating read. I can't and won't summarize it since it would ruin the experience of reading it, so I'll just say it's a fantastic read, and if you've never read any of Koontz's stories, this is a terrific one to start with.

I was surprised when my reader friends informed me they didn't enjoy the book or gave it a negative recommendation. I don't see how someone could give this book a negative rating and call it sluggish. I had no idea what novel they were reading.

This novel is surprising, horrifying, and stomach-churning at times, but it is never sluggish. Wonderful characters, an incredible idea, great humanity, and the worst of humanity. Very beautifully written. It's startling. I really suggest it, so don't listen to or read anything that says it's bad. Yes, it is mature and not suitable for children, but it is still a nice book and narrative.

Dean Koontz is unquestionably a prolific and astute writer. He doesn't claim to be a brilliant writer; he is popular because he is an entertainment based writer, and "False Memory," despite its implausibilities, loopholes, and apparently unending sequences, is a damn fine read. 

The characters of Dusty, Martie, Skeet and Fig Newton are quite appealing, and readers should sympathize with their terrible situation. Also, in a little but significant supporting part, Susan Jagger is a wonderfully sympathetic character. 

Martie takes her agoraphobic friend Susan to the extraordinary Dr. Mark Ahriman at the start of the novel. Martie soon discovers her own phobia: autophobia, or dread of oneself. That one will knock your socks off. Although the moments in which Martie races through the home looking for any potential weapon are a touch too protracted and overblown, they do demonstrate the extent of her anxiety. 

Koontz unveils the villain early in the novel, and even though you know what's going on, you don't get all the gruesome details until a showdown with Dusty's parents late in the book. 

And the villain of this story is one of Mr. Koontz's most heinous creations. What's more, Koontz doesn't try to make us feel sorry for the guy because of his awful background. 

Neither does Koontz leave any loose ends in this one. After completing Peter Straub's "Mr. X," that's certainly refreshing. Mr. Koontz has learned over the course of his great writing career that you must finally delight your readers; terrify them, confuse them, but don't leave them suspended in the air with ridiculous literary antics. Mr. Koontz, congratulations on "False Memory." It's one of your finest pieces!

Final Thoughts

I've seen in this author's writings that not all of the characters receive what they deserve. Like in real life, the innocent suffer at times, while the guilty thrive. 

What I adore about his heroes is how absolutely dedicated and faithful they are to each other and their pets. 

I won't tell anything about the narrative because it's difficult and a little out there. I found it interesting and engrossing, despite the fact that it is quite unlikely (I hope and wish hard!) It was full of black humor, which I love; in fact, reading a well-written book of pure fiction like this may teach you something since you may need a dictionary.

Suspense, mystery, and uncertainty might be stressful at times, but it all came together at the end, middle, and beginning with twists, surprises, and shocks that I never saw coming, and the ending was rewarding.

Yes, there were moments when the author went on and on and on about something, but once you got through it, it all made sense.

The characters, well, not all of them, are described so clearly and endearingly that I was dragged into their worlds and lives. Dean Koontz's depictions were so lifelike that I fell in love with these individuals, well, not everyone. This is a fantastic book on so many levels.

Warning... Spoiler in this paragraph... This is an excellent suspense book. A psychiatrist manipulates numerous people through hypnosis to do anything he wants (Koontz will reveal this early in the book). Suicide, sex, murder, chasing, and other such activities

The book might be a little monotonous at first because every other chapter is about a husband and wife. Keep your calm; the book will strike you.

The only criticism I have for this work is that it might have been shorter for new readers and even avid ones at some times. Sometimes I feel that some of the characters' speech or actions were unnecessary. However, the premise, narrative, and action make it a really enjoyable read.

Synopsis

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

No fan of Dean Koontz or of psychological suspense will want to miss this extraordinary novel of the human mind’s capacity to torment—and destroy—itself.

It’s a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It’s the one fear you cannot escape no matter where you run . . . no matter where you hide.

It’s the fear of yourself. It’s real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly.

False Memory . . . Fear for your mind.

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Best Friend, Fear Nothing, Friend Susan, Main Characters, Manchurian Candidate, Martie And Dusty, Mind Control, Seize The Night, Stephen King, Twists And Turns

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/False-Memory-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/False-Memory-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-1998-R

Hideaway (1995) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

Phantoms (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-1991-R

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Sole Survivor Review

Sole Survivor

Published: 1997

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Assassination, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Media Tie-In, Occult, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Sole Survivor Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's best-selling novel Sole Survivor is about a lady named Rose who is being hunted by a firm called Teknologik. It was made into the film Sole Survivor in 2000. But I haven't been able to discover a genuine connection for the movie where the general public can obtain it without delay or any other difficulty, and as soon as I do, I'll share it here. Keep an eye on this post and this section of the post for any updates.

I read this book a long time ago, but apparently only the words. I heard and saw them this time. Dean Koontz is a writer who is as optimistic as they come. I suppose the last time I read it, it was when I was extremely busy and definitely read it before sleeping while in the bed on a wintery chilly night, which is why I was so thrilled to reread it again as a new book because I had no memory of it.

This book did not let me down. I really suggest it. Right up there with "Watchers." I hope you appreciate it as much as I did.

I've read practically every book Dean Koontz has published, and I've observed in recent years that he's abandoned themes centered on paranormal phenomena (Whispers, Strangers, etc.) in favor of a more typical character plot. This book is an interesting combination.

In Sole Survivor, Mr. Koontz has created a well-crafted and written page-turner. A routine airplane crashes in Colorado with no plausible cause. As you look further, you'll discover a government involvement in which evil is aiming to exterminate good.

Because he lost his family in the catastrophe, the protagonist is deeply invested in discovering the truth.

The novel does slow down around halfway through before revving up again. Once it happens, it's a winner all the way to the end.

Just two items that need to be fixed. - One - Airframes are not constructed of steel. – Second - No mention was made of the other accident fatalities in a proper way. However, as a novel, it is excellent, and any tiny errors or inaccuracies may be overlooked because it is fiction, not reality.

I frequently turn to Koontz for a wonderfully crisp, fulfilling book that has mystery, horror, the excitement of a good pursuit, a probable supernatural narrative line, and, of course, fantastic characters, as well as the creature that may die for love and loyalty, the dog. 

I like the imaginative analogies and caricatures that Koontz employs in his writings. I adore his depictions of animals in his books since I am an animal lover. 

Sole Survivor was intriguing from the start; a father mourning his deceased family embarks on a startling journey for truth as his life takes an unexpected turn. 

Joe Carpenter is being followed by individuals who appear to have a bevy of surveillance technology a year after his wife and kids meet an unfortunate end on a trip that should have been a walk of joy. 

I was completely caught in once I started reading this, Joe wallowed in pity and agony, sure there was a lot of that, but it made the narrative genuine, it let me feel what he felt, it placed me in his shoes and made the solution that much more vital to get to. 

In the end, the narrative descended into the weird, but I loved it; it was interesting, and I appreciated learning the truth behind the tragedy. This was difficult to put down once I started reading it, and I had a fantastic time reading it; another terrific read from Koontz, with plenty more to come.

I prefer a more realistic evil villain than some of his other stories; therefore this one spoke to me. It kept me captivated, but not so compelling that I was frightened to turn out the lights at night. Because while it is not a real horror story, the suspense and action will make you sweat in certain circumstances. It's a page-turner with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you are new to the author or wish to resume reading him after a lengthy break, this book is a fantastic place to start. The action never stopped and had me guessing till the very end. 

The only thing that can turn you off is the extra descriptive prose, but I don't believe they're all that horrible if done correctly. Aside from it being a little annoying at times, I truly loved the tale and the characters. It's well worth reading.

Once again, I must say that I actually enjoyed the protagonists and the development of the story with good human insight, and as always, I'm sorry it was over so quickly and left me wanting more. 

I wish a sequel would be great, but it's never going to occur like many other great stories by the author, but I still hope he will publish the sequels someday.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite novels of all time, and one of Dean Koontz's greatest. This narrative has a unique blend of horror, science fiction, and spirituality that you won't find in many books. 

I liked trying to figure out what was going on, being kept on the edge of my seat throughout the book, the detailed descriptions of the characters' surroundings or thoughts, and simply completely enjoying the "journey" from beginning to conclusion. 

I suggest this book to anyone who likes science fiction or horror, as it contains elements of both. In fact, I believe the writers of Stranger Things stole a lot of concepts from this novel. Perhaps this is why I enjoy that series as well.

While hunting for the bizarre, strange, or supernatural I couldn't stop reading since it was so moving and enlightening. Characters are well-developed, believable people with tormented souls. This novel is ideal for Koontz fans and everyone who enjoys a thriller with a supernatural edge.

The plot was interesting and had me turning the pages. The characters are fascinating, and the plot moves quickly without becoming tedious. For a while, I thought the last 50 or so pages were going to let me down, but Dean Koontz pulled it off pretty beautifully. I can't say much more without giving too much away, so I'll just recommend that you read it for yourself.

Synopsis

“A catastrophic, unexplainable plane crash leaves three hundred and thirty dead -- no survivors. Among the victims are the wife and two daughters of Joe Carpenter, a Los Angeles Post crime reporter.

A year after the crash, still gripped by an almost paralyzing grief, Joe encounters a woman named Rose, who claims to have survived the crash. She holds out the possibility of a secret that will bring Joe peace of mind. But before he can ask any questions, she slips away.

Driven now by rage (have the authorities withheld information?) and a hope almost as unbearable as his grief (if there is one survivor, are there others?), Joe sets out to find the mysterious woman. His search immediately leads him into the path of a powerful and shadowy organization hell-bent on stopping Rose before she can reveal what she knows about the crash.

Sole Survivor unfolds at a heart-stopping pace, as a desperate chase and a shattering emotional odyssey lead Joe to a truth that will force him to reassess everything he thought he knew about life and death -- a truth that, given the chance, will rock the world and redefine the destiny of humanity.

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Billy Zane, Christine Willes, Dan Joffre, Edge Of Your Seat, Fast Paced, Glenn Morshower, Gloria Reuben, Isabella Hofmann, Joe Carpenter, John C. McGinley, Koontz Books, Loved Ones, Main Character, Mitchell Kosterman, Page Turner, Plane Crash, Rachel Victoria, Susan Bain, Wally Dalton, Wife And Children

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Sole-Survivor-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Sole-Survivor-Audible

Mr. Murder (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Mr-Murder-1998-R

Hideaway (1995) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Hideaway-1995-R

Phantoms (1998) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/Phantoms-1998-R

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

https://rebrand.ly/The-Servants-Of-Twilight-1991-R

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