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Relentless, by Dean Koontz - Book Review

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VanessaFinaughty
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Koontz is one of my all-time favourite authors and a literary inspiration to me.

Title: Relentless
Author: Dean Koontz
Publisher: Harper Collins
Reviewer: Vanessa Finaughty

Expect Dean Koontz’s usual fast pace in this thriller, which includes a good dose of humour, making Relentless a definite must-buy.

This one will be of particular interest to writers and reviewers, as the protagonist, writer Cubby Greenwich, is stalked by a brutal, sociopathic book reviewer who seems to be intent on proving that sticks and stones can indeed break bones, although it all starts with a single word: doom.

When Cubby reads Shearman Waxx’s review of his latest novel, he obsesses about the critic’s comments, largely because Waxx clearly didn’t actually read his book. Everyone tells Cubby to let it go, and even his son’s strange dog, Lassie, seems to echo this sentiment, but this proves difficult to do.

A not-so-chance meeting with Waxx leads to a frightening chain of events that forces Cubby and his family to flee their home, leaving them with no idea how to save themselves. Waxx relentlessly pursues, and his ability to find them anywhere is almost supernatural. It soon becomes clear that Waxx is not working alone.

If you think one sociopath hell-bent on destroying you is terrifying, try a group that wants your loved ones’ suffering and death, your suffering, and your death, in that order.

Relentless has Koontz’s well-known voice, along with his humour, but it’s still not quite the same as his other novels. I’m always a little disappointed when everything is wrapped up nicely at the end of a novel, which is precisely what Koontz does here. There are no important unanswered questions to ponder at the end of this one, which will please some fans and disappoint others.

However, I cannot claim overall disappointment after all the smiles, chuckles and entertainment I gained from reading this book, and its message is clear to this reader: if a mysterious someone speaks out against you – let it go! Too many words induce action, which isn’t necessarily good for one’s health.

Relentless is certainly worth the read, and, due to the addition of Milo, Cubby’s prodigy son, older teenagers may enjoy it, too.
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you - Ray Bradbury.

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Sherzahd
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I've heard good things about 'Relentless', but I haven't read it yet. I am an avid Dean Koontz fan, but I've not had much time for reading over the last few months. I will try to get my hands on a copy, you've whet my appetite.

“Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.”

VanessaFinaughty
Advanced Wordsmith
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Quote by Sherzahd
I've heard good things about 'Relentless', but I haven't read it yet. I am an avid Dean Koontz fan, but I've not had much time for reading over the last few months. I will try to get my hands on a copy, you've whet my appetite.


You'll enjoy it a thousand times more than the average reader, because you're a writer and will be able to relate VERY well to the main character! I could see myself reacting the way Cubby did in many instances, LOL.
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you - Ray Bradbury.

Find me on Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/VanessaFinaughty
Hire me as your editor: www.write-way-freelancers.com
Sherzahd
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I've finally picked up a copy and I've gotten to chapter 15. I'm loving the humour so far.

“Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.”

Guest
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I've been a Koontz fan ever since I first 'discovered' him more than thirty years ago. He has had - in my opinion - a somewhat erratic history with some spectacular hits and some equally spectacular 'misses' (rather like the British writer, the late James Herbert). One of the weirder delights of reading Koontz is wondering whether at the end of it (the book) you're going to be wondering if you wasted your time or celebrating a fabulous literary experience!

Thankfully, Relentless sees Koontz at the top of his game and ranks as one of his best recent offerings.

If you've never read a Dean Koontz novel, I would heartily recommend that you do so, especially if you're a Stephen King fan or the aforementioned James Herbert. On the whole, you won't be disappointed. Even The Master (King) has dropped the occasional literary brick ('Cell' was simply awful!!!) but all three authors have populated the horror genre with some absolute classics.
Guest
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I've read some of his books and my favorites are; The Bad Place and Hideaway.
Kiera
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Quote by authorised1960


I've been a Koontz fan ever since I first 'discovered' him more than thirty years ago. He has had - in my opinion - a somewhat erratic history with some spectacular hits and some equally spectacular 'misses' (rather like the British writer, the late James Herbert). One of the weirder delights of reading Koontz is wondering whether at the end of it (the book) you're going to be wondering if you wasted your time or celebrating a fabulous literary experience!

Thankfully, Relentless sees Koontz at the top of his game and ranks as one of his best recent offerings.

If you've never read a Dean Koontz novel, I would heartily recommend that you do so, especially if you're a Stephen King fan or the aforementioned James Herbert. On the whole, you won't be disappointed. Even The Master (King) has dropped the occasional literary brick ('Cell' was simply awful!!!) but all three authors have populated the horror genre with some absolute classics.


That about sums him up for me too tbh...I have found in many books that he just takes the whole DNA thing too far which is why I stopped reading him.

But the first book I ever read of his was Watchers and remains to this day my favourite. It was in actual fact one of the first books I ever read that my dad suggested after reading it. As he had preciously got me into Wilbur Smith books which I adore I gave it a go and loved it..I just Loved Einstein.
Rumple_deWriter
Story Moderator
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The lady From Zagreb
by Philip Kerr
Historical mystery fiction

The very clever, very dangerous Propaganda Minister--close confidant of Hitler--is an ambitious schemer and flagrant libertine. Bernie Gunther, former Berlin homicide bull, is now forced to do favors for Joseph Goebbels at the Propaganda Minister's command. This time, the favor is personal.

* If you're into well-written and researched, darkly atmospheric, World War II-era novels, The 'Bernie Gunther series by Phillip Kerr is a must read. This is the latest one and a fine place to discover this series. rf