This was my first Dean Koontz book, and I was a little wary about starting it at first because I've heard so much about how Koontz, and this novel in particular, can be very graphic and scary. I can handle a fair share of gore and enjoy twisted characters and plotlines, but was worried because I don't have a penchant for in your face, torture scenes; other reviewers worried me that much of this book would include that. Well, there was definitely a good amount of violence, but in reality most of the torture depicted in this book was psychological. In fact, that's part of what makes this book so "intense" and the villain so creepy, because he really gets under your skin in unforeseeable horrifying ways.

Nevertheless, all of these factors ratcheted up the suspense, and the book was an unpredictable, thrilling read. I did find the characters' pauses to explore their own psyche a bit tiring, although I suppose these introspections were necessary to build a sense of urgency and terror. I also can't decide if Koontz's metaphors are among the best or worst I've read; they were so over the top descriptive that I had to roll my eyes at times, but they were also strangely accurate and creative, creating clear images of the scene being described. Ultimately, this book was unlike anything I've ever read, and although it made me feel a bit sick to my stomach at times, I'm sure I'll read more Koontz novels in the future.

Absolutely brilliant and kept me totally engaged!

3.75*

Perhaps reading such intense story might not have been the best thing when I’ve been experiencing more anxiety than usual. Still. I read this for the first time over 20 years ago, remembered it vividly, and couldn’t help re-visiting.

First of all, this is not the best of Koontz. The narrative is a bit clunky and there is too much repetition. Having said this, it has a redeeming factor - it grabs the hell out of you! Somehow, I feel the author wanted to try his hand at a type of story-telling that would focus entirely on intense moments/scenes to the detriment of other aspects. Well, he certainly did that. The first time I read it, my heart rate stayed up most of the time, going from one horror to the next, not exactly enjoying it, but being unable to stop. This time, it was a different experience since I knew what would happen, and although it was as compelling and thrilling, it also made the weaker points more visible. Nevertheless, a pretty impressive exercise, if you ask me!

a lot of his books that I’ve read take a bit to get the ball rolling, but this one jumps right in. this is a serious thriller, it kept me on edge for nearly the whole read. some parts may drag a bit but I was never bored with this one. 4⭐️