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macnchz's review against another edition
4.0
[author: Dean Koontz]'s latest novel is about a woman who rescues Golden Retrievers whose dark past comes back to haunt her. Also her boyfriend just so happens to have a dark past that intersects. It's well written, and the parts about dog abuse, etc. make you sad for humanity. It has a sweet ending (deus-ex-machina!) and as many Koontz books do, involves odd supernatural occurrences that might be due to the existence of God. Overall, a good, quick read.
ponderinstuff's review against another edition
2.0
Occasionally interesting, mostly disturbing, definitely anti-climatic ending.
ccoe119's review against another edition
2.0
Be aware! Most of the characters have multiple names. For some there is good reason, for others there are none. Aside from that it, is an unbelievable story. Is it fantasy? I’m not sure I know.
abrswf's review against another edition
3.0
Oh so meh. Very preachy, with overpowering Catholic overtones, glacial plot pacing, and a cast of cardboard characters who fell into two clear camps -- ridiculously evil and unbelievably good. Even the golden retrievers were over the top -- paragons of virtue and beauty without a recognizable doggy behavior or thought. I cannot recommend this book though the narration was excellent.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
3.0
A decent edition to Koontz's body of work. Dogs are prominently featured again in this story of two people with storied pasts that catch up with them.
apiratethatdoesnothing's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this story partially because of my love of animals but also how every character truly intertwined with one another. I was a bit nervous to read the ending knowing that anything could happen and that the ending might not be what I hoped, but it. THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR did seem to drag and be too wordy at points but I cannot say I've read enough D. Koontz to compare to his other writings. The story held this non-readers attention for a weekend so that's saying something, right? Throughly enjoyed it
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gastonjr45's review against another edition
2.0
I hadn't read a Dean Koontz book in a while. I use to love his books. I was not crazy about this one because it was just very brutal on the criminal abusive side and the abuse was towards a child, I don't like anything to do with child or animal abuse. It took so long to get to the real understanding of what was going to and I felt there was too much build up and ended quickly. I don't know if I am just over his books or if this one was just not for me. I will have to read another one of his soon to see. :)
donnachadh's review against another edition
EDITORIAL REVIEW: With each of his #1 *New York Times* bestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. Now he delivers a heart-gripping tour de force he’s been waiting years to write, at once a love story, a thrilling adventure, and a masterwork of suspense that redefines the boundaries of primal fear—and of enduring devotion. Amy Redwing has dedicated her life to the southern California organization she founded to rescue abandoned and endangered golden retrievers. Among dog lovers, she’s a legend for the risks she’ll take to save an animal from abuse. Among her friends, Amy’s heedless devotion is often cause for concern. To widower Brian McCarthy, whose commitment she can’t allow herself to return, Amy’s behavior is far more puzzling and hides a shattering secret.No one is surprised when Amy risks her life to save Nickie, nor when she takes the female golden into her home. The bond between Amy and Nickie is immediate and uncanny. Even her two other goldens, Fred and Ethel, recognize Nickie as special, a natural alpha. But the instant joy Nickie brings is shadowed by a series of eerie incidents. An ominous stranger. A mysterious home invasion. And the unmistakable sense that someone is watching Amy’s every move and that, whoever it is, he’s not alone. Someone has come back to turn Amy into the desperate, hunted creature she’s always been there to save. But now there’s no one to save Amy and those she loves. From its breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax, **The Darkest Evening of the Year** is Dean Koontz at his finest, a transcendent thriller certain to have readers turning pages until dawn.