Helpful Score: 4
Very suspenseful, not scary. Enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 2
Another Dean Koontz quick read with all the elements of suspense he is famous for.
Helpful Score: 2
Perhaps more than any other author, Koontz writes fiction perfectly suited to the mood of America post-September 11: novels that acknowledge the reality and tenacity of evil but also the power of good; that celebrate the common man and woman; that at their best entertain vastly as they uplift. His latest is one of those best, exciting and deeply moving, shorter than usual and also less prone to the overwriting, the flood of similes and metaphors, that sometimes overwhelms his storytelling. As usual for Koontz, the novel opens at full throttle: a mad doctor invades a motel in Arizona, injects both itinerant artist Dylan O'Connor and struggling comic Jillian Jackson (strangers to one another) with an unknown substance that, he says, is his life's work and will have some unknown effect, then warns them to flee before his enemies kill them; soon after, the doctor is slain by heavily armed assailants. The rest of the story is an extended chase, as Dylan and Jillian, along with Dylan's high-functioning autistic brother, Shep, dart around the West, only steps ahead of the assassins. Within hours, the effects of the injections materialize: Jillian experiences portentous visions-a flock of birds, a woman in a church; Dylan is overcome by the need to rush to the aid of people in distress (among others, in an intensely poignant scene, an elderly man searching for his missing daughter); and Shep learns to teleport himself and others. (Interestingly, Koontz bases the science behind these developments on nanotechnology, the same mechanism used by Michael Crichton in his just published Prey, an object lesson in how two writers can take the same premise and generate two very different yet excellent novels). The novel's only flaw is its abrupt ending, contrived probably to allow sequels-a probability that Koontz fans, but also anyone else who reads this novel, a predestined bestseller and rightfully so, will applaud.
Helpful Score: 2
I love all his books really, but this one had me read twice, and I want the CD's to listen too in the car for the long drive back and forth to work, it's that good.
It's got a lot of twist's to it, like most of his books, but this one is a little stranger then most. You could never guess how it ends!
It's got a lot of twist's to it, like most of his books, but this one is a little stranger then most. You could never guess how it ends!
Helpful Score: 2
I haven't found a Koontz book that I didn't like. This one is no exception. I felt like I couldn't get to the next page fast enough. It really had me gripped from page one!
Helpful Score: 2
Koontz never disappoints! A fast escape novel with lots of action.
Helpful Score: 2
Koontz never ceases to please. This book is deep and the plot is fast and has some amazing twists. Couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Not the most thrilling Koontz novel, but does hold your attention.
Helpful Score: 1
wa a little slow at first but i really liked the book, was a suprise ending for me!
Helpful Score: 1
Finally, another Koontz novel that has some supernatural elements. A harum scarum ride complete with heroes, those in need of their help, and the vested 'interests' who want to take their lives.
Helpful Score: 1
The writing is very descriptive, some times it was too distracting for me, but decent book
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this Koontz book very much! A page turner for sure. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and stayed up late finishing it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is the kind that keeps you reading until you are done. 2 brothers and a woman are mysteriously given a shot to make them be extraordinary. They all are on a mission now and do not know for what. They save and help people throughout their travel. They jump to a plane in the universe where they are still young and get to see how the 2 brother's mom really died. And in the end of course catch the perpetrator!!! I loved it and would be more than willing to share it with anyone else who loves to read!!
"Dylan O'Conner is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He's on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious "doctor," injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee - before the doctor's enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police." "Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure that will turn the next twenty-four hours into an odyssey of terror, mystery - and wondrous discovery." "It is a journey that begins when Dylan and Shep's path intersects with that of Jillian Jackson. Before that evening Jilly was a beautiful comedian whose biggest worry was whether she would ever find a decent man. Now she too is a carrier. And even as Dylan tries to convince her that they'll be safer sticking together, cold-eyed men in a threatening pack of black Suburbans approach, only seconds before Jilly's classic Coupe DeVille explodes into thin air." Now the three are on the run together, but with no idea whom they're running from - or why. Meanwhile Shep has begun exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior. And whatever it is that's coursing through their bodies seems to have plunged them into one waking nightmare after another. Seized by sinister premonitions, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to crime scenes - just minutes before the crimes take place.
~~~~~
Another excellent Koontz book-- well worth the read. I really enjoyed this one!
~~~~~
Another excellent Koontz book-- well worth the read. I really enjoyed this one!
A must for all Koontz fans.
From the master of darkness-a chilling tale of three people on an odyssey of terror
It took me a bit to get into this one. I generally love Dean Koontz, and once I got past the initial chapter it was great. My daughter read this one as well and she enjoyed it as well.
I have not been a fan of Dean Koontz. That said, I got this book to keep in my personal library, and have read it twice now. It's that good!
In a world that is starving for "the right thing" to be done, and visible, this book gives us a glimpse of how it could (?) be... I know that nano-bots are a real thing-if they could do this, wow!-and have great promise for the future. Mr. Koontz gives us one plausible scenario.
WAY worth reading.
In a world that is starving for "the right thing" to be done, and visible, this book gives us a glimpse of how it could (?) be... I know that nano-bots are a real thing-if they could do this, wow!-and have great promise for the future. Mr. Koontz gives us one plausible scenario.
WAY worth reading.
I've read most of Dean Koontz' books and enjoyed 'em all, but I have to say I think this one is my favorite. Of course, as I always say, "Why didn't they do a movie?" This one hints at a sequel.
Good book, this was the first of his books that I read. A good twist at the end.
This is one of my favorites of his. Dean is always a good choice.
This is a wonderful thriller. This is one of Dean Koontz's best.
An ok read. Good for the airport or the beach.. the plot was interesting, but neither the story, nor the characters stick with you after reading. Goes onto my "forgetable fiction" list. Maybe if you were a dia-hard koontz fan this might have more appeal. All in all it's a good distraction, but doesn't have a lot of meat to it.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Dylan O'Conner is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He's on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious "doctor," injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee - before the doctor's enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police." "Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure
"Dylan O'Conner is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He's on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious "doctor," injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee - before the doctor's enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police." "Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it! Pure Koontz! A thrill ride.
Terrific story, keeps you guessing with a real twist at the end.
My first Dean Koontz book and I was hooked. Riviting, kept me up all night reading.
good, good book!
This book started slow for me but about half way through, it really picked up and I couldn't put it down. Koontz is always so inventive and these characters were interesting, as usual.
Another great Koontz book.
Dean koontz is a master story teller, he provides another scary book this time. Loved it.
excellent Koontz
Liked it! Another great Koontz book!
Another masterpiece by Dean Koontz. Leaves you wanting more when you finish the last page. Hoping this will become a sequel like Odd Thomas. I want to hear more about what they plan on accomplishing.
This is my favorite Koontz book.
I loved this book! Not only suspense, but the characters are loveable and keep you hanging on the story till the last page!
Dean Koontz's usual style of on the wild side intrique. A man is injected with an unknown substance that gives him unusual abilities. And a woman also on the road is injected by this same mad scientist (doctor) becoming his unwilling guinea pigs to a secret experiment. They, along with his autistic brother are sought by the people who want to bury this information. They alude them while trying to find out the truth of this mysterious transformation.
Survival is key in this book. Its either the man is carrying a disease that will kill or ...I can't tell you! Its suspenseful.
My husband thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's great story-telling. He could hardly put the book down because it was such a great mystery as to what was happening to the characters.
This book is in new condition and has not been read.
Dean Koontz at his finest! This had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through!
Very exciting. The main character of the story is on the road with his autistic brother. He is overpowered by a stranger and injected with an unknown substance and told he is the "carrier" of something wondrous.
On the road, on a hot Arizona night, Dylan O'Conner is overpowered by a stranger who injects him with an unknown substance. All he's told is that he's the "carrier". Now Dylan, his autistic brother, Shep and another "carrier" are swept into a desperate search for the shattering truth of what they are .......
Strange guy attacks you, ties you up and injects something into your arm, which he tells you will either kill you or do "something" to you. Then he disappears. What do you do next? Quick read. If you like Koontz, you'll like this one.
American post 9/11...a stranger injects Dylan O'Conner with an unknown substance. He is now a "carrier" of a substance which will transform his life, if it doesn't kill him in the next 24 hours. Can he survive long enough to discover what he might become,.
Another Koontz masterpiece. If your a fan of his it's must read. If not, try it anyway. You'll love it.
Not personally interested in reading this.
Good Read. Starts out slow, but then pulls you in if you have been patient. Essentially, some crazy guy injects seemingly random strangers (including an autistic person) with nanobots that change them in drastic and different ways. Leading to a final cliffhanger involving the original crazy that makes eveything clear and shows some links that are completely unexpected.
A man is injected with an unknown substance and told that he is the "carrier" of something wonderful, if it doesn't kill him in the next 24 hours.
The other characters include the mans autistic brother and a woman who is also a "carrier".
During the book they try to seek the truth and save their lives.
The other characters include the mans autistic brother and a woman who is also a "carrier".
During the book they try to seek the truth and save their lives.
I have read almost every Koontz book there is. This was one of my favorites! I like it a lot.
one of Mr. Koontz's better books. The ending left a little to be desired, but overall - good.
Koontz never fails to thrill!
very good.
This was a very good ++ read, with people becoming able to do some really neat things. And I guess there might be "infected" children later on ???
"Dylan and his autistic brother, Shep, and another "carrier" a young woman, are swept into a desperate search for the shattering truth of what they are and what they might become."
Another great book by Dean Koontz - Shep is a loveable character, and Dylan even more so. Perfectly suited to americans post-september 11th, it acknowledges the reality of evil and the power of good.
Another great book by Dean Koontz - Shep is a loveable character, and Dylan even more so. Perfectly suited to americans post-september 11th, it acknowledges the reality of evil and the power of good.
Found this to be a fun thriller.
Dean Koontz never lets me down, and this one was very good too!
I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written and a surprising Dean Koontz book. It had his typical twisty plot but the charatures were very beleiveable.
It's about Dylan and his Autistic brother Shep. They stop for the night at a motel and get injected with a serum by a strange man. They meet a woman who also got attacked and injected by the same man. They are now being chased by scary government forces and they are going through some wierd changes.
It's about Dylan and his Autistic brother Shep. They stop for the night at a motel and get injected with a serum by a strange man. They meet a woman who also got attacked and injected by the same man. They are now being chased by scary government forces and they are going through some wierd changes.
LOVE THE WRITER
I usually don't dig the whole sci-fi thing but I was suprised by how good this book was.....basically these 2 people get injected by some weirdo with this stuff that gives them strange powers.....great read.
His characters as usual leave you hating that last page.
GOOD book!
From Dean Koontz website
Dylan OConnor is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. Hes on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious doctor, injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee--before the doctors enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police.
Dylan OConnor is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. Hes on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious doctor, injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee--before the doctors enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police.
Good book,lots of action.
another great one by Koontz. "Perhaps more than any other author, Koontz write fiction perfectly suited to the mood of America's post-September 11 novels that acknowledge the reality and tenacity of evil but also the power of good; that celebrate the common man and woman; that at their best entertain vastly as they uplift. This is one of those best, exciting and deeply moving."-- Publishers Weekly
If you love Koontz you will certainly love this book. It is written with his uniquely descriptive style. Highly recommend it to all Dean Koontz fans out there.
I really like the direction Koontz takes with this book.
Dylan O'Conner is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He's on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious "doctor," injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee - before the doctor's enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police." "Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure that will turn the next twenty-four hours into an odyssey of terror, mystery - and wondrous discovery." "It is a journey that begins when Dylan and Shep's path intersects with that of Jillian Jackson. Before that evening Jilly was a beautiful comedian whose biggest worry was whether she would ever find a decent man. Now she too is a carrier. And even as Dylan tries to convince her that they'll be safer sticking together, cold-eyed men in a threatening pack of black Suburbans approach, only seconds before Jilly's classic Coupe DeVille explodes into thin air." Now the three are on the run together, but with no idea whom they're running from - or why. Meanwhile Shep has begun exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior. And whatever it is that's coursing through their bodies seems to have plunged them into one waking nightmare after another. Seized by sinister premonitions, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to crime scenes - just minutes before the crimes take place.
This is typical Koontz--terrifying from start to finish.
THIS IS THE LARGE PRINT EDITION AND IS IN PERFECT CONDITION.
THIS IS THE LARGE PRINT EDITION AND IS IN PERFECT CONDITION.
Boring!!!!!
The Book is a Large Print Edition
Tracy
Tracy
On the road, on a hot Arizona night, Dylan O'Conner is overpowered by a stranger who injectshim with an unknown substance. All he's told is that he's the "carrier", not of a disease but of something wondrous that will transform his life in remarkable ways---if it doesn't kill him the next twenty-four hours. Now Dylan, his autistic brother, Shep, and another "carrier", a young woman, are swept into a desperate search for the shattering truth of what they are and what they might become. But first they must elude those sent to destroy them.
