Phantoms (Group Read - November 2014)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Phantoms has been chosen as a Koontzland Group Read for the month of November 2014. Here is a brand new thread for discussing the book as you are reading or after you have finished (however you like). Please use spoiler alerts as needed.

For older discussions on Phantoms, previously featured as a group read in June 2010, you may want to visit the other Phantoms thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Sara]

I read this book a while ago and cant really remember the story. So, I am really excited to re-read it. Its like reading a whole new book lol.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I will be getting to Phantoms soon. I am currently reading Watchers. Looking forward to revisiting Phantoms :-)

[Tracy]

I don't think I have read this one yet. Guess now is a good time to do that.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Tracy wrote: "I don't think I have read this one yet. Guess now is a good time to do that."

It is the most perfect time!

[Syd]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I will be getting to Phantoms soon. I am currently reading Watchers. Looking forward to revisiting Phantoms :-)"

I was reading the Phantoms thread from 2010 and I could repost one of your comments as my own. Got the audio book, started reading early, about half way through, not one of my favorites...

[Syd]

More from the 2010 thread: There's a movie. I'd forgotten that. I remember hearing Dean Koontz talk about a movie with Peter Sellers in it. Apparently another horror story as far as getting a movie made. I'll be watching it when I finish the book.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Thanks Syd. I am currently re-reading Phantoms and enjoying it immensely. I don't think I will watch the movie again - the book is much better :-)

Snowville is referred to as "The Dead Town" - I find this an interesting connection to The Frakenstein Series. Also, referring to the entity as "IT" interesting considering the novel by Stephen King.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I previously gave Phantoms a 3 star rating, I will definitely be increasing that to at least a 4 star rating after this go around. I have been less than impressed with Dean's most recent releases, but that is giving me a greater appreciation for his older works.

[Meran]

I just read The City. NOT Horror, though I enjoyed it quite a bit. Well written.

Am at pg 87 in Phantom and liking it well :)

[Barbara]

The book Phantoms is really good.....the movie so-so.

[Syd]

I finished Phantoms today and watched the movie this afternoon. I agree with everyone else, the book is better.
Except for James Bond, the book is always better than the movie. :)

[Barbara]

That's funny Syd.....I loved Phantoms too.....one of his 1st books I read!!

[Meran]

I've read it but I don't think I've put my review up yet.

I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite of his. The monster was certainly VERY different!

[Barbara]

Meran......I thought phantoms was so good because the "atmosphere" of the story was so creepy and built in tension very artfully....with strong characters.....the monster was practically window dressing...:D
The Taking is like Phantoms in that way

[Meran]

I agree, for the most part. I did have some quibbles about it though. Like WHY did they abandon their car and walk for so many blocks once they realized few people were there? Who walks MILES in mountain towns? No one, believe me, especially if you've spent much time at lower elevations. You need to acclimate, coming back. A car would have been essential ;)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Thanks to everyone who participated in the November Group Read by reading Phantoms. Relentless is our December Group Read.

[Barbara]

Well Meran.....you and I maybe wouldn't walk all over a small town of no people.....but we know what happens in scary stories!!! Lol
It was her town and not very big....then everything was happening....the creature would not have let them get back in the car and leave anyway

[Meran]

I've lived in small towns

[Barbara]

I have walked around small towns....love them

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I will walk around a small town any day :-)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

... but maybe not if a mysterious monster killer was on the loose. :-)

[Barbara]

But if it was your small town and the monster was hidden at first.......