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

Odd Humor and Odder Story

I really like the Odd series and Odd Apocalypse is no exception. It seems some reviewers miss the old Odd, but I find the transformation of Odd interesting and enjoyable. Yes, I too would like a living love interest (and a dog (living or dead) actually involved in the story). I was also surprised that there was no Apocalypse in the book. Koontz can do apocalypse, but this was no apocalypse. Nevertheless I enjoyed the characters and the story which kept me interested, if not at the Intensity level. There was a lot of Odd humor and some enjoyable twists, turns, and bit-part characters. This is not the best nor the worst of Odd, but it is definitely better than much else in the genre. The narration was just about flawless, with really nice characterization of Odd.

Still love the character, the story a bit less so.

I am such a fan of this series, I think that I had too high hopes for it and inevitably feel a bit let down. Objectively, it's still a great series with interesting and unexplainable characters, but there was much less humor, more violence, and some extra turns that just didn't need to be taken. I really enjoyed the narration, but there seemed to be a bit of filler that just wasn't needed. Again, I think I'm being a harsh grader on this one when in fact I just went from "loving" this character to "really liking" him.

Odd Thomas has become overly witty and comedic.

Now, I really liked the first Odd Thomas Novel, however this one I did not like because the character has become ridiculously witty and contrived. Dean Koontz is an excellent writer, however in this case I wonder if he became enamored with his own words and wit. Was he sitting back reading his paragraphs saying to himself, wow that's funny, I think I'll use this one rather than really being true to the original "Odd". I honestly heard drum rolls in my head after some of the character's inner monologues.

Classically Odd! A winning series and winning #4

This is book four of the Odd Thomas series and it has been too long in coming. Written in the first person narrative style that marks its three predecessors – it does not disappoint. It has the right mix of suspense and conflict with a sprinkling of fantasy/science fiction that is Koontz’s trademark – with a hint of political commentary. Though this book is number four, it stands on its own and you can read it without fear of being lost although it does give away things in earlier novels. Odd Thomas, himself, you cannot help but like and there are moments in this book that you laugh out loud and usually don’t see them coming. This book can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages and certainly as early as youth/teen. It also has appeal for the seasoned reader in its descriptions and scenes. I don’t know why it took Koontz so long to bring out this installment, but it’s should be definitely on your list.

Odd Thomas...Always a Fun Read

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

I would recommend this book because Odd Thomas is a unique character who gets involved in outrageous plots. It's always a fun listen or read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Odd Thomas is my favorite character. Although he has a serious mission, he maintains a sense of humor and whimsy and doesn't take himself too seriously. I find myself chuckling out loud at some of the things he says. While I find that Koontz tends to get a little preachy in his other books, in the Odd Thomas books that tone is just right.

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

I believe I have only listened to him in this series. He is perfect. He IS Odd Thomas.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really. When I get a book I really like I want it to last.

Any additional comments?

Although I've read all the previous Odd Thomas books, this narrator makes me want to listen to all of them. He's really great in this role!

As always a wonderful Odd Thomas book

Never a waste of time Koontz wrote another excellent book. I love his perspectives and word paintings.

Odd that Odd is so Odd as odd as this story goes..

What did you like best about Odd Apocalypse? What did you like least?

Cursed with a fantastic original Odd Thomas, only to have the other Odd series nailed to the bullet riddled comparison wall. Damn this wall,, damn it all to hell ! Well I suppose, on this specificon, of the series, I'd have to give Odd Apocalypse a possible listen too, when there isn't much else to howlabaloo about. It's not a total waste of time, and at times perhaps engrossing. And although there is an abundance of unnecassary horrible and gory details, along with some extended scene stretching, both which carry about 15% of the books contents, the main story is still mostly about the lovable Odd Thomas. Apocalypse does seem to make the listener believe that Mr. Koonz is now at odds with Odd. Seem to get the impression that Mr. Koonz, is mad and/or bored of having to write about the Odd series. Reluctently typing away another damn Odd story ! Perhaps, if I can say this in some kindness. It is perhaps like..., So you really want another freaking Odd story, ok, fine! I'll give you one. So now, you got what you want, here it is, I hope you on choke it. Nonetheless,with that said, I've enjoyed Mr Koonz books for years. And look forward to listening to other Koontz legends. Is it possible to write a book as well as Mr Koontz writes his, and actually have the reader feel some kind of appreciation about life or feel anything at all? Who would want to consume a large meal, only to find that it was plastic, and have no value whatsoever? Perhaps there is a motto for some writers. When you've nothing else to write, just try and scare the shit out of 'em with the most wanten horror you can imagine. There is surely more than enough horror/evil in the real world that tends to reside itself upon us on a continous basis. Then again, I suppose it's no secret, that the worlds greatest writers attempt each in there own way, to reach out to that sum of us abroad desiring to feed us, entertain us or maybe even enlighten us, and we their recepticles listen, while we expirence wonderful etches played upon the soul, somehow believing, if'n it is possible, to escape this worlds reality, if not for, just a little while.

Would you be willing to try another book from Dean Koontz? Why or why not?

Yes, Most of Mr Koontz's books I've read are wonderful. And expect no less for the future, should he choose to continue to entertaining us.

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

Just being Odd Thomas by Mr. Baker could not, I doubt, be
duplicated readily much by anyone else that I can think of.
Exceptional performance !

Was Odd Apocalypse worth the listening time?

Perhaps, if I could of somehow been blinded to the horrific images that was presented. It was unnecassary and truly destroyed any remaining value that I found the book.

Any additional comments?

Sorry that Odd Apocalypse wasn't up to Mr Koontz ususal standards. But, I doubt we'll let this affect my recourse to Mr. Koontz other fantastic books. As I'm looking forward to listening to them,

I can't believe I listened to the whole thing.

I love Dean Koontz, but this one was not very good. No more Odd Thomas for me..

one of the best

loved it best part when odd found the secret of the house love Dean Koontz

More great Odd

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

I really enjoyed this book, as I have all the Odd books. This one was twisty and kept my interest all the way through. I loved the parts about Tesla, an interesting addition from and inventive author.