Chyna Shepherd is a twenty-six-year-old woman whose deeply troubled childhood taught her the hard rules of survival, and whose adult life has been ...
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Dec 17, 2009
hilary
rated it: 
dude, yeah, i know. dean koontz? me?!?
yes, i am serious. this is one of THE scariest books i have ever read. i finished it in one night while i was living alone, and i had mascara-stained tears running down my cheeks by the end, i was so terrified.
to clarify, dean koontz is not a "great" writer. in fact, some of his descriptive passages are so bad they nearly threw me off course.
howEVER. the scenario he has laid out in "intensity" feeds off of eve More...
yes, i am serious. this is one of THE scariest books i have ever read. i finished it in one night while i was living alone, and i had mascara-stained tears running down my cheeks by the end, i was so terrified.
to clarify, dean koontz is not a "great" writer. in fact, some of his descriptive passages are so bad they nearly threw me off course.
howEVER. the scenario he has laid out in "intensity" feeds off of eve More...
Mar 19, 2008
Josh
rated it:
I decided that I would write a little about the books that I finish for now on. This was a very scary story! I have to say that it actually scared me sometimes and that is pretty hard to do. "Intensity" is a very appropriate title for this book, I couldn't stay away from it. Definately a plesant surprise after reading Dean Koontz's "Life Expectancy". This book never let up on it's suspense from beginning to end. If anyone is looking for a good horror, "Intensity" fi
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Nov 30, 2007
Naomi
rated it: 
This book is well written, I'm sure. From the moment I started reading it I felt sick to my stomach from the overly detailed homicidal and torturous events, but also I could not stop reading it because the author held a small hope of the heroine doing some lasting good by helping the 16-year-old girl who was locked in this crazy bastard's basement. And of course getting herself out of this situation in which the reader found her.
I am glad I finished it. But I'm not going to hurry to More...
I am glad I finished it. But I'm not going to hurry to More...
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Feb 12, 2008
Briana
rated it:
This is thriller suspense at its best. Dean Koontz knocked my socks off with this one, and as soon as I started reading, I could not get through it fast enough. Pages burned and I might have had to stomp my book out a few times.
In a way, this is not entirely typical for Dean Koontz. Don't expect anything supernatural or overly bizarre. It's about a killer and a survivor.
The title holds true to its pace. This book does not slow down once it kicks into high gear. More...
In a way, this is not entirely typical for Dean Koontz. Don't expect anything supernatural or overly bizarre. It's about a killer and a survivor.
The title holds true to its pace. This book does not slow down once it kicks into high gear. More...
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Nov 04, 2011
When Chyna's friend Laura is abducted, Chyna's instinct is to follow her attacker. Not knowing Laura is already dead, Chyna risks her life to save her friend. When Chyna herself becomes trapped, her first instinct is to get out alive, until she learns the identity of the killer's next victim.[return][return]I've successfully avoided Koontz books before, and I dont think I will be rushing out to buy the next one.[return][return]I wasnt in the right mindset for this one, obviously, as I rapidly go
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Oct 21, 2011
Shannon
rated it: 
I admit it. This one was one of the more painful Koontz books for me to get through. I sped read through the last 200 pages just to get through it because it wasn't holding my attention. It wasn't as intense as I would have liked, despite others thinking this was one of Koontz's best.
It's the story of a girl named Chyna who plans to spend the weekend with her college roommate with the roommate's family on a California vineyard, only to have a serial killer named Edgler Foreman Ves More...
It's the story of a girl named Chyna who plans to spend the weekend with her college roommate with the roommate's family on a California vineyard, only to have a serial killer named Edgler Foreman Ves More...
Jul 25, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
This truly intense psychological thriller takes you on a wicked journey between the minds of one killer and one survivor.
Chyna Shepard's best friend invites her to Napa Valley to visit her parents. That night, unable to sleep, Chyna hears sounds and soon discovers that everyone has been murdered, that she alone has survived . . . and the killer is still in the house.
Chyna, at 26, is still re-creating herself after a miserable childhood full of fear and mental anguish. This former More...
Chyna Shepard's best friend invites her to Napa Valley to visit her parents. That night, unable to sleep, Chyna hears sounds and soon discovers that everyone has been murdered, that she alone has survived . . . and the killer is still in the house.
Chyna, at 26, is still re-creating herself after a miserable childhood full of fear and mental anguish. This former More...
Dec 05, 2010
Janet
rated it:
Chyna Shepherd is a twenty-six-year-old woman whose deeply troubled childhood taught her the hard rules of survival, and whose adult life has been an unrelenting struggle for self-respect and safety. Now rare trust has blossomed for Chyna into friendship with the woman whose family home she is visiting for the weekend: a farm in the Napa Valley surrounded by vineyards and hills, which Chyna can see from the guest-room window where she sits at one o'clock in the morning, fully dressed, unable to
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Nov 20, 2010
Kim
rated it:
Disappointed, I couldn't finish this book. It just wasn't my thing.
I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't have bought a whole BAG of Dean Koontz books at the library book sale after liking one of his books I gotthis crazy idea I would like them all, silly on my part. So far the only one that has REALLY appealed to me have been the first Odd Thomas book, and even then looking back that could have been a phase I was going through. Now I have a TON of Dean Koontz books and am findi More...
I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't have bought a whole BAG of Dean Koontz books at the library book sale after liking one of his books I gotthis crazy idea I would like them all, silly on my part. So far the only one that has REALLY appealed to me have been the first Odd Thomas book, and even then looking back that could have been a phase I was going through. Now I have a TON of Dean Koontz books and am findi More...
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Nov 19, 2010
Johnny
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 12, 2010
Ricky
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 24, 2011
Harmonybites
rated it:
When I was younger, I devoured Koontz's novels, reading close to a dozen, although it has been over a decade since I had last read his books. I remember the plot and characters of very few of them. Two stand out to me. One is my favorite, Watchers, whose most memorable character is a golden retriever. The other is Intensity, with one of Koontz's most sinister villains in Edgler Vess and most courageous heroine in Chyna Shepherd.
What's so striking about this suspense novel (and boy doe More...
What's so striking about this suspense novel (and boy doe More...
Jan 30, 2011
Lucy
rated it:
This book was actually the only book that, to the best of my knowledge at this monent, has ever made me cry. And that goes after reading the end of Odd Thomas, which made both my father-in-law and mother-in-law teary. I do not cry easily in books, however the ending to this was so emotionally powerful that I was moved to tears. And so was my sister. That being said, lets move onto a review actually about most of the book..
The book starts off amazing, and that is how it continues and fi More...
The book starts off amazing, and that is how it continues and fi More...
Jun 19, 2009
Bookscmc
rated it:
I was first introduced to this story after watching the movie version on television/cable. When I learned it was based upon the novel, of course I happened to find it.
This was the beginning of a great frienship with Koontz for me.
Of course the book was exactly as the movie, as they stayed right with the book when they made the movie. I was very impressed. The book was a joy to read -and I was a bit surprised that I still enjoyed it so much even though I knew what happened More...
This was the beginning of a great frienship with Koontz for me.
Of course the book was exactly as the movie, as they stayed right with the book when they made the movie. I was very impressed. The book was a joy to read -and I was a bit surprised that I still enjoyed it so much even though I knew what happened More...
Jul 16, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
This is the first Dean Koontz novel I've read. And I didn't really 'read' it, like I'd hoped. Similar to other folks in my book club, I skimmed a lot. I read the first sentence, got the gist and sped over the lengthy descriptions.
He creates vivid pictures and I agreed with one of the group's favorite scenes when Mr. Vess, arms and fingers outstretched is seducing a spider so he can taste and experience its essence and soul. But every scene was treated that way with a lot of descript More...
He creates vivid pictures and I agreed with one of the group's favorite scenes when Mr. Vess, arms and fingers outstretched is seducing a spider so he can taste and experience its essence and soul. But every scene was treated that way with a lot of descript More...
Jun 26, 2009
AmnesiaLab
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 11, 2011
Phil
rated it:
From the letters of his name Edgler Forman Vess spells "God Fears Me"
Edgler Forman Vess is your next door neighbor. He is you co-worker. He is your friend.
Edgler Forman Vess is a man who lives life intensely. He is a man who cherishes every experience. Pain and pleasure are both to be embraced equally.
Edgler Forman Vess is a psychopath, He is not a supernatural villain he is for real. He enjoys inflicting pain. He enjoys driving his victims to the ed More...
Edgler Forman Vess is your next door neighbor. He is you co-worker. He is your friend.
Edgler Forman Vess is a man who lives life intensely. He is a man who cherishes every experience. Pain and pleasure are both to be embraced equally.
Edgler Forman Vess is a psychopath, He is not a supernatural villain he is for real. He enjoys inflicting pain. He enjoys driving his victims to the ed More...
May 23, 2009
hllf
rated it: 
A typical Koontz “good versus evil” plot. Not my favorite Koontz but still recommended as an enjoyable read. Below is a breakdown of my rating:
Enjoyability: 3.5
Re-Readability: 2.5
Character Development: 4
Complexity: 2
Writing Style: 4
Believability: 3
Overall: 3.17
In classic Koontz fashion, this book contains very few characters; there are in fact only two characters that matter, and the POV of the story switches between two throughout. More...
Enjoyability: 3.5
Re-Readability: 2.5
Character Development: 4
Complexity: 2
Writing Style: 4
Believability: 3
Overall: 3.17
In classic Koontz fashion, this book contains very few characters; there are in fact only two characters that matter, and the POV of the story switches between two throughout. More...
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Jan 25, 2012
Mindy
rated it:
Intensity has set a new standard for suspense/thriller books out there. I burned through the pages of this book very quickly. I couldn’t get enough of it. It starts off with the suspense almost immediately. Just when you’re wondering how it could get any more “intense” it takes you on a roller coaster of thrills with surprises at every turn. I was so stiff & clenched when I read this that I was actually sore afterwards. I was genuinely terrified as I read this story, and I don’t scare easily. I
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Feb 02, 2012
Heather
rated it:
Perhaps I'm a bit too high-brow. I read this book, trying to hearken back to when I used to read thrillers all the time. I used to delve into murder mysteries and even fancied that I missed my calling as a forsensic science investigator. I can still enjoy books such as Stiff by Mary Roach, but these thrillers where people are killing each other and running for their lives no longer holds a fascination for me. I nearly (literally) had a panic attack in the first 50 pages. My husband's philosophy
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May 13, 2008
Clay
rated it:
The title says it all. Intense!! DO NOT read this book unless you want to dedicate and entire weekend to reading. I started on a Friday evening. Only slept on Saturday from 2am to 6am and was back up to continue. I read all day saturday, even while cooking, in the shower, and during bathroom breaks, which weren't really breaks since I was still reading. The book was exhausting and one of the best books written.
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Sep 07, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
What a roller coaster ride! This book starts immediately and never slows down! Chyna Shepard is a girl with a very troubled past and she goes with her best friend Laura to spend a weekend with her at Laura's family's vineyard. Within a few hours of their arrival, the ride begins. With a book that shocked me at every turn, I don't want to give anything away. I highly recommend this book!
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Nov 22, 2008
Lori
rated it:
Dean Koontz might never win a high concept literary prize...but, I know why he is one of the reigning kings of horror. I read this book 10 years ago (or so) and I still remember how it scared the bejeezus out of me. I lived alone at the time and very comfortably, I may add. I was never one of those "single women living in fear" kind of people. Although i have a fairly vivid imagination, I generally remember that I am reading a book and that the events described within are not goin
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Jul 06, 2008
Lennie
rated it:
My brother-in-law is a big Dean Koontz fan so I was inspired to read this suspense novel. I think the author did a good job in describing Chyna's past so it allows the reader to fully understand how she has the will power and strength to try and escape from the killer whereas others have given up. The suspense kept me interested all the way to the end.
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Jun 03, 2008
Chris
rated it:
Wanna read a book in a weekend? This is a good one. Critics like to use terms like "no holds barred roller coaster thrill train" or "Wild mustang unrelenting tension engine torqueing your fear brain". OK I've never heard that last one, but I'd probably use it to describe this book. It's pretty, well... intense. I read it in like 10 hours I think.
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Jan 09, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
This is the only Koontz book I have ever bothered reading. I've heard plenty of bad things about the guy, so I stayed away from him. But I heard that this book was very similar to the French film "Haute Tension" which spiked my curiousity, since I loved that movie.
I have to admit: this was one hell of a thrilling read. I finished it in one night because I couldn't stop reading it. (Although that usually is the case with any book for me.) Now, I'm not saying it's a great, p More...
I have to admit: this was one hell of a thrilling read. I finished it in one night because I couldn't stop reading it. (Although that usually is the case with any book for me.) Now, I'm not saying it's a great, p More...
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Oct 17, 2010
Christina
rated it:
#41
Ick ick ick. Perhaps this just is not my genre because I know there are SO MANY who adore Dean Koontz, but I wont be one of those. For the first time that I can remember I skipped whole chunks of the book. Why ever would you need over 300 pages to describe a 36 hour time frame? Was it even 36 hours? I don't know because I was bored with the detail which lent NOTHING to the story. Did I really need to know the color and texture of every knic knac & piece of furniture in the house? Th More...
Ick ick ick. Perhaps this just is not my genre because I know there are SO MANY who adore Dean Koontz, but I wont be one of those. For the first time that I can remember I skipped whole chunks of the book. Why ever would you need over 300 pages to describe a 36 hour time frame? Was it even 36 hours? I don't know because I was bored with the detail which lent NOTHING to the story. Did I really need to know the color and texture of every knic knac & piece of furniture in the house? Th More...
Nov 23, 2009
Bethany
rated it:
Intensity. More like intensely boring. I started this, got not even half way through and stopped reading it to read a Heather Graham book that i finished faster and enjoyed way more. Yes, it was better than this long drawn out storyline. It wasn't gross, didn't make me feel sick, wasn't disturbing at all like the other reviews claim. Maybe it just takes more to get to me. I actually liked Vess as weird as that may be. Well, I liked how he viewed things. It was a little weird that it Chyna found
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May 23, 2011
Elke
rated it:
Dieser Roman staubte jahrelang in meinem Buecherregal vor sich hin und war jetzt endlich mal an der Reihe ;) Definitiv ein aelteres Werk von Koontz, das in seiner Spannung und Intensitaet ueberzeugt. Der Anfang ist ein echter Pulsbeschleuniger und definitiv nichts fuer schwache Nerven - also genau das richtige fuer mich...
Warum keine fuenf Sterne? Meiner Meinung nach hat das Buch einige Laengen, in denen der Autor die Beweggruende von Vess, sein Verlangen nach Intensitaet, nahebringen More...
Warum keine fuenf Sterne? Meiner Meinung nach hat das Buch einige Laengen, in denen der Autor die Beweggruende von Vess, sein Verlangen nach Intensitaet, nahebringen More...
Apr 05, 2010
Hayden
rated it:
Quite possibly the most suspenseful novel I've ever read. I had always heard that Koontz was a very mediocre writer, but damn.. I was wrong. This novel grabs you about 30 pages in, and doesn't let you go until it all comes to a close. Its like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart.
What I think makes it so suspenseful is Chyna's (the main character) realistic reactions to what's going on around her. Some of the internal conflicts she has going on, for instance, taking a step and More...
What I think makes it so suspenseful is Chyna's (the main character) realistic reactions to what's going on around her. Some of the internal conflicts she has going on, for instance, taking a step and More...
