Odd Apocalypse
Published: 2012
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Thriller
Book 5 of 7: Odd Thomas
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Dean Koontz's Odd Apocalypse is the fifth suspense novel in his Odd Thomas series. Odd Thomas is an intriguing character, partially because he is not the superhero we are accustomed to seeing in so many novels, TV episodes, and movies nowadays. Nonetheless, he is a heroic figure who chooses the proper moral path at a key crossroads.
Koontz depicts evil and terror, but with hope since the endings are positive and the protagonists persevere in their tenacity and honesty no matter how much evil they must face and conquer.
I believe that stories like these give us something to grasp on to something to help us resist the easy slip into cruelty and cultural bullying that mainstream media so frequently fosters.
I like Dean Koontz, and his works have given me and many people across the world hours of joy and excitement over the years.
However, the first half of this book was a little sluggish, which is why I only gave it 90 points instead of 100. But keep reading because the second half of the book contains all the action, bizarre science, and weirdness that you'd expect from Dean Koontz.
Odd spends an inordinate amount of roaming in the first half of the novel, which appears to be meaningless and a little monotonous. Then the science fiction comes in, explaining many of Odd's discoveries and putting the conflict of irresponsible scientific study, past and future, and good and bad individuals into full Koontz grandeur.
The first half of the book should be read quickly, while the second half should be read slowly and thoroughly. It offers a truly gratifying finish, a fascinating journey through time, and an entertaining view of the genius and scientist that was Tesla - not to mention a future encounter with Alfred Hitchcock.
Odd Apocalypse isn't as spectacular as the first book in the series, but it's still enjoyable. It's back to being entertaining and funny, with a fresh take on what evil entails.
The narrative is fantastically intriguing, has plenty of tension and wonderful pace, and is completely different from the plots in the prior novels; something Koontz appears to be particularly skilled at is hurling his characters into new and unexpected circumstances with each volume.
This time around, the scenery and ambiance are a little more hideous. Odd encounters a 'parallel universe' full of hazards, including pig-like apes with a thirst for murder.
There's some very grim content in here once more. Odd's ability to sense ghosts is used, but the cast of characters is too limited to warrant any bodachs.
This time around, the enigmatic Annamaria feels even more like a blatant narrative device. Odd gains access to the mansion grounds thanks to her charm, but that and her typical fortune-cookie chatter make up the majority of her appearance. While having her in the story makes certain things simpler for Koontz, he isn't doing enough with her, especially considering the formulaic manner in which she appears.
I've yet to read a book by Dean Koontz that I didn't enjoy; in fact, I investigated him for years and years and years to find out what other pseudonyms he used when writing and read those works as well.
While his previous work is significantly different from the novels he's published under his own name, they were all wonderful reads that I will be reviewing shortly.
I even have both of his books for children that he created, and while one is a little too much for smaller children, the one about Santa's evil twin is hilarious, and all of my family kids adore the narrative and really enjoy discovering the hidden snowmen in each artwork!
I try not to offer plot spoilers, but I can say that if you like stories about unusual incidents with a sometimes supernatural or otherworldly vibe, you'll enjoy all of his works!!!
My absolute favorites are his Odd Thomas series, the ones he's just written recently about the boy, and later the man, that no one, including his own mother, can stand looking at, and my favorite stand-alone story is probably Lightening, which is about a time traveler and is reminiscent of the novel The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Bottom line, if you appreciate odd stories, he is the supreme storyteller and my absolute favorite author!
Odd Thomas, a character I've adored since the first volume and believe is written with heart, humor, and charm. He is an unusual but noble Hero, who has a great deal of insight and, in my opinion, is far closer to the author than one might think. Odd is also a good laugh.
As other readers have observed, Odd Apocalypse differs from the previous novels in the series, but I don't believe this is a bad thing.
"I'm learning something which will enable me to make grasp of my existence," Odd stated, "and I discover by wandering wherever I should go, with whatever companions I have." (These aren't the precise lines used in the book to overcome Copywrite challenges, but they imply something close.) To me, this suggests that he had to leave Pico Mundo in order to complete whatever his final goal could be.
I didn't care for the time-travel component of the narrative, but I did like the explanations for it and its ramifications. This may be a complex and perplexing subject, but the book addressed all of my expected questions.
I was a little unhappy with where the reader was left with Annamaria, but that's only because I believe I have a good notion of what's going on with her and wanted to see if I was correct.
I agree that this book in the series is darker than the others, but I also believe that Odd Thomas is still grieving the loss of someone he cared deeply for and that he must deal with things as they occur in order to recover.
He is attempting to make meaning of his life and, in doing so, must mature as a character. This may imply abandoning Pico Mundo, despite the fact that we have all missed it and its residents.
Overall, Odd Apocalypse is a solid addition to the Odd Thomas library. I thoroughly loved Odd Apocalypse and would suggest it to others!
Final Thoughts
This isn't a fast-paced thriller, but it is an entertaining novel with solid characters, an intriguing narrative line, and the occasional sarcastic humor that is nearly always there in a good Koontz story.
I really like how Koontz is able to bring each of these stories to a decent conclusion while still leaving the reader with the expectation of more Odd to come - very few authors are able to accomplish this, but Koontz does it wonderfully.
An excellent book, well worth the time, and a narrative that will give any reader something to think about until the next episode of Odd Thomas is read and finished, this is a fantastic book and series to read and highly recommended.
Synopsis
“Koontz gives [Odd Thomas] wit, good humor, a familiarity with the dark side of humanity—and moral outrage.”—USA Today
Once presided over by a Roaring ’20s Hollywood mogul, the magnificent West Coast estate known as Roseland now harbors a reclusive billionaire financier and his faithful servants—and their guests: Odd Thomas, the young fry cook who sees the dead and tries to help them, and Annamaria, his inscrutably charming traveling companion. Fresh from a harrowing clash with lethal adversaries, they welcome their host’s hospitality. But Odd’s extraordinary eye for the uncanny detects disturbing secrets that could make Roseland more hell than haven.
Soon enough the house serves up a taste of its terrors, as Odd begins to unravel the darkest mystery of his curious career. What consequences await those who confront evil at its most profound? Odd only knows.
“Odd Thomas is the greatest character Dean Koontz has ever created. He’s funny, humble, immensely likable, courageous, and just a joy to read about.”—Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“[Odd Thomas is] one of the most remarkable and appealing characters in current fiction.”—The Virginian-Pilot
“Supernatural thrills with a side of laughs.”—The Denver Post
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Another Great, Fry Cook, Great Read, Looking Forward, Next Book, Pico Mundo, Shadow Street, Story Line, Thomas Series
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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