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beytwice's review against another edition
2.0
As much as I still enjoyed this book, it had a lot to pick at as well. The premise itself was interesting: concocted phobias appeal to my psychological interests, and the antagonist (while extreme) works well.
However there were just too many little plotholes I kept falling into, too many 'nick-of-time' clutch moments that seemed unrealistically placed. Having read Koontz's works before, I do give him a little leeway for these scenes, acknowledging he errs in favour of happy coincidences and gift-wrapped endings, but even for Koontz this seemed too absurd a tale to be true.
Some have complained about the antagonist being revealed too early: I actually liked this change of pace as it was then a challenge for Koontz to draw suspense from other angles. Given the early reveal though, the book was far too long and it does eventually get old. First half gets 3.5 stars, latter half of the book brings it down to 2.
However there were just too many little plotholes I kept falling into, too many 'nick-of-time' clutch moments that seemed unrealistically placed. Having read Koontz's works before, I do give him a little leeway for these scenes, acknowledging he errs in favour of happy coincidences and gift-wrapped endings, but even for Koontz this seemed too absurd a tale to be true.
Some have complained about the antagonist being revealed too early: I actually liked this change of pace as it was then a challenge for Koontz to draw suspense from other angles. Given the early reveal though, the book was far too long and it does eventually get old. First half gets 3.5 stars, latter half of the book brings it down to 2.
bunnie225's review
3.0
The only Koontz I've read again and again. Somehow Skeet really makes me think.
letsreadmorebooks's review
2.0
this is the kind of book you read when you're at a resort and the book you brought is too boring and serious to read by the pool, so you select something from the pile of discarded books left by the beach towels. it was for me, anyway. it's a page-turning thriller, and it's also a ridiculous book. my main complaint is all the characters have qualities exactly suited for executing their plans or overcoming the specific dangers they face. (made up example: victim X, who had a photographic memory and dreamed of going to art school, drew a sketch of her assailant that captured his likeness so well, the police immediately recognized him from the hundreds of profiles they'd reviewed.)
itsdanewrightt's review
4.0
Dean koontz books are hit and miss. I either dislike them or love them, and I loved this one
katereadshorror's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is probably one of Koontz best in my opinion. It's just really a thriller, makes you think, it's a fast paced and exciting read the first time through that keep you turning the pages. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
cecireads17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jaded618's review
3.0
This book was surprisingly my first Dean Koontz novel. I've heard great things and this was one of the books I had picked up at our annual library book sale, so I decided to give it a shot.
Not gonna lie, the beginning felt like it dragged a bit and I was sure I was not going to enjoy the book at all, but once I got through part of the book I was hooked on the story. It was very fascinating and creepy how this doctor was using hypnotic mind control with the patients and controlling them. This was creative writing that will probably make most people think twice before scheduling their next therapy appointment! I felt that near the end the book started becoming anticlimactic, the main characters disclosing that they knew they were brainwashed and no longer under control, I feel like they just gave away their play by doing that.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will have to get to my other Dean Koontz novels I have!
Not gonna lie, the beginning felt like it dragged a bit and I was sure I was not going to enjoy the book at all, but once I got through part of the book I was hooked on the story. It was very fascinating and creepy how this doctor was using hypnotic mind control with the patients and controlling them. This was creative writing that will probably make most people think twice before scheduling their next therapy appointment! I felt that near the end the book started becoming anticlimactic, the main characters disclosing that they knew they were brainwashed and no longer under control, I feel like they just gave away their play by doing that.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will have to get to my other Dean Koontz novels I have!
tafrito's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
vbarrett17's review
5.0
phenomenal.
it is definitely best going into this novel not knowing too much, but this one was worth every page! exceeded all my expectations for a psychological thriller.
it is definitely best going into this novel not knowing too much, but this one was worth every page! exceeded all my expectations for a psychological thriller.