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beenut's review against another edition
1.0
This was a pretty annoying read. One of the few books that I have actually disliked.
The protagonist characters are all fairly one dimensional, and most are unerringly selfless and virtuous. They all have only one character flaw, which is their self-doubt about how amazing they really are. I kept feeling like the book glossed over the interesting events and interactions to instead focus on these hollow characters.
In the past I've had no issues with Koontz writing style, but for some reason I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the descriptions/metaphors and groaning at some of the cliched dialogue.
The one redeeming quality, which brings the book to 1.5 stars, is the antagonist. How we are slowly shown his warped world view, and his use as an unreliable narrator was definitely the highlight of the book.
Unfortunately it is not enough to carry such a long novel, and I can't recommend this book.
The protagonist characters are all fairly one dimensional, and most are unerringly selfless and virtuous. They all have only one character flaw, which is their self-doubt about how amazing they really are. I kept feeling like the book glossed over the interesting events and interactions to instead focus on these hollow characters.
In the past I've had no issues with Koontz writing style, but for some reason I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the descriptions/metaphors and groaning at some of the cliched dialogue.
The one redeeming quality, which brings the book to 1.5 stars, is the antagonist. How we are slowly shown his warped world view, and his use as an unreliable narrator was definitely the highlight of the book.
Unfortunately it is not enough to carry such a long novel, and I can't recommend this book.
whitney210's review against another edition
3.0
I had to finish this one quick for a book club virtual meeting... I did enjoy the story line and characters. I found the science to be a little intense... kinda like Odd Apocalypse.
ecooper99's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up because Dean Koontz is one of my favourite authors. He can be hit-or-miss, but when he's on, he's REALLY on and I eagerly devour his books.
This one started out a little slow and meandering for me. I wasn't quite sure about it for the first hundred pages or so, but then I found myself eagerly picking it up every chance I had. The thing about Koontz's style is that it is meandering. He lets his characters wander, and he delves into their psyches until it's almost uncomfortable to go that deep. But then just when you think it's too much, he throws in something completely unexpected and jolts you out of your reader complacency.
Koontz also writes extremely well-developed characters, and villains you love to hate. I found myself moved to tears a few times while I was reading, and I was outright sobbing during the last few pages. Overall, this is another Koontz winner for me, and I'm eager to read more from him!
This one started out a little slow and meandering for me. I wasn't quite sure about it for the first hundred pages or so, but then I found myself eagerly picking it up every chance I had. The thing about Koontz's style is that it is meandering. He lets his characters wander, and he delves into their psyches until it's almost uncomfortable to go that deep. But then just when you think it's too much, he throws in something completely unexpected and jolts you out of your reader complacency.
Koontz also writes extremely well-developed characters, and villains you love to hate. I found myself moved to tears a few times while I was reading, and I was outright sobbing during the last few pages. Overall, this is another Koontz winner for me, and I'm eager to read more from him!
cassiethebookconnoisseur's review against another edition
5.0
I have read this book at minimum three times over the years!!! I even purchased another copy because the other one began to look worn from allowing others to borrow it. so it is officially the one I lend out and then I of course have the newer version!!
I love love this book! I can’t start talking about it without giving it away !!!
I love love this book! I can’t start talking about it without giving it away !!!
virginiareads's review against another edition
4.0
I was hooked right away. The first few chapters seemed unrelated, but you always know this author will bring them together. It kept me hooked with the suspense. And that one guy...wowza. :)
bookworm247's review against another edition
3.0
First half kept me wanting more, second half was somewhat dull in comparison.