Message from Dean - May 8th 2007

I am currently testing out a new version of the APF Bridge Component - If you notice any errors within this demo store please drop me a line.

Rating: - 2 out of 3 ain't bad?
Oh dear, it all started so well with two cracking book's concerning Odd Thomas, this one I'm sorry to say is a slower pace & without the previous book's characters to lift the storyline, it make's it a real struggle to enjoy this one & once or twice I was tempted to give up as my interest strayed. But 2 out 3 is not bad, I just hope the fourth book gets back on track, otherwise stick to "Odd Thomas" & "Forever Odd".

---

Rating: - And Odd it really was !!!!
The title gives it away - Really ODD
I thought that there had to be something as Koontz is a huge best seller - So I gave it a try - Big mistake -
Story is so slow as to be pedestrian - Maybe me being a cynic did not help - He can see dead people - Right !!!
Well I do love things like this in spite of not being a believer - but when Elvis turned up enough was enough - So inspite of reading over 300 pages I could take no more and did not even have the energy to find out who dunnit -
the other irritation was the book seemed a base for Koontz to project his views on life without fear of any contradiction - Oh how wonderful for him

---

Rating: - Boring Odd
The 3rd in the series of Odd Thomas books. This one definately lacked the sparkle of the previous two.

It seemed to take nearly two thirds of the book before it actually got going with a plot that really wasn't up to Koontz's usual high standard.

A nice change I suppose that the bodachs didn't actually see a huge death toll - maybe this is why I found it disappointing.

The plot, in my opinion, didn't follow very well and all of a sudden Odd and the Russian had worked out who the Neverwas and the ending was coming to a close.

I found Odd rather dull and at times irritating in this book and didn't really care what happened to him or the other characters. Sadly, I feel it was a bit of a chore to read but felt I had to read it in order to read the 4th in the series which I sincerely hope improves on this disaster.

---

Rating: - A Modern Version of "The Name of the Rose"
This third sequel of the Odd-stories is the best of them in my opinion. OK, there are tiny flaws. For example the ending is strangely undramatic - a showdown that is not really typical of Koontz. But everything else is excellently written. The novel has a fine plot, which is straightforward - almost simple. The setting reminds the reader of Eco's famous novel, a monastery in winter, in which mysterious deaths and murders occur. The character of Odd has become more mature. He enjoys witty and intelligent dialogues even with characters he sees involved in crime. The character of Romanovich is just another example of the author's expertise when it comes to inventing and creating bizarre characters. That is also true for the handicapped children, especially Jacob. But Dr Heineman, or Brother John, is too flat a character to be able to play a major role, which strongly affects the weak ending. And the nuns and monks are really a treat. The ever-present humour does not belong to the Shakespearian kind of relaxation, but the fine balance between humour and impending catastrophe actually creates tension here. A well written novel - intelligent and full of suspense.

---

Rating: - Superb
Another excellent Odd series addition, enjoyed this one, as it took the ever adventurous Odd to a new locale, with a rather interesting enemy. A good read indeed. :)