November Random Group Read: Lightning by Dean Koontz *Spoilers*

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

You are welcome to join in our discussion of Lightning this month!

[Philip]

I have not finished this book yet. I am about a third of the way through. I have to say, thus far I am wondering where the action adventure is? So far the stuff with Stefan could fill a couple of pages (maybe an exaggeration) and the rest has been this melodrama with the often tragic life of an orphan girl.

I think I heard somewhere that the second half is better, I just hope I can make it that far. This is my first experience with Koontz and well... we will see. I apologize for making the first comment here a semi negative one. The writing is exceptional and

[Philip]

Oops,

...Koontz's style makes an otherwise slow read bearable. Pushing on with it.

[Travis]

It had action. In places but not action packed but the second half us better than the first.

[Philip]

When there is action it is good. The drama parts are not the worst I have seen, but if I had as much tragedy in my life as Laura does I don't know what I would do. The scene with Kokoshka on the icy road was good. That kind of action and the time travel story line keeps me reading.

[Sharon]

Lightning is one of my 'keep to re-read' books by Koontz and I always enjoy a re-read. I'm a character-driven reader and while the first part is slow/drama it does pick up the pace and ends up being pretty high-tension.

Re-reads for me, however, are usually contingent on my really liking the characters and this is definitely one of those. The strength of the main character despite the tragedy she deals with and the strength she imparts to her son through this is amazing. Believable? I'm not sure, but Koontz makes it believable.

This is also one of the very few time-travel books I've truly enjoyed and that seemed as if it was well thought out and cohesive.

[Philip]

Yes, I must say that despite the "slower" parts my "pushing" through them is not as laborious as I have experienced in other books, books that I eventually gave up on. The quality and depth of character is enough to continue reading a book that is not really in my wheelhouse so to speak. Plus I really want to know what the institute, Stefan, and Laura are all about. I understand this group has spoilers so no worries if people who have already finished the book reveal things.

[Sharon]

A number of the earlier Koontz books were like this, slow to start with a great deal of in-depth character development before the tension really started to build.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Sharon wrote: "A number of the earlier Koontz books were like this, slow to start with a great deal of in-depth character development before the tension really started to build."

I might not have picked Lightning as an "Action Adventure." It does get rolling in the end though. It's a suspense thriller that builds tension with a lot of mysterious questions.

That said, As I remember it (it's been a while) I liked the rich characters and it really does get rolling in the second half of the book. (For a more action oriented book by Koontz, I'd go with Phantoms (one of my favorites) or Midnight (much like Phantoms), and "Servants of Twilight" which is both "OH, Crap that's spooky!" and has a lot of action.

My favorite is of course Twilight Eyes, which does some character and mystery building early on, but, by the end, gets rather frantic.

The time travel paradox of this Koontz book reminds me of "The Butterfly Effect" though it predates that one by many years. I also liked the Ludlum-esque use of Nazis as villains with a twist. Sometimes that doesn't work so well but, in this case, who else? (it was written in the 1970s right? (early eighties?))

[Patricia]

If you want constant action by Koontz, try Velocity or The Husband. They are the fastest moving books I ever read--by anyone. Bar none! I love Koontz's writing.

Another fast mover is The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner. Blazingly fast.

patti--aka The MudgeonMama

[Philip]

Headed into the second half. Nice moments of tension with his attempt to destroy the institute.

[Philip]

So there is a nice "Sara Conner, the terminators are coming" feel as the second half picks up.

[Philip]

Laura's flight from her house and the car chase was well done. Chris 's discussion about time paradoxes and rules of time travel is both why I love and hate time travel stories.

[Philip]

So... after finishing this book and reading the afterward, I temper my remarks. I after all, do not want to be thought a sheep. I appreciate that Koontz desired to cross genres. I appreciate too, that this book has been so well received. I admit that the action and intrigue parts were captivating and made me not want to put the book down. The vast majority of this book however, is slow and plodding and seems to me melodramatic. As much as some parts made me want to keep reading, other parts made me want to put it down. I know Koontz is an amazing writer with a huge fan base, but my first impression here is tepid at best. The book for me had tremendous highs and lows and left me glad I was done. Does that make me a sheep or a wolf? Maybe I am a sheep who wants to be a wolf... a sheep in wolf's clothing.

[Daniel]

probably need to read this one in December...the hold is taking forever...and I am second in line for day of the jackal. I will catch up....on day.