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Intensity
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Past midnight, Chyna Shepard, twenty-six, gazes out a moonlit window, unable to sleep on her first night in the Napa Valley home of her best friend's family. Instinct proves reliable. A murderous sociopath, Edgler Foreman Vess, has entered the house, intent on killing everyone inside. A self-proclaimed "homicidal adventurer," Vess lives only to satisfy all appetites as the
...more
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Paperback, 436 pages
Published
October 31st 2000
by Bantam
(first published 1987)
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Susan
Yes, she had already learned how to be a survivor, and also had more sympathy for the person she was trying to save.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Intensity
Intense!!! All right!!!
PERFECT TITLE
The title for this novel, Intensity...
...is truly well selected since this book is indeed...
...intense!!!
You are barely getting confortable, starting to read the book, just a few pages, when...
Bam! Kapow! Tomá guacho!
The horror begins!
So, if you are a horror novel where you don't have to wait much to be full immersed in the action, don't look anymore! This is it! You found the book!
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
I have read quite several books by Koontz ...more
PERFECT TITLE
The title for this novel, Intensity...
...is truly well selected since this book is indeed...
...intense!!!
You are barely getting confortable, starting to read the book, just a few pages, when...
Bam! Kapow! Tomá guacho!
The horror begins!
So, if you are a horror novel where you don't have to wait much to be full immersed in the action, don't look anymore! This is it! You found the book!
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
I have read quite several books by Koontz ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
The intense of the “intensity” initiates from the long drawn out somewhat terrifying scenes of Chyna hiding from Vess in attempts to go unnoticed and to survive, and the intense of the “intensity” continues with fiery...
“...Chyna Shepherd, Untouched and Alive...”
Chyna Shepard had a hard and candidly distressful childhood and she opened up to nobody. The main companion she knew and trusted was Laura. Chyna voyaged home with Laura for spring break and keeping in mind that gazing out the window am ...more
“...Chyna Shepherd, Untouched and Alive...”
Chyna Shepard had a hard and candidly distressful childhood and she opened up to nobody. The main companion she knew and trusted was Laura. Chyna voyaged home with Laura for spring break and keeping in mind that gazing out the window am ...more
I suppose many people feel that Koontz's books are a dime-a-dozen. But INTENSITY is as good a thriller as I've ever read, and that was 18 years ago. Very visceral and very scary. It reminds me a bit of the recent thriller,
, which was one of my favorite books of 2017.
...more
, which was one of my favorite books of 2017.
...more
3 Stars
Chyna is taken to her best friend's family home for a mini break during the school year only to spend the first night hidden under the guest bed as a home invader proceeds to murder all the occupants. Having both an unusual and terrifying childhood Chyna has developed a skill set that has made her a survivor both then and now. As she peers out the window of the guest bedroom she hears a muffled scream and creaking footsteps heading towards her room, instinct takes over and she is under th ...more
Chyna is taken to her best friend's family home for a mini break during the school year only to spend the first night hidden under the guest bed as a home invader proceeds to murder all the occupants. Having both an unusual and terrifying childhood Chyna has developed a skill set that has made her a survivor both then and now. As she peers out the window of the guest bedroom she hears a muffled scream and creaking footsteps heading towards her room, instinct takes over and she is under th ...more
OMG, I haven't read a book like this in years, and don't think I'll be reading one again any time soon. Intensity is the perfect name for this one. It starts right off with an intruder on a killing rampage, and never lets up. I know, how can I keep reading, but the suspense was beyond belief, and the writing incredible. Just the other day I was driving in the mountains, noticing a blue truck was constantly behind me. He even made the same turn I did on a dirt road. Was he coming to kill me? How
...more
An excellent book, full of suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through and the temptation to rush to the end to see what happened was huge! But I was good and enjoyed every word of it. There is a very surprising little twist to the tale at the very end which was nice. It is always good to leave a book on a high and that is certainly the case here. Dean Koontz's books do vary in quality but this is one of the good ones,
...more
May 04, 2019
Cody | CodysBookshelf
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
dean-koontz
Ask any Dean Koontz fan what their favorite Koontz book is, and the answer you will likely get is Watchers, or maybe Odd Thomas. Exceptions to this exist, of course, but those two titles seem to get the most love amongst his fanbase.
Personally, my favorite was The City . . . Until I read Intensity.
This novel is really quite unlike most everything else by Koontz . . . unlike what I’ve read by him, anyway. There is no cloying sentimentality. No precocious children, no forced romance (Koontz almos ...more
Personally, my favorite was The City . . . Until I read Intensity.
This novel is really quite unlike most everything else by Koontz . . . unlike what I’ve read by him, anyway. There is no cloying sentimentality. No precocious children, no forced romance (Koontz almos ...more
Oct 20, 2016
Katie Ziegler (Life Between Words)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
I have never read a more action packed book in my life. It never once let up - almost from page one. In some ways it was a little disorienting because you never had a moment to breathe, but at the same time that's also what you really want when you read a thriller. The writing was meh, nothing special. But the story itself was skillfully told. And obviously unsettling. You get in the head of a serial killer, and who really wants to spend any time in that place!? Not me. And yet, I read the whole
...more
Incredible and intense book. Great heroine, gripping villain, and good narrative.
The last 200 pages of this book are what makes me want to give it 5 stars but I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped to, so four stars it is. The end plot twist was something I did not see coming and for that I applaud Koontz; I read this book relatively quickly and I didn't have to force myself to keep reading.
...more
Feb 11, 2008
Josh
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
(Not for Natalie)
Recommended to Josh by:
Tim Nielsen
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" fits the bill. Be warned though,
...more
Re reading for September 2015 with Koontzland group. As with many Koontz novels, I enjoyed this one more the second time around. First of all I liked Koontz' descriptions, vivid but not too long. His use of simile and metaphor enhanced the reading for me. I won't go into the plot because many other reviewers have done that. As for characterization, Chyna is one of Koontz' strongest female characters. She fought for herself as a young girl and continues to fight the obstacles in her path. Chyna i
...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I think I have sadly hit my limit with Koontz. My first book by this author was AMAZING. The second was just as amazing. Then somewhere down the road, the villains all started to meld together. The villains became a little predictable for me because they all shared the same qualities.
Now that doesn't mean that this book didn't entertain me. There were times that my heart was racing and I was scared to death for the MC. The first 60% of the book was the best. I just wanted it to be over after th ...more
Now that doesn't mean that this book didn't entertain me. There were times that my heart was racing and I was scared to death for the MC. The first 60% of the book was the best. I just wanted it to be over after th ...more
Nov 30, 2007
Naomi
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
lovers of blood and gore and scariness
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 read another ...more
I am glad I finished it. But I'm not going to hurry to read another ...more
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. It'll freak you out, and there's ...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. It'll freak you out, and there's ...more
"Intensity" lives up to its name. Intense from the first page to the last, well written and masterfully suspenseful, it's one of the best books by Dean Koontz.
""God fears me." ...more
""God fears me." ...more
The title definitely describes this book. Dean Koontz really nailed this book.
Intense and edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. So good! Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ China Shephard untouched and alive!
I have never considered Intensity among my favorite Dean Koontz books, but it is a beautiful story. There is very little supernatural element to this one.(view spoiler)
I love the references to ...more
I love the references to ...more
I have so many books on my Kindle that were on sale or free that I haven't read yet. I've been browsing today & found Intensity which I bought in 2010. Let's give it a try.
My heart rate has been about 110 to 120 while reading this book. Its the story of a real sicko! It was close to a 5 star for me but the ending went on and on. The title is perfect for this book, it was intense! ...more
My heart rate has been about 110 to 120 while reading this book. Its the story of a real sicko! It was close to a 5 star for me but the ending went on and on. The title is perfect for this book, it was intense! ...more
Ladies and gentlemen I surprisingly managed to end my criticism of "Linnea Hartsuyker's"The Half-DrownedKing," but as I warned when drafting the above-mentioned review. It is quite possible that I will not be able to finish the criticism quoted today, and I am forced to continue it tomorrow, so I ask Goodreads users to be patient with me.
What surprised me as I read Dean R. Koontz's novel is the huge number of people. That is, users, who followed with great interest the reading progress of"Inten ...more
What surprised me as I read Dean R. Koontz's novel is the huge number of people. That is, users, who followed with great interest the reading progress of"Inten ...more
Jul 02, 2012
Jane Stewart
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
5-star-other,
suspense-thriller
Fabulous. Scary. Incredible heroine.
Readers who liked The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo should like this. The two heroines (Lisbeth in Dragon Tattoo and Chyna in Intensity) were similar in their actions. Chyna chose to fight what seemed impossible. Instead of running and trying to get away (like normal people) she went after him with the barest of weapons. She was resilient, resourceful, brave. She called it reckless caring. In the beginning of the story, Chyna is trying to get away from Edgler a ...more
Readers who liked The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo should like this. The two heroines (Lisbeth in Dragon Tattoo and Chyna in Intensity) were similar in their actions. Chyna chose to fight what seemed impossible. Instead of running and trying to get away (like normal people) she went after him with the barest of weapons. She was resilient, resourceful, brave. She called it reckless caring. In the beginning of the story, Chyna is trying to get away from Edgler a ...more
INTENSITY (Mini-Group Read 2017) link - June 1st
This is my second read & I added more "fire" notes. Sheriff Vess is "sick" killing his parents, grandmother & adoptive parents by "fire". In the end, Chyna/Ariel in the motor home chase/crash into Vess' police car & spilled gasoline on the pavement. They roll in gas trying to escape. Chyme reaches to Vess' gas-soaked boots with a (view spoiler)
May 20 ...more
This is my second read & I added more "fire" notes. Sheriff Vess is "sick" killing his parents, grandmother & adoptive parents by "fire". In the end, Chyna/Ariel in the motor home chase/crash into Vess' police car & spilled gasoline on the pavement. They roll in gas trying to escape. Chyme reaches to Vess' gas-soaked boots with a (view spoiler)
May 20 ...more
I read this a long time ago but just now realized I never reviewed.
This book shaped me as an author.
How? you might ask.
Because villains don't have to be creepers with bad teeth. The scariest come in a package you never expected. Depraved doesn't mean on the outside they are not passable, even likable.
What scares me most are bad guys/gals we'd let help us with our groceries.
(Still a favorite) ...more
This book shaped me as an author.
How? you might ask.
Because villains don't have to be creepers with bad teeth. The scariest come in a package you never expected. Depraved doesn't mean on the outside they are not passable, even likable.
What scares me most are bad guys/gals we'd let help us with our groceries.
(Still a favorite) ...more
I started reading this the other day, only to realize I've already read this book quite a few years ago. It all came back to me as I was reading and I'm not one to reread books unless I just totally forgot the plot. There's just too many other books out there that I want to read. It's a great book though! One of the few that actually makes my heart race and literally has me checking behind doors.
...more
Chyna needs to make some better life decisions.
In Intensity, Dean Koontz goes from zero to sixty & doesn’t let up, whether it’s an action scene or racing thoughts from the minds of two crazy ass people...it just doesn’t let up, creating an extremely intense experience. I had to listen to this in small doses at certain points. He definitely succeeded in creating an unsettling atmosphere. Unfortunately, in order for him to keep that pace up, we are stuck in the minds of these two and there’s a ton of unnecessary inner dialogue that I could’ve
...more
Chyna is a 26-year old graduate student of psychology who, due to a traumatic childhood, is just now getting to a point of enjoying what life has to offer. But while taking a short vacation with her best friend in the Napa Valley, she comes face-to-face with a psycho serial killer. Literally, the entire book (after the opening scene) is her attempts to get away from him and/or kill him.
Dean Koontz is always a tough sell for me. Some of his books have been good experiences but others are a real c ...more
Dean Koontz is always a tough sell for me. Some of his books have been good experiences but others are a real c ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbolism | 1 | 7 | Jul 26, 2019 06:57PM | |
| Creepy Book Club: Intensity (January 2019 Pick) - Post Your Reviews Here! | 4 | 18 | Feb 01, 2019 12:35AM | |
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Thriller: Family murdered, friend hides and escapes to killer's RV to help capture him. [s] | 5 | 23 | Nov 09, 2018 07:29AM | |
| Koontzland - Dean...: INTENSITY (Mini-Group Read 2017) | 63 | 31 | Jun 18, 2017 12:42PM | |
| Koontzland - Dean...: Intensity (Group Read - October 2011) | 99 | 150 | May 21, 2017 04:25PM | |
| Koontzland - Dean...: Intensity (Group Read - September 2015) | 144 | 50 | May 21, 2017 04:24PM | |
| Play Book Tag: Intensity / Dean Koontz. 5 stars | 3 | 12 | Mar 08, 2017 04:53PM |
Readers also enjoyed
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, the author of many #1 New York Times bes ...more
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bes ...more
Articles featuring this book
Dean Koontz has been a long-time master of the suspense, with his bestselling Odd Thomas and Jane Hawk series as well as his many standalone...
37 likes · 24 comments
2 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“There are no explanations for human evil. Only excuses.”
—
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“Hunches [are] just messages from the subconscious, which [is] thinking furiously all the time and processing information we have not consciously noted.”
—
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