But, Molly is moved to gather the children, to save them from the creatures that bound through the fog shrouded trees and from the hellish things whose ululations mimic the cry of man.ĭean Koontz knows we live in a world where evil delights in justifying itself, where materialism has become an end in itself, where the gray, half-light of moral ambiguity supercedes moral verities, and where mankind has turned its collective face away from God. Molly and Neil have guns whose utility is noted and they have the dogs whose actions bring doubts. They must overcome their fear with a courage that refuses “…to surrender to the course of taking fearful actions.” Fear alone can overwhelm lesser folk, but Molly and Neil have sworn, not only true love, but also true allegiance, one to the other. James where “…men of letters unearthed terrors in such places as old churches and dusty libraries.” Koontz has placed Molly and her husband, Neil, in constant danger.

So dark in fact that it is reminiscent of M.R. The story transpires over a few, short, hours. Koontz provide the descriptions, not only of these grotesque beings, but also of their merciless acts, and ultimate purpose! On the other hand his antagonists are depraved, possessed, alien, or just plain wicked but in The Taking they are EVIL! They are so horrible we’ll let Mr. Eliot, and, quite frankly that counts for something. However, she is much taken by the ethereal intellect of T.S. He continues that theme in his latest novel, The Taking, where Molly Sloan, a successful writer, has not only the dubious distinction of being the progeny of a child murderer but a person consumed by self doubt. If Koontz tells us anything it is that we are accountable for the choices we make, and one way or the other, the bill’s coming due.Īs a student of his fellow man, Koontz’s protagonists are inevitably flawed though they usually arouse a certain sympathy. His theme centers on the Grand Romance with its temptations, love, and the struggle against evil. Invariably these folks flee, not so much out of fear-though fear is present-but rather to gain time, to gain some help or advantage in which to defeat their seemingly omniscient enemy. The blood of the shaman and chronicler courses through his veins as he conjures up stories of decent people placed in terrible circumstances.

His talents are such that he not only details, for his constant readers, the events as they unfold, he can, through his magic or, more precisely, through his gift, transport you there! And, in many instances you go delightfully immersed in trepidation and dread!Īs gifted a writer as Koontz is he’s a better storyteller. CLR The Omnipotent Hand of Retributionĭean Koontz has always been a master of plot, dialogue, and description.

The Taking by Dean Koontz Bantam Books, 464 pp.

Dean koontz the taken