Forever Odd

Author: Dean Koontz

ISBN: 139780007196999

A disappointing follow up to Odd Thomas

Reviewed by Juan Toosie ( Fats )

There is nothing wrong with this book. It is difficult to explain why I feel so indifferent toward it, but I'll try.

Odd Thomas - the titular character - returns. I was hoping that Dean Koontz would build on the supernatural aspects of the first novel and create something truly spooky. Instead we have Odd pursuing a relatively standard psycho around an abandoned building as he tries to find his kidnapped friend.

That's it, really. There are some unanswered questions regarding the genesis of the villain and her minions, but really it's just a hide-and-seek thriller sharpened against Odd's intriguing personal qualities.

The first book was fantastic because of Odd: Because you wanted to know about him and his strange gifts. This time we already know all there is to know and Dean Koontz does not build on his character. Personally, I think that is the right decision - Odd should be left alone. Where this book fails is that the story isn't big enough to hold Odd.

Don't get me wrong - I did enjoy the book, well enough to go and buy the next int he series. I was disappointed though. I wanted more. I feel the Odd deserved more.

If you enjoyed the first book then this is a decent enough read. Stick with it because the next in the series is a blinder.

Comments and feedback

1. 
   17/07/2010 MichaelG
   

   I agree with this completely. To me it just felt like an empty interval between Odd Thomas and Brother Odd. But it was one that had to be filled in my opinion so...yeah.

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