Innocence

A Novel

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.

She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.

But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance - and nothing less than destiny - has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.

In Innocence, number-one New York Times best-selling author Dean Koontz blends mystery, suspense, and acute insight into the human soul in a masterfully told tale that will resonate with listeners forever.

©2013 Dean Koontz (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Laced with fantastical mysticism, it’s an allegory of nonviolence, acceptance and love in the face of adversity. . . . The narrative is intense, with an old-fashioned ominousness and artistically crafted descriptions. . . . An optimistic and unexpected conclusion [mirrors] his theme. Something different this way comes from Mr. Koontz’s imagination. Enjoy." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Entrancing . . . as speedy a chase-thriller as any Koontz . . . has ever constructed. Written in Koontz’ late mellifluent and reflective manner . . . [ Innocence is] fueled by deep disgust with the world’s evils [and] hope for redemption" ( Booklist, starred review)

"[An] imaginative, mystical thriller from bestseller Koontz . . . This is the most satisfying Koontz standalone in a while" ( Publishers Weekly)

A different Koontz. Deeply disturbing but memorab

Plenty of other reviewers have panned this Koontz novel..I suspect they want the author of Mr Murder, of scary horror that hits them in the face. But there is also the DK of Odd Thomas series..different from Mr Murder as this novel is.

I got the impression that Koontz dug deeply into his authors box of plots for this pre End of the world novel. Koontz does leave many questions unanswered and parts of the story arc never seem to connect with the main arc, yet all in all this was a novel I won't quickly forget.

Addison's unusual appearance is finally but poorly explained in the final chapters of the book, as is the reasons for the goth girl he meets one night use of harlequin makeup. Not really explained are the what's of The Fogs and The Clears amongst other meaningless addendums to the plot.

However, MacLeod Andrews beautiful narration saves the weaknesses in the book and, for me, turned a slightly confusing book into a wonderful listen that kept me up until early hours finishing. It's a real listen again for me because I don't tend to just listen to books and did get side tracked during parts of the story. Next time I intend to pay better attention.

If you like the various Dean Koontz styles, you'll enjoy this listen. If you can't tolerate anything but the horror story Koontz this might not be your kind of book

For me well worth the credit.

Yes, an alter Koontz might be enjoyable.

Where does Innocence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

While I had guessed much of the final outcome, and this story falls within the mystic realms where Koontz often dwells, it is a good tale, nevertheless; it is fodder for your inner —light—theologian. A doomsday story in the same vein of one of his older stories where innocence is the only way to earth's survival while eliminating all that ails our damaged world. A story about the eternal clash of evil vs good, where faulty humanity's original sin can only be expunged by total annihilation, thus granting hope for this earth. Albeit this fiction is not your regular terror fiction, it is an enjoyable read, just a different take.

If you could rename Innocence, what would you call it?

The tittle fits rather well.

Any additional comments?

Maybe start an alternate classification of some of Koontz works, his work can really be divided in at least one more genre. This cannot be classified as a horror book because it could raise unreal expectations while detracting lectors interested in this alternative genre from finding this good read.

Excellent book! Was sad when it ended

Any additional comments?

Great book that I didn't want to end. Loved the characters and the narration was terrific. I highly recommend.

Great Book

One of Koontz's best and I read them all. This is a beautiful story and I really could not stop listening. If you are a Koontz fan or not this is a great read.

Superb and thought provoking!

I had no expectations when I began this book. I only knew I was reading it, or listening to it rather, because I had enjoyed other books by Dean Koontz. I was entranced, and taken to a different arena of thought by the words contained in the book.

Although I could state the plot, list the characters, and provide some explanation of what happens in the story, it would detract from the experience of you the listener.

This book held my attention, and the narrator portrayed the characters well. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more by Dean Koontz.

Amazing story!

I think I've found my new favorite narrator. As always, Dean Koontz did amazing writing. The story was compelling and beautiful. Definitely makes for a quick read.

Pamela's review

This narrator captured my attention from the very beginning. The characters and the storylines were mesmerizing!
I listened to Innocence from the beginning to the end without stopping.
I would recommend this audio book to anyone who loves mystery and fantasy.

Simply awesome

Narrator did great job! He pulls you into the story. Makes you feel for the main characters. Good story line! Highly recommend reading!

Unique venture into a new genre for Koontz

I'm most familiar with Koontz's vast earlier works and I anticipated a immediate dive-in, fast paced gritty novel like those but was somewhat surprised by this Sunday-stroll paced story. It was rich with a mystique I wasn't familiar with in Koontz's toolbox. There were some immediate plot holes you were confused on why he was so vague but of course he wrapped up nicely in the final hour of the story.

I'm a big fan of end-of-world/apocalypse type stories and this is definitely a step into that genre in a way I never saw coming from Koontz. Successful but different.

At times it was slower paced than I think was necessary and the tail end of the story really could have been expanded upon or SOMETHING. But I suppose that was the point. Its not a post-Apocalypse story; its a story leading up to that event.

There were a few details that I found to be a bit disjointed and could theoretically be removed altogether and the story wouldn't have suffered at all. I think he needs to keep dabbling in this direction to fully get A 5-star review but definitely definitely worth the listen.

Twists and Turns, Unexpected

This story has twists and turns and is satisfying and complete. You don't expect the answer it gives till it's revealed, but it's a great story all the way through!