Velocity Review

 

Velocity

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Fiction, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychological, Serial Killer, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller 

 

Check the summary of this book here:

Velocity Summary

 

 

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Velocity is set in Napa County, California, and is about a guy in his 30s who takes the law into his own hands after being intimidated by an unknown enemy. The "words of wisdom" that pepper the narrative are straight quotes from T. S. Eliot's writings.

 

Dean Koontz said in February 2014 that his future work Secret Forest will be a spinoff of this novel. The narrative will center on Ivy Elgin, a Velocity supporting character about whom Koontz has gotten a lot of fan mail. I have no recollection of this spinoff novel at the time of writing this review.

 

Some years back, I became a diehard Dean Koontz fan who couldn't get enough of his stuff. Strangers, Watchers, Phantoms, Twilight Eyes, and Whispers were the best thrillers I've ever read. I read "Velocity" after a little break since I was preoccupied with other matters in my life. This is a classic Koontz novel. The protagonist is a regular Joe like you and me who finds himself in a position over which he has no control or understanding. Billy Wiles is a regular person who has been thrown a few curveballs in his life.

 

Dean Koontz has yet to write a bad story. He combines mystery and the bizarre, with a dash of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. This story had no supernatural elements, but it did have a healthy dose of bizarreness. The suspense was palpable. At times, I had to pause and take a few deep breaths.

 

Another recurring theme in Koontz's writings is that the protagonist is always the most ordinary, humble person you can imagine. And they are thrust into extremely difficult life-or-death situations in which decisions about what is right and wrong must be made quickly and in extremely hazy conditions. This book was no different.

 

It's difficult to understand how Koontz's mind operates and how he comes up with the storylines for his books. This is another page-turner with characters that are so well-developed that you feel like you've known them for years. What a privilege to be a part of his amazing gift.

 

Velocity is an apt title for a mystery suspense novel. Koontz writes in a crisp style that gives even the most mundane detail color and significance, so the reader must stay alert.

 

This narrative begins with relatively regular folks, one in particular who rises to the occasion of a life-or-death crisis in an astonishing way. It was simple to become immersed in this tale, which paid off in the end.

 

Dean Koontz is the only author I know that keeps me wondering as I eagerly read on to find out what occurs. And it shows the danger and ridiculousness of ethical relativism and other foolish beliefs in real-life settings.

 

This book took me three days to finish. That's how fantastic it was. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. It wasn't a big deal because generally, I complete a book like this in two days or less, but three days meant I was occupied with other novels or other things.

 

I had a connection with the main character. He was a nice man trying to do his best in a horrible position. You believed he was defeated most of the time, but he wasn't.

 

Another reason for the points I gave is the writing itself. When Koontz portrayed a place or a landscape, he utilized descriptive words that transported you there. His color descriptions and feelings provide you with all you needed to feel as though you were there.

 

Billy, who is loyal to his comatose fiancée and a silent friend to all in his profession as a bartender, gradually finds himself trapped in a web of murder that he did not conduct but has power over due to how he is being controlled by an unknown person he refers to as the "freak."

Koontz does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of Billy's character while yet keeping him likable and sympathetic. Nobody does this sort of character like Koontz.

 

Though Koontz is classified as a horror writer like Stephen King, I believe that the most of his writings belong more to the thriller genre. This one is no exception, and I couldn't put it down since it was so exciting. "What type of book have I plunged myself into?" I thought as the first chapter began in a barroom including some fairly foolish discussion. The stupidity, however, ends and the thrills begin. I thought the main character, Billy Wiles, and the plot were both extremely clever. I won't give anything away, but I believe most suspense and thriller readers, particularly Dean Koontz fans, would enjoy this book.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Dean Koontz has written yet another fantastic novel! I couldn't put it down as the pages kept turning! I couldn't wait to see what Billy would do next. And how he was going to deal with each plot surprise.

 

At the conclusion of the book, there are various quotations from the book that are attributed to TS Eliot. I, too, adore TS Eliot and recognized several of the phrases.

 

In a nutshell, here is my opinion on the novel... What will you do if a crazy killer drags you into his plot and people's lives are suddenly totally dependent on your decision? What an unusual notion, I thought, and I immediately snatched the book, and boy, am I happy I did! You can't go wrong with Dean Koontz, but "Velocity" demonstrates why he's one of my favorite authors. The narrative was so dynamic and complex that I couldn't put my grey matter around it at moments. It was like being on a roller coaster, full of energy and emotions. By the end, I realized why it was called "Velocity," WOW! You won't be sorry if you read it.

 

It's a good psychological thriller that didn't let me down. A few friends did not appreciate the finale, but I liked it. It was resolved, with no cliffhangers and the most believable finale.

 

I suggest this book because I enjoyed it. Koontz never disappoints. If you like stories about desperate individuals in terrible situations, "Velocity" will pique your curiosity and imagination. There are several clever narrative twists and histories that keep this excellent novel going to a satisfying conclusion.

Strongly recommended!

 

 

 

Synopsis

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

If you don’t take this note to the police . . . I will kill a lovely blond schoolteacher. . . . If you do . . . I will instead kill an elderly woman active in charity work. You have six hours to decide. The choice is yours.

The typewritten note under his windshield seems like just a sick joke. But in less than twenty-four hours, Billy Wiles, an ordinary, hardworking guy, is about to see his life take on the speed of a nightmare. Because a young blond schoolteacher is murdered—and now Billy has another note. And another deadline. This time he knows it’s no joke. He’s racing a killer faster than evil itself. And Billy must accept his terrifying challenge: The choice is yours.

Think fast. Fear never slows down. . . .”

 

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Active In Charity, Billy Wiles, Edge Of Your Seat, Elderly Woman, Fast Paced, Koontz Books, Note To The Police, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Six Hours, Stephen King, Take This Note 

 

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Velocity-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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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Life Expectancy Review

Life Expectancy

Published: 2004

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Comedy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Literature, Metaphysical, Occult, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Visionary Fiction

Check the summary of this book here:

Life Expectancy Summary

The Review

Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz is a suspense horror thriller. The plot centers around five major occurrences in the lifetime of James "Jimmy" Tock, a self-proclaimed lummox. There is simply no writer today or in the past who can compete with Dean Koontz in what he does with his genres. His characters are magnificent, his story arcs are flawless, his pacing is perfect, and his dialogue does seem to be absolutely priceless. "Life Expectancy" is another of his greatest. 

As is so frequently the case with his writing, the touches of magic in this story are equivalent to years of focused world-building from authors who are just superb writers. Few authors have the confidence, let alone the talent, to create characters that are completely good or completely wicked. Koontz has this talent and employs it to create beauty. To understand what I mean, read From The Corner Of His Eye.

I'm honestly surprised that there hasn't been a film adaptation or discussion of this book anywhere. It means that there has been no attempt to make a film of this amazing work, and if there has been, please let me know because I would love to see it someday.

Despite its ostensibly grim theme, this Koontz novel is light on the supernatural and teasing in tone, because its heroes virtually shine brightly. His heroes, as is so frequently the case, are plain, unadorned creatures of flawless character, characters that excel at the commonplace because it is more wonderful to them than being kings and queens. 

The trick to great writing, they say, is to develop fantastic characters and then place them in dreadful situations. After getting to know Jimmy and Lorrie, it's tough to fathom this world without them, so even the most terrible situations don't seem nearly so dire.

Dean Koontz has created another masterpiece! I'm not sure how this man keeps coming up with such fantastic stories, but I'm thankful he does. 

This is not an Odd Thomas narrative; rather, it introduces a new character or characters to his universe. And, as much as I adore Odd, this is a new path he has brought me down. I was hooked from the first page; his prose is addictive, and his life philosophy is uplifting. If you read it, you will not be sorry. 

I was curious where Koontz would go after Odd's departure. Jimmy Tock isn't his successor, but we do get most of the same rich and hilarious storytelling and fascinating yarns-man-ship. If you enjoy a good story with unexpected twists and turns, you'll enjoy this one. And I'm sure we'll see the Tocks again.

Life Expectancy reassured me of what a smart thinker Koontz is and what a lovely manner he has of expressing his perspective on this amazing life. Dean Koontz has long been a favorite of mine. I adore his writing style: serious, tense, frightening, and always peppered with amusing banter from the cast. This novel is no exception, and I found myself saying, "Didn't see that coming!" multiple times.

When I first began reading him I praised Dean Koontz as "very inventive and intelligent" after reading many of his works. I promoted him to "Genius" after reading Life Expectancy. I think this is the most entertaining and humorous work I've ever read. At every turn, a grin. A "Must Read," and even after finishing his most recent work, I still consider him a genius.

Although the first portion of the book is hilarious, I truly loved it all together. The novel was not what I anticipated from Dean Koontz; it was an unexpected combination of Dobie Gillis and IT, Stephen King's crazy clown. 

It blends implausible happenings with vaguely supernatural themes and ties the whole thing together with unexpectedly sharp comedy, unusual but likable central characters, and exotic villainy. I would suggest this book to anybody looking for a little entertainment, a few good chuckles, and the hope that the inherently good will win in the end. One of Koontz's most accomplished pieces. 

I've noticed that I'm not the only one who enjoys a good first-person narrative, and this is one of the few Koontz novels written in the first person, which he usually reserves for his most fleshed-out characters. 

Life Expectancy is not only an entertaining book, but it also taught me how to utilize humor and a positive attitude to get through the difficult moments in life. I wholeheartedly suggest this book.

I've been really busy for the past few years and haven't been as in touch with movies as I used to be, so I don't know if a movie adaptation of many of my favorite books and authors is out yet, which is why I ask readers of my reviews to let me know if they know of any adoptions that I may have missed to inform on these pages.

Final Thoughts

It wasn't a scary novel, but it was a compelling narrative. If I were to categorize it, I would call it a comedy (in a very good way). I wasn't expecting that, but it turned out to be a really funny book. Many of the jokes reminded me of Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas books.

This book was filled with wisecracks. If you're seeking for a genuine horror novel, you should avoid this one.

Also, if you are afraid of clowns, you should probably avoid this book. The plot revolves around a circus clown and trapeze artists. Isn't that crazy? Right.

If you're looking for a fast, entertaining, nonsensical read, this should fit the bill.

It follows Jimmy Tock from the night he was born till many years later. Jimmy's grandfather was dying on the night he was born, and he awakens from his coma to make grave prophecies about five dates in Jimmy's future.

I adored Jimmy's character and the woman he eventually marries. He is a baker who is working his way up to pastry chef under his father's instruction, who is the pastry chef at a facility located in the Colorado Rockies.

My life is really difficult, and sure, who does not have a difficult life, but I believe I am living in a game that is set on a nightmare while living on a hell level, so every little thing I do requires a large quest and effort to achieve, which is why I adore novels that make me feel wonderful. Most feel-good novels leave me chilly, but Koontz's stories leave me soaring on clouds. This one is no exception. Very, very highly recommended.

Synopsis

“With his bestselling blend of nail-biting intensity, daring artistry, and storytelling magic, Dean Koontz returns with an emotional roller coaster of a tale filled with enough twists, turns, shocks, and surprises for ten ordinary novels. Here is the story of five days in the life of an ordinary man born to an extraordinary legacy—a story that will challenge the way you look at good and evil, life and death, and everything in between.

Jimmy Tock comes into the world on the very night his grandfather leaves it. As a violent storm rages outside the hospital, Rudy Tock spends long hours walking the corridors between the expectant fathers' waiting room and his dying father's bedside. It's a strange vigil made all the stranger when, at the very height of the storm's fury, Josef Tock suddenly sits up in bed and speaks coherently for the first and last time since his stroke.

What he says before he dies is that there will be five dark days in the life of his grandson—five dates whose terrible events Jimmy will have to prepare himself to face. The first is to occur in his twentieth year; the second in his twenty-third year; the third in his twenty-eighth; the fourth in his twenty-ninth; the fifth in his thirtieth.

Rudy is all too ready to discount his father's last words as a dying man's delusional rambling. But then he discovers that Josef also predicted the time of his grandson's birth to the minute, as well as his exact height and weight, and the fact that Jimmy would be born with syndactyly—the unexplained anomaly of fused digits—on his left foot. Suddenly the old man's predictions take on a chilling significance.

What terrifying events await Jimmy on these five dark days? What nightmares will he face? What challenges must he survive? As the novel unfolds, picking up Jimmy's story at each of these crisis points, the path he must follow will defy every expectation. And with each crisis he faces, he will move closer to a fate he could never have imagined. For who Jimmy Tock is and what he must accomplish on the five days when his world turns is a mystery as dangerous as it is wondrous—a struggle against an evil so dark and pervasive, only the most extraordinary of human spirits can shine through.

This eBook edition contains an excerpt of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ever Read, Highly Recommend, Jimmy Tock, Koontz Books, Page Turner, Prepare To Be Enchanted, Stephen King, Story Line, Terrible Days, Twists And Turns

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/Life-Expectancy-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/Life-Expectancy-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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The Face Review

The Face

Published: 2003

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Espionage, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Face Summary

The Review

The Face is a novel by Dean Koontz that is another mixed-genre entry from him. It is essentially an espionage story with a lot of twists, as is typical of this author. Dean Koontz is an expert in his field. This novel is no different. You get invested in the characters' lives and fear for them. The plot teases you with Typhoon's real identity while also misdirecting you, which is what is expected in a genre like this, and I call it marvelous.

It got off to a sluggish start for me. If it does the same for you, keep reading!! After the first seven to ten percent of the story, the action picks up. Once it gets started, it's a nonstop roller-coaster ride all the way to the end! Great character development, story, and surprises to keep you reading. Mr. Koontz hits yet another home run!

The storytelling is outstanding, the personalities are well evolved, and the supernatural component is very convincing. Another one of my favorite Koontz books so far and I've read almost all of them except for the ones I may not have found or that have not yet been published. 

Adults who appreciate supernatural crime dramas should check it out. Laputa is a villain you can cheer for and loath, and there are numerous characters you can't help but root for, notably Fric!

This novel has a lot of surprising twists and turns that had me reading beyond my bedtime. It has some supernatural elements to scare you, but it trails behind "Watchers," "Cold Fire," and "Fear Nothing" in terms of plot. 

As a result, The Face appears to be too long. One hundred pages less will undoubtedly make it a much better read for someone who does not enjoy reading as much as avid readers who will enjoy it as much as I did and wish for more at the end. 

However, Koontz's intensely developed characters more than compensate for the plot. The two protagonists, Ethan and Fric, are enthralling.

Fric's sorrow as his family loves itself more, and Ethan's melancholy after his wife's death, are both beautifully shown. They have an authenticity and sensitivity about them that keeps me anchored to their narrative and destiny. And then there's Corky, who is evil incarnate. The ending is heartwarming, and I'm glad Ethan and Fric have each other to live for.

I was browsing remarks about Mr. Koontz's recent works. Not very nice, and I'm always surprised as to why these individuals post these phony evaluations as if they read a different book than I did.

This is outstanding! You don't want to put it down. These aren't just characters; they're individuals you feel strongly about as if they really were your close friend. From start to finish. You wouldn't want it to end. It's a shame they won't be continued in future books.

Instead of fussing about Odd Thomas or author's political ideas, why not try reading this one or Intensity, both of which were fantastic. 

I know why Stephen King and Dean Koontz get these fake reviews, and it's because of their political views and the open way they talk about it in their novels, which is actually a good thing because it shows the reality of things, and we must stop living like slaves and be free of the false freedom, but we must first free our minds and begin thinking with an open mind... Okay, let’s get back to the review...

As an ardent reader, I can assure you that The Face is fantastic. This is a true thriller with supernatural elements, but the plot is compelling. The clues left by the would-be murderer become clear only after the plot begins to unfold. 

The narrative's lead character for me is a young boy. His antics keep the reader entertained while the security chief attempts to track down the killer using strange clues. It was an enjoyable read. As with many outstanding novels of a good size, I read it in a matter of days. Once again, a page-turner.

The Face contains substantially less graphic violence than many of Koontz's other novels. There is some "fantasy," but the novel is mostly a "who did this?" mystery. I started liking the true relationship grow. 

Fans of Koontz will enjoy this, but those who have been put off by some of his previous explicit crime-related stories should give it a shot.

Final Thoughts

Mr. Koontz, you are a great writer who manages to craft stories that keep me up throughout the night wondering what would happen next. I'm referring to being caught up in something as if it were real life. I always enjoy the ride, so thank you for taking me on another exciting adventure. 

As always, keep doing what you're doing because you're an incredible writer who comes close to Stephen King's level but in your own style, so there's no comparison and a reader actually needs to read a lot and understand both of you and what you write to appreciate every word and sentence you two write.

This novel captures your attention from the beginning and never lets you go. I've never been a fan of the overused term "page-turner," but this one fits the bill well. Almost every chapter would have something happen that would draw you in, making you want to know what was going on. 

The worst part about reading this is that it caused me to stay up much later than usual because I lost track of time. 

Moreover, unlike other works in this genre, Koontz provides excellent descriptive descriptions of every person, location, and item. 

There is also a lack of the typical stock characters that appear in many of today's books, movies, and television shows. There is no tough girl with a terrible attitude, no side character with an unfathomable desire to see the hero fail, and so on. 

The only thing that might put some readers off is the book's paranormal elements. It is unlike your average criminal narrative in that some of it is supernatural in nature. But that is one of the reasons why the book is so good, and you bought it knowing it was written by Dean Koontz, but if you don't know who he is, try to finish it and you might become a new fan of the author and this crazy mixed genre.

Synopsis

“Acknowledged as “America’s most popular suspense novelist”(Rolling Stone ) and as one of today’s most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human. Now he delivers the page-turner of the season, an unforgettable journey to the heart of darkness and to the pinnacle of grace, at once chilling and wickedly funny, a brilliantly observed chronicle of good and evil in our time, of illusion and everlasting truth.

He’s Hollywood’s most dazzling star, whose flawless countenance inspires the worship of millions and fires the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying, enigmatic “messages” breaches the exquisitely calibrated security systems of his legendary Bel Air estate.

The boxes arrive mysteriously, one by one, at Channing Manheim’s fortified compound. The threat implicit in their bizarre, disturbing contents seems to escalate with each new delivery. Manheim’s security chief, ex-cop Ethan Truman, is used to looking beneath the surface of things. But until he entered the orbit of a Hollywood icon, he had no idea just how slippery reality could be. Now this good man is all that stands in the way of an insidious killer

—and forces that eclipse the most fevered fantasies of a city where dreams and nightmares are the stuff of daily life. As a seemingly endless and ominous rain falls over southern California, Ethan will test the limits of perception and endurance in a world where the truth is as thin as celluloid and answers can be found only in the illusory intersection of shadow and light.

Enter a world of marvelous invention, enchantment, and implacable intent, populated by murderous actors and the walking dead, hit men and heroes, long-buried dreams and never-dying hope.

Here a magnificent mansion is presided over by a Scottish force of nature known as Mrs. McBee, before whom all men tremble. A mad French chef concocts feasts for the mighty and the malicious. Ming du Lac, spiritual adviser to the stars, has a direct line to the dead. An aptly named cop called Hazard will become Ethan’s ally, an anarchist will sow discord and despair, and a young boy named Fric, imprisoned by celebrity and loneliness, will hear a voice telling him of the approach of something unimaginably evil. Traversing this extraordinary landscape, Ethan will face the secrets of his own tragic past and the unmistakable premonition of his impending violent death as he races against time to solve the macabre riddles of a modern-day beast.

A riveting tour de force of suspense, mystery, and miraculous revelation, The Face is that rare novel that entertains, provokes, and uplifts at the same time. It will make you laugh. It will give you chills. It will fill you with hope.

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

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guy, Channing Manheim, Corky Laputa, Corner Of His Eye, Ethan Truman, Head Of Security, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Page Turner, Year Old

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/The-Face-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

https://rebrand.ly/The-Face-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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