By far, my favorite Dean Koontz books are Fear Nothing and Seize the Night, stories about a very likeable, charismatic, unlikely hero, Christopher Snow. In my latest foray into the worlds created by Koontz, I have found another hero with those same traits, Odd Thomas.
Short Plot Synopsis
Odd is a twenty year old fry cook, living in a small California town. For the most part, he is content every day just to wake up and know that hes alive, and his destiny, the lovely Stormy Llewellen still loves him. While that may be enough for him, it usually isnt enough for the restless dead spirits that only Odd can see. Only a handful of people know Odds secret: Stormy, Wyatt Porter, the Chief of Police, Odds boss and friend, Terri and his four-hundred pound, gentle souled, literary friend, Little Ozzie.
While working the grill one Tuesday morning, Odd notices a group of what hes come to call bodaches congregating around a suspicious looking man. In his past experiences, a bodach will hang around a spot or person where carnage is soon to happen. Following the man, he searches through his house, finding a shrine to serial killers and terrorists, and Odd is sure that on the very next day, Bob Robertson is going to attempt to join their ranks.
Writing Style
Like the books about Christopher Snow, Odd Thomas is written in the first person, allowing us a deeper glimpse into the heros inner being, seeing what he does, loving what he does, understanding his motivations, his humor. This book takes place in just under 48 hours, and it moves very quickly. In such a short time, the author (or the narrator) takes us from setting to setting, meeting people who may or may not be vital to the case at hand.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
I read Odd Thomas in about three nights. In fact, when it was recommended to me, I was told that it is a quick, light read. It was a quick read, and would have been light if not for some of the lightly touched upon subjects. Though I didnt like it quite as well as I liked the aforementioned books, I absolutely enjoyed it and would love to hear that Dean Koontz was contemplating a sequel (though I dont see how, with the revelation that took place in the last few pages).
Yeah, when the book was first pitched to me, I thought Sixth Sense, but I promise that it holds its own and is definitely worth a read!
"The dead don't talk. I don't know why." But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant con...More at HotBookSale
From the Publisher: The dead don t talk. I don t know why. But they do try to communicate, with a short order cook in a small desert town serving as t...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.