Koontzland - Dean Koontz discussion
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By the Light of the Moon
Stand Alone Novels 2000-2007
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By the Light of the Moon (Group Read - April 2011)
I am so excited! This is my favorite Koontz book!!
I love By the Light of the Moon! It would be up there with my favorite Koontz books, but the lack of a really strong villian like Vess in Intensity or Ahriman in False Memory really hurts the story. I wouldn't complain if it were by any other author, but I know what Koontz is capable of.
I liked most things about this book, but disliked that the powers of the characters were not even remotely realistic, given their source.
Jason "plasborgma" wrote: "I liked most things about this book, but disliked that the powers of the characters were not even remotely realistic, given their source."To be honest, the source was never disclosed. It was just a mysterious injection, which is Science Fiction 101. I guess it depends on your approach - if you can buy the premise, or not. There are many serious Science Fiction authors who care about realism in their fiction(Like Michael Crichton) but Koontz is not one of them. For him, this is just the set up for the rest of the novel.
Maciek wrote: "To be honest, the source was never disclosed...."Yes it was, the injection was nanobots.
I know. What I meant was told about the nanobots. I don't think this was necessary, since the mysterious injection/substance is really all that is needed for an set-up for this novel.
Maciek wrote: "I know. What I meant was told about the nanobots. I don't think this was necessary, since the mysterious injection/substance is really all that is needed for an set-up for this novel."It might seem mysterious, but there are limitations to what nanobot injections might accomplish, given the constraints of physics and biology. While it is relatively plausible that they might drastically increase strength, endurance, sensory abilities, intelligence, etc., they could not allow for precognition, teleportation, or the reading of psychic spores. If Koontz wanted to go with such fanciful powers, I wish he had gone with a more fanciful source of those powers, rather than a technology that will likely exist in the next several decades and has known constraints.
Don't get me wrong, in no way I want to make fun of your interests and passions, but most readers really don't care. This is not a serious science-fiction novel, nor does it pretend to be. Science here is at the level of Powerpuff Girls, which means it obviously does not stand up to any sort of scrutiny. I doubt it was Koontz's objective to create a science-fiction novel, because if he tried he'd propably bore his readers to death. His readership demands fast action without too much thinking, and in that department he delivers...or at least used to.
Maciek wrote: "..."Science here is at the level of Powerpuff Girls, which means it obviously does not stand up to any sort of scrutiny....Yes. All I'm saying is that I wish he wouldn't have pursued a quasi-scientific explanation for the source of such fanciful powers. I don't mind the fanciful powers, so long as they have a fanciful source.
Well, one might argue that BTOTM is a classic example of stretched science. The question is: how big a stretch are you going to tolerate and accept?Most casual readers of Koontz are interested in action and suspense, not the scientific explanations and the accuracy of technologies depicted in his novels. They wouldn't distinguish nanobots from toothpaste. Enforcing the understanding of these concepts is something that could alienate a vast percentage of his audience. Including scientific tangents, explaining how a particular solution/technology works and how it can be used is the easiest way to eliminate suspense and drastically slow down the pace of the plot, two things Koontz relies upon in his writings. Koontz doesn't trust his reader and explains every single thing, so the effect would be disastrous for his career.
You might want to try reading Michael Crichton. In most of his works Crichton did a throughout research and included a bibliography at the end of the work. Prey from 2002 deals with nanotechnology, though I can't speak about his accuracy in this field because I know next to nothing. My favorites of his works are Sphere and Jurrasic Park.
Maciek wrote: "Well, one might argue that BTOTM is a classic example of stretched science. The question is: how big a stretch are you going to tolerate and accept?..."I hope you realize you probably insulted most of the people who will be reading your last post. ;-) It's ironic that you chose toothpaste to compare to nanobots, seeing as many toothpastes contain nanoparticles. :-) I'm not arguing that Koontz attempt to explain what nanobots might or might not be able to do, as I agree that it would stymie the plot too much for him and be detrimental to his (style of) writing. Simply, I just wish he wouldn't go for a scientific explanation at all, but rather go with something as fanciful as the powers themselves, such as angels, demons, leprechauns, transdimensional beings, "God," or one of his other usual supernatural plot devices. I am familiar with Crichton's work, though only through films so far. I too enjoy Jurassic Park and Sphere is one of my favorite movies of all time. Prey has been on my to-read list for quite a while now. I'm not suggesting that Koontz be more like Crichton (if I want to read Crichton-type stuff, then I'll just read Crichton), but rather that he stick with supernatural plot devices instead of scientific ones, if he's not going to stay true to the science. We've all seen with Breathless how that can turn out. :-/
The movie of Sphere doesn't do the book justice. I only saw it because it starred Sharon Stone. ;)Actually, I'm okay with the hokey science in Koontz's hands, like in this novel. The mysterious injection and the evil scientist are both traditional staples of paperback fiction so it's basically a wink to the reader. It's not to be taken seriously.
I can see how you are agains such practices as a scientist, but I think it's best that Koontz relies on this stretched science or straightforward supernatural plot devices, which he's been rather fond of for the last few years. Breathless is a good example what can happen when he tries to use scientific reasoning to promote his own views. I'm surprised no one at the publishing house pointed that out.
Maciek wrote: "The movie of Sphere doesn't do the book justice. I only saw it because it starred Sharon Stone. ;) Actually, I'm okay with the hokey science in Koontz's hands, like in this novel. The mysterious i..."I'll read the Sphere novel eventually. I guess my scientific background could be making this an issue for me, where it might not be for most Koontz readers. Having said that, I'd prefer he stick to the supernatural than go with "stretched" science.
Mod
I'm enjoying the posts too. Just wanted to comment that I don't go to Koontz for action as much as the mystery and suspense. And, to be honest, for the heart. Lots of beautiful characters in his books--especially the Odd Thomas series. They're my favorite, I have to say. I'm always moved. For action, I enjoy James Rollins, Jack Du Brul, Robert Crais, Grisham, Preston & Child (love them), Crichton, Harlan Coben, and the requisite James Patterson, among others. On a fiction binge right now, having a blast. Oh, and of course, Janet Evanovich.
Mod
I'm reading my first Pendergast novel right now and really loving it! I think I may have just found a new must-read series! I'm reading Cemetery Dance (#9)
Oh, yeah ... I got hooked right off the bat. I would have started at #1 and worked my way through, but the library doesn't have all of them. That's another set I'm going to have to get in hardcover. Pendergast is a fantastic character.
Dustin Crazy wrote: "I'm reading my first Pendergast novel right now and really loving it! I think I may have just found a new must-read series! I'm reading Cemetery Dance ..."
These books are great. You have to go back and start from the beginning. They can be quite gruesome.
I read fiction novels because they are just that, fiction. Inconsistancies and vague explanations don't bother me because if the story is good enough it shouldn't matter about nanobots or go go gadgets IMO. Once a book gets to technical I tend to put it down, not because I don't understand the science behind it, sometimes I just want a good story that carries me away.
Edward wrote: "Dustin, this is definitely one of my favorites, and I can't wait to read it in April. Actually, what will end up happening is I'll pick off my shelf when I get home and read it long before then. :)"It can't be too long before, because April is only 5 days away. :-)
I picked up By The Light of the Moon at the library today and I am ready to start reading.
Just checking in to see who's how far along...As to the nanobots, Koontz isn't making an attempt to be "totally factual" he could have used anything from drugs to magic to radioactive spiders as a "gimmick". It's just a device to build the story around. i suspect he was reading about nanobots and maybe listening to Coast to Coast with Art bell or something and it all clicked.
I like this book pretty well. I mean I can see some of Koontz's trademarks here and there, but that's okay if it tells a good story and fits together right. I was a little annoyed at some spots, but not to badly.
Mod
I am already on chapter 5 with In the light of the Moon and I really like it so far.
Dustin Crazy wrote: "Haven't started yet. I'm going to read Fear Nothing first - anyone want to join Linda & I in reading Fear Nothing?"You may want to hold off on reading Fear Nothing because it may be the May read.
Mod
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
I scored! I got the book at the flea market yesterday for a dollar. hardback! So, I am just beginning. I hope it gets better. What a waste of cheeseburger and shake!
I found my copy of BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON and I started reading it. On Chapter 4 now.Another Koontz book not started in California! Wow!
I am at the last five chapters of this book and I was almost late for work because I didn't want to stop!
I like this book and while some of the "interplay" between the characters and the accounts of Shep's struggle got a bit labored on a couple of the later reads (LOL) it holds up well. This is one of my favorite Koontz reads.
I finally finished this book and I really enjoyed reading it. It seems morbid to say that I actually chuckled out loud to certain parts but I did. I couldn't help it! Koontz has always done that.
I had already started reading this when it was announced as the April read, so thanks for that!The wedding scene is epic. I couldn't read it fast enough!
Some of the banter is cheesy at parts -- as if Dean Koontz was channeling my father for the banter.
I found it hard to believe (I know -- science fiction) that Dylan was able to curb his powers so quickly -- the whole book takes place over 24 hours (roughly) and this piece kinda had me rolling my eyes.
Still an enjoyable read. I'm glad people are enjoying it. Love me some Koontz!
I'm just on Chapter 28. I'm getting impatient with Sheppard. I wonder at the patience of anyone dealing autism. From parents to caretakers. How do they do it without going mad!! Dylan almost lost patience with his brother Shep a few chapters back.This book is reminding me of THE DEAD ZONE and the movie RAIN MAN.
I've read this one more than once and the "re-reading" of those scenes is a problem for me. In a real situation it would be far more difficult than this fictional account I'm sure. Like you, I can't imagine it. I've skipped through a lot of this part of the story having read it before.
Mischelle wrote: "...I wonder at the patience of anyone dealing autism. From parents to caretakers. How do they do it without going mad!!..."Shep is not representative of all people with autism. Autism is a very heterogeneous disorder, varying in severity and presentation of symptoms. There are those much higher functioning than Shep and those much lower functioning. Regardless, caring for someone with autism always poses some extra challenges.
I really struggled with this one,just found it really corny.I felt like i was reading a super hero comic book with the heroes using their powers for the common good.I think the book was also crying out for an evil villain although the scientist was pretty crazy.This book just wasn't for me,although i will continue to read Koontz as i have enjoyed most of his books i have read.
I think the superhero motif is not only obvious but intentional(aimed at). As noted I liked this one and I suppose it may be largely for the reasons you (William) disliked it. Goes to show the difference in taste.I think sometimes stories can walk the line of "corny" and come off well. It's like "melodramatic" Moss Heart once said (I believe it was Moss Heart) that there's nothing wrong with Melodrama as long as it's good melodrama. The same can be true of what we usually call "corn". This book is obviously brain candy with a bit of moralizing folded into the mix. Among Koontz's work this is one of my favorites... a matter of too each their own I suppose.
I do agree the superhero part of the story was intentional and the ending was certainly tongue in cheek and deliberately corny.I just think Koontz has written far better books like Phantoms and Midnight,I maybe just prefer his older horror novels,but hey it would be boring old world if we all liked the same thing.
Like I said taste. I was ambivalent about Phantoms and found Midnight not to my taste at all, some it (I thought a lot of it way over the top). Koontz has a huge fan following but we don't all like the same books. It's one of those oddities of the publishing world. He appeals to different groups at different times. LOL
Maciek wrote: "Well, one might argue that BTOTM is a classic example of stretched science. The question is: how big a stretch are you going to tolerate and accept?Most casual readers of Koontz are interested in..."
Well it's a novel meant for entertainment not education so how much scientific thoery does one really need?
I enjoyed this book simply because you can get wrapped up into it and while reading can aside all the worries of your life and just enjoy what you are reading. I hope that makes sense, going on only 3hrs sleep here, sorry.
Mischelle wrote: "I'm just on Chapter 28. I'm getting impatient with Sheppard. I wonder at the patience of anyone dealing autism. From parents to caretakers. How do they do it without going mad!! Dylan almost lo..."Really? I thought Shep did amazing at adapting along the way, having dealt with an autistic child at times, it suprised me that Shep didn't have more total meltdowns but like someone else said(sorry I forgot whom& am too lazy to go look. ;]) there are differing ranges of the Autism sprectrum.
Mod
I think it's amazing the diverse audience Dean writes for and the cross-genre novels he publishes :-) Personally, I don't like the Koontz horror so much as the intriguing mysteries. So I think I'd class myself in with same category as Mike & fans. My favorites are Life Expectancy, By The Light of the Moon, Relentless, Cold Fire, Mr. Murder, The Taking etc. But, William I appreciate your taste in Koontz fiction also, Midnight and Phantoms just aren't among my favorites :-)
Mod
"The effect is without exception interesting, frequently astonishing, and sometimes positive."
Mod
"Even in dangerous times, most people dared to hope, but Jillian Jackson insisted upon hope, took as much sustenance from it as she took from food." - Chapter 2
This book is so great - one character is an aspiring writer and one is an artist - usually Dean only gives us one or the other :-) This book is Amazing!!!
That's what you'd say if you were a serial killer though...
Mod
I haven't met many serial killers - at least not that I know of. Are you a serial killer Mike? Do you use this line a lot then?
"The effect is without exception interesting, frequently astonishing, and sometimes positive."
I think I'll start watching Dexter then I can learn a lot of the things you know. ;-) Just Kidding.
Turning the focus on someone else...that's what you'd try if you were a serial killer... Or possibly a **** kicking stand-up comic. Of course, the two aren't mutually exclusive.Have you seen any small round guys with a large hypodermic needle and a box of cartoon band-aids?
Mod
Yes.
Humm... Let us know if you develop any, unusual traits.
Koontzland - Dean Koontz
Books mentioned in this topic
By the Light of the Moon (other topics)Breathless (other topics)
By the Light of the Moon (other topics)
The Secret (other topics)
By the Light of the Moon (other topics)
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By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz