Koontz my Butt.

[tabascofred]

Recently I was discussing books with a friend and I told him I owned every Stephen King book written, to my knowledge, and he suggested that I read Dean Koontz. I did. I enjoyed my first selection, "Watchers", so I downloaded another couple to my Kindle and read away. I have read many comments on Koontz books and they constantly compare them to Stephen King. Either they have never read a King novel or they are idiots. Koontz is a poor gruel to waste time till Stephen King publishes again. Dean Koontz my Butt. Tabascofred

[GLewman]

Watchers was the first Dean Koontz book I read too and I thought it was outstanding...Lightening was a great book too...After about 10 DK books though, he started getting old and I never really picked him up again until the Frankenstein and Odd Thomas series...Odd Thomas made me see why I quit reading him in the first place :)

[Ranger_Strider]

I read one DK book about a decade ago. I forget the title but it ivolved corporate techie espionage as I recall. I liked it pretty well as far as readability goes; it was a real page-turner. It didn't do much to spark my imagination or make me think about anything in a new way though. That is what I get from SK books all the time. Not to bash Mr. Koontz, it's just lighter fare, like a salad next to a steak.

[doowopgirl]

In general I agree. There is one Koontz book that is actually worth your time. Its called Lightning, also Dark Rivers of the Heart is a pretty good read. I find the problem with Koontz is that his characters are very flat. They are either completely good or totally bad. So thats just boring. Try those two and let me know what you think

[mojomofo]

So how would one Koontz a butt? Is it a version of sloppy foreplay? A hurried rush to the cheeks with no buildup, followed by a predictable and formulaic squeeze?

Or is it something else all together, like those fake butt cheeks? You think there is a butt in there, but it's all padding? Cuz just because there is a spine on some paper don't make it a book.

[Sigmund]

I came here thinking I was going to learn something new and kinky.

I read one maybe two Koontz books. Basically, SK x-tra light, zero calories, zero caffiene, zero carbs, zero...

[king family fan]

I have not tried Koontz people have reccomended it to me. But the time I do get for reading .I stick to sk .I just am really set in my way. I do read books by others but they also have to do with Sk .His life,abook by one of his sons or his wife.

[JellybeanJay]

I enjoy Koontz books. I loved By the Light of the Moon it was a very touching story, The Taking was gruesome and The Servants of Twilight was down right scary. I agree that they are not in depth novels but they are good just the same. I find that I turn to Dean Koontz and John Saul while I am waiting for the next King novel to come out.

[GNTLGNT]

Well, gee-what a suprise...here I am being the dissenter amongst you...I happen to enjoy DK, he is second in my pantheon of favorite writers-right behind SK... I agree that he doesn't compel me like King does-but I happen to appreciate his off-beat humor(shocker there!), his love of animals-and yeah, his long winded but hopeful messages of love and hope that are at the heart of all his novels. Some of them are repetitive in nature, but I will abide by my opinion and respect all of yours-however I don't appreciate the implied hatchet job of the original post. SK is not for everyone either-so just because you don't care for Koontz-don't come in my house and dis him...

[Shoesalesman]

I'll go against the grain here. :smile2:

I really enjoy Dean's work. Dark Rivers Of The Heart, Intensity, Strangers, The Taking, False Memory, Ice Bound, Sole Survivor... all great books I consider worthy of multiple reads and subsequent placement on the mantel with the great works of others. Sure he's written some duds, but Stephen has as well. They each have their strengths; Stephen seems to shine with characters and sub-themes, where Dean is great with pacing and storylines.

[GLewman]

I came here thinking I was going to learn something new and kinky.

Nothing kinky about what I do with the pages of a DK book....unless you have a really digusting fetish? :wow:

[rssmith]

Dean Koontz is a writer among his own talents. While King is the master of description, setting and character- which puts you directly into the story- Dean Koontz does a fascinating job of using a poetic touch in his writings.
I enjoyed the book Life Expectancy though.
Just a thought.

[SharonC]

I really liked Life Expectancy. The Tock family made me laugh out loud so many times, and this is something I rarely do when reading. I've said before, and I'll say it again ad naseum, SK and DK do not write in the same genre. Personally, I don't think they can be compared.

[frisbee]

I agree with rssmith. I think they are two different writers. I've read over have of what Koontz has written. Like Glewman I like the Frankenstein and Odd Thomas books. These are original stories. For those of you who have read the Odd Thomas books I love Elvis......My favorite Koontz book though is Intensity. I think Edgler Vess is one of the all time great villains.

[CCAL]

I went from DK to Sk because it was next in line on the local library shelves. I follow my mother's example of giving a new author a 'chance' with an unknown book. Many of DK's books are excellent. He is a proven bonafide writer. If not he wouldnt be where he is, and others woulndt be constantly comparing him. Got to give the devil his due folks. DK is NOT a STEPHEN KING however. Aint gonna happen....and I believe DK is not trying to be another SK. He has his own to fill. No one CAN be another SK.As to location,DK is almosst exclusively california limited-by choice. You know where SK thrives (as well as that spot under our beds at night in the dark). I too have tried J.Saul, but I always can rely on SK to keep the pages turning while I gnaw my knuckles...and keep an eye on that shadow outside the window...

[Liselle]

I personally enjoy DK, and get pretty fed up when he is constantly compared with SK, they are two different types of story teller. If you don't like DK don't read him anymore no need to constantly bash him the way you do. He has done pretty well for himself being a so called mediocre writer. His taking on the Frankenstein story was brilliant and I throughly enjoyed them all.

Like another person wrote inbetween SK I read also read DK and John Saul.

[Haunted]

I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed sobbing through "A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog"; Koontz's book on his beloved Trixie. Other than that, haven't bothered with his stuff in many moons.

[#1fanofking]

I was watching Robot Chicken on Adult Swim last night and Stephen Was on there. it was about Dean Koontz Moved in next door and stephen killed him (stephen was driving a car that looked like christen) and the cops are like "You car killed another person Mr. King." when it was Stephen that killed him..Hahaha...i hate Dean Koontz http://www.stephenking.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[jackson992]

I love Dean Koontz I go between him, Stephen King and John Saul. I agree though that Koontz is very different than King

[wilhem spihntingle]

Good timing on my part. DK's "Night Chills" is in at the library for me to pick up. Has anyone read it? Without giving any spoilers, is it a good read? I know it is one of his earlier novels.

Peace,

Sean

[Sigmund]

I don't read a lot of fiction. I tried DK and I wasn't satisfied, just as with John Saul and Peter Straub. They may be wonderful writers but the books I tried left me wanting (And I read the entire book(s) to make sure I wasn't missing something). I am going to try a writer that EMARX and Haunted recommended.

[JLette]

i can enjoy DK once in a while, but with other authors i often get bored because no one writes like SK and i have been reading his books for 16 years. but when i am burnt out on all my SK books i will occasionally go back to Intensity, or Winter Moon...they are good fallbacks.

and comparing Dean Koontz to Stephen King is ridiculous, SK is KING of Horror imo :biggrin2:

[JellybeanJay]

Good timing on my part. DK's "Night Chills" is in at the library for me to pick up. Has anyone read it? Without giving any spoilers, is it a good read? I know it is one of his earlier novels.

Peace,

Sean

It is a great read. I enjoyed many of DK's early works. If you haven't read Phantoms or The Taking check them out, great reads as well!

[JayneH]

I find DK to be far to predictable .... I know exactly how each of his books will turn out so stopped reading them years ago !
tell me if thats changed and I might give him another go.....

[wilhem spihntingle]

It is a great read. I enjoyed many of DK's early works. If you haven't read Phantoms or The Taking check them out, great reads as well!

JBJ,

That is encouraging and I'm looking forward to reading a new (to me at least) author. "The Key to Midnight" was also recommended. Thanks for the good word on "Night Chills"

Peace,

Sean

[marjoriefrum]

I have found Koontz books to be mostly two-dimensional and superficial. King books, on the other hand, are multi-faceted. Re-read a Koontz book and it's the same book, only the second time around you'll know the ending. Re-read a King book and you'll discover new layers you hadn't noticed, character tie-ins you hadn't caught the first time, allusions to literature and pop culture, new ways to relate to the story and the characters, new ways to be disturbed. I think those who compare King to Koontz probably haven't read enough of either to even know what it is that they are comparing.

[JellybeanJay]

I find DK to be far to predictable .... I know exactly how each of his books will turn out so stopped reading them years ago !
tell me if thats changed and I might give him another go.....

Try The Taking. It will shock you.

[JellybeanJay]

I don't read a lot of fiction. I tried DK and I wasn't satisfied, just as with John Saul and Peter Straub. They may be wonderful writers but the books I tried left me wanting (And I read the entire book(s) to make sure I wasn't missing something). I am going to try a writer that EMARX and Haunted recommended.

Which write is that Sig? I am trying Brian Keene.

[Bryan James]

I feel like I dodged (a) bullet(s) when I opined that a K&K story should published. I mean, Hell, Yo, all the rappers be up in the hizzous doin' that you in the day wid da new honeybee.

In other words, crossover mucus (pardon me) music is now quite de rigeur. Writers could do that and not have to deal with videos of huge booties shaking to the sounds of palm trees and MAC-10s poppin' down hard for the respek.

OR, I'll write with both and y'all can choose. How's that?

[wilhem spihntingle]

So, I just picked up DK's "Night Chills" at the library. I have never read any DK before. It's a tattered and torn first edition (1976). I'm about 20 pages in and I'm liking it. One heck of a great opening chapter and it's keeping my interest very much. Knowing SK's "Carrie" came out in 1974 and it's been a long time since I read it, I can understand how SK and DK might have been compared back then. NC is set in small town Maine, papermill, some nefarious flu is being mentioned..

I'm eager to keep reading this, and I'm hoping it stays on track like it has so far. I am noticing a strange lack of profanity and humor, both things I love about SK. We shall see, but for now I am impressed with DK, at least with "Night Chills".

[JayneH]

Try The Taking. It will shock you.

thanks ... was going to click on the thanks button but its not here today !!!

[SusanNorton]

So how would one Koontz a butt? Is it a version of sloppy foreplay? A hurried rush to the cheeks with no buildup, followed by a predictable and formulaic squeeze?

Or is it something else all together, like those fake butt cheeks? You think there is a butt in there, but it's all padding? Cuz just because there is a spine on some paper don't make it a book.

Mojo - This reminds me of an SK book, I think it's IT, where a woman describes sex with her husband as "Two pumps, a tickle and a squirt." :D

And to stay on topic.... I tried to read a DK book once, but quit around page 50. Not for me.

[mojomofo]

Mojo - This reminds me of an SK book, I think it's IT, where a woman describes sex with her husband as "Two pumps, a tickle and a squirt." :D

And to stay on topic.... I tried to read a DK book once, but quit around page 50. Not for me.

LOL- parallel is undeniable! I'd start a thread comparing sex to reading, but knowing some of the characters on this board, we'd probably see some posts with more "******" than anything else...

(and you know who you are, and I love you to death!)

[Maddie]

:eyebrow: I have no idea about Dean Koontz, but every time I see this thread title it makes my butt crawl. :eek2:

[blunthead]

So how would one Koontz a butt?...

Indeed, especially the capitalized way; and especially if it's my own. I don't even want mine kissed. Which indicates the sort of person I am. There are more important parts.

[cormac]

i read both koontz and john saul, another one compared to king on a regular basis, and neither were that interesting or that good of writers really ...

mr king is so unique and such a talented writer it just doesn't work to say 'this person is like king' ... no one is like king ... that's what makes him the best in his genre and one of the best american authors ever ...

imho :)

[johnmarinville]

Wow, I couldn't possibly agree with the basic premise of this thread more.

The first book I read by DK was Intensity, and I picked it up as audiobook and brought on a solo car trip from New Hampshire to Wisconsin and back. This poorly named book nearly killed me! One minute, there I was thinking that if I had bought this book in hard cover, I never would have kept with it to the end. The next minute, I realized that the extreme Lack of Intensity had me at the brink of falling asleep at the wheel!

At one point during the trip, I locked my keys in the car. I don't think it was a true accident; I think my subconscious was trying to save me.

In a (only slightly) more serious tone, I have often used DK as a comparison to illustrate why I think SK is such an excellent writer. I think DK and SK are a pair of some of the most naturally gifted storytellers ever, and the difference lies in the work ethic and commitment to the craft of writing. SK is committed to constant and work and self-improvement, and whatever you may think about how is early stuff compares with his newer stuff, (I love both for different reasons) the course of his growth and evolution as writer is readily apparent.

By contrast, the declining quality of DK work, the increasingly infrequent examples of genuinely good DK books, seems to me evidence that he is resting on the laurels of his past successes. Perhaps he is trying to recapture his past magic instead of trying to forge new territory? I just don't know. I do know that he has done enough quality work to prove that there is real talent there and enough low quality work to convince that my book buying budget--which isn't particularly small or selective--would be better spent elsewhere.

Just about every element of the DK books I've read were deeply cliched and over-wrought. Some of the metaphors I've seen him use are truly laughable, like something Richard Lederer would pull from a college writing assignment and compile in an article about the many ways in which college students are able to murder the English language in both fact and spirit.

Metaphors like (and these might not be exact, but you'll get the idea):
1. "...in 1967, [Such-and-such] Falls was as free of crime as it was unencumbered by lumbering Brontosaur." Wow! That's pretty crime-free!
2. "...Barty cried more tears than could be found in 10,000 onions." Were they Bloomin' Onions from the Outback Steakhouse, because maybe that wouldn't be so bad....

I find it hilarious the same DK who used the metaphors above--and a bunch of equally tortured examples I can no longer recall--actually once said "Please, don't torture me with cliches. If you're going to try to intimidate me, have the courtesy to go away for a while, acquire a better education, improve your vocabulary, and come back with some fresh metaphors." I don't really know if he said it or wrote it, but I'm suspect he was talking to his own reflection at the time.

[Pant pant pant.] OK. I admit it that this tirade has probably been too bombastic and out of appropriate proportion, but I've been holding in on this rant for so long, it took on a life of its own. All I really wanted to say was: "Yes, Tabascofred, I agree."

[~Ally~]

thanks ... was going to click on the thanks button but its not here today !!!

The thanks button isn't here as this has been placed in the wrong thread--Stephen's Empire--instead of "Novels by Other Authors."
So the posts in here are rated to tie in with the submissions, instead of thanked.

[Moderator]

Thanks, Ally, I thought I'd moved this to the right Forum already but apparently not. :smile2:

[Rayne]

I agree King is King Koontz is an inposter!

[Bryan James]

I agree King is King Koontz is an inposter!

I need to clip my toenails with a mummified orangutan.

[staropeace]

I read him but I do not like the fact that when his characters perform an action...it takes him bout two pages to explain their motivation...and the characters are cookie cutouts. I have to say,I did love Life Expectancy really alot and The Taking.

[smooth operator]

I am a SK fan through and through, and have been for many, many moons. However, there are many other authors that I enjoy reading. Dean Koontz is one of these. I agree with those who say that SK and DK have radically different styles. I will even agree with those who say that some of his work is predictable. But he has a large body of work, and it is filled with the great, the good, and the not so good. Odd Thomas and Life Expectancy are both great. DK can and does write books that are exciting, humorous, and often touching.
If you have not read his work, give it a shot. If you have given it a fair reading, without prejudice, and still did not enjoy it, then he's not for you.

[PatInTheHat]

I need to clip my toenails with a mummified orangutan.

It only takes that first clip and there's just no lookin' back is there:down:.
Much good luck if you decide to seek out a program my friend, I mean for fresh macaca, or even an occasionally incontinent spider monkey sure, but a desiccating orangutan, hmm, I don't know:eyebrow:.
I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not sayin' it's too weird and not deserving of much needed help, it just sounds incredibly messy on so many levels and seems fraught with potential liability issues.
No fear, I'm confident some understanding & kind soul is doing the good work regardless of consequence...but just remember if you find them, so you don't waste those selfless angels time, you have to want it:glare:!
:laugh:

[blunthead]

I am a SK fan through and through, and have been for many, many moons. However, there are many other authors that I enjoy reading. Dean Koontz is one of these. I agree with those who say that SK and DK have radically different styles. I will even agree with those who say that some of his work is predictable. But he has a large body of work, and it is filled with the great, the good, and the not so good. Odd Thomas and Life Expectancy are both great. DK can and does write books that are exciting, humorous, and often touching.
If you have not read his work, give it a shot. If you have given it a fair reading, without prejudice, and still did not enjoy it, then he's not for you.

I'm with you, Operator (as you know). I wonder that Koontz' ghost tends to reappear here as often as it does. I will say that I read Lightning years before I read an sK book, and that it's at least possible that that reading opened a door for me I'd otherwise have remained unaware of. Consequently, I think I do think of Sai King and Koontz with a similar affection. I'm glad that I do, because life is short.

[E.Freemantle]

O.K. I used to read Koontz- but , Well there are a plethora of descriptions of Cul de Sacs, and flowery- pun intended descriptions-of vines and trellises. I did finish many earlier in the 80's and 90's . I enjoyed, Lightning, Midnight, Phantoms, Shadowfires, The Bad Place showed me how abused he must have been,
Strangers, as mentioned above. I got tired of the paisley flourishes in his writing. However "Surprise"- I am immersed in The Frankenstein series. It is well honed, less flowery, and consists of fast enjoyable installment reads. It just goes to show one, you never know- never say never- "it comes back to bite you in the.....

[GLewman]

I retract my earlier criticism of DK...I just read The Taking and thought it was very well done...the end seemed to be a little too pat, but the biblical idea behind the story was very good :)

[BlueCeleste]

I am a new comer to Koontz, I'll admit I was rather hesitant about reading his book but so far, so good. But it's like Stephen light or diet coca cola, it's got all the appearance of good horror novel without the horror. I've read the Frankenstein series, Odd Thomas series, Funhouse and The Vision, I will read more cause they are easy to read and digest.

[Terry B]

I really hate it (and I know I've posted this before) when people come on to the site of one author and start to trash other authors. If you don't like Koontz then don't read him. Leave your nasty opinions at the door.

[Jojo87]

I'm gonna start to read a Koontz book soon. That book is my first Koontz book. I've never read any of his books before.

[GNTLGNT]

I find it enlightening that TF who originally got this post going...lobbed the printed "grenade" and then scurried off-never to be heard from again...that irritates me to no end...if you're gonna be a "basher" at least have the courage of your so called convictions and stick around to respond to both the pros and cons...I don't give a flaming rat's rear if you like DK or not(and I've said it multiple times before-I do)at least read his body of work before you make your opinions known...he HAS published some real clinkers-but not everything SK has done is deathless prose either...you judge a writer on his totality-not just a couple of his "children"...most EVERY author has SOMETHING positive about their work, or they would never have been published in the first place...

[GLewman]

Well said GNTLGNT :)

[BlueCeleste]

You know, I love that everyone here is so passionate about books, it’s why I love this board but I think everyone is entitled to their opinion whether it’s negative or positive. And I think we should all be able to express it without backlash. As long as we are not personally bashing someone or deliberately hurting someone, it’s ok.
That being said if I gave the impression I do not like Dean Koontz, then my apologies. I’ve only read about ten of his books and so far, I do like them; they do not live up to the standards of some other books but it does not make him a bad author. I happen to drink diet coke when the mood strikes; I actually do not drink soda at all…but that’s besides the point.
I know how it feels to get your favourite authors bashed; how many times have I told people I love Stephen King and then they look at me like I sprouted horns on my head…I’ve lost count. I've actually had people ask what's wrong with me. So yeah, I understand why anyone would be upset.
I don’t think Dean Koontz is anyone’s butt…although I get the weirdest image when I think about it…:eyebrow:

[Just Me]

After reading only SK books when you pick up and read a Dean Koontz book it's like going back to elementary school. Koontz's book are so simple and juvenile compared to SK. I will stick to SK.

[josh1982004]

I liked Watchers and Phantoms. The Odd Thomas series was enjoyable. I liked the first two books in the Frankenstein series but was very disappointed by the 3rd and 4th books.

[Bryan James]

...how many times have I told people I love Stephen King and then they look at me like I sprouted horns on my head…I’ve lost count....

Were you talking to Joe Hill?

[E.Freemantle]

I can tell by reading the Dean Koontz novels ,which I read- back in the late 80's -early nineties, like "Lightning", "Midnight", and "Phantoms,"that he could weave a good tale . Then I noticed after reading "The Bad Place ", that Mr. Koontz, is a VERY,wounded man-exorcizing multiple childhood TRAUMAS in his work. I could smell the damage coming off the page. No offense Mr. Koontz, what really turned me off was the "cul de sac" and "boganvillia" flowery repetition ,These references and words came up so often ,I gave up. I could smell the flowers in California cul-de-sacs. Enough floral dead ends aaah. O.K. There are some good stories like the afore -mentioned ,but I an not Carl Jung, or his personal psychiatrist. I am sorry he was somehow tortured ,but I do not have a Psychology degree- to adequately weed through true confessions -and Bad repetitive descriptive writing. Like King-not at all. Scary- yes- his life,I believe more than his stories. Sorry Mr Koontz. I am glad you are successful despite your wounds.E. Freemantle.

[Jack Roman]

Come on, most of Dean Koontz books are better than The Tommyknockers, or Delores Claiborn.

[Jack Roman]

I agree, I used to be strictly SK. I had heard of Dean Koontz but never picked up any of his material because people made him seem so second rate. After reading a couple of books and short stories of Sk's in a row that I didn't care for at all, I decided to give Mr. Koontz a try. I've been reading DK books regularly eversince then. I'm still a big Stephen King fan of course, his work is truly awesome. Sk and DK have two completely different writing styles, each brings me something that the other can't. They're both my two favorite authors of all time!:grinning:

[tabascofred]

salad next to steak, that is much better than I put it. Koontz is okay when King taking a break, but I have to read every Stephen King book and I can't say that about mister Koontz. I love Stephen King's books but I hate his politics. The fact that I disagree with him so much and still buy his books is a testimony to his greatness. There is no contemporary Arthur that I enjoy reading and will buy immediately except Stephen King. For such a jerk he sure does write a mean book. Steak next to salad, that is perfect.

[tabascofred]

Odd Thomas was 1 of the better books that Koontz wrote as far as I was concerned. I kind of enjoyed those. If you can't get Stephen Koontz is third or fourth best. I I am not that picky about fiction, but anybody that compares him to Stephen King doesn't know much as far as I am concerned.

[Tim D.]

Dean Koontz is one of my favorite writers. And I've never understood people trying to compare him to Stephen King. Different style, different tone. Koontz is more of a suspense writer with the occasional dash of horror or fantasy. He's not trying to be Stephen King, and he's not trying to copy Stephen King. I personally think Koontz has gotten to the point where he puts out too many books, maybe three or four a year. His characters can tend to be too similar to one another, and Koontz prefers happier endings with a message of hope. From what I've read about Koontz he had a crazy, abusive father and endured a lot, so you can see where his message might be that you can get away from the evil and find the light. Nothing wrong with that. Stephen King is my favorite author, but Koontz is excellent as well and I see no need of all the SK fans raising their hackles en mass every time Koontz' name is mentioned. This great big ol' country of ours has plenty of room for both.

[GNTLGNT]

Dean Koontz is one of my favorite writers. And I've never understood people trying to compare him to Stephen King. Different style, different tone. Koontz is more of a suspense writer with the occasional dash of horror or fantasy. He's not trying to be Stephen King, and he's not trying to copy Stephen King. I personally think Koontz has gotten to the point where he puts out too many books, maybe three or four a year. His characters can tend to be too similar to one another, and Koontz prefers happier endings with a message of hope. From what I've read about Koontz he had a crazy, abusive father and endured a lot, so you can see where his message might be that you can get away from the evil and find the light. Nothing wrong with that. Stephen King is my favorite author, but Koontz is excellent as well and I see no need of all the SK fans raising their hackles en mass every time Koontz' name is mentioned. This great big ol' country of ours has plenty of room for both.

...well said...NEVER should have been a sisde-by-side comparison...they've both written in similar genres and that's where the similarity ends...

[doowopgirl]

While I don't totally disagree, I think King is much better at character development.

[E.Freemantle]

I loved Konntz's "Lightning" also, yet, his other works seem to be very repetitious; I cannot count how many times I have come across the phrases "cul de sac" and "bougainvillea vines" in his works. He seems to slap - dash, paint the characters and ask the reader to fill in the details; in a break neck rush to end the sometimes schizophrenic novels. If you want to feel this, mental illness , read a cheap copy of "The Bad Place". Ha Ha

[Lily Sawyer]

salad next to steak, that is much better than I put it. Koontz is okay when King taking a break, but I have to read every Stephen King book and I can't say that about mister Koontz. I love Stephen King's books but I hate his politics. The fact that I disagree with him so much and still buy his books is a testimony to his greatness. There is no contemporary Arthur that I enjoy reading and will buy immediately except Stephen King. For such a jerk he sure does write a mean book. Steak next to salad, that is perfect.

Please tell me you're not one of the ones who's going to boycott Mr. King's work from now on because you disagree with his stance on guns.
I'd lose respect for you if you are planning such a foolhardy (and immature) response.

And p.s. - not real cool to diss Mr. King as a "jerk" on the website he owns and operates free of charge to people like you and me; you've got a public forum in which to air your opinion that's provided by him, so please quit talkin' trash about the man.

[Todash]

Dean Koontz is one of my favorite writers. And I've never understood people trying to compare him to Stephen King. Different style, different tone. Koontz is more of a suspense writer with the occasional dash of horror or fantasy. He's not trying to be Stephen King, and he's not trying to copy Stephen King. I personally think Koontz has gotten to the point where he puts out too many books, maybe three or four a year. His characters can tend to be too similar to one another, and Koontz prefers happier endings with a message of hope. From what I've read about Koontz he had a crazy, abusive father and endured a lot, so you can see where his message might be that you can get away from the evil and find the light. Nothing wrong with that. Stephen King is my favorite author, but Koontz is excellent as well and I see no need of all the SK fans raising their hackles en mass every time Koontz' name is mentioned. This great big ol' country of ours has plenty of room for both.
I have enjoyed a few Koontz books ... but the last few I read, I really did not like. Tin ear dialogue, paint-by-numbers character development, etc. I do feel like I need to give the Odd Thomas books a shot.

[Todash]

Oh, I really just stopped in here to say that every time I see this thread pop up in the unread list, I think, "No. No I will not koontz your butt, and you cannot make me."

[Terry B]

I have such a problem when people "dis" an author because they're not "on par" with King. People should enjoy books and authors of all genres. I love Dean Koontz as much as Stephen King. When I'm not reading them I seek out one of my all time favorites John Saul. When I'm bored with crime, horror or suspense I'll pick up one of the classics. Recently I read A Portrait of Dorian Gray and will soon start The Count of Monte Cristo. I would no sooner compare Oscar Wilde to Alexander Dumas any more than anyone should compare King to Koontz and Saul. They ALL have their strengths and faults. I love all books and if you're not "spreading the wealth" and reading as many authors as you can the only one suffering for it is you.

[Sepia and Dust]

I wish that Mr. Koontz would finish the Moonlight Bay trilogy (Fear Nothing, Seize the Night, and...apparently...Ride the Storm, which will be out... sometime... maybe).

I also wish that Mr. King and Mr. Straub would finish the Talisman-Black House-??? trilogy.

Saaay... Ms. Mod... have you ever considered doing a bit of ghost-writing?

[CCRider529]

Well, gee-what a suprise...here I am being the dissenter amongst you...I happen to enjoy DK, he is second in my pantheon of favorite writers-right behind SK... I agree that he doesn't compel me like King does-but I happen to appreciate his off-beat humor(shocker there!), his love of animals-and yeah, his long winded but hopeful messages of love and hope that are at the heart of all his novels. Some of them are repetitive in nature, but I will abide by my opinion and respect all of yours-however I don't appreciate the implied hatchet job of the original post. SK is not for everyone either-so just because you don't care for Koontz-don't come in my house and dis him...

I agree 100%!! I like DK's books, I have quite a lot of them. My favorite is the Odd Thomas collection, and can't wait for the new one coming out this year.

[Todash]

I have such a problem when people "dis" an author because they're not "on par" with King. People should enjoy books and authors of all genres. I love Dean Koontz as much as Stephen King. When I'm not reading them I seek out one of my all time favorites John Saul. When I'm bored with crime, horror or suspense I'll pick up one of the classics. Recently I read A Portrait of Dorian Gray and will soon start The Count of Monte Cristo. I would no sooner compare Oscar Wilde to Alexander Dumas any more than anyone should compare King to Koontz and Saul. They ALL have their strengths and faults. I love all books and if you're not "spreading the wealth" and reading as many authors as you can the only one suffering for it is you.Mostly true ... but if you read three books by an author and you hate all of them (because not everyone is going to like everything) and then read a fourth, I have to suspect a tendency toward masochism. :biggrin2:

[fljoe0]

Saaay... Ms. Mod... have you ever considered doing a bit of ghost-writing?

Who says she hasn't done any? :biggrin2:

[kingricefan]

I wish that Mr. Koontz would finish the Moonlight Bay trilogy (Fear Nothing, Seize the Night, and...apparently...Ride the Storm, which will be out... sometime... maybe).

I also wish that Mr. King and Mr. Straub would finish the Talisman-Black House-??? trilogy.

Saaay... Ms. Mod... have you ever considered doing a bit of ghost-writing?

I wish he would finish the Moonlight Bay series also. It's been wa-a-a-a-a-y too long of a wait for the third book to come out. He'd better not put a supernatually talented Golden Retriever in it either, or I really will not read any of his books again. :biggrin2: Ditto on a new Talisman book, wish the two authors could get some time to do it. I miss Jack!!

[Moderator]

Who says she hasn't done any? :biggrin2:

April Fool's! :wink2:

[Todash]

I have such a problem when people "dis" an author because they're not "on par" with King. People should enjoy books and authors of all genres... I love all books and if you're not "spreading the wealth" and reading as many authors as you can the only one suffering for it is you.Although there is just *bad* writing, in general, I agree with King. If you manage to get published, and the publisher sends you a check, and you pay the light bill with that check, you are talented.

There are so many different styles of writing, and so many different styles of reader, and while some criticism is legitimate, what it boils right down to is (in my opinion) the connection between the reader and the writer. Both have to "link up" in some way for that to happen. When I say I don't like a book, I don't at all intend to suggest that someone who does has poor taste. Okay, YES, there are a few exceptions to that rule (*cough* 50 Shades *cough*), but Koontz isn't one of them.

I try not to say "That book sucked." Unless it does (*cough* 50 Shades *cough*). But I also don't hold back from criticizing where criticism is due, and I think that is helpful, because there are so many books to read out there, and so many authors who persist in writing new ones even though they must know I'm falling further behind every day (it's like they don't even CARE, the heartless bastards), that if I don't get some guidance from like-minded friends and critics, I'm just flailing. I wish I had all the time in the world to read, but I don't. So I have to be selective with what I pick up. Not insular, mind you, but selective--meaning that I believe I have a good chance of enjoying the book on some level.

Oooh, I'm totally stealing my own words for a blog post. Ha! (I really need to comb back through all my blatherings on this site if I run out of ideas.)

[Neesy]

Although there is just *bad* writing, in general, I agree with King. If you manage to get published, and the publisher sends you a check, and you pay the light bill with that check, you are talented.

There are so many different styles of writing, and so many different styles of reader, and while some criticism is legitimate, what it boils right down to is (in my opinion) the connection between the reader and the writer. Both have to "link up" in some way for that to happen. When I say I don't like a book, I don't at all intend to suggest that someone who does has poor taste. Okay, YES, there are a few exceptions to that rule (*cough* 50 Shades *cough*), but Koontz isn't one of them.

I try not to say "That book sucked." Unless it does (*cough* 50 Shades *cough*). But I also don't hold back from criticizing where criticism is due, and I think that is helpful, because there are so many books to read out there, and so many authors who persist in writing new ones even though they must know I'm falling further behind every day (it's like they don't even CARE, the heartless bastards), that if I don't get some guidance from like-minded friends and critics, I'm just flailing. I wish I had all the time in the world to read, but I don't. So I have to be selective with what I pick up. Not insular, mind you, but selective--meaning that I believe I have a good chance of enjoying the book on some level.

Oooh, I'm totally stealing my own words for a blog post. Ha! (I really need to comb back through all my blatherings on this site if I run out of ideas.)
Re: (*cough*50 Shades*cough*) in my humble opinion it is just a Harlequin romance with some sex thrown in to keep it "tittilating" - I must admit I am guilty of reading the first one in the series but my hubby had just gone up North :blush: I gave my head a shake and never read volume 2 or 3
p.s. Did I understand the title of this thread - he says he wants me to "Koontz" his butt? Is that something kinky? :rolleyes:

[Todash]

I must admit I am guilty of reading the first one in the series but my hubby had just gone up North

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[kingricefan]

April Fool's! :wink2:

Is that your non-de-plume??? So, now I gotta go try to find books written by 'April Fool'???? :love:

[Sepia and Dust]

At another of my messageboards, we were having a debate on the merits of Babylon 5, when who should show up but J. Michael Straczynski. And yes, it was really him.

I wonder if Mr. Koontz is a member here. That would be fun, though I'm sure that professional courtesy would keep him from revealing himself.

[AnnaMarie]

I don't get it. :dunno: I like Koontz. I haven't loved every book he wrote...but then, I haven't loved every King book either.

Right now I'm reading the DT series, and the Frankenstein series.

[Daniel Lee Severn]

I've read several of Koontz's novels and for the most part have enjoyed them all, Watchers, Phantoms, The Door to December, and Midnight being my favorites.

[kingricefan]

I've read several of Koontz's novels and for the most part have enjoyed them all, Watchers, Phantoms, The Door to December, and Midnight being my favorites.

I used to be a huge fan of Koontz until he started introducing 'gifted' golden retrievers into almost every newer book he's written in the last 10 years or so. I still read his Odd Thomas series and the Frankenstein ones (love how he balances the horror with humor) and am eagerly awaiting his conclusion to the Moonlight bay series (I think that's what it's called, too many years have gone by since the last installment in this great series that I forget the name of the books!!). But, if I see a new Koontz book on the shelf in the bookstore and pick it up and read the description on the flyleaf of the dj and there's any mention of a golden retriever, I put it back down. He needs to move on from this type of writing, it's become redundant.

[GNTLGNT]

it's become redundant.

...a bit, but I'll still choose him over a raft of others...golden retriever fan club notwithstanding....

[kingricefan]

...a bit, but I'll still choose him over a raft of others...golden retriever fan club notwithstanding....

Might that include someone with the name starting with Stephanie and ending with (fill in the blank) 'Oh, I wish I was an Oscar ______ weiner!' :hahahahaha:

[staropeace]

Just read 77 Shadow Street by Koontz. Having our little joke, are we Dean? I sincerely hope this work is all tongue-in-cheek and you are laughing your ass off, or you have seriously gone insane.

[kingricefan]

Just read 77 Shadow Street by Koontz. Having our little joke, are we Dean? I sincerely hope this work is all tongue-in-cheek and you are laughing your ass off, or you have seriously gone insane.

77 Shadow Street left me wanting- not more- just a better book. Dean has the capacity to do so much better than what he has been churning out these last few years. Don't get me wrong- I really like the Frankenstein novels and the Odd series, but he needs to do better.

[GNTLGNT]

77 Shadow Street left me wanting- not more- just a better book. Dean has the capacity to do so much better than what he has been churning out these last few years. Don't get me wrong- I really like the Frankenstein novels and the Odd series, but he needs to do better.

...gotta admit, 77 Shadow was not one of the better things to slide out of his printer...now, around that same time period, Darkness Under the Sun-I feel was on the upper end of the scale...

[KJ Norrbotten]

I've been trying to finish that 77 Shadow Street for the past six months or so. Now I understand why some people find reading boring, or a waste of time, even.
It seems every other of his books are great, and that other part makes me suspect he's got a ghostwriter, his golden retriever perhaps.

[staropeace]

I am beginning to wonder if he is getting a bit of dementia or something lol. I have put the book down. It is sorta like eating soggy cornflakes...still has a bit of flavour but very hard to swallow.
I always say that he preaches to his readers and in this book he does that a lot. Every action of the characters had to be psychoanalized to the nth degree. They couldn't pour a cup of coffee without him explaining the reason behind the action....past history, thoughts on the mores of society and so on. A writer does not need to do this if he has good character development. The reader can figure this stuff out on his own. The book should have been titled "Stock characters gone wild".

[kingricefan]

I am beginning to wonder if he is getting a bit of dementia or something lol. I have put the book down. It is sorta like eating soggy cornflakes...still has a bit of flavour but very hard to swallow.
I always say that he preaches to his readers and in this book he does that a lot. Every action of the characters had to be psychoanalized to the nth degree. They couldn't pour a cup of coffee without him explaining the reason behind the action....past history, thoughts on the mores of society and so on. A writer does not need to do this if he has good character development. The reader can figure this stuff out on his own. The book should have been titled "Stock characters gone wild".

If he didn't psychoanalyze his characters this book would've been around 50 pages. :hahahahaha:

[Skeletal_Dragon]

I won't say Koontz is like SK but he does spin a good yarn. Just checked out Hideaway and having read the first 100 pages is awesome. My first Dean Koontz book was Demon Seed and even though both versions of the book were different, I have to admit they were pretty interesting. So he isn't bad, it's j7ust that he's different.

[AchtungBaby]

I am very proud of my Dean Koontz collection. I don't look for EVERY single one of his books like I do with King, and I'm not a member of his message board. But I still enjoy reading his works.

[Shoesalesman]

About to pick up Brother Odd and give it a chew. The one before it (Forever Odd) was brilliant!

[GNTLGNT]

About to pick up Brother Odd and give it a chew. The one before it (Forever Odd) was brilliant!

...wait'll ya meet Brother Knuckles....

[muskrat]

Nah, no Koontz fer me, thanx. I've read a couple of his novels, didn't care fer em. Nothng like the King. It's senseless to even compare the two.

When I need a good horror fix (and there's no Uncle Stevie on hand) I read cats like Jack Ketchum, Edward Lee, Ramsey Campbell, some old Skipp and Spector--guys like that. Koontz? Bah.

[not_nadine]

The only one I really liked was "Twilight Eyes" I did. I did.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4893020966881192&pid=15.1

I don't think it had a Golden Retriever in it. :wink2:

Watchers was good, but I was young when I read both of them.

[GNTLGNT]

Koontz? Bah.

...oh shut-up ya fur covered reprobate....:kiss:

[Samantha_]

I loved "Watchers."

[GNTLGNT]

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/3417320448/h18D9707C/

[Shoesalesman]

Odd Tomcats.

[Shoesalesman]

Just finished Brother Odd. Another great installment in the series. ;-D

[GNTLGNT]

...as I say...Brother Knuckles was a classic character...

[CCRider529]

I'm just finishing up Night Chills. This book was written back in the 70's. Quite a good story.

[Shoesalesman]

Yes, he sure was.

[kingricefan]

I'm just finishing up Night Chills. This book was written back in the 70's. Quite a good story.

And there's no supernaturally talented Golden Retrievers anywhere in those pages! Yes, this book is one of Koontz's better ones, just wish he would write more of them like this.

[GNTLGNT]

http://lazarusdodge.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dean-koontz-and-trixie.jpg?w=490..."Dean, poop on the floor of the one called KingRice...do it now!"....

[kingricefan]

http://lazarusdodge.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dean-koontz-and-trixie.jpg?w=490..."Dean, poop on the floor of the one called KingRice...do it now!"....

And then the ever-present twinkle in Dean's eyes vanished and his eyes glazed over, his huge white-teeth-shining smile dwindled down to nothing but a thin straight line, and he arose from the floor where he had been playing with his beloved Golden Retriever Trixie and with arms held ram-rod straight at his sides, fists clenched so tightly that most of the blood had left the fingers and his eyes showing the deadness inside his soul, he stormed out of his multi-million dollar Southern Californian mansion and commenced to travel in a Northern direction to find the home of Kingricefan, bashing in the white painted metal front door of krf's humble abode while wailing at ear-shattering audio levels 'Must poop! Must Poop! Must POOP! MUST POOP!', unbuckled his Italian-hand-made leather belt with the golden buckle with the embossed likeness of a Golden Retreiver depicted in a truly unnatural pose, dropped his immaculately creased dark blue-with-thin-grey striped trousers and commenced to have a very large, very green and very stinking bowel movement on krf's beige carpeted floor next to the golden oak coffee table and richly stained wooden rocking chair that krf's cat named Tara, but nicknamed Pretty Girl, likes to use as a clawing post, hence all of the teeny-tiny splinters laying about directly underneath the seat on the carpet, one of which Dean unwittingly stepped on as he was leaving (he was without shoes as he had been in his multi-million dollar Californian abode playing with his supernaturally gifted Golden Retreiver Trixie before leaving on his quest to find the home of krf) and which, after he arrived back at his Southern Californian manse, the forementioned splinter commenced to cause an infection in his foot, of which Dean died from as there was no known anti-biotic that would stop the spread of said infection, but all is well as Trixie is still churning out 'Dean Koontz' novels that feature supernaturally gifted Golden Retreivers and using the millions of dollars earned from said novels to purchase pornographic films featuring Poodles and Cats, of which Trixie, the supernaturally gifted Golden retreiver, despises in all shapes and forms. Trixie still lives in the Southern Californian multi-million dollar mansion. The End.

:hahahahaha:

[GNTLGNT]

...beautiful....just....beautiful!!!!....

[Skeletal_Dragon]

Just finished reading Dragon Tears. Does anybody know of some other good ones by him?

[kingricefan]

Just finished reading Dragon Tears. Does anybody know of some other good ones by him?

Koontz has alot of good ones to pick from. Watchers is good, as is Whispers, Phantoms, Strangers, any of the Odd Thomas books, Tick Tock, The Bad Place.

[not_nadine]

Twilight Eyes. yup. I think it is the best one.

[GNTLGNT]

...His Frankenstein series, Odd Thomas and the Fear Nothing set...

[CCRider529]

I just finished 'Intensity'. What a great book! The ending blew me away!

[Shoesalesman]

Just finished reading Dragon Tears. Does anybody know of some other good ones by him?

Strangers, The Husband, Intensity, Darkfall, Dark Rivers Of The Heart... for starters.