Darkest Desires

Ashley Bell #0.25-0.75

by Dean Koontz, Amy Landon (Reader)

From bestselling author Dean Koontz, a trilogy of original novellas, “Last Light”, “Final Hour” and “Troubled Times” about an extraordinary heroine—Makani Hisoka-O’Brien—a Southern California surfer and clairvoyant.

“Last Light”
Makani is a young woman with a good heart and the gift of touch—a troubling gift, and sometime curse, that separates her from others, from her family, friends and lovers—a gift that makes her wary of casual contact. For when Makani touches others, their darkest thoughts and secret deeds are revealed to her. But her exile from the world at large comes to an end when she meets a “gifted” man with a talent of his own—a talent guided by a twisted soul. In a war of wills, only one will survive.

“Final Hour”
Makani saves a stranger from an accident in the park and experiences a most disturbing vision. With her friend Pogo, her dog Bob, and mere traces of information to guide her, Makani must track down two mysterious sisters—one of them innocent, one not.

“Troubled Times”
A friend reveals that he is under attack from a man with supernatural talents—a malevolent man with the power to manipulate time. The power was meant for good—to save humanity—but it was usurped by this man of insatiable greed and lust. Makani must use her gift, yet again, not only to save her friend, but the world as well. Has Makani finally met her match? Can her good heart stand up to such evil? Someone’s time is up and only time will tell whose time that is.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fantasy, Mystery, Time Travel, Short Stories, Paranormal

MP3 CD

First published June 26, 2018

About the author

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 bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.

Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating is 2.5 stars.

This is a collection of three short stories about a character that was introduced in the novel Ashley Bell and is a prequel to it. In this one, we get to see the adventures of Makani. She has a power that when she touches someone, she instantly knows their darkest secret. This leads to knowing some deep dark desires of evil people.

I am going to do this review in two parts. The first part will cover the material by the author. I am not the biggest fan of short stories but these are excellent. Even though we have the same heroes, we get three different types of evil ranging from extreme narcissism to time travel. In typical Koontz fashion, we get the good versus evil and obviously the good has a canine on its team. I enjoyed all three stories and I would give them a four star rating.

The second part of my review concerns how this was offered to readers and this is where I have a huge problem. The first two stories were already released as ebook stories which I purchased on their respective release dates. The third story does not have this option and the only way to read it was thru audible.com or purchase a seven disc audiobook. I have no problem with releasing this into a different format for fans without ereaders. But to not offer the third story in the same format of the first two seems like a pure cash grab. I am extremely disappointed in how the publishing company handled this and this aspect is worthy of one star.

If you are new to all three stories I definitely recommend this. If you have read the first two stories and want to buy it just for the third, I would dissuade you from that action. The third story is the weakest one and is not worth it alone for the kind of money it takes to get that story.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection and f three over wrought short stories that after the first story seemed like first draft story ideas more than fully realized stories. Story 1 = 3/5, story 2 = 2/5, story 3= 2.5/5.
2.5/5.

[AmadorBibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love you Dean Koonrz,

but on this one you let me down a bit...

the homophobic/heterosexist/heteronormative stuff in the second Makani story is "off" for her/their generation and their location (Southern California)...

it just rings untrue for anyone under, say... 40... living on the Coast(s) in the modern era...

[Jaq Greenspon · Rating 2 out of 5]

These three stories share the same protagonist and, for all intents and purposes, the same antagonist, too. Sure, they're "different" characters with different powers, but really, Koontz keeps hitting the same note with these bad guys. It got rather repetitive when taken in a lump, although I'm sure the three stories, if read at separate times, probably would have worked a lot better.

Also, the narrator was monotonous and weak on the male characters - everyone sounded the same. Additionally, she had this weird cadence to her reading, pausing where there shouldn't be pauses and skipping over pauses where they should be.

[Rajiv Vaidyanathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow! This was the first time I abandoned a book because of the narrator. I don't know whether to blame the narrator or the Director here. The Director of the audiobook should be fired and never allowed to direct a reading again. If s/he could not see the problem with odd and incredibly annoying cadence of the narrator, they must be incredibly hearing impaired. EVERY SENTENCE ends on a strange down-tone. No matter the context, the annoying fall off in pitch at the end of every sentence was disconcerting and distracting.

And don't get me started on the voices. In the first story, every single male character had the exact same stoned, dimwit drawl. They all sounded like annoyi9ng pathetic cartoon versions of Bill & Ted (from their Amazing Adventures). How this made it into production after hearing the final version is beyond me. I tried to make it through the book, but gave up halfway through the second story. If I can find it in print somewhere, I will give it a shot since the stories were fairly interesting.

But I will avoid Amy Landon narrations like the plague and am outraged that the Director and the whole production team was okay putting this awful product out there and charge people for it. Shame on them all.

[Mike Marsbergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first two stories—LAST LIGHT and FINAL HOUR—were originally released as ebook prequel stories to ASHLEY BELL, which was at the time Dean Koontz's upcoming novel. I'd intended on reading the stories and the novel at release, but hadn't gotten around to it. Then, three years later, something appeared called DARKEST DESIRES, "the Makani trilogy," featuring a third story as a continuation of LAST LIGHT and FINAL HOUR. This third one is called TROUBLED TIMES, and can currently only be found in this audiobook-exclusive trilogy. Still a lead-up to ASHLEY BELL? I'd assume so.

I listened to the first two stories and half of the third with my then-fiancée. We both liked Dean Koontz (actually, she recommended ODD THOMAS to me; loved it), and were looking for more hobbies to explore together, so I thought we should try listening to audiobooks, discussing them as we listened, that sort of thing. It was a beautiful time and I will always cherish what we shared.

Overall I quite enjoyed the narration and stories. It would've been nice to have an ensemble cast for the different characters, but that's just a pipe dream.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Makani Hisoka-O'Brien fled to Southern California after her special trait emerged. With a single touch, skin to skin, she sees the worst things that the person that she's touching is thinking about. After seeing a few dark secrets from her loved ones, she made a new life customizing cars and surfing. Now, she has run into three different people. All three have some monstrous desires. Could it be possible to use her gift for good? Pogo seems to think so. Is he right? Let's find out.

Dislikes: Reiner was a wicked man. Though Ursula and Undine came in pretty close to his attitude.

The entire novella "Troubled Times" was a bad fit for my tastes. Time travelling tales are not a favored genre of mine.

Likes: Pogo is scary in his intelligence. It should have dawned on his family that a perfect 2.0 grade average is impossible to get without some true intelligence on how to do it.

Bob cannot be a dog, or at least not a normal one. There's something special about him.

Conclusion: This is a fun collection. If you like time travel tales, then you might even have fun with the final story. Enjoy the read.

[Melanie Clarkson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Three shorter stories in one “book,” I listened to the Makani Trilogy as opposed to reading the text itself. For sure, the narrator was half of my problem with this book, as she sounds like that awful social media AI voice with its odd and uneven stresses and nonsensical tones. Hearing the narrator painfully slowly and properly articulate the surf lingo is bad enough, but her male voice characterizations make them all sound like cartoon stoners. Even so, I don’t know if I would have rolled my eyes any less to read, rather than hear, about lithe yet full-figured Makani, exotic Hawaiian-Japanese Makani with the bluest eyes, 26 year old world class surfer and a booming business building hot rods. But wait, she has a psychic gift. But wait, the villain has more gifts! The concepts are simple enough but everything else is over-engineered to pack drama into what are basically novellas. The third tale has a time-traveling murderer, yet none of it is remotely engaging. This was my first and last foray into Koontz.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like most of Dean's stories. This novel was no exception, if not for a slightly lack luster ending and it was a bit choppy in parts. I listened to it in the car and found it more entertaining on Audio.

[Rudy Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though just a short story and Makani's friend Pogo was a bit over the top in his persona. The concept and characters were enjoyable but I would have expected a bit more of a sexual element given the mental picture painted of Makani's physical attraction.

[Bret Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was probably a 4... the second a 3 but the third I didn't even finish... that says alot when I had already invested in 2/3 of the trilogy... I would personally recommend just skipping this one completely.

[Robin Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makani has the ability to touch people and knows their deepest desires or secrets. In this book series, she works with her boyfriend and her dog to eliminate some very bad characters. I enjoyed the series and the culmination of each segment of the story. This is Dean Koontz on top of his game. :)

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of his best. Started off well and then went astray

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

A guilty pleasure. There is something I can't resist about Dean Koontz--it must be the dogs. Makes for a fun and completely unbelievable "read" for a driving accompaniment.

[Donita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I swore off reading more DK books, but I listened to this one and it was good. Not too much rewinding - not a lot of heavy listening/thinking.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story one was good, two was okay, three was awful.

[Jenny Camac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lame story and I could NOT stand the narrator’s voice. Don’t waste your time

[Jenniffer Sassano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly the most torturous book I've ever read by Dead Koontz. Finishing it was a great and supernatural task in itself. Here's to hoping his next book is better.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending a little out there but Koontz Is known for going there

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob the dog was wonderful. Not a 5 because just wasn't there. 3.5 with honors for other book references, some good amusement interspersed, and Bob the dog. Recommend for a fun Koontz novel.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read Dean Koontz. Glad I decided to dab my toe into this trilogy with a female main character, Makanni, throughout the three stories and her erstwhile companions, Pogo and Bob. All three stories revolved around a unique ability Makanni "received" at age 16 and 10 years later she has learned to bear it stoically and still have friends. Once again I am entranced by Mr. Koontz creativity in developing self-absorbed, happily evil, deplorable people. He then places Makanni and crew in nearly impossible situations they manage to survive. A bit scary, a bit creepy and a lot on tension. Even though I know Mr. Koontz ends each story with the good guys winning (as usual with him, thank goodness), I still squirm and pace and close my eyes and hold my breath frequently while listening. Amazing way with words is Mr. Koontz. And Amy Landon narrates with just the right amount of drama.

[Christine L · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the things that I've always loved about Dean Koontz books is that while they're creepy the reader is left feeling and believing that "OMG" this could probably really happen! Even when the story is a little bit "out there".

In this trilogy, I was very much enjoying the first story and had high hopes for this series and more to come. I felt the potential was something to look forward too, however, things kind of went downhill from there. Each story became more and more "out there" and less and less believable. By the time the third story was over frankly I was happy to see it go.

I do think there could be future stories with Makani, Pogo, Frank and of course Bob the dog. But tone it down a bit, Mr. Koontz!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Ashley Bell but I don't remember it well or Makani at all who apparently is in the book. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment of this book (audio version). I enjoyed all three stories very much. The pace moves along well and I love a strong female protagonist. There is an element of the supernatural or paranormal to these stories so keep that in mind. There is also a lot of violence, but it is not overly graphic. I hope to read more about Makani, Bob, and Pogo in the future.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already read the first 2 stories seperately but it had been awhile. I think Final Hour is still my favorite after hearing the 3rd one. The narration was better than I thought it would be. The third one, troubled times had a good concept but wasn't executed as good as it could have been. It will be interesting to see if Pogo, Makani, and Frank are able to alter the future in the right way.

[Elaine Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't think the enitre trilogy was in the same book, but it is. Great concept , but they were so short it was diffucult to get very deep in the characters so they remained rather superficial eventhough there were some attempts to give insight, it just was'nt enough. An entire novel with the same cahracters just might be a good way to go, in the future,

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first entry in this trilogy of novellas was decent. From there it was a steady downhill slope. Not to mention the orator of this audiobook was barely passable. At her best, I found her highly annoying and devoid of any and all characterization.

Not a great experience.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories! I just wish the audiobook had a different narrator; I wasn't fond of the woman's presentation of the stories nor her inability to vary her voice for different characters.

[Donna]

He's getting weirder and wierder. Says things in 100 words when 10 will do. I don't know if I will read any more by him. Been a fan for decades, but maybe no more...

[Becki Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted Dean to keep going on this one!

[John Ledbetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh