For the second time, Koontz has taken a character from one of his novels and featured that same character in a second book--here, it is the title character from 2003's Odd Thomas. Like the young boy in the movie The Sixth Sense, Odd sees dead people. Often, he is surprised when someone whom he thought was still alive and kicking--in this case, his friend and neighbor, Dr. Jessup--silently and mysteriously shows up in his apartment, clearly no longer of this world. Forever Odd details Odd's personal quest to rescue Dr. Jessup's son, his childhood friend, Danny. Fearing that police involvement would result in Danny's immediate death, Odd decides to go it alone, relying solely on his own supernatural resources for guidance. Thus much of the novel is devoid of dialogue, instead featuring Odd's internal conversations. Here Koontz sometimes has the tendency to wax poetic, lapsing into such frequent comments about human nature that I found this to be a bit more annoying than in his previous works. Still, Koontz retains his uniquely engaging storytelling style, and although I think this is far from his best work, his fans are likely to find something of value here. Overall rating: three and a half – four stars.Read full review
Dean Koontz has hit upon a very likeable hero in Odd Thomas. Even if you've never been a fry cook you can relate to Odd's desire to live in relative peace and quiet. You can understand his desire to do the right thing when it would be much easier not to, and his empathy for others (living or dead) is heartwarming. As always, Odd seems to me a little meek to be able to overcome the obstacles placed in his path. Somehow, he taps inner reserves of strength that we could only wish to possess. Though supernatural, Forever Odd (and Odd Thomas, for that matter)is a little less horror and a little more emotionally deep. Koontz has always entranced me with his ability to make a reader become fully immersed in a character's mind: we can feel what they feel, and fear what they fear. I believe there is a little Odd in all of us, and Mr. Koontz has definitely found a warm, entertaining way of scaring us.Read full review
Though not as good as the first book, Odd Thomas, Forever Odd is still worth the read. Odd Thomas is eternal. Koontz's character is so well developed you feel you know Odd Thomas. He's the boy next door, the friendly, easy-going guy at the supermarket...with a twist. Odd didn't ask for his extraordinary gift...aspires to have a quiet life free from the inner turmoil he faces daily, but the humble fry cook once again swallows his own desires and does what he knows he must do - face his fears and battle the evil that has come to Pico Mundo and threatens his friend. Well worth reading, even if it is just to capture another glimpse into the life of Odd Thomas.
My wife & I love to read! I noticed that more & more that she wasn't enjoying it as much. After using my deductive skills, I found out why, she was having a hard time making out the small print. She was only reading a few pages at a time & it was frustrating her. I dug through he "to read" list & ended up with Forever Odd being her next. I found a large print here on Ebay & now she is back at it. The book itself is an excellent read in a gripping series from Koontz. So if its not on your list, rewrite yours & add the whole series!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Odd is a young man with some unique psychic gifts. When his best friend is kidnapped, it is up to Odd to mount a one man rescue. Using MacGyver-like ingenuity and a little help from his "friends", Odd gives three brutal murderers a real run for their money. This is a pretty good effort by one of my favorite authors, Dean Koontz. Interesting characters and lots of action. I'd give it a solid 7.
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