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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
This is a love letter to dogs, but not much more. It has a smart golden retriever but that's where the similarities with Watchers ends. No one in this book has any personality - and people are either very, very good or very, very bad. Not a single character has nuance of any kind. The ending both ludicrous and underwhelming. You can feel fine about skipping this one.
This is the first Dean Koontz book I've ever read, and it was very enjoyable. Lots of poignant moments and I cried twice (I rarely cry when I read!). The scary parts were pretty thrilling without it being overly gory/ gross. A must read if you like dogs!
I felt this was a typical Dean Koontz book. I have very much enjoyed reading Mr. Koontz’s works for many years. I appreciate how he pulls me into the story quickly, not waiting to lure me into the plot. I also value how he takes special care to describe details around the scene, as well as dig into the characters’ heads with us.
One thing I’ve struggled with, regarding his books, is how many of his books have super “human” dogs. I understand he loves our canine friends, and one or two books perhaps of uber-intelligent pups are okay. But with this book, I felt he went a bit overboard with a whole “secret community” of them.
Also, I would like to see books of his where the main characters have flaws that matter to the plot. In this book, the young boy, who is autistic, is utterly perfect. I’m not saying that children with autism aren’t well-behaved, but this young man never argued with his mom, nor did he have any angry outbursts. I was hoping for a more well-rounded child character. But that’s another pet peeve I have with some Koontz books. Kids who, like dogs, are just amazing in every way.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, and I certainly have no regrets reading it, but in the future, I may stay clear from any of his books where dogs play a center-stage role.
One thing I’ve struggled with, regarding his books, is how many of his books have super “human” dogs. I understand he loves our canine friends, and one or two books perhaps of uber-intelligent pups are okay. But with this book, I felt he went a bit overboard with a whole “secret community” of them.
Also, I would like to see books of his where the main characters have flaws that matter to the plot. In this book, the young boy, who is autistic, is utterly perfect. I’m not saying that children with autism aren’t well-behaved, but this young man never argued with his mom, nor did he have any angry outbursts. I was hoping for a more well-rounded child character. But that’s another pet peeve I have with some Koontz books. Kids who, like dogs, are just amazing in every way.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, and I certainly have no regrets reading it, but in the future, I may stay clear from any of his books where dogs play a center-stage role.
Not what I expected
I liked listening to this book, but it didn’t seem to fit a particular genre. It was part science fiction, part crime thriller, part just creepy. Despite that, the story moved along quickly and was an enjoyable listen.
I liked listening to this book, but it didn’t seem to fit a particular genre. It was part science fiction, part crime thriller, part just creepy. Despite that, the story moved along quickly and was an enjoyable listen.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
Dog stories always get me
And dean joints does a marvelous job with dog stories. Of course, this is more murder/conspiracy/sci fi being that it is Koontz but I love how he captures the heart of dogs. I also love that in the end people + dogs triumph
And dean joints does a marvelous job with dog stories. Of course, this is more murder/conspiracy/sci fi being that it is Koontz but I love how he captures the heart of dogs. I also love that in the end people + dogs triumph
Koontz at his best,
Devoted is about hope for the world, borne on the slim shoulders of an autistic boy and the furry haunches of a Golden Retriever. The images that Koontz paints with words are sometimes horrific but more often lovely. Devoted will make you believe, if only for 372 pages, that everything will be alright.
Devoted is about hope for the world, borne on the slim shoulders of an autistic boy and the furry haunches of a Golden Retriever. The images that Koontz paints with words are sometimes horrific but more often lovely. Devoted will make you believe, if only for 372 pages, that everything will be alright.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes