Dean Koontz - Good and Bad?

[Michelle]

Most people that I ask about this guy will say that they loved some of his books, and didn't like others. I'm the same, and I'm never sure whether to buy a new book of his, just in case it's one I don't like.

Although I know tastes vary, I thought it might be helpful to list some of the titles we've either liked or not liked, perhaps with a quick reason and/or review.

I'll have to go and peek through Amazon to remember, and get back to you....

:)

[Michelle]

Ok...

Mine will probably be a list of the ones I enjoyed, as I tend to forget the ones I didn't!

Frankenstein, Book One - this is the latest of his that I've read, and it is enjoyable.. it takes the Frankenstein story a step further. In fact, I'm looking forward to Book two.
The Taking - Fascinating book, with an end that I wasn't quite expecting! As with alot of books like this, you have such a build up, that the ending is always a slight 'let-down' Still a good book.
False Memory - this was a good thriller.
Demon Seed - a quick, easy read. Highly enjoyable though.

The rest I remember reading, and enjoying, but couldn't tell you much about them. To me, that's typical of Koontz.. most books are enjoyable enough at the time, but nothing too outstanding.
The Eyes of Darkness
From the Cornor of His Eye - This one was unusual, but good.
The Servants of Twilight
Tick Tock
The Sole Survivor

[Debbie]

Watchers was fantastic, and I enjoyed The Taking

Can't think of titles of others off hand, I will look them up when I get home

Debbie

[Louise]

I have never read a Dean Koontz, although I do have one of his books on my shelf - Fear Nothing

Maybe one day ill get to it!

[Stuart]

I enjoyed all of his books I have read. I can't tell you have of the titles, but Watchers was one of them.

[Maureen]

I only remember reading "Hideaway" of his ages ago, and I believe I quite enjoyed that.....

[Chance]

He is one of my mother's favorite authors. I have tried, but usually quit midway. It is funny how one person can love something and another just can't stand it! :)

[Loricat]

When I was a young teenager, I read a book of his called Whispers and thought it was one of the creepiest novels I ever read. However, I tried reading him again as an adult and I just wasn't impressed. And I usually like horror stuff.

[Kell]

Lightning is my favourite - a wonderfully dark exploration into the posibility of time travel. But don't let that put you off, it's not at all sci-fi-ish - it's thriller through & through! A must-read for anyone who fancies giving him a try. It's quite possibly the most well-thought out & cleverist of all his offerings to date.

[Kell]

I didn't enjoy Shadowfires - it just wasn't up to his usual high standard. Very disappointed. Then again, I'm not really into zombies...

[Inanna]

I have read all of his books to date and found that the only one I didn't like was 'Mr Murder' just couldn't get into that, though I did read it all I was not impressed.

I love the way he varies his writing, the book of his that has most surprised me was 'The Taking' ~ WOW did that ever give me the shivers LOL.

My most favourite characters were in 'Life Expectancy', think I spent alot of that book crying with laughter, and such a brilliant story.

But my all time top 10 of his books are:

Watchers
Strangers
Lightening
Life Expectancy
Midnight
Intensity
Velocity
The Sole Survivor
Whispers
The Eyes Of Darkness

[Michelle]

The Taking was weird, wasn't it? Very different, but hard to put down.

[Inanna]

The Taking was weird, wasn't it? Very different, but hard to put down.

Definitely, not many books give me goosebumps LOL

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed The Taking, I got it in a charity shop for about 50p ( I get most books from charity shops ).

I thought it was well written, and I liked the creepiness of it too!

[Kell]

I got The Taking last Xmas off Dale - I really enjoyed that one.

[Michelle]

The ending certainly surprised me.. I didn't see that coming!

[Inanna]

Its one of the things I like about Dean's books, alot of the endings totally catch me off guard, I have this annoying habit of thinking I can predict the ending in most books (especially whodunnits), keeps me on my toes when I get it wrong :D

[Anonymous]

I agree Inanna!

I like Deans' work and the way he draws you in then changes things right at the last minute ! *read The Taking* hehe !

:mrgreen:

[Inanna]

I see there is to be a third instalment in the Odd Thomas series :D

Brother Odd is due to be released sometime in November can't wait :wink:

[Kell]

I'ev not even read Forever Odd yet - LOL!

[Inanna]

Only 2 months till his next book is released, I think he needs to write quicker LOL

[ilovedthewayshesaidla]

I liked The Face... but never ended up finishing it because of exams etc. However, interesting as it was, some parts got extremely tedious and were a put off. Perhaps another reason I never bothered finishing it!

[Jules]

I've read nearly all of Koontz's work, and I agree that it is quite variable in quality. A lot of my favourites tend to be his older books.

My favourites include:

Intensity
Watchers
Strangers
The Door to December
Sole Survivor
Lightning

Sorry to those who liked it, but I absolutely loathed The Taking. It's the worst book I've ever finished. It really did bore me, with its multi-page descriptions of rain, and it never seemed to actually get anywhere, before its complete cop-out of an ending. Perhaps I just missed the point! :?

I also couldn't get into Icebound (gave up halfway), Demon Seed and the ones about Christopher Snow. I currently have three of his books on my TBR pile - Velocity and the two Frankenstein books.

[Kell]

I enjoyed The Taking, but nowhere near as much as some of his others. My favourite remains Lightning - I love that one. The whole concept was so cleverly thought-out, even including the ever-tricky topic of paradox (which is often left dangling loose in time-travel stories). There is just something about this one that sticks in my mind & every now & then I find myself remembering little bits of it & thinking to myself "oh yes, that bit was really good!"

[Michelle]

Velocity was disappointing, but I did enjoy the Frankenstein books.

[Sofia]

Some Dean Koontz I really liked....others...eh...not so good....Intensity, Life Expectancy, Sole Survivor, The Taking were all pretty good.....The Servants of Twilight was crappy....and Velocity was so-so...there are more I read, but I can't remember right at the moment!

[Michelle]

Brother Odd is due out November 28.
You won't want to miss Odd’s third adventure. He’s left Pico Mundo to embrace the solitude and peace of an isolated monastery high in the mountains. But Odd has a knack for finding himself in the way of trouble. A killer is stalking the ancient, holy halls and Odd is about to confront an enemy who eclipses any he has yet encountered.

[Debbie]

I loved the two previous Odd books - I have to admit, I bought the first one solely because of the title, Odd Thomas. It seemed perfect, as my surname is Thomas and our family is a bit odd!

Really pleased to hear there is going to be a third

Debbie

[kitty]

My friend at work has just lent me Velocity, never read any of his before. Also noticed its not looking like one of his better ones, but its on loan till november so ive plenty of time yet!

[O's]

Dean Koontz is very hit and miss, "The Face" is great but then he wrote "by the light of the moon" which ended up being thrown across the room.

[kitty]

Just finished Velocity, not impressed. :nono: I didnt have to struggle to read it, but at the end I thought what a waste of time. Dont think ill read another one. :pillow:

[Michelle]

I wouldn't let it put you off totally.. his stories are all very different, and I found Velocity to be very disappointing compared to others.

[dididave]

I think Koontz's problem is he releases too many a year and the quality is bound to suffer. Just finished "Hideaway" which I absolutely loathed! I loved "The Taking" and "Phantoms" but thought "The Face" was pants.

[Mia]

Koontz's stuff is variable to say the least. At its best, it's wonderful (Intensity), but some would never have got published if they didn't have his name on the cover (The Taking).

I currently have four of his books on my TBR pile: Velocity, Forever Odd, and two Frankenstein books. The guy writes them faster than I can read them! :shock:

[Michelle]

I enjoyed the Frankenstein books, Forever Odd wasn;t as good as the first one.. and Velocity didn't impress me much.

[Mia]

Velocity sounds a bit nasty for my tastes, to be honest - I'm a wimp! I bought it because I buy all Koontz's books, but it's fairly near the bottom of my TBR pile.

[streader]

I can't remember one of Mr. Koontz's that I didn't enjoy. I tend to read his books faster than any other author's.
Feeling a bit frustrated, though, by being left hanging on the Christopher Snow series. Wish he'd hurry and and get around to writing the third book.:irked:

[Gyre]

I read 'Hideaway' which was really good and another one about a town that was empty, it was made into a film with Ben Affleck, I will check x

'Phantoms', that's it, that was good too. :D

[pinkprincess]

I am halfway through Brother Odd but I am really stuggling with it. I am not enjoying it at all, I found brother odd and forever odd ok but the 3rd one Brother Odd is terrible.

My favorite has to be from the corner of his eye and One door away from heaven

[angerball]

The only Koontz book that I have enjoyed was Watchers.I couldn't even finish most of his others. :blush: But the thing is, I always end up picking some up and giving them a go, even though past history says I most likely won't enjoy it. :roll: I really want to like his books - don't ask me why though. :lol:

[Sofia]

looks like a new one coming out....The Good Guy on May 29th (uk release june 4th)

[carm]

I havent read anytjing by dean koontz in a long time- after reading several of his books they all seem to be very formulaic and i just lost interest in his work

[Kell]

It really depends which of Koontz's books you read - if you try something like Lightning, that's completely unlike anything else I've ever read by him and remains my favourite of his, as well as ranking pretty high on my list orf favourite books - very clever and very well thought out.

[Princess Orchid]

Now, I always get Dean Koontz and John Saul confused, but I seem to remember - is DK the one who makes a point of NOT expressing a happy ending (as it, the monster still lives, or the main character dies)?

[Kell]

Now, I always get Dean Koontz and John Saul confused, but I seem to remember - is DK the one who makes a point of NOT expressing a happy ending (as it, the monster still lives, or the main character dies)?
Not always - I can think of quite a few where the main character is quite happy at the end of a DK book, although quite often one of the main characters dies horribly, and they certainly go through many trials and tribulations...

[LittleLijah]

He is one of my favourite authors and I have enjoyed all books that I've read especially Sole Survivor. He has a way of making me think the impossible just could be possible!! Sounds like The Taking will be next on my list. Bought Brother Odd recently but haven't got round to it yet....think it might be "one too many" though!

[Echo]

Sounds like The Taking will be next on my list.

I recently read this one (you can read my review here (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3694)) and I really recommend it to any Dean Koontz fan. I haven't read many of his newer books, but I'm a big fan of a couple of his older ones, especially Hideaway, Cold Fire, and The Bad Place. I also remember Watchers and Lightning both being very good, but I read them years ago.

As for comparing him to John Saul, another author I've read extensively, I actually find them to be very different. One thing I've noticed about a lot of John Saul books (or even most of them) is they are all very similar: they all usually involve a single parent, and center around a young person, usually someone between the ages of 11 and 16. Dean Koontz, on the other hand, usually has all adults as his main characters, and has more adult scenes, such as sexual scenes. But honestly, they're both great for a quick, thrilling read.

[Princess Orchid]

Not always - I can think of quite a few where the main character is quite happy at the end of a DK book, although quite often one of the main characters dies horribly, and they certainly go through many trials and tribulations...

Aha! I just navigated through the John Saul website (amid much squinting - it's not very reader friendly!), and I *did* have the 2 confused!

[LittleLijah]

Thanks for the review info Echo. I've got the book now and it's on the ever increasing TBR pile.

[scottishbookworm]

I've only read one of his books and I would say he's fine but not as good as clive barker or stephen king!
:readingtwo:

[Ratna]

I read Hideaway, Whispers & False Memory which were all quite good. I don't really enjoy reading thrillers/horror nowadays, but I used to love nothing else 10 years ago.

[Mia]

I read all of Koontz's work, but I could not stand The Taking. I would not recommend it to anyone (except perhaps someone I really disliked). ;)

I was pleasantly surprised by his Frankenstein books - has anyone else read these? I avoided them for a long time as I am not a fan of anything to do with Frankenstein, but I really enjoyed these. (I would say they are only loosely related to a Frankenstein plot.)

[Michelle]

Yes, I liked those ones. I read the first two, then lost track.. is the 3rd out?

[Mia]

I don't know if the third is out yet or not... I'll pop over to Amazon later and have a look. :)

One quick trip to Amazon later...

Book 3 is called Dead and Alive and it's not out until 6 May 2008! :eek2:

[Michelle]

wow - that is a big gap!

[Ruth]

I like Dean Koontz's later books - Life Expectancy, The Taking, The Face....all brilliant. However, I read an earlier one of his called The Eyes Of Darkness, and I really didn't think it was that good.

[prospero]

Bit of threadomancy going on here; hope that's okay.

I much prefer Dean Koontz's earlier books - the first one I recall reading was Lightning. Absolutely loved it. And Dragon Tears was the next, I think. However, stylistically, I believe DT was where it all started going 'wrong'. His novels these days read like a treatise of "Look how many big words I know". I get the feeling sometimes he's trying to make the reader think, "Wow, look at all the pretty words," to the detriment of any story.

I know his Odd Thomas series has been praised to the skies and while I found it to be oh-kay, as I said, I much prefer Lightning and other earlier books.

However, as I was born contrary, I like The Taking, despite it being one of his less popular books. I don't jump on his books as soon as they appear in hardback now; I'll get them out of the library and if I don't find them available, I'll buy them in paperback. From the supermarket, where they're cheaper. :D I have The Face, Velocity and The Good Guy on Mount TBR at the moment and I think he has a new pb due out soon.

I loved, loved, loved his books as a teenager and in my 20s and only feel regret that I've lost that Koontzlust when he publishes a new novel.

I blame the hair-weave. He's the anti-Samson. He's lost his powers now he has more hair.

[Kell]

Lightning remains my favourite Koontz to date. I haven't enjoyed his more recent ones nearly so much as the ones that were released further back.

[O's]

The Face is a really good book, a very entertaining read.

[FishAndChips]

Ooh I have that on my bookshelf (along with two others of his) Maybe I will read that one first.

E.T.A.
In fact I have these three:

Shadowfire
Dark Rivers of the Heart
The Face

Does anybody have any recommendation as to which I should read first?

[prospero]

I got The Darkest Evening of the Year out of the library this week and I keep wanting to call it The Long Dark Tea-time of the Soul.

[Mia]

FishandChips - Dark Rivers of the Heart is easily my favourite out of those three. A very tense and compelling read. :)

[FishAndChips]

Thanks Mia :)

I am really looking forward to reading these now!! :D

[roddglenn]

My favourites are Phantoms, Twilight Eyes and Mr Murder. I have enjoyed most of his books, but some are certainly better than others and generally I have preferred his earlier books (writing with the 'R') than his later ones.

[Gamgee]

Watchers was the first book of his I read, and still the one I remember most vividly and fondest. Off the back of reading that I ploughed through 20 odd (excuse the pun - not actually read any of the Odd Thomas ones) of his novels up to the late 1990s (Seize the Night, being the last I think), but seem to have lost touch with him since then. Have always enjoyed what he wrote and found him an incredibly easy read - but having just flicked through the past titles I've read I'm pushed to remember what actually happened in almost half of them.

[Mia]

I think Koontz changed his writing themes dramatically some years ago. His earlier novels tended to feature conspiracy theory type plots and evil government organisations up to all sorts (usually involving recombinant DNA). Then he seemed to stop writing these and move towards a slightly more spiritual theme, with less supernatural stuff or paranoia.

I liked his earlier books a lot, but I also like his more recent stuff and still buy everything he writes. But I think his earlier work is the stuff I prefer.

[Colin Jacobs]

I found some of his novels samey I am not a great fan of his chase novels so have given him a rest. Watchers was my first of his which I really enjoyed

[Ruth]

I loved The Face (it was the first book of his I had read). I also really liked Life Expectancy. The Taking was pretty good, but The Eyes of Darkness was dire. Generally I think his earlier stuff was not so good as the stuff he is doing now.

[Loopyloo100]

I remember really enjoying Midnight and this got me back into reading again a long time ago, but I really did not enjoy The Taking - I found it a bit dull. I have read many of his books, but ask me what they're about and I couldn't remember!

[Sedge]

I've only read Midnight and thought it was fantastic. For some reason I've never followed up on any of his other work. Is Midnight typical of his novels?

[Loopyloo100]

I've only read Midnight and thought it was fantastic. For some reason I've never followed up on any of his other work. Is Midnight typical of his novels?

I read Midnight over 20 years ago and I can't even remember the storyline, however - it's stuck with me as a really good read and I then followed it up with: The Key to Midnight - which is the follow on book ( Ignore this I am talking rubbish!) - I enjoyed that one too! I would say that most of his earlier books I enjoyed, but I couldn't say if Midnight was typical as my memory isn't up to it I'm afraid! :lol:

[Sedge]

I read Midnight over 20 years ago and I can't even remember the storyline, however - it's stuck with me as a really good read and I then followed it up with: The Key to Midnight - which is the follow on book - I enjoyed that one too! I would say that most of his earlier books I enjoyed, but I couldn't say if Midnight was typical as my memory isn't up to it I'm afraid! :lol:


Thanks Loopyloo. I didn't know there was a sequel - it'll be added to my shelves soon!

[Loopyloo100]

Actually ignore my previous - My memory is playing tricks and The Key to Midnight is not the follow on at all! Sorry my memory is a pain!!! :irked:

[Witt]

The Bad Place - The first ever book I read by Koontz, I was really young and had not ever read anything like it I guess it stays with me.

[Mia]

I've just finished The Darkest Evening of the Year and wasn't that impressed. He seems to be suffering from Stephen-King-itis - ie his earlier stuff was great and his latest stuff is comparatively poor.

At the moment, he seems to be fixated on God and the divine loveliness of dogs, particularly golden retrievers(!). :confused: He needs to pull his socks up, methinks.

[R.C._Lulay]

I see him as a great story teller. Not sure about his work now, but Dragon Tears and, especially, Phantoms scared the Hell outta me--which is what a good horror novel should do.

[KW]

I've only read Odd Thomas - and loved it. I tried the follow up book but it didn't grab me.

[Harry_Redknapp]

First Koontz book i read was life expectancy it, particularly the plot even if a it was a bit surreal with the use of clowns - couldnt stand the continual references to baked cakes etc but really enjoyed its pacing

Just finished the watchers being touted as his best book by many on amazon. Was good, however the slow drawn out desciptions of the outsider really didnt scare me one bit and i just couldnt imagine it at all. Was this book written when lassie was popular ?

Moving on to lightning heard it is more sci fi than horror which is more my genre

[scottishbookworm]

I read one dean Koontz book I couldn't really get into it! I prefer the books by stephen king!

he's the finest horror writer and so is clive barker!

[Colin Jacobs]

I dislike his Chase books, As with James Herbert I prefer his earlier books

[Kell]

Moving on to lightning heard it is more sci fi than horror which is more my genre
It's one of my all-time favourite books, not just by Koontz! Lightning is, in my opinion, incredibly well-written and very cleverly plotted. Well worth reading. :)

[Tbird]

Well Koontz was the first author i ever read from and i can say ive pretty much liked every book of his, bar a few.

I'll give a list and a breif descripion of my top 5

1) From the Corner of His Eye - Very big, in depth book with very likable characters. The plot twists and turns and entertained me from start to finish. Alot of characters and entwining stories.
2)Mr Murder - Very well written. The book has got every element - i feel - needed in a book, great characters; great plot; great chase and (hard to describe the next piont) has a human feel to it. Ending lets it downa tad but still a great read.
3)Odd Thomas - 1st person ( I like this because it makes the book more personal and the character(s) easier to relate with), Brilliant mix of thriller and slight humour, easy to follow, brilliantly written FANTASTIC ENDING
4)Dragon Tears - This one is more of a supernatural book which has worked well, again a great sense of relationship between reader and character, Solid story, this book is hard to flaw.
5)The face - Brilliant book. Cleverly written with two entwining stories. It turns slightly toward the supernatural side of things but again works very well. Great relationships between characters (and reader). Has fantastic twists and a great ending.

Happy reading :)

[Michelle]

3)Odd Thomas - 1st person ( I like this because it makes the book more personal and the character(s) easier to relate with), Brilliant mix of thriller and slight humour, easy to follow, brilliantly written FANTASTIC ENDING

Yes, that was one that I liked.. and the ending was great. :)

[Gyre]

I have always fancied reading the Odd Thomas books, something for the New Year :)