Reviews

One Door Away from Heaven by Dean Koontz

1979cjguy's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

stepriot's review against another edition

1.0

I only read it because my husband told me he remembered enjoying it in high school. I'm certain he wouldn't finish it now. I've spent time with priests and been preached at less. Not only that but it doesn't even deliver on some of the most ramped up storylines. Its like halfway through the book Koontz decides he wants to tell a different story. Some of the characters are literally only there so he can use them to preach at you some more about how good the good old days were.

charlie9_9's review against another edition

5.0

it wasn't one of dean koontz best but it was a good read. he kept you interested in the characters as he built the story and as always tied all of them together in the end. if you are a koontz fan the book is defferently worth reading

jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition

3.0

This was another solid Dean Koontz book, but it wasn't by any means my favorite. I read Koontz looking for some chills, or at least a little spookiness and this one didn't really deliver. The most frightening part was probably the author's note when he states that there are really people out there who teach that bioethics crap.

nikshelby's review against another edition

5.0

I will read anything written by Dean Koontz, and I do.

And, among all of his novels, this is one of my favorites.

barbtrek's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I love to share that I discovered Dean Koontz after I read all the Stephen King books at my local library. Koontz was next in line alphabetically, so there you go. Today, I can’t stomach King books anymore but am still enjoying Koontz. 

Anyway, I picked up this particular book because one of the main characters, Leilani, was mentioned in the book The House at the end of the world. Clever marketing there Mr. Koontz! But I’m glad I picked this book up because I really enjoyed it!

This was definitely a 5 star read for me, but I still have a few nitpicks. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m going to be vague. There is a moment near the climax of the story where the good guys do something, or rather, fail to do something, and I was ready to scream. I guess the story must move along but it could’ve been handled in a more believable manor. 

Another small nitpick, the character’s voices. Leilani and Curtis both spoke almost exactly like Odd in the Odd Thomas books. This wasn’t a big deal really. But the fact that Curtis and Leilani sounded so alike kind of was. It didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the story but I noticed it so I guess it threw me off a bit. 

Still, I really enjoyed this book. Dog lovers would especially like this.

bikes_books_yarn's review against another edition

3.0

After reading other peoples reviews of this book I am thinking I should re-read it. It seems like alot of people got a lot out of this book and I really didn't think it was the bee's knees. It was good - but it didn't alter my life profoundly like some of the other fine folks on goodreads reported.

What did I miss?

cedarleaves's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Dean Koontz’ writing style is mesmerizing as always.

cashilling's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I like books that include dogs!

ylshelflove's review against another edition

4.0

This book is beautiful. There's no other way to describe it. Having stated that, it is a strange thing to have a beautiful book written by Dean Koontz. I was expecting suspense and crazy, intelligent antagonists. Not that there wasn't such a character, but I was thinking more along the lines of "I'm scared to turn the corner in a dark hallway" kind of aftertaste (after-read?).

Good
-I love dogs. So does Koontz. Dog lovers rejoice, for in this book lies proof that our canine friends are a big influence on our happiness.
-Inspirational lines sprinkled throughout the book as the characters go through introspection.

Bad
-Pretty slow moving for a Koontz book. The page-turning action doesn't really start until the last quarter of the book