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28th out of 63 books
—
513 voters
Odd Hours (Odd Thomas #4)
by
Dean Koontz
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 c...more
Hardcover, 283 pages
Published
May 20th 2008
by Bantam
(first published 2008)
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Jun 05, 2008
ayrdaomei
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
only very die-hard Koontz fans
Shelves:
finished
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Three stars may be the fewest I'd ever give a Dean Koontz book. Koontz fans (of which I am one) love Odd Thomas and his unpredictable supernatural abilities, troubled but simple life, and drive to do good in the world. This installment in the Odd Thomas saga, though, fell a bit short of the mark.
There are wonderful passages - Koontz has an amazing gift for description that is never cliche or vague. But this is one of the books in which the entire story takes place in just one day. I don't care...more
There are wonderful passages - Koontz has an amazing gift for description that is never cliche or vague. But this is one of the books in which the entire story takes place in just one day. I don't care...more
This book was an absolute train wreck. Having been a fan of and read all 3 previous Odd Thomas novels, I was very disappointed with this book.
This novel could have been condensed to about 200 pages. There was way too much "filler information". I became frustrated when the plot would drag, and then as it seemed to be moving along, it would go off track once again. Maybe this was Koontz's intended style, but I found it too much and annoying.
I don't need a biography on Sinatra or a Wikipedia artic...more
This novel could have been condensed to about 200 pages. There was way too much "filler information". I became frustrated when the plot would drag, and then as it seemed to be moving along, it would go off track once again. Maybe this was Koontz's intended style, but I found it too much and annoying.
I don't need a biography on Sinatra or a Wikipedia artic...more
12 chapters in, and I find myself staying up late reading instead of watching TV. I'm a fan of the author and the series, and this one is off to a great start.
Jul 30, 2012
Dawn Michelle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who enjoys a good book
Recommended to Dawn Michelle by:
Read the first three in the series
READ~July 7, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. Loved it even. I am more and more impressed by this character the more I read about him. We have been discussing who would play him should they make a movie about him, and truly, there is no one that could be Odd. He is one of a kind. Maybe that is why Mr. Koontz wrote him that way.
This book is a lot darker than the previous three. And it definitely makes you think A LOT more. And you are taken right along with Odd as he struggles with decisions he h...more
I really enjoyed this book. Loved it even. I am more and more impressed by this character the more I read about him. We have been discussing who would play him should they make a movie about him, and truly, there is no one that could be Odd. He is one of a kind. Maybe that is why Mr. Koontz wrote him that way.
This book is a lot darker than the previous three. And it definitely makes you think A LOT more. And you are taken right along with Odd as he struggles with decisions he h...more
Title: Odd Hours
Author: Dean Koontz
Fiction/Non-Fiction: Fiction
Genre: Suspense/Horror
Date Started Book: July 4, 2008
Date Finished Book: July 9, 2008
Before Reading:
What do I expect to gain from reading this?
I am already a fan of the Odd Thomas series; I was looking to continue Odd's adventures.
During/After Reading:
Brief Overall Summary of the Book:
Odd has returned from the monastery of Brother Odd, the previous book, and has settled in the little coastal town of Magic Beach. He has a premonition...more
Author: Dean Koontz
Fiction/Non-Fiction: Fiction
Genre: Suspense/Horror
Date Started Book: July 4, 2008
Date Finished Book: July 9, 2008
Before Reading:
What do I expect to gain from reading this?
I am already a fan of the Odd Thomas series; I was looking to continue Odd's adventures.
During/After Reading:
Brief Overall Summary of the Book:
Odd has returned from the monastery of Brother Odd, the previous book, and has settled in the little coastal town of Magic Beach. He has a premonition...more
Just as fabulous as I expected out of the Odd Thomas series. Koontz even manages to reference another of his novels, not at all related to the world of Odd Thomas, if you catch it. In the beginning Odd is wearing a sweatshirt with the words "Mystery Train" across the front that he got at "a thrift store". Die hard Koontz fans will recognize the Mystery Train from Christopher Snow's world in "Seize the Night". Does this mean Snow and Odd might eventually cross paths? There's something I would lik...more
Odd Thomas, a young man with clairvoyant tendencies, is led to the town of Magic Beach, where he has a recurring apocalyptic-type dream. Soon he finds himself trying to stop a group of terrorists who hope to cause national destruction and unseat current political leaders.
I don't usually like this type of book and had little to go on but the author's reputation when I checked it out, but found it an enthralling story with likable characters that seem as if they've been around forever. This is no...more
I don't usually like this type of book and had little to go on but the author's reputation when I checked it out, but found it an enthralling story with likable characters that seem as if they've been around forever. This is no...more
So due to the newest Odd Thomas book coming out in a month, I decided to buckle down and force myself to read this book. Previously, I had stopped shortly after starting it, frustrated with the story and deciding that there was more I wanted to do with my time than read it.
Now that I made myself get past the horrible beginning and onto the tolerable middle and the dragging-on ending, I'm glad I read it.
That being said, this wasn't one of my favorites. I felt that Koontz whipped this one up on...more
Now that I made myself get past the horrible beginning and onto the tolerable middle and the dragging-on ending, I'm glad I read it.
That being said, this wasn't one of my favorites. I felt that Koontz whipped this one up on...more
I hate giving this book two starts, because I LOVE Odd Thomas. He is one of my favorite fictional characters. This novel was as well written as Koontz novel's usually are, with those wonderful turns of phrase ... it just didn't seem as pulled together. I thought at first it was an exercise in developing Odd's character further. But Odd is what he is. Finally, after completing the novel, I thought that perhaps there is a Part II coming on it's heels, because there was much unfinished business. "A...more
The first book I've read by Dean Koontz was Odd Thomas. I loved the book. So I went on and bought Odd Hours and was expecting the same end of your seat action and excitment like in the first one. Nope. It took a while to get into it and the when I finally did, it dissappointed me again.
I polished this off in two days; I think it might have taken Koontz the same amount of time to write it. I still love the "Odd" series, because of the characters and because I'm really wondering where he's going with all this. This book did not satisfy either; nothing new about Odd, the new characters were sketched out, the plot was one long chase scene. It's a middle book. But I LOVED what he did with the ghost of Frank Sinatra. If Koontz can get away with using Sinatra's ghost as a weapon in h...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Another great book by Koontz. I love the Odd Thomas series and this book is another great addition.
Publisher's Summary
Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas is one such literary hero who has come alive in listeners' 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.
Th...more
Publisher's Summary
Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas is one such literary hero who has come alive in listeners' 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.
Th...more
Occasionally great writers, like Dean Koontz, find a niche, which fits them so well that they rise above their already lofty status to produce works, which define them. Dean Koontz has done this with his Odd Thomas series. Like Stephen King with his Dark Tower Books, Koontz accomplishes this feat – in my opinion – with his incredible understanding of the lead character and his world.
In, Odd Hours, Koontz explores two of America’s biggest internal threats – greed and extreme idealism – and pits h...more
In, Odd Hours, Koontz explores two of America’s biggest internal threats – greed and extreme idealism – and pits h...more
Nov 20, 2008
Friend the Girl
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of Dean Koontz and suspense
I've been following Dean Koontz since I was fourteen, and a friend lent me a copy of
Lightning
. That book turned out to be my favourite of all his writings, though there have been brilliant books by him since. The Odd series has its moments of brilliance, but they're more in fits and starts.
I was disappointed by the ending of Brother Odd , and while Odd Hours is more satisfying overall, it's just not the same hooked throughout story that Lightning is to me. Maybe I'm spoiled, maybe not. I ha...more
I was disappointed by the ending of Brother Odd , and while Odd Hours is more satisfying overall, it's just not the same hooked throughout story that Lightning is to me. Maybe I'm spoiled, maybe not. I ha...more
01 June 08
I am disappointed. Very disappointed. I only gave this one two stars because Odd is still a very consistent and famillar character. As for the rest of it....
Government consiiracy of Tom Clancy porportions, international and domestic terrorists, unexplained characters, and unnecessary allusions to the events in his Christopher Snow series all combined to make this a less than satisfactory read.
-----
I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the new installment.
I am disappointed. Very disappointed. I only gave this one two stars because Odd is still a very consistent and famillar character. As for the rest of it....
Government consiiracy of Tom Clancy porportions, international and domestic terrorists, unexplained characters, and unnecessary allusions to the events in his Christopher Snow series all combined to make this a less than satisfactory read.
-----
I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the new installment.
Fourth in the Odd Thomas philosophical horror-lite series. This story finds Odd in Magic Beach, California.
My Take
Being an odd-attractant is certainly a useful, um, skill? It certainly explains how Odd attracts the, um, unusual, not to say, odd and leaves Koontz the leeway to use this as an excuse to not explain anything to the reader.
It was irritating to try and figure out what's going on, but then Odd works his charm and I fell into it, slowly, wonderingly, confusedly. Brother Odd , 3, appears...more
My Take
Being an odd-attractant is certainly a useful, um, skill? It certainly explains how Odd attracts the, um, unusual, not to say, odd and leaves Koontz the leeway to use this as an excuse to not explain anything to the reader.
It was irritating to try and figure out what's going on, but then Odd works his charm and I fell into it, slowly, wonderingly, confusedly. Brother Odd , 3, appears...more
I've never read an Odd Thomas book before - or even a Dean Koontz book, for that matter. Having been a Stephen King fan for decades, I couldn't believe that anyone could come close to the king of horror. I see now that I was missing out. I happened upon this book when I moved into a new house, having been left by the previous occupants. I hadn't unpacked my own books yet, so curiosity and that feeling of panic when faced with *not* having a book to read took over.
Colorful, creative writing; inte...more
Colorful, creative writing; inte...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I can remember reading my first Dean Kootz book years ago. It was Servants of the Twilight. It was just scary and creepy enough to keep me reading, and on the edge of my seat. It made me a fan. I think so much more can be done with the Odd series. This book in particular just... Well every nemesis Odd has encountered (besides the gunman who killed the love of his life) is going to be oddly giant sized. That makes for a scary villain but a little unrealistic. He as friends all over. Which is fine...more
When it comes to Dean Koontz books I can generally take 'em or leave 'em. Which is to say that while I'm not a major fan neither do I dislike him as a writer. This book is one I probably should have left.
It's well written, the prose is nice, the description of places and things serves very well towards providing the reader with a mental image of what's being seen by the narrator... but not the bigger picture of what's going on. It's very enigmatic. Full of mysterious things that often don't quit...more
It's well written, the prose is nice, the description of places and things serves very well towards providing the reader with a mental image of what's being seen by the narrator... but not the bigger picture of what's going on. It's very enigmatic. Full of mysterious things that often don't quit...more
Jan 07, 2013
Jenny
added it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
The fourth Odd Thomas adventure offers the same great story telling and fast pace as the previous volumes. While there are no appearances by the Pico Mundo crew, Koontz introduces several new characters just as colorful as Odd's earlier supporting cast. Unfortunately the character Annamarria, who Odd has some unexplained connection to, just comes across as frustrating and annoying to me.
The exciting plot and wonderful narration move you through the book quickly. There are some fundamental chang...more
The exciting plot and wonderful narration move you through the book quickly. There are some fundamental chang...more
Odd Thomas himself is what draws me back again and again to this series by Dean Koontz. He is "dear" as Karen Allen said, with a sly sense of humor, a love and appreciation for all kinds of people, a quiet gallantry, and innocence mixed with worldly wisdom. But then you add his intriguing paranormal abilities--he sees the dead and tries to help them, he has a psychic magnetism that can draw him toward people he wants to find, and he has intuition and prophetic dreams, which are what led him to a...more
Just as big dogs need big bones, a hero of Odd Thomas's caliber requires bigger and bigger challenges. Odd Hours (the fourth in a planned series of seven) answers the call, thrusting our increasingly formidable young hero into a plot worthy of a Bond flick.
Odd has taken up residence in the small seaside town of Magic Beach, serving as personal chef to octogenarian Hutch, a once-famous movie star whose eccentricity is a good match for Odd's oddness. But when Odd begins having nightmares in which...more
Odd has taken up residence in the small seaside town of Magic Beach, serving as personal chef to octogenarian Hutch, a once-famous movie star whose eccentricity is a good match for Odd's oddness. But when Odd begins having nightmares in which...more
Odd Thomas puts his special talents (he can see ghosts and other supernatural but unknown entities) to good despite great personal loss, despite his ignorance about the extent of his talent (there's no one to tell him what he is seeing or how to make use of his abilities) and despite his limitations (his talents do not make him a super hero and he still has to feel his way like the rest of us). Odd doesn't know quite what the trouble is when it comes his way and he is unsure if he is compelled b...more
My star rating of 3/5 is only due to comparison with the other books in this wonderful series. While everything I adore about Odd Thomas is here, this particular adventure had significant lulls where not much was happening other than cute conversation or philosophical observations. I still admire Koontz's knack for creating supporting characters that you feel affection for immediately. So the chatty scenes are not for naught. As with the others in the series, Odd has moments of profound faith, h...more
Odd Hours a interesting and creative book to read.. The “Odd” series is written by Dean Koontz who has a style of writing thrillers and tales of terror with a heart and soul is evident in so many of his book This novel takes place in Magic Beach California. The main Character is Odd Thomas, a twenty three year old fry cook who has psychic abilities. One day, his powers draw him to the pier in which he meets a girl named Annamaria. As the get up to leave, three men approach them and start to fol...more
This is the third of the Odd Thomas stories I've read. My last attempt at a Koontz novel ended prematurely--it was a very scary story and I sensed it was headed toward an even worse ending, so I didn't finish it. Maybe that's what Koontz was after--that uncertainty; but, Odd is a predictable character. I trusted that this one, like the others in the series, would end with Odd Thomas winning out. I won't tell you whether I was right, but I'll give you a hint: the series didn't end with Odd Hours....more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The End? | 20 | 193 | Jan 25, 2013 07:32am | |
| Koontzland - Dean...: Odd Hours (Group Read - July 2012) | 23 | 44 | Jul 06, 2012 09:48am | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Please add page numbers to entry | 4 | 38 | Jan 29, 2012 11:29pm |
Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
More about Dean Koontz...
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
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“Grief can destroy you --or focus you. You can decide a relationship was all for nothing if it had to end in death, and you alone. OR you can realize that every moment of it had more meaning than you dared to recognize at the time, so much meaning it scared you, so you just lived, just took for granted the love and laughter of each day, and didn't allow yourself to consider the sacredness of it. But when it's over and you're alone, you begin to see that it wasn't just a movie and a dinner together, not just watching sunsets together, not just scrubbing a floor or washing dishes together or worrying over a high electric bill. It was everything, it was the why of life, every event and precious moment of it. The answer to the mystery of existence is the love you shared sometimes so imperfectly, and when the loss wakes you to the deeper beauty of it, to the sanctity of it, you can't get off your knees for a long time, you're driven to your knees not by the weight of the loss but by gratitude for what preceded the loss. And the ache is always there, but one day not the emptiness, because to nurture the emptiness, to take solace in it, is to disrespect the gift of life.”
—
671 people liked it
“Loss is the hardest thing, I said. But it's also the teacher that's the most difficult to ignore.”
—
28 people liked it
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Mar 10, 2011 01:52am