** spoiler alert ** This is one of the best and scariest books by Koontz that I've read. I had a constant feeling of dread and anxiety while I was reading it. The main reason for this is that although the story poses some sci-fi elements, it's the general evil, the evil and circumstances that could happen to the reader personally, that bring the book to life. Koontz also does a good job developing the characters. The reader becomes attached tot and cares about them. He even elicits compassion for the villain.

For the majority of this novel, the sci-fi elements also have a Crichton-realism-type feel. They bring up controversial topics. The end of the novel strays some from this "real" feel; however, not really to the detriment of the story as the focus of the story shifts from "The Other" to The Network.

SPOILER: For me, a hot-topic of discussion from this is whether or not clones have souls. Also, does scientifically maturing a human mature all aspects or is some experience necessary? One of the lingering horrors for me is that Marty's parents died thinking their own son killed them.