Reviews

WOOOOW! My new favorite Koontz book💜

I never give books 5 stars unless they make me want to reread the book as soon as I finish it. This was one of those books for me.

There are so many characters introduced throughout the book, but Koontz flawlessly kneads them into the story in a way that isn’t confusing and that quickly orients you to who they are. None of the characters are pointless, and they’re easy to fall in love with.

I won’t go too in depth here but the most beautiful metaphor in the book is the oak tree as a description of the way things are. I will forever be rereading that section of the book (and the whole book, let’s be real).

My only qualm is that the moment you’re waiting for through the whole book (which is 700+ pages) comes and goes very quickly — I’m talking 15-20 pages worth of the big moment. Wildly underwhelming, but for me it didn’t take away from the rest of the book.

It’s beautiful, it’s frustrating, it’s heart-racing, it’s happy, it’s wonderful. I absolutely adored it. Thank you Dean Koontz for your ever beautiful writing and your flawless story telling!

lech's review against another edition

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4.0

I abandoned the book. Though I like Koontz's books in general, this one didn't convince me.

abarnson's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first Dean Koontz book but won't be my last. I gave this book 5 stars for concept. I loved the pyschic vibe this book had. I enjoyed seeing how the characters tied together in the end. It was a heart warming book. If I could give two different stars based on things that I didn't like, I would give it 3 on the wordiness. Dean was expressive and many times took a dozen words to several paragraphs and even pages to describe something simple. It may have made this 729 page book much shorter. Overall it was a good book and I really liked it.

aj_humphreys's review against another edition

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2.0

Absolutely disappointing. Really would not recommend this book. Koontz takes a bunch of great ideas and great characters and smashes them in to one book never giving any one character the justice they deserve. He wastes reader's time with long drawn out exposition before flying into the next character's story with little regard for where he was at in the plot. It had all of the makings of being great but my biggest issue is that the very first page promises where we're going, but after 300+pages, roughly halfway through, reader's are still left with not knowing the main characters they've been promised. The end of the book has some touching moments that Koontz FLIES through. Jumping years and years across 10ish pages where he couldn't be bothered to cross more than three across the first 600. Finally, the villain is just disappointing, at times a truly horrifying example of the human condition. But despite that he's probably the character we spend the most time with he's just pathetic and his end is as underwhelming as any. First time I've probably said this, but really, don't waste your time.

jennilind's review against another edition

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5.0

Having read most of his books I can easily say this is my favorite book by Dean Koontz. Disturbing, devastating, and oddly inspiring this book delves into the lives of many, throws them into seemingly surmountable issues, and leaves you craving more while simultaneously wanting it all to end.

This book is a must read for a first time, or long time, Koontz reader.

alanthomp's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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