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Sunday, December 6, 2015

Book Review: Ashley Bell (Ashley Bell #1) by Dean Koontz

Ashley Bell (Ashley Bell #1)
by Dean Koontz

Hardcover, 576 pages
December 8th 2015
by Bantam
THE MUST-READ THRILLER OF THE YEAR: Featuring the most exhilarating heroine in memory and a sophisticated, endlessly ingenious, brilliantly paced narrative through dark territory and deep mystery, this is a new milestone in literary suspense and a major new breakout book from the long acclaimed master.

At twenty-two, Bibi Blair’s doctors tell her that she’s dying. Two days later, she’s impossibly cured. Fierce, funny, dauntless, she becomes obsessed with the idea that she was spared because she is meant to save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell. This proves to be a dangerous idea. Searching for Ashley Bell, ricocheting through a southern California landscape that proves strange and malevolent in the extreme, Bibi is plunged into a world of crime and conspiracy, following a trail of mysteries that become more sinister and tangled with every twisting turn.

Unprecedented in scope, infinite in heart, Ashley Bell is a magnificent achievement that will capture lovers of dark psychological suspense, literary thrillers, and modern classics of mystery and adventure. Beautifully written, at once lyrical and as fast as a bullet, here is the most irresistible novel of the decade.

I have always been a big Koontz fan. Especially of his Odd Thomas and Frankenstein stories. This book is definitely a Dean Koontz book because his descriptions are elaborate and stellar, his thinking is "out of the box" and his words flow freely and his journey to the finale protracted. Almost as if he has so much to say he can't get down all the words in just a few lines!

I got 2 main concepts from this story. First, Mr. Koontz has probably given us a great insight into the workings of a writers mind (a little scary if truth be told) and secondly, the power our thoughts have to effect our lives in health and success. Even though there was a little fantasy, a little paranormal activity and a lot of danger thrown in, I think there was more than a little truth in how author's and their stories can influence and affect many souls...along with their own.

The main character was a very enticing, likable young lady that in real life would have been said to be dealing with some serious PTSD. Bibi's (almost witchy) capabilities might even appeal to the urban fantasy readers. Her ability to call forth characters and control her environment was a great twist during the story. A story within a story! Many clues, curves and twists for readers to try and figure out what is really occurring.

I enjoyed the story but it didn't meet my 2 big standards for a "Wow, gotta read" review. First criteria: want to read till the end, can't put it down, no lulls or skipping paragraphs because of dragging storyline; Second criteria: some kind of power punch revelation, a few belly laughs if a humorous book or an "AHA" moment in the story or the ending.

Even though I enjoyed the storyline and characters, I felt the story dragged in places and I was a little disappointed in the revelation of Bibi"s traumatic event that initiated her lifelong pattern of "forgetting" unpleasant occurrences. But Koontz fans everywhere will probably enjoy the ride if for nothing more than the twisted plot!

I give this 3.75 ( mind controlling) sheep!





JeanieG

About the Author:
Dean Koontz, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever Anna, and the enduring spirit of their golden, Trixie.

1 comment:

  1. I've been a Dean Koontz fan since his very first book. His work hasn't always been consistent over the years - some books are far better than others - but he doesn't hesitate to explore ideas. I find his stories always interesting, and often profound. This one sounds like a winner.

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