The Author: Dean Koontz is a bestselling author of numerous thriller and horror books.
Publishing Info: Bantam Dell- A Division of Random House, Inc. Hardcover edition published in May 2004 - Paperback edition published in May 2005
The Characters:
Neil and MollySloan- Neil and Molly are the two main characters in the book. They are a husband and wife ‘team' in the way they work through problems together. They have a deep understanding of each others moods and emotions.
Virgil- A children loving dog who plays a major part in the storyline.
The Children- Left alone in a changing world it is up to Molly, Neil and Virgil to rescue many of the town's children.
My Opinion:
I have read most of the books Dean Koontz has written. I have always enjoyed reading his books but find I often have trouble really "getting into" them until about ¼ or ½ the way through the story. The Taking however started from chapter 1 holding my attention. I found both character's personalities to be interesting but was especially drawn to Molly. She is the prominent character in the book overall and the story is written mostly from her point of view although a few times Neil's thoughts come through. I think this is one of Koontz's better written books in the way the story flows instead of giving 3 or 4 chapters of background. It starts off at a face pace and continues throughout most of the book.
I also found The Takingto be thought provoking. Many of this author's books delve into the idea of alien life and what could possibly happen if other life forms exist. Somewhere in most of his sci-fi type thrillers he gives a religious twist or points out what a Christian's perspective on the happenings in the story might be. It is that way with this book. There are several areas where you see the difference in Heaven and Hell and in God and Satan. This is seen most here in the last few pages of the book.
The reviews on this book are varied. While some people loved it there are just as many who didn't think it worth reading. Personally I enjoyed it. There are a couple of slow parts and a couple of paragraphs that seem redundant. Overall though I really found the book to be intriguing. It isn't as much of a horror filled book and might fit into the science-fiction genre better. The one thought a number of readers seem to have found in common that I also agree with is that this is not the typical Dean Koontz storyline.
The Story:
Molly Sloan is a writer trying to follow in the success of her mother's footsteps. She has a few novels published but has many self-doubts about her talent and strength as a writer. She worries that she will never be able to write a book as good has mother. What Molly doesn't know is that she will soon be able to write a story that will excite both non-fiction and science-fiction readers. In a short amount of time Molly's outlook on life will change and her strength and fortitude will be proven.
It is early morning when Molly awakens to the sound of falling rain. She is unable to sleep and after looking out her window decides to go outside on her front porch. This is where she will first encounter strange behavior from animals and begin to wonder about the strange glowing rain that is falling. Out of fear she returns to the bedroom to find Neil reacting in his sleep to a nightmare. From this point both Molly and Neil realize that all is not right with the world.
Turning on the television will confirm their suspicions and prompt them to pack a few emergency provisions and go into the small town close to where they live. Along the way they encounter some very strange things and become more frightened as they discover that friends and neighbors are already dying and disappearing. One scene in particular stands out when they stop to check on a good friend only to find that he has shot himself. However while hurrying out of his house it seems Harry has risen from the dead. With a dead man quoting lines fromT.S. Elliot, Molly's favorite author the two of them reach a new height of fear, confusion and disbelief.
A number of people have gathered at a local bar in town so Molly and Neil decide there may be safety in numbers. However this is of course proven to be a false assumption and they realize this when more and more people begin quoting T.S. Elliot to Molly. It is here at the bar that it becomes more evident that animals and dogs in particular are drawn to Molly. One such dog named Virgil will become a guide to help Molly and Neil on a quest they will soon begin.
When the couple decides to leave the bar intending to gather food items and things they might need before the town becomes flooded they realize that many children have been left alone to defend themselves. It becomes their personal mission along with Virgil to find and rescue these children. This is not an easy task since there are walking dead and alien ships all over town. Even the few people that are still alive will prove to be enemies due to their own fear of what is happening. Molly and Neil are determined to protect the children the best they can though and will face the enemies and fight to overcome their fear that the world is coming to an end.
Conclusion:
I don't want to give away the entire story so I will stop here. On the cover of the book there is a quote from New York Daily News that describes the books as "A Thrill Ride". I think that aptly covers the fast flowing action of the book and the storyline as well.
On the morning that will mark the end of the world they have known, Molly and Neil Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof....More at Audible.com
In one of the most dazzling books of his celebrated career, Dean Koontz delivers a masterwork of page-turning suspense that surpasses even his own ini...More at HotBookSale
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