Dean Koontz' "Devoted"

You can find this book here.

If you know of Koontz, this writing is like a lot of his others. To be honest, I found it a little gorier or adult than other books he has written, but you might have a different opinion. Or you might think I am right. Maybe we will see in the comments section?

The story itself covers a very short amount of time for a lot of the main characters: Megan Bookman, Woody Bookman and Kipp. In fact, it only spans a couple of days. The novel itself is separated into parts that show the time frames, even though a lot happens throughout the novel across this short amount a time. This means that even if there is a lot of content, the story moves rather quickly.

As far as plot goes: Megan Bookman’s husband died, leaving her alone with her autistic son who does not speak. They are trying to live their lives in safety, even though Woody believes that his father’s death was no accident, but in fact murder. Through looking for the people responsible for his father’s death, Woody and his mother’s lives become threatened by the same people. If this were not enough, there is also something else out there, something “becoming”, intent on Megan Bookman.

I also hear you say, “Where is Kipp in this plot?” Well, Kipp is there, as important as Megan and her son. But I don’t want to give away anything special about Kipp. If you read the novel, you’ll love him as much as I do anyway 😊

The book is a thriller / light horror novel, so I don’t want to give away all the horrors involved. If you have read any of Dean Koontz’ other work, you will see similarities between this and others. For example, the theme of how everything always seems to universally work out in strange ways; as if the way chance or coincidence works is also a character that plays with the motions and choices of actual characters in his books. You will also have a very distinct definition between good and evil characters: these are always well-defined and not much grey exists in-between.

If you like more grit in this type of story; sorry, but this will be missing from ‘Devoted’. However, I have always enjoyed how the world moves in Koontz’ work so I recommend giving this one a shot. It is slightly darker, as I have said, than other novels I have read of his; but nothing that will turn any stomach. Also be aware that some of the writing is repetitive. He does re-explain things you have already learnt a couple of times. This may become frustrating, particularly if you aren’t a fan of Koontz. Or maybe even if you are.

I still think the book is solid Koontz, with elements of his classic writing style in there. If you have never read a novel of his before, maybe don’t start (or end) here; but, it is a light and quick read that will get you through an evening or two.

Other versions of the same novel can be found on our catalogue here.

Links for you:

Koontz in the Library:

A big little life (nonfiction)

City

Life expectancy

Koontz in cloudLibrary:

Innocence

Anthologies in the Library:

Flight or fright

Dark visions

Koontz has no work in these anthologies. they are both edited by Stephen King (and others), and are short, sharp stories that hold to elements of over-arching themes found in Koontz' work at times.

Scary out there

This is edited by Jonathan Maberry and contains short, sharp stories that hold to elements of over-arching themes found in Koontz' work at times. be aware that some in this anthology will be written as poems.

Author read-a-likes in the Library:

Broken lands

Jonathan Maberry

The library does have other Maberry books. Be aware that the genres may be different between these authors; however, the writing is similar in terms of being fast-paced, action-packed and focusses on the battles between good and evil. Also note that Maberry may be a darker, heavier writer than Koontz.