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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
So, I read this the first time when I was 12. I am now 37, and have thought to re-read some books I loved as a child. I can see why a 12 year old would read this book, and then become enthralled with the horror genre (a love I still have as an adult!). But, as a grown up, who has read a LOT of books since 1992, this book didn't have that magic for me it once did. Still a fun read, though. Brain candy, for sure.
adventurous
slow-paced
I whipped through this 600 page book in 2 days. I was on a road trip and had asked someone for advice on a well written book with a compelling story and this is what he put in my hands. I have shied away from horror/suspense since I read "Pet Semetary" at a tender age and was traumatized but was willing to give it a go. This book was AMAZING. Not only was the writing incredible, wow can he set a mood, but the story was thrilling. Short synopsis is that it's a government experiment on DNA recombinant technology that creates an uber intelligent and incredible lovable dog along with "the Outsider" who isn't quite as cute and friendly. They both escape from the lab and chaos ensues.
The romance that develops between the two who are keeping the dog from harm was sweet and added to the story. Even though it's an easy read based on action, he included themes on redemption and starting over, how we need connection and meaning in our lives along with what it means to be human.
The romance that develops between the two who are keeping the dog from harm was sweet and added to the story. Even though it's an easy read based on action, he included themes on redemption and starting over, how we need connection and meaning in our lives along with what it means to be human.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
This is the first story I've ever read by Koontz. No, I didn't grow up under a rock, I just had something like tunnel vision, and when I did pick up a Koontz novel, for whatever reason, the blurb just didn't draw me in. I really enjoyed this story, and understand why it appeared on the list. The seemingly disparate threads at the beginning of the story were neatly and expertly woven together as the story developed, and all the questions were answered in the end. I was surprisingly moved by the villian at the conclusion of the story, making me enjoy the story all the more. I'll be more likely to look past the blurb and pick up a Koontz novel going forward (but given my formidable TBR piles, I'm not going scouting any time soon).
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It is always a little bit scary to return to a book you loved a long time ago. It’s been over 20 years (not 10) since I read this, remembering only really enjoying it, the dog and the uber ‘bad’. Well, I am happy to report that I still enjoyed it, but a little differently.
Koontz still offers a great thriller with shades of horror and romance. It is a great story but I must admit that parts of the book are at times a little slow. I do understand why this happens - in order to give time to the main characters to develop - but it might not be to everyone’s taste. There is also the fact of the dog. Let’s face it, if you’re a dog lover like me, and the author, then you’re absolutely going to love this. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the read, but a bit less.
Otherwise, for a novel written in 1987, and showing its age in the form of stereotypes, it still works. Koontz’s writing does show that time’s prejudices but he does break through them quite often, especially with the female protagonist. Here is a woman who starts as the perfect mouse/victim. Mind you, she has been abused all her life, and it takes time for her to grow a spine, BUT she does!
I must admit that [b:Lightning|32424|Lightning|Dean Koontz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1410030512l/32424._SY75_.jpg|1396631] has aged better, is a tighter and better read, but Watchers will always have a special place :O)
Koontz still offers a great thriller with shades of horror and romance. It is a great story but I must admit that parts of the book are at times a little slow. I do understand why this happens - in order to give time to the main characters to develop - but it might not be to everyone’s taste. There is also the fact of the dog. Let’s face it, if you’re a dog lover like me, and the author, then you’re absolutely going to love this. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the read, but a bit less.
Otherwise, for a novel written in 1987, and showing its age in the form of stereotypes, it still works. Koontz’s writing does show that time’s prejudices but he does break through them quite often, especially with the female protagonist. Here is a woman who starts as the perfect mouse/victim. Mind you, she has been abused all her life, and it takes time for her to grow a spine, BUT she does!
I must admit that [b:Lightning|32424|Lightning|Dean Koontz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1410030512l/32424._SY75_.jpg|1396631] has aged better, is a tighter and better read, but Watchers will always have a special place :O)