From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the stor...
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May 31, 2008
Amanda
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Mar 16, 2011
Gavin
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I have heard many times from fans of Dean Koontz that they were upset because Koontz used "no-name" writers to co-author his retelling of Mary Shelly's classic story, FRANKENSTEIN. Let me put some of this nay-saying to rest. Kevin Anderson is not a no-name author. He has written numerous novels for the Star Wars universe (the bounty hunter trilogy is a lot of fun), and he has also written for X-Files. I'd say that's two pretty solid foundations to stand upon.
As for th More...
As for th More...
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Jan 18, 2012
Ken
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I'd actually meant three and a half stars but no option.
Let me preface this by saying I'm not a big Koontz fan. To me, his bad guys are boring and one dimensional. The Surgeon in Prodigal Son was just another in a long line of blah bad guys.
However, the other characters are fleshed out nicely with the exception of Helios/Frankenstein, another cookie cutter villain (I'm so smart, I can do as I want because I'm special). The segments from his point of view I just skimmed because I More...
Let me preface this by saying I'm not a big Koontz fan. To me, his bad guys are boring and one dimensional. The Surgeon in Prodigal Son was just another in a long line of blah bad guys.
However, the other characters are fleshed out nicely with the exception of Helios/Frankenstein, another cookie cutter villain (I'm so smart, I can do as I want because I'm special). The segments from his point of view I just skimmed because I More...
Jan 08, 2012
Audiobibliophile
rated it: 
I remember awhile back the TV commercials for Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein TV movie. I had thought that I had missed the airing, but Mr. Koontz gives and explanation of what happened in the beginning of this book. I am glad he had the courage to stand up for what he believed in.
Frankenstein, Book One: Prodigal Son is the first in a series of books about a modern Frankenstein’s monster. I appreciate how Mr. Koontz didn’t try to reinvent the Frankenstein story, instead he build upon and br More...
Frankenstein, Book One: Prodigal Son is the first in a series of books about a modern Frankenstein’s monster. I appreciate how Mr. Koontz didn’t try to reinvent the Frankenstein story, instead he build upon and br More...
Nov 11, 2011
Deborah
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Dean Koontz builds on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" by bringing the Monster, now named Deucalion, and Victor Frankenstein, known as Victor Helios, to today's time. Victory has created a new race of men and women who will eventually over take the human race. Helios has become evil in his search for immortality, perfection, and creations who will worship and serve him.
Deucalion had attempted to murder his creator two hundred years earlier but failed. He has discoverd what Frankenst More...
Deucalion had attempted to murder his creator two hundred years earlier but failed. He has discoverd what Frankenst More...
Oct 29, 2011
Christopher
rated it:
You guys want to know who my favorite Koontz character is? Is it Odd Thomas? No. Laura Shane? No. Deucalion from this book? No.
"He was a child of Mercy. Mercy born and Mercy raised. His name was Randall Six."
Koontz is known for making his characters one of two ways. The good guys are saintly good. They give change to the telephone companies. They never use bad language. They never engage in pre-martial sex especially after what happened to Koontz in the 90s that More...
"He was a child of Mercy. Mercy born and Mercy raised. His name was Randall Six."
Koontz is known for making his characters one of two ways. The good guys are saintly good. They give change to the telephone companies. They never use bad language. They never engage in pre-martial sex especially after what happened to Koontz in the 90s that More...
Sep 16, 2011
Books-treasureortrash
rated it:
Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Frankenstein, the monster, now called Deucalion, is hiding in a monastery and after more than 200 years of life and has found a sort of peace, until he learns that his creator is still alive. Dr. Victor Frankenstein has remade himself and is now Victor Helios and he is creating pod people who are genetically modified to be his slaves. Throw into the mix a crazy man who is carving up pieces of women and keeping what he considers the perfect female attri More...
Frankenstein, the monster, now called Deucalion, is hiding in a monastery and after more than 200 years of life and has found a sort of peace, until he learns that his creator is still alive. Dr. Victor Frankenstein has remade himself and is now Victor Helios and he is creating pod people who are genetically modified to be his slaves. Throw into the mix a crazy man who is carving up pieces of women and keeping what he considers the perfect female attri More...
Aug 03, 2011
Julie
rated it:
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I've never read Koontz before but Shelley's Frankenstein is one of my all-time favorites so I was curious to see where the story went. Overall, it was imaginative and fun and kept me turning pages (I've already purchased the second book in the series). Deucalion, who is the 'monster' in modern day was well-characterized, likeable, mysterious and sadly human. Victor on the other hand was a bit over-the-top in his villainy. I could tell that this story was origina
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Jul 30, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
This is only the second book from Koontz that I've read, and since this one introduces his Frankenstein series, it certainly won't be the last. I finished it in record time for me - just 7 days. It's a fast page turner thanks to its short chapters, lots of dialogue, and lack of detail. Sure, it may not hold much literary merit or be an engrossing read that really makes you think, but it still holds a certain amount of entertainment value that I liked.
Victor Frankenstein, now known as More...
Victor Frankenstein, now known as More...
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Jul 14, 2011
Joseph
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Jul 10, 2011
Poppy
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I found this book to be really creepy and unsettling, yet imaginative and exciting. I had no idea it was book one of a series so I was let down by the ending of the book that had no real closure. I felt like after all the drama and horrific scenes that I had to endure to find out who was responsible for the murders I deserved a better conclusion.
The book in rich with intriguing characters and I loved the banter between Carson and Michael, the main detectives. The humor was a relief More...
The book in rich with intriguing characters and I loved the banter between Carson and Michael, the main detectives. The humor was a relief More...
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Mar 24, 2011
Danielle
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I love Dean Koontz. While he is a big name, I find he doesn’t write to a template like James Patterson. He’s a little more like Stephen King…you never know what is going to come next.
I was wary of this series at first. I was thinking it was a rewrite of the original book—which I have never read because it has a hokie, pre-modern science, B movie feel to it. To my delight, this is a modern day continuation of the story of Frankenstein. Far removed from the sewn up, life-bringing lighten More...
I was wary of this series at first. I was thinking it was a rewrite of the original book—which I have never read because it has a hokie, pre-modern science, B movie feel to it. To my delight, this is a modern day continuation of the story of Frankenstein. Far removed from the sewn up, life-bringing lighten More...
Mar 03, 2011
Perry
rated it:
I'm writing one review for all four (so far) of Dean Koontz's Frankenstein books.
In the Koontz take on the Frankestein story, the old Mary Shelley novel was based on true events. And old Dr. Victor Frankenstein (now called Victor Helios) and his monster (who now goes by the name Deucalion) have survived to the present day. Deucalion is no longer a monster in thought and deed, but has learned a lot about the universe and his place in it, some of that knowledge coming from Tibetian mon More...
In the Koontz take on the Frankestein story, the old Mary Shelley novel was based on true events. And old Dr. Victor Frankenstein (now called Victor Helios) and his monster (who now goes by the name Deucalion) have survived to the present day. Deucalion is no longer a monster in thought and deed, but has learned a lot about the universe and his place in it, some of that knowledge coming from Tibetian mon More...
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Oct 28, 2010
Cornerofmadness
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May 31, 2010
Stacey
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Thank you Cindy for recommending this to me!!
This was way different than I thought it was going to be. I guess I was expecting a straight horror story about modernized Frankenstein Monsters. However, instead it was a very scary murder mystery and I thought it was genius!
I couldn't put it down and practically read the whole book in one sitting. The plot is spellbinding and the characters are fully developed and interesting. I liked Deucalion, but I have to admit that I lov More...
This was way different than I thought it was going to be. I guess I was expecting a straight horror story about modernized Frankenstein Monsters. However, instead it was a very scary murder mystery and I thought it was genius!
I couldn't put it down and practically read the whole book in one sitting. The plot is spellbinding and the characters are fully developed and interesting. I liked Deucalion, but I have to admit that I lov More...
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Jul 13, 2009
Red
rated it:
INCREDIBLE! Once I started reading, I wondered how an author's mind could wrap around a story and tell it like Dean Koontz did with his first installment of his trilogy, "Frankenstein." Once finished, you HAD to know what happened next! Let me tell you the about the hold this book held over me.
My national chain bookstore stays open here in Richmond VA till 11pm, right? Its now 10:45 p.m., I'm calling to see if they have in stock Book 2, they do, I'm gone!!! I make it More...
My national chain bookstore stays open here in Richmond VA till 11pm, right? Its now 10:45 p.m., I'm calling to see if they have in stock Book 2, they do, I'm gone!!! I make it More...
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Jul 08, 2011
potterican
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Dec 31, 2011
Amy K
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This is book #1 of the Frankenstein Series, introducing you to yet another of Koontz's amazing literary creations. The time-period is the present, yet Dr Victor Frankenstein himself is still alive, after 240+ years, as is his 1st "monster," who now calls himself Deucalion. Apparently still alive as a sort-of side effect of being brought to life by lightening, rather than straight electricity, as Victor is currently doing, Deucalion has become "human" on the inside, and is no
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Jun 22, 2010
Johnny
rated it:
Two hundred years after the events described in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, both doctor and monster resurface in modern day New Orleans. Koontz has taken it upon himself to create a sequel to one of the world’s classic horror stories. But not only that: he’s serializing it.
The larger story is about Victor Frankenstein and his plans to take over the world by replacing humanity with advanced versions of his original monster. Said monster has renamed itself Deucalion and is on a ques More...
The larger story is about Victor Frankenstein and his plans to take over the world by replacing humanity with advanced versions of his original monster. Said monster has renamed itself Deucalion and is on a ques More...
Dec 07, 2009
Mellie
rated it: 
Oh Dean Koontz, you are my goto guy when i am sick of reading posh novels yet this time you disappoint. I've heard so much praise for this trilogy yet i am currently just over 300 pages in and NOTHING has happened! I see how Koontz tries to keep your curiosity going chapter after short chapter but 300 pages in and frankly i do not care what happens. It;s rare i get to a point in a book where i feel like reading it is more like a chore. Sometimes i lose myself so much in thought thinking about
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Oct 29, 2011
Rick
rated it:
I had no real expectations when I started the book and was curious to find out how Frankenstein became "current". However, I like the plot line of the first book of the series and am more curious to see how things progress. Imagine if Frankenstein was not just a story written by Mary Shelley but instead a story written on something heard that was in act truth, it now becomes history rather than fiction. Is the good Doctor alive and well and creating in this new world, did the first
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Jan 26, 2010
BarkLessWagMore
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This was a fast paced read for me and not many are these days. Koontz takes the two pivotal characters from Shelly's "Frankenstein" and brings them forward to modern times. Dr. Frankenstein is still up to his unethical tricks and has managed to prolong his own life through various methods while his first creation named "Deucalion". Deucalion has spent many years searching for purpose and has quietly been living among monks to find peace. He is brought out of his world of tran
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Jul 23, 2009
Martin
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`The Prodigal Son`is Dean Koontz`s modern tale of the well known classic; Frankenstein. I wasn`t sure whether I would like this, as remakes often aren`t that good, but decided to give it a try as I like Dean Koontz`s writing.
`The Prodigal Son`is a modern tale of Frankenstein set in modern day New Orleans in the USA. I really liked this book because he totally re-invented the story of Frankenstien in a way that made it work for modern readers. I was glad that the giant-monster-bolts- More...
`The Prodigal Son`is a modern tale of Frankenstein set in modern day New Orleans in the USA. I really liked this book because he totally re-invented the story of Frankenstien in a way that made it work for modern readers. I was glad that the giant-monster-bolts- More...
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Feb 13, 2011
Jimmy
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It’s been a considerable amount of time since I’ve read any of Dean Koontz’s work, (I’m talking since Midnight and The House of Thunder.) Prodigal Son, the first in a series that’s a spectacular modern re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Fans of HBO’s Dexter and the Hannibal Lector movies will rejoice as they get their fill in this vividly graphic suspense-thriller, with its laugh out loud sarcasm, and at times disturbing images, which has two cops chasing after a serial kille
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May 27, 2010
Thee_ron_clark
rated it:
My faith in Dean Koontz has once again been restored. OK. Maybe it wasn't completely gone, but this is much better than the last Koontz novel I dove into.
In this retelling of the Frankenstein story, Koontz brings the monster and his creator into a modern New Orleans. Both have been around for two centuries and both have an agenda in the modern world; the monster wishes to destroy his creator and his creator wishes to dominate the world using an army of synthetic humans.
As More...
In this retelling of the Frankenstein story, Koontz brings the monster and his creator into a modern New Orleans. Both have been around for two centuries and both have an agenda in the modern world; the monster wishes to destroy his creator and his creator wishes to dominate the world using an army of synthetic humans.
As More...
Feb 03, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
This book is the first book in Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series. It is co-authored by Kevin J. Anderson. For a book about Frankenstein and his monster, this book offers a very different perspective from earlier renditions of the story. In all, it is an interesting read.
Deucalion has been living in a Tibetan Monastery for several years as he finds some peace there (although he misses Cheez-Its). When he discovers that his creator still lives, he has to leave in search of him, so that h More...
Deucalion has been living in a Tibetan Monastery for several years as he finds some peace there (although he misses Cheez-Its). When he discovers that his creator still lives, he has to leave in search of him, so that h More...
Sep 12, 2009
Sherry
rated it:
I just love Dean Koontz! His writing is all that I like about Stephen King (interesting plots, the triumph of good over evil, interesting characters) without the super-grody, profanity laced details.
This was a whirlwind read for me. I started the book when I took Michelle to the pool at 4-ish and finished it about 1 am. I couldn't put it down! Fast paced, full of intrigue, fun characters in an unbelievable yet believable story.
After 200 years, Victor Frankenstein is alive More...
This was a whirlwind read for me. I started the book when I took Michelle to the pool at 4-ish and finished it about 1 am. I couldn't put it down! Fast paced, full of intrigue, fun characters in an unbelievable yet believable story.
After 200 years, Victor Frankenstein is alive More...
Dec 16, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
When I picked up this book at my mom's house and read the back cover, I literally said out loud, "Oh no he DIH-uhnt!" Thank you, Dean Koontz, for making me channel Ricki Lake reruns.
Koontz has apparently run out of ideas for trite, one-dimension characters, and he's abandoned all pretense at being original. Instead of taking a break from publishing utter crap, he copes with this by cannibalizing fucking FRANKENSTEIN.
Koontz has apparently run out of ideas for trite, one-dimension characters, and he's abandoned all pretense at being original. Instead of taking a break from publishing utter crap, he copes with this by cannibalizing fucking FRANKENSTEIN.
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Jan 21, 2012
Greta is Erikasbuddy
rated it:
This book was awesome!!
I mean super freaking awesome with meatballs on top and spaghetti sauce running down the sides!
Too awesome for food references ;) !!!
I've never read a Dean Koontz book and let's just say that now I'm a changed girl. I have seen the error in my ways and let's just say.... I'm going to probably become a Koontz fanatic. Because this man can WRITE!!
I've always been leery about Koontz. Isn't it cheating on Stephen King if I read a Koon More...
I mean super freaking awesome with meatballs on top and spaghetti sauce running down the sides!
Too awesome for food references ;) !!!
I've never read a Dean Koontz book and let's just say that now I'm a changed girl. I have seen the error in my ways and let's just say.... I'm going to probably become a Koontz fanatic. Because this man can WRITE!!
I've always been leery about Koontz. Isn't it cheating on Stephen King if I read a Koon More...
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Jun 23, 2009
Brian
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I started on the second in this series but found I could not continue where I'd left off. Since first reading Prodigal son, I read Mary Shelly's original book and I had to re-read Prodigal son in order to better figure out who Frakenstein and his creation really are. If you are likely to read both, I would recommend reading the original before reading Dean Koontz remix. However I think that you should be just as happy, and perhaps happyier just knowing the general storyline the modern man gets
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