Odd Hours
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Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas is one of those rare literary heroes who have come alive in readers’ imaginations as he explores the greatest mysteries of this world and the next with his inimitable wit, heart, and quiet gallantry. Now Koontz follows Odd as he is irresistibly drawn onward to a destiny he cannot imagine and to undreamed of places where the perils he will face and the stakes for which he fights will eclipse all that he has known.
The legend began in the obscure little town of Pico Mundo. A fry cook named Odd was rumored to have the extraordinary ability to communicate with the dead. Through tragedy and triumph, exhilaration and heartbreak, word of Odd Thomas’s gifts filtered far beyond Pico Mundo, attracting unforgettable new friends—and enemies of implacable evil. With great gifts comes the responsibility to meet great challenges. But no mere human being was ever meant to face the darkness that now stalks the world—not even one as oddly special as Odd Thomas. After grappling with the very essence of reality itself, after finding the veil that separates him from his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, tantalizingly thin yet impenetrable, Odd longed only to return to a life of quiet anonymity with his two otherworldly sidekicks—his dog Boo and a new companion, one of the few who might rival his old pal Elvis. But a true hero, however humble, must persevere. Haunted by dreams of an all-encompassing red tide, Odd is pulled inexorably to the sea, to a small California coastal town where nothing is as it seems. Now the forces arrayed against him have both official sanction and an infinitely more sinister authority…and in this dark night of the soul dawn will come only after the most shattering revelations of all. Burnishing Dean Koontz’s stature as a master of suspense and one of our most innovative and gifted storytellers, Odd Hours illuminates a legacy of mystery and hope that will shine on long after the final page. |
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Amazon Exclusive Essay: Destiny and Odd Hours Odd Thomas came to me as a gift, the entire first chapter of his first book having poured out of me as I was in the middle of writing The Face. I wrote it by hand, though I never work that way, and I never hesitated to think what should come next. He was fully-realized in my mind from the moment I began to write in that lined legal tablet. With other stories and characters, I can identify the source of the inspiration, but not with Oddie and his books. He just suddenly was. When I write about him, his narrative voice is so clear to me that I almost hear him in my head. For those among you who long have thought that I should be institutionalized, just relax: I said I almost hear him. Many times over the years, I said I would never write an open-ended series. Then along came Oddie, and he proved me wrong. Or so I thought. As I wrote the first chapter of Odd Hours, the fourth featuring my fry-cook hero, I realized that this was not an open-ended series, after all, but that it would conclude with six or seven novels. I now think seven. I suddenly saw the end point of his journey, the arc of it to the final book, and I was stunned. Beginning with this fourth story, the stakes were being raised dramatically; Oddie was going to face far more physical and moral danger than previously; and he was going to mature toward the fulfillment of a destiny that I had not seen coming until that moment. Initially, I tried to argue myself out of the direction that Odd Hours was taking. I didn't believe that the first three books had put down a sufficient foundation to support the formidable architecture that I saw rising from it in the next three or four novels. When I began to reread the first three books, however, I quickly discovered that I had unconsciously paved the road that the series was now taking. I had thought I was writing a series with an overall theme about the power and beauty of humility. Indeed I was, but it was also something more than that; and Oddie's ultimate destiny will not be merely purification to a state of absolute humility, but will be that and something else I find quite wonderful. What lies ahead will be a challenge to write--or perhaps not. The character of Odd Thomas was a gift to me, and now I see that the entire architecture of a seven-book series was another gift that came to me complete on the same day Oddie arrived, although I needed time to recognize it. This world is a place of wonder, and life is a mysterious enterprise; but nothing in all my years has been more mysterious than Odd Thomas's origins and my compulsion to write about him. -- Dean Koontz
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| 09-06-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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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 !!! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-06 01:37:48 EST)
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| 09-05-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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While I didn't read all the reviews of this book on Amazon, I agree with the one-star reviews. This was the most disappointing of the Odd series by Koontz. The story, while it did jump right into the action, dragged. There was clearly not enough material here for an entire book. And after all that dragging, the ending is left open with lots of unanswered questions that seem completely irrelevant--the coyotes, the bell, the sewer grate business. And the supporting characters were disappointments--a few of them had potential, like Hutch and the woman who gives Odd the gun--but they were not as well developed as the characters in the first Odd novels. And there are pages and pages of annoying dialogue with Annamaria, the new character who at first seems to have a central role, and then spends the bulk of the novel hiding. I approached this book with a mixture of excitement because I love the Odd character and apprehension because I thought the series might be getting stale, particularly after the third novel, which was well-written but the story was lacking. This one was not well-written nor was the story good. I fear that over the last 3 novels of this series it will just get worse. Read the other one-star reviews; they are not wrong. What a disappointment for a long-time Koontz fan. I gave it 2 stars because there was still some entertainment value, however minimal, being written from Odd's point of view.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-06 01:37:48 EST)
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| 09-02-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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If you haven't read the previous Koontz novels with the character of Odd Thomas you might be little lost, although not so much to impact the story of this book. It will make curious to read the others. Odd Thomas is one the best characters developed by Dean Koontz!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-06 01:29:52 EST)
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| 09-01-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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How long will Dean Koontz keep dragging Odd Thomas into his novels? When will Odd finally join Stormy on "the other side"? It doesn't look like Koontz is stopping anytime soon. This story ends ready for the next novel to begin.
In Odd Hours, Odd Thomas picks up three more companions that he will be taking with him on his next adventure. These comrades include: Annamaria aka "The Lady of the Bell" (who is the most interesting character in this book), Blossom aka "The Happy Monster" and you guessed it - a golden retriever! These three living companions will join his two traveling ghosts of Frank Sinatra and Boo (the ghost dog). Aside from the drawn out dock episode in the beginning which really made for a sloooow start to this fourth Odd Thomas story (and reminded me too much of the drawn out chair escape episode in Intensity), Odd hours was a pretty darn good book! I still favor the third in the series, Brother Odd (Odd Thomas Novels), but Koontz gave us lots of interesting characters in Odd Hours, which makes for a very interesting read. I loved the refrigerator magnets mentioned in the book as well as "The Hall of What Would Jesus Do?". Besides having several dogs in his novels, Koontz also is known for adding characters with disabilities. Since my wife was born with Cerebral Palsy and I was born with a Cleft Pallet, I couldn't help but laugh at the following dialogue: "You've got a one-eyed paraplegic brother" "Yes, sir. With a learning disability" "Does he have a harelip too?" "No, sir" That is probably not funny to anyone but me, but I've included it for the heck of it! Outside of the world of Odd Thomas, my other favorite Dean Koontz novels include: By the Light of the Moon, Lightning, Life Expectancy, False Memory, From the Corner of His Eye, Cold Fire and The Bad Place. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-06 01:29:52 EST)
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| 08-31-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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I have been a Dean R. Koontz for over twenty years. I have read all but three of his books published after 1975 and a couple prior as well. My first and still favorite is Watchers, with Lightning a close second. I am an avid reader, but I tend to stick with the authors I know and love.
I think I'm done with Mr. Koontz. If you've read more than two of his books, you begin to notice a pattern. The hero is always the same--flawed and weak but determined. The heroine is fierce and strong, but emotionally scarred from a troubled childhood. The villian, in their many incarnations, are always clean and meticulous, assured in their superiority. The Odd Thomas books are a little different, I will admit that, but some of the differences are not necessarily positive. Anyway, I've gone through this before with his books, but Odd Hours is slow, boring, and it doesn't make a lot of sense. There is so little happening in this story, yet it's takes approximately 350 pages to tell it? Some would call it suspense, I guess, but to me it was agonizing. The story didn't catch my interest (and I had the book in my possession for two months by this time) until just before Frank Sinatra took matters into his own hands. PolterFrank kept me going for about twenty pages, then I lost it again. So many of the supporting characters could have been interesting, but they were there so briefly, it didn't matter. I admit, I could have put the book down, but Mr. Koontz is such a habit for me by now: He writes a book, I read it. I used to reread his books, but I don't anymore. I never felt like Odd was in danger. How could there not be danger when nuclear weapons are involved? Where's that kind of suspense? Even the parts when he had a gun to his head were over so quickly, it didn't matter. Old habits die hard. I finished the book. I am satisfied. I have to say, the only way I did finish it was to read only the first sentence of every paragraph. If it got interesting (two or three places), I would read more. This may be hard to believe, but it makes me sad that it's come to this. I will always respect Dean R. Koontz. I still hope that they'll make a movie out of Lightning and Twilight Eyes someday. (Two movies for Twilight Eyes to do it justice.) I really do love a lot of his books and I would highly recommend Watchers, Lightning, Strangers, Twilight Eyes, Whispers, and Cold Fire. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-02 01:30:21 EST)
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| 08-26-08 | 1 | 0\1 |
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i am really surprised by some of the reviews i am reading on amazon and on the internet in general for "odd hours" because in my opinion this was the worst odd thomas book the first scene in the book took about 65 agonizing pages to get through (this is coming from a huge odd thomas/dean koontz fan i loved the first book, the second wasn't bad but not the best and the third was phenomenal) i was really surprised by that because in the first book the first scene was great and i couldn't wait the read the rest of the book because it was fast paced and full of action, it felt like this book wasn't really written by dean koontz but some sort of ghost writer impersonating him. the ending left a lot to be desired and left alot of unanswered questions, i understand that he wanted to leave it open for another book but seriously he needed to answer the important questions about the new female character that he added - does she have some sort of psychic power and if so what? as a reader i was left with the impression she had some sort of psychic talent but dean koontz never offically said she did, i don't like that i have to make am assumption on a vital part of who she is, i didn't like that the cover of the book made it seem like stormy was an integral part of the book **whether that was his fault or the fault of some publisher i don't know** but it was deceiving and it was a major let down when she was mentioned only a few times at the end and it was never explained why she was mentioned and how the new female knew about her and what she had to do with anything it was like she was mentioned to mention her and not real purpose...these are a few of the many things wrong with this book
i didn't like it and have talked with others who agree with me i feel like i wasted my money and should have just checked it out from a library **although after that i would have felt like i wasted my time** i hope this helps someone and that maybe there are a few people who agree with my rant =) (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-01 01:33:21 EST)
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| 08-24-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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Not one of the better Odd novels (Brother odd was my favorite so far). Worth buying in paperback or checking it out from the library. I will say the banter between Odd and the retired movie star cracked me up!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-27 01:32:53 EST)
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| 08-21-08 | 4 | 1\1 |
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I've read all the Odd Thomas books and loved them; just finished Odd Hours last night. The first few chapters after the first 2 were tedious ~~ too much hide and seek wore me out ~~ but get through those chapters and the rest of the book is great Odd Thomas stuff all the way!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-25 12:32:27 EST)
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| 08-20-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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I have been such a huge Dean Koontz fan throughout the years and this has to be hands down the worse Odd Thomas book so far, the reading was tedious and not enjoyable the story lagged on and when usually he catches my attention and I'm reading the entire night through I had to force myself to finish this book. I thought surely the ending would make up for the lack of storyline but I was wrong
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-25 12:32:27 EST)
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| 08-20-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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O.K., I absolutely LOVED the first three books in the Odd Thomas Series & I was so excited to discover there was a fourth...however, before I decided to actually purchase this book, I noticed the review section and noticed A LOT of poor reviews. I KNOW I'll STILL read this book, but I'm going to wait to read and buy it until I have the FIFTH one in my hands also. THAT way, it won't be such a dissapointment if all the unanswered questions will get answered in the next one, right?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-25 12:32:27 EST)
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| 08-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Odd, that dear lovable guy and his tender heart are finally fighting back
watch out bad boys, here he comes !! a Must !! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-21 01:31:26 EST)
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| 08-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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STILL waiting on the next Christopher Snow novel. It's been HOW MANY years now? Come on, I know I'm not the only fan waiting somewhat patiently for the next Snow book. It's long past due. I love Odd...love the banter between characters and Odd in general. I love the dead stars that can't move on, the dog boo, love the whole book, but am ready for a change. Give me Snow!!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-21 01:31:26 EST)
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| 08-18-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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Sadly the main character in this book was Odd Thomas in name only. He had very little else in common with the wonderful character readers fell in love with in the first book. He's more like the pod-person of Odd: doesn't see many dead people, and runs around being action-heroy and shooting people. (Shooting. People. is so not Odd Thomas! He hates guns, hates even touching them, and hates killing people even more. This should not happen. It's not who he is.)
The plot was ridiculous and there were far too many "ooo, spooky, mysterious!" moments that were irrelevant to the story and never got explained. Having one particularly cryptic character turn out to be totally left as a cliffhanger was a particularly cheap and dirty trick, I thought. A cheap trick designed to leave you waiting impatiently for the next book - were the "cliffhanger" character not so completely annoying that you'd actually CARE what happens to her! I'm sad to say this book was a waste of the paper it was printed on and the time I took reading it, because I truly love Odd Thomas and his earlier stories. Odd Hours is a blight on the formerly good name of Odd Thomas. I can hope there will be a 5th book that returns the series to its former enjoyable quality, but I won't hold my breath. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-21 01:31:26 EST)
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| 08-12-08 | 1 | 1\1 |
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probably his worst novel of all time. the story line is weak. obviously written to please his pushy publishers to meet their summer demand.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-19 01:42:34 EST)
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| 08-11-08 | 2 | 0\1 |
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I love Dean Koontz. I love Odd Thomas. That said, I struggled through the first 100 pages and quit. It's horrible. The first few chapters were a total waste of paper. I'm disappointed to say the least.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-19 01:42:34 EST)
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| 08-10-08 | 1 | 1\1 |
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If I could speak to Dean Koontz, I would tell him, "Don't write more Odd Thomas books just because you can. You have created a wonderful and endearing character, and you are not doing him justice in your sequels, especially this one."
*possible spoilers below* It would be difficult to give details of the plot in this review, because Koontz gives so few of them in the book. There is a hairbrained scheme, which appears to be cooked up by the village idiots, with some unnamed villain as the real mastermind, but we never get more than hints at what is really going on. You know Koontz has run out of ideas when Odd has to solve every problem by gunning down the bad guys. This is not the Odd we have come to know and love. Many sections of the book are slow and laborious reading. At one point I actually yelled aloud, "Get off the pier already!" In other places, situations arise that the reader feels will have deep significance, and then the situation just ends, with no apparent purpose, except to fill up the pages. I did enjoy one thing about this book - Hutch, the retired actor who has hired Odd as his live-in caretaker. His conversations with Odd were the one bright spot for me. When I read Odd Thomas for the first time, I couldn't wait to read more. But when I closed this one, I was disappointed and felt that maybe Odd had worn out his welcome. I am not looking forward to a 5th book. Now I believe Koontz is just trying to sell books by putting the name "Odd" in the title. Please, Dean Koontz, don't do it. Your character deserves better than what you are giving him. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 01:38:34 EST)
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| 08-10-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Odd Hours was as always, a good read. But, and this is a big "But," it was not as convoluted nor as intricate as Odd's prior adventures.
The ghost of Sinatra isn't as over the top as Elvis and the ghost doggie isn't as interesting as he once was. Koontz should have thrown in the entire "Rat Pack," because wherever they are, they are probably all together. When I finished "Odd Hours," I was more than glad that "Oddie" saved us all, but wondered if Dean's muse, Trixie, left too big a space to fill when she reluctantly left him. Dean, as much as you lov(ed) Trixie, you will love that much the next time, I promise. Seems impossible, but it's true. Goodbye for a while "Odd Thomas." I hope we meet up again soon. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 01:38:34 EST)
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| 08-09-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Again, Dean Koontz give us a great story about our good friend Odd Thomas. Always a page turner, no dull moments. Boo is also a repeat characther guiding Odd out of danger.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-10 01:17:38 EST)
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| 08-09-08 | 4 | 0\1 |
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Again, Dean Koontz give us a great story about our good friend Odd Thomas. Always a page turner, no dull moments. Boo is also a repeat characther guiding Odd out of danger.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 01:38:34 EST)
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| 08-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I adore Odd Thomas. It is quite possibly one of the most memorable characters for me out of all the books I read. Everyone else has explained why you need to read this book to satisfy your Odd tooth, and so eloquently I might add.
The only thing that really started to get on my nerves was the girl Odd hooked up with. Her vague hippy-ish answers were grating. I can't stand characters that embody the type of person whom I hate in real life. When asked a question, she often replies "What will be, will be" or something along those lines. Argh!! The story is fantastic. It really draws you in to the point that you don't even want to set the book down to take a bathroom break or eat lunch. I sat down and read this book in a day. It was really that good. It's nice to visit with Odd Thomas. If you're new to the Odd series, start with book one, Odd Thomas, and work your way to this one. Things will make sense and you'll have a deeper appreciation of the characters involved; particularly the weird things that always happen to Odd. 5 out of 5 for this one, even with the annoying girl character I wanted to choke. =) (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 01:38:34 EST)
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| 08-08-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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I will start by saying that this is the first product review I've written for Amazon. The reason I mention this is to show how compelled I felt to write about this book - in fact, I finished it just an hour ago.
Odd Thomas has been an excellent character in three prior novels by Dean Koontz. His first-person narrative draws in the reader, and although it leaves no doubt as to his eventual fate, the mortal danger and moral dilemmas in which Odd finds himself entertain as well as engage the reader. Having enjoyed the first trio of books, I looked forward to "Odd Hours" for a long while once I heard it was forthcoming. However, I felt sorely disappointed by the ending. Was it a page-turner? Absolutely. But the nature of the novel, which was both suspenseful and morality-driven, caused Koontz to posit a number of questions for the reader - which he never answered. This disappointed me most of all. I won't take it any further, for fear of spoiling the book. But when a novelist puts forth ideas which remain mysterious even at the completion, I can't help but feel robbed of the sense of denouement that is a trademark of many of Koontz's past works. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it just wasn't as satisfying as many of his others, including the three prior Odd Thomas works. It felt like little more than a set-up for the inevitable fifth installment in the series. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 01:38:34 EST)
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| 08-06-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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I really love the ODD Thomas books but this one was a miss for me. I just didn't enjoy the plot. Odd seemed very different than the previous three books. I can't really put my finger on exactly what was wrong but something about this book just disappointed me.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-09 01:13:29 EST)
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| 08-06-08 | 2 | 0\1 |
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Let me start by saying that Odd Thomas is one of my favorite books. Top ten easily. I average about 2 books a week, so making that statement is a big deal. While the others in this series were ok, this book falls very short. I won't rehash the story, but I will say it's very slow and boring and went splat at the end. It was painful to read and i was glad when I finished. But like most series, once you start you HAVE to read them all.
I still look forward to the next one, though, as i truly love this character. Read it if you are an Odd fan, because you must, just don't expect anything from it and you won't be disappointed. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-09 01:13:29 EST)
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| 08-03-08 | 2 | 0\1 |
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As an ardent fan of the Odd Thomas character, I was extremely disappointed with the story. Did Koontz write this one? It contained so much gratuitous violence I began to question if he did. The Odd we have come to love was missing in this one. My favorite was the first, filled with innocence, simplicity and heroism. I hope D. Koontz returns to the original formula or this will be the last Odd purchase for me.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-07 01:17:38 EST)
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| 08-03-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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This first book of four in this series introduces the reader to a man whose real legal name is Odd Thomas. Coming from a dysfunctional family supreme, Odd is gifted with the ability to see the dead, including the late great Elvis Presley.
Along with girlfriend, Stormy, Odd uses his talents to try to solve a mass murder before it takes place. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-07 01:17:38 EST)
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| 08-01-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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It started out well, and then faltered. Like someone else said in their review, Odd can see the dead. Besides Sinatra and the one bad ghost, where's the rest? And especially where are the Bodachs???
We don't get the answers to the questions raised about Annamaria. And terrorists with nukes?? Come on... you can come up with something better than that Dean. Though it was a quick read, and Odd's humor was good as always, it is the weakest of the Odd books. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-04 01:16:40 EST)
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| 08-01-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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I feel a little depressed about this, but to be truthful, it is only my loyalty to the Dean Koontz who has given me many hours of pleasurable reading, and my fondness for weird, sweet Odd Thomas (not to mention Frank Sinatra), that bring my stars up from two to three. Lots of attempts at humor and many off-the-wall analogies at inappropriate times - all in good fun, while suddenly shooting people dead. No focus, apparently little plan - as Odd said of himself, it seems Koontz made it up as he went along. So many unexplained loose ends that another sequel obviously is in order. I may or may not read it. Depends on whether Martin Cruz Smith has a new volume out at the time.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-04 01:16:40 EST)
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| 07-30-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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Odd HoursThe first three books in the "Odd" series were real "page turners". I could hardly wait to see what was coming next. I really like the series, but, "Odd Hours" didn't pack the same punch. In fact, I read two other books while only sporadically reading "Odd Hours". I will say that the character "Annamaria" has me very intrigued...she was my main motivation to continue reading this book. If another "Odd" book comes out, I will buy it with the hope it rises to the occasion as did the first three.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-02 02:02:35 EST)
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| 07-27-08 | 2 | 0\1 |
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For me to give an Odd Thomas book two stars is very unusual. The main reason I didn't like it.....Odd is ODD because he can see the dead. Except for Frank Sinatra, very little of that happens in this book. It didn't really seem like an 'Odd Thomas' book to me.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-31 01:50:57 EST)
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| 07-26-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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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. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-31 01:50:57 EST)
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| 07-25-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I am not the biggest Dean Koontz fan by any stretch of the means. However, after Odd Thomas was recommended to me by a friend, I became hooked on Oddy. The first book, as usual, was the best out of the 'manuscripts' so far. But, Odd Hours comes in at a strong second. I enjoyed this book more than the last two which I felt were pushed and stretched in their plots. I was surprised at how fast the book began and continued to move throughout the novel. The first chapter begins and it keeps a pretty steady pace throughout. You meet some new and interesting characters along the way. The high actions scenes come with a few unexpected twists. However, I thought the end was a little anti-climatic which is why I rated this four stars instead of five. Without spoiling the end, I will say that Odd Thomas fans shouldn't be disappointed with the fourth edition of Oddy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-28 01:16:19 EST)
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| 07-23-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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In the fourth installment of the Odd Thomas series the young quipster has a vision of the apocalypse and is drawn to a pregnant, young woman named Annamaria who may be able to help him keep the vision from becoming reality. Or maybe he is supposed to help her. Annamaria seems to know a great deal about Odd and apparently has some psychic abilities of her own.
Along the way we meet some other interesting characters including Frank Sinatra's ghost and a self-absorbed, yet charming, old actor who has provided a new home for Odd. None of the new characters are as mysterious as Annamaria, though. We don't learn enough about her in "Odd Hours", but it certainly sounds like she will be a part of any future Odd Thomas novels. The original "Odd Thomas" book is probably in my top 25 reads of all time so it would be too much to expect one of these sequels to come close to the enjoyment of first meeting Odd. "Odd Hours" is still fun, though. The general plot of "Hours" has been done several times, usually as an action movie...so there's nothing really new there. Odd's stray thoughts sometimes get in the way of the story's progress. It's as if Mr. Koontz was thinking, "I've got to work in just this one more funny line." It's a slow-starting book, but is worth reading for Odd's humorous view of the world. Those same stray thoughts that Odd has are what make all of the Odd books just a little...different. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-25 06:14:28 EST)
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| 07-21-08 | 2 | 1\1 |
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I usually like this story line. But I have to say it was a bit bloated and not a great story, sorry
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-23 01:11:17 EST)
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| 07-19-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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One of the most charming things about the Odd Thomas series is Odd's interactions with the people around him, whether they're living or dead, dangerous or silly, or in the case of Hutch, nostalgically bittersweet. While this book briefly brushes with some characters that have colorful potential, their page time is frustratingly limited and Odd is left to his own devices for most of the novel, or maybe it just seems that way because none of the characters linger for any real amount of time. It's full of the pretty reflections that have come to characterize these books in my mind but the plot did not seem as entirely inspired as the previous episodes. Nukes make for a hair-raising experience I'm sure, but the inventiveness of the other novels lay chiefly in their supernatural elements. They had a positive element of suspense, of actual fright, because Odd seemed to be battling things beyond human in addition to whatever mortal terrors he confronted. Although solidly touching on Odd's uncanny perceptions, Odd Hours doesn't lend itself to the spooky quite so much.
Don't get me wrong: it's still good. I suppose I got a little excited at the beginning with the references to Mystery Train and Wyvern and was thrilled at the prospect of two of Mr Koontz's series colliding (read the Christopher Snow books if you haven't already), and was admittedly a little disappointed when nothing came of it--yet. I'm still holding out for hope that things may come to that, and there's still a lot of things to be tied up. A good read, as always, but I think that I loved Odd Thomas and Brother Odd more. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-22 01:45:36 EST)
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| 07-18-08 | 4 | 0\2 |
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The book was in good condition, but I received it later that the alotted time I was given, for the delivery date.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-22 01:45:36 EST)
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| 07-17-08 | 1 | 0\2 |
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Koontz's books are getting weaker and weaker.
His best work of late, the unfinished Frankenstein series, seems to be missing in action and is his only new book I'm likely to read, bummer! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-20 03:25:35 EST)
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| 07-17-08 | 1 | 0\1 |
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I've been a fan of the Odd Thomas books thus far, and of Koontz's other writings, but this book was painful at times. I felt that the overall story arc was lacking... something. There was potential there for something further, maybe with Odd's employer, or something with the over-description of the increasingly burden bag-o-trigger devices. At times I felt like Koontz was sticking in more adjectives just for the sake of doing so! I'm all for descriptive writing but when it goes so far as to detract from the story itself, it becomes a negative.
Maybe this book was just a setup, a chance to introduce us to some new characters that he plans to use in the future. I hope that's the case, because otherwise I saw no redeeming features in this book as an evolution of the series. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-20 03:25:35 EST)
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| 07-17-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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So my name finally came up on the library hold list for Dean Koontz's Odd Hours novel, the latest installment of the Odd Thomas character. While I found it an enjoyable way to kill a few hours, I felt it was a bit light on plot but was rescued by Koontz's ability with dialogue and creative writing.
Thomas finds himself in Magic Beach, a very small California coastal community. He's been drawn there by a haunting dream of red tides and incredible light over the ocean. He's not sure what it all means, but he's learned to just go with the flow and let things come to him in their own time. He happens to meet up with a young girl on the boardwalk, and their conversation turns very surreal and ethereal. But things get real when a small group of thugs decide to harass him and the girl. She's able to flee, and Odd jumps into the ocean to escape them. That's not the end of it all, however. The leader of the group comes looking for him in an inflatable boat, and Odd has to try and disappear among the pilings. Turns out more than just the leader is looking for him, and Odd's not sure who he can trust or whether he should just get out of town. But the girl and the dream keep driving him to find answers, and soon he's the last line of defense between terrorists and the death of millions. On the positive side, Koontz has a way with words. Rarely in a novel do I have to look up words I've never even heard of before. That's always a bit refreshing. He's also able to breathe life into the Odd Thomas character in a way that few novelists are able to do. The scenes are detailed and precise, and the book plays out as a movie in my head when I'm reading. On the other hand, the plot seems to be secondary to the writing at times. For instance, a significant amount of time is spent on the pier escape. Detailed scene, but it seemed to go on forever. Had it been someone of lesser skill, I'd probably have gone into skim mode. I can't help myself, however. I just love watching Koontz weave words together like he does. If you haven't read any of the other Odd Thomas novels, you'll miss a bit in terms of Odd's special "gifts". The Sinatra subplot makes much more sense when you've gone through the Elvis experience in the prior installments. As I'm a fan of Koontz and Odd Thomas, I liked the read. But I don't think it's the best Odd Thomas story of his lot... (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-20 03:25:35 EST)
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| 07-15-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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The first three Odd books were great. This one just seemed like Odd running around hiding from people. It bored me at I couldn't wait for it to be over.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-17 01:56:45 EST)
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| 07-15-08 | 4 | 1\1 |
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I've read or listened to all Dean Koontz books and really enjoy this series. This particular story is a bit different, shorter with an open ending. It has to have a follow-up with the same main characters, if not, too much is left unanswered. This Odd story is not my favorite but is good entertainment.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-17 01:56:45 EST)
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| 07-11-08 | 3 | 0\2 |
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I haven't finished reading this novel as of yet but wanted to see what others were saying about it. It's a little slow moving but I love Oddie!!! So I will of course get back to reading....
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-15 14:41:58 EST)
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| 07-11-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is the fourth Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz.
I liked this book as well as #1,2 and 3. They are in the old style of Koontz's writing that keeps you turning the pages for more, A must read for Koontz lovers. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-15 14:41:58 EST)
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| 07-10-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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As always I fell in love wit My Odd one at the very first sentence. Through out every book I just feel the need to hug him. All the good works he does in spite of himself. No regard for personal safety. I actually held my breath when he was in the police station. He is proof that heros come in all shapes, sizes, and names! I love him! Can't get enough. I hope Mr Koontz never stops bringing him to us.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-15 14:41:58 EST)
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| 07-09-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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Odd Thomas was an amazing book, Forever Odd pretty good too, and Brother Odd almost as good as Odd Thomas again. Based on this I for once actually bought the hard-cover version of a Koontz book in stead of picking it up at some airport as a paperback. Boy, was I disappointed. The only thing that saved this one was the presence of Frank Sinatra. Not enough time was dedicated to getting to know the potentially interesting new characters. The whole thing was just too short. Too much Odd and not enough others. Shame. Still have hope for the next book, but won't be running to the book store for the hardcover...
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-11 12:31:02 EST)
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| 07-09-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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I liked the first 3 "Odds". This was stream of consciousness writing, undeveloped supporting characters, lack of cohesiveness. I was disappointed.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-11 12:31:02 EST)
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| 07-09-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Koontz keeps pumping them out; the Odd series is a one of a kind. I am just wondering when he is going to finish the "Frankenstein" series.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-11 12:31:02 EST)
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| 07-08-08 | 1 | 1\1 |
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I'd rate the first Odd book a 9/10, the second a 6/10, the third an 8/10, and this one a 1/10. This book was a page turner until the final few chapters and it's as if Koontz looked at his watch and said, "I've to to wrap this one up...and fast!"
The ending made absolutely no sense to me. Does anyone know what he meant? As another reviewer pointed out, he never explains what's going on with the coyotes, the significance of the bell and sea glass, what was about to happen with the sewer grate, etc. The female characters seemed superfluous to the story. From the first chapter, it appeared that the entire plot might wrap around Annamaria, but Koontz basically stuck her in someone's house while the story unfolded and never explained her role. If it continues in the next book, some hint of that should have been given. Unlike the prior three books, he leaves too many questions unanswered. I'm wondering now if this particular story continues in the next book or if he just fell asleep near the end and sent the manuscript off anyway. I spent years following Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series which was the best serial novel I had ever read...until the very predictable and disappointing ending in book 7. I hope this series doesn't end the same way and I'm curious to know if this was a "to be continued" story. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-11 12:31:02 EST)
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| 07-05-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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I've read where Koontz plans to make Odd Thomas a total of 6 novels. I hope the last 2 are along the lines of the first and third novels. While not as disappointing as Forever Odd, there are similarities. The beginning of the book involves an overly long and involved chase scene. While much of this book has the wonderfully witty and wacky conversations that endear so many to Odd, there are so many loose ends flopping around at the end of the book that it is hard to understand what the real point of this book was. After reading Forever, I felt like the book was simply filler leading to an excuse to drive Odd out of his hometown and into the larger world. This book is much the same. Simply filler being used to introduce Odd to characters and trauma that will obviously lead to the real story in the next couple books. I still enjoyed this book much more than Forever Odd, and it had plenty in it starting at the halfway point to make it an enjoyable read, but as one other reviewer stated, If I wasn't both a Koontz and Odd fan, I probably wouldn't have made it past the first third of this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:14:13 EST)
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| 07-05-08 | 4 | 0\1 |
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There is plenty of "Odd" humor in this book!! Makes you remember how much you like and feel for Odd.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:14:13 EST)
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| 07-05-08 | 4 | 2\3 |
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The pacing is excellent, I felt a connection to all the characters, and the story is well told. I liked this one better than 'Brother Odd' although they both rely on white-out conditions. In 'Brother Odd' it's snow; in 'Odd Hours' it's fog. Dean will be accused of cookie-cuttering (yeah, I butchered the term), and I can't remember a Koontz story without one of those golden retrievers in it. Please, please Dean - if you read this, please write something without dogs in it (even if it's a damn poem).
There is a little four part primer (not a spoiler) on YouTube. They're called webisodes, and they are entitled 'Odd Passenger'. They are well done, even if they are just commercials designed to get you to buy the book. Odd is a great character. I want to run in to him at a diner someplace, or maybe even hitchhike with him for a while. In a world full of people so full of themselves, we could use a few more like Odd. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:14:13 EST)
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