Odd Hours by Dean Koontz Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Odd Hours
Book Review: A little disappointing
Summary: 4 Stars
The 4th installment of the Odd Thomas saga, this was a page turner to be sure. I was a little disappointed though, Koontz could have given us a little more "oomph" with his latest.
Considering the wait time between books in this series, I expected to learn a little more depth to Odd and his plight. This series seems to have "stalled out" in my opinion.
While ever the charming and endearing character, we need a little more progress from Odd and a bit more insight into the direction he is taking. The character of the mysterious woman he meets in Odd Hours left me feeling a little short-changed, her placement in the story wasn't developed enough for me.
Book Review: A master of the English language provides another oddly wonderful tale
Summary: 5 Stars
Dean Koontz, in my opinion, is one of the reigning masters of the English language. His words are carefully chosen, assembled into beautifully expressive sentences. He can conjour up and immerse the reader into a scene, whether it be swirling fog, the sea, a candlelit room.
I am so tempted to quote extensively from "Odd Hours", for there are so many almost lyrical passages, but I won't because every one would be a spoiler in one way or another.
This is the fourth Odd Thomas book. I am not sure of how this novel will fit with those who haven't read the three predecessors. I am strongly tempted to advise prospective readers that they take the time to read the previous three: it will add immensely to your pleasure.
Odd Thomas is an odd young man from a small town in California. He is a fry cook, in his early twenties and, depending on your perspective, blessed with some unique talents. One of them is seeing ghosts. The ghosts Odd sees are not scary. Rather they are lingerers, still stuck in this world, afraid or unable for one reason or another to move on. They do not speak. They cause no harm. In the first three novels, Odd kept company with the ghost of the King, Elvis Presley himself - or more precisely, his ghost. But Odd also sees other ghosts, the ghosts of those who seek justice. Understanding Odd's relationship with ghosts is important to understanding Odd's relationship with the world - which is, as one might expect, odd.
In this instance, Odd has been drawn to the relatively small coastal town of Magic Beach, California, where he has gained employment with an aging movie actor, last seen on the silver screen more than 50 years ago. Odd doesn't know why he was drawn to this town, save a disturbing vision that plays and replays in his head.
Odd knows that he will shortly have to embark on another of his adventures, which the wizard Koontz whips up for him.
I don't want to tell you anything about this particular adventure, because to do so would diminish in some way the joy of discovering it firsthand for yourself. Suffice it to say, that Odd encounters - as he always does - evil people. Odd is not possessed of great strength. He is not a martial arts artist. He doesn't own a gun or even a knife. He is not brave in a storybook way. He is simply good, as in goodness. And it is that good with which he confronts evil, using anything at hand if and when necessary to defend himself.
Odd is magical and Dean Koontz's words are beyond magical. This story of Odd, the fourth, is the least cohesive in terms of plot: there are dead ends and loose ends, but it is the most beautifully written of all and the Odd Thomas novel that most fully develops Odd's character. It is also the stepping off point for the next three books in what the author has said will be a seven book series. For that reason, Koontz introduces some characters and situations that really contribute little to this book, but are necessary for succeeding volumes. A cheap bit of gimmickry? Yes, but Koontz is such a talented writer and such a joy to read, I'll forgive him.
Overall, the story does hold together as long as you can tolerate the fantastic. In many ways, Koontz's Odd Thomas series resembles Steven King's work, with a far better developed sense of humor.
As noted, I've read all of the Odd Thomas books in order. I personally think that reading the earlier novels is truly necessary to enjoying the "Odd Hours". It is an effort that will be well rewarded I think in terms of discovering one of the most unique characters in modern fictions and, if for no other reason, than to simply luxuriate in Dean Koontz's marvelous mastery of the English language.
Jerry
Book Review: A nice continuation with some small yet interesting links to another series
Summary: 4 Stars
I got lucky shopping for groceries Saturday evening. No, not that way you filthy animal. On my way to the checkout lane I decided to check the book aisle and lo and behold they had put Odd Hours on the shelf a few days early at a 40% discount. I got home and jumped right into the book, finishing it the next evening around 10 PM.
My thoughts? It was very good. It took a much different direction than I had expected at the end of the last book. The nature of the threat Odd faced this time was of a greater magnitude than previously seen but the way he addresses his circumstances and challenges was as artful and delightful as ever. His 4 and 2 legged companions played active roles in the story which were welcome and I learned some facts about the Chairman of the Board I was sadly ignorant of. I'm a huge fan of American culture and I'm grateful to Dean for filling in a few areas of ignorance surrounding two of the greats of the last century through this series.
I did have a few area of concerns. There is a mystery woman who is a little too mysterious. She makes the ladies with the dogs in the Repairman Jack books seem like media whores by comparison. I'm also curious why Odd didn't contact his Russian friend from Brother Odd. It seems he would have been of great help almost immediately. I did like the Wyvern and Mystery Train references though. Hopefully Odd will make it to Moonlight Bay soon.
I give it 4.25 because of the mystery woman and Odd's failure to take advantage of the resources available to him. Still a recommended purchase for a relaxing read or a gift for a friend.
Book Review: A worthy stepping stone in Odd's journey...
Summary: 4 Stars
Odd Hours continues to deliver all the elements that make the Odd Thomas saga so enjoyable to Koontz's fans. Present is the page-turning suspense, the witty sarcasm, Odd's delightfully light tone, a hint of dark mystery, and incredible characters.
While the danger is decidedly more mundane that the supernatural evils of Brother Odd, the stakes do continue to escalate. Fans will continue to miss the presence of characters like Ozzy, but Hutch, Annamaria, Sinatra, Shackett, and especially Birdie are, in my opinion, Koontz most amazing cast to date that aid in shaping Odd's adventures. I desperately hope to see Birdie again.
The air of supernatural mystery hangs well over the novel like the all-encompassing fog that permeates the landscape. My only hope is that goose-bump moments like Odd's encounter in the bathroom are in place not only to thrill and chill, but to prepare the reader for an broader story arc that will be explained in books to come. This my singular complaint: While Odd fulfills the destiny that drew him to Magic Beach in a satisfying manner, I'm left with more questions than answers about the supernatural forces at work around him. Much like the white-paneled door in Forever Odd, there is foreshadowing and mystery that is unexplained at books end. For the first time, I finished an Odd Thomas novel with a sense that there is greater story arc in place beyond his obvious destiny to be with Stormy forever.
Book Review: Absolutely EXQUISITE!
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot begin to say how long I have waited for this FOURTH book (having read the others!) and it was WELL WORTH THE WAIT!
The writing flows, and is darn near poetic! Picturesque and wonderful as a story continues and unfolds pages after page.
I read it in 4 days. As usual Koontz never disappoints!
Should you buy it? OF COURSE! Koontz fans will like it, Odd fans will LOVE it!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!