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)

Loved the premise...not so much the characters

Either I'm a traditionalist, who believes the guy should be strong and woman weak...NOT, or I just can't fall in love with a character who appears so weak, regardless of gender. I liked this book and the story, I just couldn't fall in love with the characters who had very little depth to me. Maybe they were supposed to be the epitome of one or another strength, but that's not real life. AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

probably the less good book of his

I fell asleep 2 times and was overall slightly bored with this story. first time with a Koontz book

Not what I expected

I liked the surprise in the plot. I think the ending could have used a little more, but I feel that way often with books I want to keep enjoying.

Builds up, good finish.

Clear narration and easy to listen at the speed of which is was read.

Ironic listen during COVID-19 pandemic

I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. It begins slowly and seems confusing, at times. What kept me listening was the persistent and infernal brutality of others toward the main character: how could he or his father possibly be so ugly or terrifying to others?

In this time of division and chaos, when we see those who are kind, those who are courageous, those who only care about themselves, those who resort to theft and deception to profit from others who are vulnerable, this is a book that I consider well worth a credit and your attention.

So repetitive in descriptions it's a bit... Blah.

Would you try another book from Dean Koontz and/or MacLeod Andrews?

Maybe. I think Koontz is a popular and prolific author and this book wasn't suited well for me.

Would you recommend Innocence to your friends? Why or why not?

No. It is not one of his finest works.

What about MacLeod Andrews’s performance did you like?

He did an excellent job differing the characters voices. Some narrators speak in a way that makes it difficult to distinguish one characters voice from another.

Any additional comments?

I'm pretty sure this was an audible "daily deal" or I wouldn't have selected it as it is a bit outside my normal listening preferences.

Excellent!

More introspective than many of Koontz' books, and so I was more thought provoking to me. But so readers apparently found it slow. I would guess those who judged it to have numerous questions left unanswered were probably trying to multitask at the time.

Brilliant mystery

Dean koonz is one of my favorite authors and innocence does not disappoint. Fantastic story with the 'things are not as they seem' twists. Truly enjoyed this mysterious and inspiring book

Again, just as absorbing

I read this book a long time ago. It’s spookily relevant today. As always, Koontz amazes me with his plot twists, expressed in his extraordinary control of the language. Andrews voice is perfect for this book....gentle, even in description of terror, somehow makes the writing more terrifying.

intriguing

Macleod Andrews is my favorite narrator. Wondering what other authors does he read for? Sounds like Matthew McConaughy.