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)

It's not what you think it is, not at all

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Wow! I loved this twist. Great storytelling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was very surprised by it, delightfully so.

Any additional comments?

I love that Koontz always finds a way to add a dog or two. The way he adds them to this story is wonderful. When I read Koontz I feel his love of canines and it makes me happy because I love them as well.

Just okay.

I'm not sure if my taste has changed, Koontz style has changed or some combination of both, but this didn't really work for me.

Narrator MADE this book

Would you listen to Innocence again? Why?

Yes. I'm sure I missed a few subtle details along the way, and it would be enjoyable to "experience" this story again.

What other book might you compare Innocence to and why?

A couple of the Odd Thomas books. It had much of the same feeling.

What does MacLeod Andrews bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice and presentation tremendously added to the personality of the main character. He had me hooked after the first sentence.

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

Innocence is perfect. It seemingly starts out with one slant, and ends with another.

Any additional comments?

I fell in love with this book, initially with the narration, then with the main character. I had read reviews that said it was "complicated" at the end, so I was prepared for that. However, although it did wrap up quickly and to some degree in a unexpected direction, I understood the allusion to the biblical millennial reign.
The story itself was beautiful, as was the story telling. This is not horror, not overly gruesom, not a mystery, but very mysterious.

A SHORT STORY MADE INTO A BOOK

What made the experience of listening to Innocence the most enjoyable?

Although I appreciate well developed characters, I felt that the book dragged on too long in the beginning. It was a little slow, but not slow enough to discourage me from slogging through it to get the "payoff" at the end. I would have liked to hear a lot more about their lives just where the book ENDED, so I guess you could say it ended just as I became really interested. I have a suspicion that the author dragged out the beginning and gave us short shrift at the end because he either intended to write a sequel OR he had a hard time imagining the course of their lives after the end he envisioned for this novel.

I would LOVE to have heard the amount of detail about the environment in which they ended up, as was spent on the environment where the novel began.

It's a good thing to leave your readers wanting more. I don't fault him for that. I just wish he could have dispensed with some of the early chapters or edited them more tightly. He also could have established more believable evil characters who were as well developed as his primary character.

I particularly enjoyed this author's ability to turn a phrase elegantly. He speaks about the leaves "quarreling over the roof" in a wind - among many other memorable turns of phrase that made me run them through my mind many times, savoring them. The English language, when it's made to WORK, is just gorgeous, much more complex than some languages. Writers who make full use of its beauty and scope are favorites of mine. Although this is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last.

Another thing I appreciated about the novel was the absence of lewdness. In fact, the author's avoidance of lewdness may have SLIGHTLY compromised his ability to fully flesh out one of the evil characters who was, obviously, intended to be a very vulgar sort of person.

The love story felt almost incidental. I had trouble FEELING it at all, actually. It wasn't a surprise when it was revealed, but it didn't feel real to me. The woman felt like a complete mystery to me. She had some interesting external attributes, but she was flat, emotionally.

I knew, intellectually, that these were two very good people battling immense forces of evil. I wanted very much to like both of them, but my feelings about them left me wanting.

It's a hopeful story. I loved the ending, even if I DID want "more" of it. It was worth reading, and I am glad I did, as the messages contained were worthwhile. I look forward to reading more of this author to see if there is something else I enjoy more.

What other book might you compare Innocence to and why?

This reminded me of one of O'Henry's morality stories...and a little bit of Edgar Allan Poe.

What three words best describe MacLeod Andrews’s voice?

Thin, boyish, flat

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Where will YOU be when it all ends?

Any additional comments?

I like this author, but I think he needs a better editor.

Dean Koontz amazing writer...but...

If you could sum up Innocence in three words, what would they be?

Sheltered from society

What do you think your next listen will be?

Do not know. Whatever I've downloaded. Can't remember.

What does MacLeod Andrews bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

??

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

I thought the story was somewhat idiotic and the ending was "way out there." HOWEVER, the author is a magnificent writer. He should devote his writing to things more related to real life experience (in my opinion). I think he has the ability to be a very influential writer if he chooses to become more informed on the current state of the situations impacting lives in the U.S. and/or elsewhere.

Struggled

I really struggled getting through this book.I'm afraid I will have to listen to it again.

, Innocence

I loved the way the story progressed and the characters unfolded. The last number of chapters brought everything into the light.
I had to listen twice. Loved it!

Loved it!

I loved the way this book kept you guessing till the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody whether or not the were and avid reader.

Boring

The story was an extreme departure from Dean Koontz's usual fast-paced thrillers. I was pretty much frustrated throughout the entire story . the story was agonizingly slow paced. I persevered to the end but several times I wanted to just give up . Maybe I just wasn't expecting a story that contained such deep spiritual overtones and philosophizing. Too much psychobabble for me.

I enjoyed it from start to finish.

It was so good I listened to it twice. Not only is the story riviting, the reader is excellent.