The House at the End of the World

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Soon no one on Earth will have a place to hide in this novel about fears known and unknown by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.

In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortresslike stone house on Jacob’s Ladder island. Once a rising star in the art world, she finds refuge in her painting.

The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. And now two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder in search of someone—or something—they refuse to identify. Although an air of menace hangs over these men, an infinitely greater threat has arrived, one so strange even the island animals are in a state of high alarm.

Katie soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy. But Katie’s not alone after all: a brave young girl appears out of the violent squall. As Katie and her companion struggle across a dark and eerie landscape, against them is an omnipresent terror that could bring about the end of the world.

©2023 The Koontz Living Trust (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Natalie Naudus narrates with the emotion required for a Koontz thriller in which danger lurks around every corner.… Naudus is at her best as she deftly balances the older woman's slightly deeper voice with the frightened teenager's higher pitch.”—AudioFile Magazine

"The House at the End of the World is author Dean Koontz at his very best…deftly narrated from start to finish by the vocal acting talents of Natalie Naudus. Of particular and special interest to fans of dystopian novels, science fiction, and suspense thrillers.”—Midwest Book Review

“Koontz has always had near-Dickensian powers of description and an ability to yank us from one page to the next that few novelists can match.”—Los Angeles Times

Can’t hear the narrative .

Her voice drops off constantly at the end of and during the narration and is very difficult to listen to.

Epic!

Koontz has created another masterpiece! This work is replete with profound and quotable insights into human nature and good and evil. Great performance by the narrator. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Strong start, then doesn't know when to quit

I love Dean Koontz: his humanity, love of animals; stories of disdain for covert corporate and government agencies/actions. We disagree on science and scientists, vote differently, whatever.. its the review that matters. The first half of this book was great. Then, idk.. the plot seems to lose direction, meander quite awhile and *tada* it ends. No spoilers here, but sweet as Michael J was, his behavior doesn't add up (have you tried taking most domestic cats anywhere in a car?). The same logic applies to the "monster" in this book (aside from the human variety). 3.75 for the book. 4 star narration. Well worth the listen - it's fun. I was mostly scared by all of the AR-15s.

Good story, annoying writing style & abrupt ending

I've read and enjoyed plenty of Dean Koontz books, but this one was just very mixed for me. There's a solid core in there about science gone wrong and its impact on the protagonists. I enjoyed that, but it's unfortunately couched in a writing style I'd have to describe as "complainy old man". The whole story is peppered with musings on things like the justice system, guns, and science being untrustworthy. I don't know how much it overlaps with the author's own viewpoint, but it happens to the extent that it feels like a neat story's constantly being interrupted by your grandpa barging in with his Facebook-worthy opinions. It's weird, and I don't remember Dean Koontz's earlier books falling into that style nearly to this extent.

The other problem is the ending, it literally feels like the book is missing its final act. I thought things were building up to one more big section bringing things to a finale, then all of a sudden the narrative just started summarizing how things wrapped up for everyone in a five minute conclusion. It's bizarrely abrupt, and was competitive unsatisfying.

So, very mixed overall. There's a solid core there, but it's brought down by the writing style, and the fact that it suddenly just runs out of gas and handwaves any real kind of resolution. It's alright, but not a strong recommend.

Interesting and different

I liked the story, but hoped for a more interesting ending. The ending was ok, it just as it was getting crazy everything calmed down. I still think it was great.

Classic Koontz

Great storyline with several moments of tense suspense and anxiety. The rise and fall of emotion, especially throughout the last quarter of the story is a seemingly endless roller coaster that Koontz has so perfectly mastered.

This was a big winner

I enjoyed the fast pace and the interesting backstory of the main character woven in small bits into the narrative. Non-human antagonists don't always hold my interest, but this one was intriguing. I have a penchant for foxes, so I loved that part of the story and I love how Koontz brings his broken characters together so they can heal.

I’ll Read This Again

I always enjoy reading Dean Koontz. However this did not grab me as usual. The only thing I can think of is that I’ve been reading a lot of knights of old and the magic and sorcery and Lords and kings & queens and I’m having trouble getting focused on the quiet gentleness of this author. Not that all would agree with those words, but so much of his work is just that. And that is what scares me most of all! There’s things that go bump in the night, horrible murderous people and cruel people that have put out so much hatred and some of the bloodiest scenes ever. But it usually comes without the screaming or cursing or drawn out scenarios. And there are always positive protagonists and examples of good as well as the evil. I love that I always find some thoughts & actions that make me want to change some of my thoughts to become a better person and admire the strong resolve some characters convey. They’re my heroes & I want to emulate strength of character they show.
I loved this narrator. Such a pleasant voice is a good thing. I really can’t even remember if she changed voices to differentiate people. Not true! I do remember the Italian granny - who was the worst/best mafia mama imaginable. Wow! I have to agree with the suggestion there is no why evil comes about. It just is and somehow finds its way into the hearts of so many. Although I think she could teach it if allowed!
So I guess I did get grabbed and enjoyed, as always, yet another story from the rich imagination of Master Dean. I recommend that you read it!

Not his best- reminiscent of an evil blob

THE CHARACTERS WERE A LITTLE UNDER DEVELOPED NOT MUCH EMPATHY FOR THEM. CARTOONISH VERSION OF EVIL MORE LIKE AN AGILE VERSION OF THE BLOB. IN ADDITION, IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS A RUSHED.
Hopefully the follow-up installment will be better received. Shame really like the author no joy in providing this type of review

This is one of Dean Koontz best

I have read Dean Koontz books since I was in my early 20’s, now in my 60’s I still love Dean Koontz writing. This will be a new Koontz classic. If you love Dean Koontz this is a wonderful read.