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Watchers
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When Travis Cornell and Nora Devon meet “Einstein”, they are touched by the dog's intelligence. Einstein is one of two altered life forms escaped from a top-secret lab. The other—The Outsider—is a deadly hybrid. To protect themselves, Travis and Nora must learn to be deadly as well.
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Paperback, 483 pages
Published
April 1st 1988
by Berkley
(first published February 2nd 1987)
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Community Reviews
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Start your review of Watchers
Mar 21, 2016
Shelby *trains flying monkeys*
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-2016,
everyone-loved-but-me
I haven't read Dean Koontz in years. I don't think I've missed much after reading this one though. BUT some of my other buddy readers think differently. They are wrong.
Dean Koontz can't even wash his panties in the same room with Stephen King.
Now that I've put that image in your head, I'll ramble some about the book. You have this lab who had been creating super smart critters to fight. They never really tell how so don't be getting your sciency on for this one. There is a hit man who is off ...more
Dean Koontz can't even wash his panties in the same room with Stephen King.
Now that I've put that image in your head, I'll ramble some about the book. You have this lab who had been creating super smart critters to fight. They never really tell how so don't be getting your sciency on for this one. There is a hit man who is off ...more
I know this is a classic for many readers but I expected more, honestly. Watchers is my first read by Koontz so I have nothing to compare it to, but my first wander into his mind was disappointing. And a little weird.
It could partly be that this particular book doesn't withstand the test of time. There are definitely aspects that feel dated (I got a bit of shock when I realized how long ago 1987 actually was!). Even the array of stereotypical characters here felt old-fashioned-- ex soldier hero, ...more
It could partly be that this particular book doesn't withstand the test of time. There are definitely aspects that feel dated (I got a bit of shock when I realized how long ago 1987 actually was!). Even the array of stereotypical characters here felt old-fashioned-- ex soldier hero, ...more
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Somehow I’ve managed to live over five and a half dog years without ever reading a Dean Koontz novel. However, when I was presented with the opportunity to do a buddy read with . . .
I jumped at the chance. What do I have to say now that I’m finished?????
I mean LOTS better because I really had a pretty horrible time while reading this one. In case you too have spent decades ignoring Koontz, here’s the lowdown of what Watchers i ...more
Somehow I’ve managed to live over five and a half dog years without ever reading a Dean Koontz novel. However, when I was presented with the opportunity to do a buddy read with . . .
I jumped at the chance. What do I have to say now that I’m finished?????
I mean LOTS better because I really had a pretty horrible time while reading this one. In case you too have spent decades ignoring Koontz, here’s the lowdown of what Watchers i ...more
I don’t even care about all the things wrong with this book, I love it, I’m going to 5* it, and I’ll internet fight with anyone who wants to question it.
May 13, 2012
Edward Lorn
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Menstruating lemurs and people who liked Hitler before he was Hitler-Hitler
What started as a buddy read involving Stepheny, Dan 2.0, Delee, Kells. and Shelbs, soon descended into organized Koontz-shaming. Our seemingly harmless group excursion into one of Dean Koontz's best books became a game of Who Can Take the Hottest Squat On E.'s Childhood? That's fine, though, because Kells's and Shelbs's brains have been rotted by reading too much porn, and we all know that Dan 2.0 suffers from Ridiculous Disease, a disease that confuses fiction with real life and makes its suff
...more
Very overrated...I had high expectations for the book, because of the almost universal applause it gets...and it turned out to be yet another Koontz dog novel.
The characters in this novel are shallow and cardboard - the ex delta force soldier, a widower, falls in love with an abused woman. Of course despite her abuse lasting for years she gets out of the shell in several months and gets pregnant, drives a car, even uses weapons !
The scene when they have weapons hidden all over their house is qui ...more
The characters in this novel are shallow and cardboard - the ex delta force soldier, a widower, falls in love with an abused woman. Of course despite her abuse lasting for years she gets out of the shell in several months and gets pregnant, drives a car, even uses weapons !
The scene when they have weapons hidden all over their house is qui ...more
Unputdownable, with surprisingly deep characterization, and a super-smart dog that runs around adorably.
+ a nightmarish monster that escapes a laboratory and starts munching on the peaceful population of modern suburbia.
An immaculate mix of horror, romance, and action.
+ a nightmarish monster that escapes a laboratory and starts munching on the peaceful population of modern suburbia.
An immaculate mix of horror, romance, and action.
Mar 21, 2016
Ɗẳɳ 2.☊
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Ɗẳɳ 2.☊ by:
Delee
Shelves:
buddy-reads,
sci-fi-thriller
★★☆☆☆½
“We have a responsibility to stand watch over one another, we are watchers, all of us, watchers, guarding against the darkness.”
Travis Cornell truly believes he’s cursed. Seemingly, everyone he’s ever loved has suffered an untimely death, including his entire army unit and more recently his wife. He’s all alone in the world, scared to make any new connections, slowly slipping into a dark depression. In an attempt to lift his spirits, he revisits a favorite childhood destination—the Santa A ...more
“We have a responsibility to stand watch over one another, we are watchers, all of us, watchers, guarding against the darkness.”
Travis Cornell truly believes he’s cursed. Seemingly, everyone he’s ever loved has suffered an untimely death, including his entire army unit and more recently his wife. He’s all alone in the world, scared to make any new connections, slowly slipping into a dark depression. In an attempt to lift his spirits, he revisits a favorite childhood destination—the Santa A ...more
Jan 19, 2008
Bianca
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Mark and anyone else who enjoys reading about dogs..
I totally enjoyed Watchers. Honestly? it is what it is, and, yes, some of the characterizations and descriptions were a bit, well, heavy handed. But--the dog, Einstein, is completely irresistible. Mostly is a real page turner. It was my before bed reading, and most nights it gave me nightmares, but I couldn't stop reading. And did I mention the dog?
In the first chapter, Travis Cornell is hiking in Santiago Canyon, and he finds (or perhaps is found by?) a stray dog, who seems to be warning him ...more
In the first chapter, Travis Cornell is hiking in Santiago Canyon, and he finds (or perhaps is found by?) a stray dog, who seems to be warning him ...more
This was one of the first books I ever read by the author and I was hooked. He has a way of frightening you witless but not allowing you to put the book down. I HAD to know how it ended. A classic.
I went in to this hearing that this was the best Koontz book ever. Of his books I have read, I would not say that this was my favorite (maybe not even in the top 5) - but it was still pretty good.
The following may get me "booed" by some, but I am not really a dog person and Koontz often has a golden retriever as a main character. I think that fact may have tainted my feelings about this book a bit. I don't mind having a pet or an animal as a main character in a book, but here it felt like a bit ...more
The following may get me "booed" by some, but I am not really a dog person and Koontz often has a golden retriever as a main character. I think that fact may have tainted my feelings about this book a bit. I don't mind having a pet or an animal as a main character in a book, but here it felt like a bit ...more
This is one of the most popular novels of Dean Koontz. The story appeals not only horror fans but I think that readers who like techno-thriller may find quite amusing the book, since the story uses in a very creative way elements of science fiction and indeed you have a plot full of suspense. Also, the book has clearly many of the trademark things of Dean Koontz. You have a smart dog and can be easily one of the smarter dogs in Koontz's book, if not the smartest of all. If you are a dog-lover, t
...more
Apr 23, 2008
Jamie
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
never-to-read-again
blah.... Now, I know that when someone writes a book it doesn't have to reflect real life, but does that mean that they couldn't at least try to make it seem real? Like whatever is going on in the book could really happen in the 'real' world?
Do you think that Dean Koontz could have wrote a book that wasn't so drippy with sentimentality towards his favorite breed of dog, that other people could actually get through it?
Well, I did - barely. It was soooo dang painful too. All his annoying story rec ...more
Do you think that Dean Koontz could have wrote a book that wasn't so drippy with sentimentality towards his favorite breed of dog, that other people could actually get through it?
Well, I did - barely. It was soooo dang painful too. All his annoying story rec ...more
Wow!! Just wow!! I loved it. This book had EVERYTHING!! It’s my first Dean Koontz book, the writing, the story, all of it was fantastic. Great characters as well!! One of my all time favorite books.
Feb 23, 2010
Bark | Ladies Of Horror Fiction
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
horror
I recently reread this old favorite of mine as an unabridged audiobook. It was one of my childhood favorites so I was almost afraid to touch it and ruin the mystique I'd built up around it. Surprisingly enough, I managed to enjoy most of it despite the fact that I've become much pickier and crabbier about my reading choices as I've, eh, matured.
This is Koontz's famous tale about genetically engineered animals which is probably much more probable and frightening now than it was in 1987! Political ...more
This is Koontz's famous tale about genetically engineered animals which is probably much more probable and frightening now than it was in 1987! Political ...more
An entertaining and touching story that is part sci-fi, part romance and part thriller resulting in a fast-paced read. If you are an animal lover, you will surely love Einstein the dog, but probably feel sorry for the Outsider too. One of my favorite character's, other than Einstein of course, was the attorney, Garrison Dilworth. What a tough old dude! Enjoyed it!
...more
3/10
I did not enjoy this book at all. I seem to be one of the few people though judging on the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I pretty much skimmed the last 200 pages which is the first time I’ve ever had to do that with a book but I knew I would be reading it all month otherwise.
The concept/plot of this book was intriguing to me and the whole ethical dilemma of animal testing with a bit of action thrown in for good measure sounded like it could be onto something. Add into that there is a Lab ...more
I did not enjoy this book at all. I seem to be one of the few people though judging on the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I pretty much skimmed the last 200 pages which is the first time I’ve ever had to do that with a book but I knew I would be reading it all month otherwise.
The concept/plot of this book was intriguing to me and the whole ethical dilemma of animal testing with a bit of action thrown in for good measure sounded like it could be onto something. Add into that there is a Lab ...more
I once went through a Dean Koontz phase, which involved me going to the bookstore and completely clearing an entire shelf's worth of Koontz paperbacks. I voraciously devoured (not literally, of course) them all in a relatively short span. (I'm pretty sure I missed a few meals and a shower or two.) What Koontz lacks in literary depth, he more than makes up for in readability, suspense, and just plain, old-fashioned good storytelling. "Watchers" was, hands down, my favorite of his mainly because t
...more
This was a solid book. Better than 3 stars because the characters, including animals, were more complex than a standard novel.
I didn’t find it that suspenseful or scary, which was good for me, because that genre doesn’t generally appeal to me.
I didn’t find it that suspenseful or scary, which was good for me, because that genre doesn’t generally appeal to me.
One of my favorite Koontz books! If you are a dog lover this will be a favorite. If you're not this book might just change your mind. Fantastic!
...more
It is always a little bit scary to return to a book you loved a long time ago. It’s been over 20 years (not 10) since I read this, remembering only really enjoying it, the dog and the uber ‘bad’. Well, I am happy to report that I still enjoyed it, but a little differently.
Koontz still offers a great thriller with shades of horror and romance. It is a great story but I must admit that parts of the book are at times a little slow. I do understand why this happens - in order to give time to the mai ...more
Koontz still offers a great thriller with shades of horror and romance. It is a great story but I must admit that parts of the book are at times a little slow. I do understand why this happens - in order to give time to the mai ...more
I have read this book several times over the years, but it has been a while since the last time I read it.
One of the things that amazes me about Koontz is his ability to create characters that pull you into the story and root for them. The main characters, Travis and Nora, overcome difficulty early on in the book and it is clear that Koontz wants us to be on their side. Additionally, there is the absolutely pure character of Einstein (the Golden Retriever) who it is nearly impossible NOT to like ...more
One of the things that amazes me about Koontz is his ability to create characters that pull you into the story and root for them. The main characters, Travis and Nora, overcome difficulty early on in the book and it is clear that Koontz wants us to be on their side. Additionally, there is the absolutely pure character of Einstein (the Golden Retriever) who it is nearly impossible NOT to like ...more
3.5
So, I guess it’s time to come clean, guys.
My name is Stepheny and I push books. *hangs head*
I know many of you had noooooo idea that I was a book pusher, but a select few have seen me doing it. It’s time to clear the air once and for all. I push books because I like doing it. I likeforcing encouraging others to read books that I love. I don’t discriminate. I push books on kids, teens, adults and the elderly. I do it subtlety as well as in an in-your-face manner. I push big books, small book
...more
So, I guess it’s time to come clean, guys.
My name is Stepheny and I push books. *hangs head*
I know many of you had noooooo idea that I was a book pusher, but a select few have seen me doing it. It’s time to clear the air once and for all. I push books because I like doing it. I like
This is the book picked by a member of our book club (for end of December), and I never would have read a Dean Koontz book otherwise. And, well… maybe I still haven’t, as I listened to this on audio book (narrated by Edoardo Ballerini).
While I appreciate the creativity of the story, and the wonderful dog at its center, suspense thrillers – with Russian connections, organized crime, detectives sniffing around for ‘clues’ – are just not the kind of reading I enjoy. I found much of it predictable ...more
While I appreciate the creativity of the story, and the wonderful dog at its center, suspense thrillers – with Russian connections, organized crime, detectives sniffing around for ‘clues’ – are just not the kind of reading I enjoy. I found much of it predictable ...more
My first Dean Koontz novel and what a surprise it was! I was not expecting to go into this one and come out with a new favourite on my hands! I defy any dog-lover to read this book and not fall in love with Einstein and the whole story.
In a way, the plot reminded me of Frankenstein: scientists messing around with genetics, creating things that probably should not be created and then reaping the consequences. Koontz raises a lot of interesting questions and though I don't agree with some of his o ...more
In a way, the plot reminded me of Frankenstein: scientists messing around with genetics, creating things that probably should not be created and then reaping the consequences. Koontz raises a lot of interesting questions and though I don't agree with some of his o ...more
3.5 stars
I read this for the '80s Horror square for Halloween Bingo
When the telephone rang, it startled her. She put down her pencil and reached for the receiver. "Hello?"
"Funny," a man said.
"Excuse me?"
"They never heard of him."
I know this story has monsters, psycho killer, semi-curses, awful bitter aunt, and government agents, but this was the moment that sent a chill down my spine.
Nora's aunt that kept her just about child protective services needed isolated dies and leaves Nora alone a ...more
I read this for the '80s Horror square for Halloween Bingo
When the telephone rang, it startled her. She put down her pencil and reached for the receiver. "Hello?"
"Funny," a man said.
"Excuse me?"
"They never heard of him."
I know this story has monsters, psycho killer, semi-curses, awful bitter aunt, and government agents, but this was the moment that sent a chill down my spine.
Nora's aunt that kept her just about child protective services needed isolated dies and leaves Nora alone a ...more
Oct 23, 2019
Obsidian
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2019-library-books,
favorites
Well damn, a Dean Koontz book made me cry. The last one that made me cry was "Odd Thomas." This book hits me everywhere. Though I could have done without the whole ssnap guy (Vince) the rest of the book just works perfectly. I loved the characters (Travis and Nora) I fell in love with Einstein and also with everyone along the way who wanted to keep Einstein free. This book hits all the feels and I can see now why after the success of this book Koontz had to just have a dog in every book he put o
...more
Koontzland - Group Read - April 2019
National Security Agency (NSA) - A government lab crisis occurs when 2 experiments escape - Einstein, a intelligent golden retriever & “The Outsider” monster.
The Outsider wants to kill Einstein.
Travis Cornell & Nora Devon find Einstein, protect him & learn of his superior intelligence. They fall in love being with Einstein (the golden retriever). Einstein continues to prove his intelligence, answering questions by arranging Scrabble Tiles into WORDS & wa ...more
National Security Agency (NSA) - A government lab crisis occurs when 2 experiments escape - Einstein, a intelligent golden retriever & “The Outsider” monster.
The Outsider wants to kill Einstein.
Travis Cornell & Nora Devon find Einstein, protect him & learn of his superior intelligence. They fall in love being with Einstein (the golden retriever). Einstein continues to prove his intelligence, answering questions by arranging Scrabble Tiles into WORDS & wa ...more
Started out so good. Nice character development, danger, mystery, horror. And then Koontz trys to write romance. No! No, no no no! Very unpalitable. The characters lost their development (I don't know who they were at the end). And Koontz's love for dogs (all-be-it touching), just doesnt work.
What was a solid 4 star turned into a weak 3 star. So-be-it 3 it is. ;-) ...more
What was a solid 4 star turned into a weak 3 star. So-be-it 3 it is. ;-) ...more
Good story more of an "early Koontz" which you can tell from the attitude and the language. Good story though. Do you love dogs...I do and so does Koontz. Especially Golden retrievers. I want to say I liked this book more than the rating may indicate. the story was good and drew me in, I didn't mind the predictability or formulaic parts so much...they exist in a lot of modern "thriller" and "drama" fiction, sort of just "part of it". I "dropped" it from 4 to 3 mostly on Koontz's use of profanity
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading List Comp...: Watchers by Dean Koontz | 7 | 13 | Dec 24, 2020 06:10AM | |
| Stephen King/Dean Koontz | 68 | 471 | Jan 01, 2020 04:56AM | |
| Koontzland - Dean...: Watchers (Group Read - April 2019) | 29 | 45 | Jun 25, 2019 04:17PM | |
| The R.E.A.D. Book...: December 2017 -- Watchers | 44 | 15 | Jan 26, 2018 08:27AM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Please add cover art, 'Watchers', Swedish Edition | 3 | 12 | Dec 26, 2017 12:35PM | |
| The Challenge Fac...: Tammie, Logan & Christina T - Watchers | 4 | 10 | Nov 29, 2017 08:11PM |
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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...
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“You've taught me that we're all needed, even those who sometimes think we're worthless, plain and dull. If we love and allow ourselves to be loved...well, a person who loves is the most precious thing in the world, worth all the fortunes that ever were. That's what you've taught me, fur face,and because of you I'll never be the same.”
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“the worst happens when you least expect it”
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