The House at the End of the World

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Soon no one on Earth will have a place to hide in this novel about fears known and unknown by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.

In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortresslike stone house on Jacob’s Ladder island. Once a rising star in the art world, she finds refuge in her painting.

The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. And now two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder in search of someone—or something—they refuse to identify. Although an air of menace hangs over these men, an infinitely greater threat has arrived, one so strange even the island animals are in a state of high alarm.

Katie soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy. But Katie’s not alone after all: a brave young girl appears out of the violent squall. As Katie and her companion struggle across a dark and eerie landscape, against them is an omnipresent terror that could bring about the end of the world.

©2023 The Koontz Living Trust (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Natalie Naudus narrates with the emotion required for a Koontz thriller in which danger lurks around every corner.… Naudus is at her best as she deftly balances the older woman's slightly deeper voice with the frightened teenager's higher pitch.”—AudioFile Magazine

"The House at the End of the World is author Dean Koontz at his very best…deftly narrated from start to finish by the vocal acting talents of Natalie Naudus. Of particular and special interest to fans of dystopian novels, science fiction, and suspense thrillers.”—Midwest Book Review

“Koontz has always had near-Dickensian powers of description and an ability to yank us from one page to the next that few novelists can match.”—Los Angeles Times

Great Story

In typical Koontz fashion this story is full of adventure and moves quickly. The beginning is a little slow as he introduces the characters, but hang on tight once it gets going. The introduction of the fox is a slight swerve from the usual dog character, but a fun, feel good addition to the story. It's a bit unbelievable but I suppose that's the point of this genre. At any rate it's worth the credit.

Glad It Was Better Than the Last One

I have read Dean Koontz for many years, and I have loved most of his books. However, in the last few years, I have actually started books and not been able to finish! I am glad that this book was a little less science fiction/far out time travel weirdness. I can deal with fiction, but I need a little more substance to characters and this book was better with that. His odd Thomas books are my favorite that he has done, and I’d like to read more along that style.

The House

My first Koontz. I listened to the whole story with difficulty. Idk. It was scary but I didn’t get scared. Ever scene is so long and uneventful. So many words swallow up the story. Dialog is lame, story is lame. Just not for me.

What a wonderfully bizzare tale

This book was so full of twists that you need a flow chart when it starts. After a while, you learn who everyone is, if they are good, and where they fit in the story. The ending surprised me the most.This would make for a great movie.

great story

Dean never fails to grab the reader with a story line that is so closely a possibility in today's world that the reader/listener can see the story line contains real facts.

Loved it!

In my view, the best Koontz novel so far. Very good story! Excellent narration!
I would highly recommend if you are in the mood for classic Koontz storytelling!

Great Dean Koontz

Great book for fans of Dean. If you like the Jane Hawk series, you’ll enjoy this.

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Very well done story. Both written and performed ! Kept me interested for the entire day.

So disappointed

I love Dean Koontz, but not this particular story. I was expecting a little more.

Dissatisfied

I did not enjoy this one at all. It doesn’t have the excitement as his other books I’ve read.