Odd Apocalypse

An Odd Thomas Novel, Book 5

De: Dean Koontz

Narrado por: David Aaron Baker

Audie Award Nominee, Best Thriller/Suspense Category, 2013

Once presided over by a flamboyant Hollywood mogul during the Roaring ’20s, the magnificent West Coast property known as Roseland is now home to a reclusive billionaire financier and his faithful servants. And, for the moment, it’s also a port in the storm for Odd Thomas and his traveling companion, the inscrutably charming Annamaria.

In the wake of Odd’s most recent clash with lethal adversaries, the opulent manor’s comforts should be welcome. But there’s far more to Roseland than meets even the extraordinary eye of Odd, who soon suspects it may be more hell than haven.

A harrowing taste of Roseland’s terrors convinces Odd that it’s time to hit the road again. Still, the prescient Annamaria insists that they’ve been led there for a reason. Just how deep and dreadful are the mysteries Roseland and her masters have kept for nearly a century? And what consequences await whoever is brave, or mad, enough to confront the most profound breed of evil? Odd only knows. Like his acclaimed creator, the irresistible Odd Thomas is in top-notch form - as he takes on what may well be the most terrifying challenge yet in his curious career.

©2012 Dean Koontz (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Such a Surprise...... Odd Thomas now a Bore?

What a disappointment! I truly love this author, having read and loved so many of his books over the past decade. This Odd Thomas book 5 leaves the reader/listener feeling kinda empty and disengaged. The story takes place in a creepy estate somewhere filled with confusing bad guy characters and disgusting mucus snorting pig creatures that like to eat anyone and anything.
Odd arrives (exactly why we aren't sure because there is little to no character and/or story development) with a wise and enigmatic pregnant woman who we are lead to believe will be central to the plot, is glaringly absent throughout most the book.
And darling Odd, the beloved main character is mostly shallow and one demnensional here, sad to report.
I wish Mr. Koontz woudl reemerge and give us the kind of books we have come to expect. I await another and hopefully better next book from you Mr. Koontz.

Like hearing from and old friend.

I love Odd Thomas, have read the first 4 books, and was concerned when I read the reviews, good and bad. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. I heard the same old Odd (namely, David Aaron Baker) with all his quirkiness and zenlike philosophy. Dean Koontz presented a darker story this time and I think there was some confusion in the plot, but I found I could fast forward through the dark parts and still not miss too much of the story. It was hard to understand the story at first, but it wasn't too long before I was hooked again. Most Koontz books are a little too much for me, but this "horror-lite" is about as much suspense I can take. As I wait for the next book, I know I will reread some of the old ones.

Koontz strikes again!

Would you consider the audio edition of Odd Apocalypse to be better than the print version?

I'm not sure if I would say it's better or worse. It's certainly an easier method for my busy life. I like being able to keep up on my reading even when I find time is scarce. This allows me to do that.

Who was your favorite character and why?

In this book..............Probably Odd. He is such a mixture of dark and light. Of doom and hope. I love how this character is protrayed.

Have you listened to any of David Aaron Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, and I must say I am looking forward to hearing more from him.

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

It did make me laugh. This book is Odd Thomas growing up for me. All of the books are full of contradictions of one thing or another and this one is no different. However the tone of it is more in depth. I loved the way pop culture was used throughout the book. So many of these were the flavor that added depth of feel to it. For anyone who feels like Dean Koontz can't right a book to keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure things out. You need to read this one. I can't wait for the next Odd Thomas book!

What has Koontz done to Odd??

The first Odd Thomas book was brilliant, in my opinion. I loved the departure to a quirky story with a lovable character from Dean Koontz. As the Odd Thomas series progresses, however, the books decline in all areas.

I realize one must suspend belief in horror/sci-fi/fantasy novels, and I can do that, no problem. I can live with Odd's "talents" and enjoy them and laugh with him. What I can't live with are the ridiculous, not-believable-by-any-stretch-of-imagination situations he's in after the first book - with Odd Apocalypse being the worst. Even Odd's once charming sense of humor came off as forced and, as a result, quickly annoying.

To be honest, I really hated this book, and I found myself checking often on "how much time is left??".

If you loved Odd Thomas, remember him as he was in book 1, and save yourself the money and time this piece of crap will cost you.

Here we go again.

Odd Apocalypse picks up only a few days after the end of Odd Hours. Havin left magic beach, Odd and his enigmatic companion Annamaria, the pregnant Lady of the Bell, are guests on the estate of a mysterious billionaire. Wihin days of teir arrival, however, they get the first hint that all is not well on the Roseland estate. It starts with an odd cry heard during the hours of darkness, then a visitation by a ghostly horse and rider who implore Odd to help a child. As Odd disobeys the stern warnings of the estate's master and his servants and digs deeper into the business, he discovers an unspeakable secret that quickly places his life as well as Annamaria's in dire peril. He also discovers that Noah Wolflaw and tose who dwell with him are not who they appear to be, and that their unspeakable lifestyle has had unintended consequences that, if not stopped, could threaten the future of the entire world.
As always, actor David Aaron Baker does a fine ob of bringing the characters in this book to life. He is, to put it simply, the only one I can picture as Odd Thomas. He also has a good voice for capturing the ever present humor found throughout Koontz's novels. If you haven't given this one a listenI highly recommend it. Now all that remains is to wait for the remaining two novels in the series to be released.

It is nice to "see" Odd Thomas once again!!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

As with all Odd Thomas books the story is way out there!! Once you let your imagination go, you will enjoy this book!!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It was fine, just took a leap of one's imagination to buy into the basic premise!!

Have you listened to any of David Aaron Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

His performance was very good in my opinion

Did Odd Apocalypse inspire you to do anything?

Well, I know I won't be staying at any old homes in Northern California for quite some time!!

Any additional comments?

Odd Thomas is a cult unto it's own. You either like it - and read the entire series, or you hate it and only read one book. I enjoy the escapism.

Baker delivers yet another phenomenal performance

Koontz and Baker make a fantastic team for the Odd series. Never a dull moment.

The story hooks you and doesn't let go

What made the experience of listening to Odd Apocalypse the most enjoyable?

Odd Thomas is a quick study, no matter what world he finds himself in, and this can change from hour to hour, he utilizes what he finds there to survive long enough to get to the heart of the matter.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

once you get into it

Which character – as performed by David Aaron Baker – was your favorite?

Odd Thomas of course

4/5 story, 5/5 performance

While not as exceptional as Odd Hours, still a great story in the series on its way to a resolution.

Its ok

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I love the Odd Thomas charter but this book was confusing and weird. I did care for it like the others. It was very well read though.

What could Dean Koontz have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

If Odd Died and hooked up with Stormy.That would have been sweet.

Which character – as performed by David Aaron Baker – was your favorite?

Odd. David did a great Job on the read. He always does.

Do you think Odd Apocalypse needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, It needs an ending.