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Dean Koontz's Frankenstein #1
Prodigal Son
SOMEONE NEW IS PLAYING GOD The Frankenstein story updated to the 21st century by the great American storyteller Dean Koontz. Created centuries ago by a madman, possessed of seemingly supernatural powers and a dogged drive for justice, the mysterious Deucalion arrives in New Orleans as the next generation of Dr Frankenstein's monsters are about to be unleashed by their deranged maker, now known as Victor Helios. Deucalion's path will cross with that of tough police detective Carson O'Connor and her partner, Michael Maddison, who are on the trail of a vicious serial killer stalking the city, a killer who selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Reluctantly, Carson will join forces with Deucalion against a far greater, terrifying threat: an entire race of killers who are much more - and less - than human ! Deucalion seeks one final confrontation with the evil genius who created him, Dr Frankenstein. Dean Koontz, the master storyteller, creates a bold new legend.
389 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2005
1589 people are currently reading
13660 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
906 books39.6k followersAcknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,892 reviews
January 3, 2015
Out of the last of the twilight came Deucalion with a suitcase, in clothes too heavy for the sultry night.
Koontz does a pretty good job of extrapolating the Frankenstein mythos. He doesn’t do much to alter the original history, but instead focuses on a “what if” scenario. What if Mary Shelley’s novel was an account of actual events? What if Victor and his creation were still around today? How could that have come about? What would they be doing? Etcetera. This kind of thing has a multitude of possibilities, limited only by the author’s imagination, and it’s obvious that DK had quite a bit of fun with Prodigal Son.
The story is paced very well, perhaps at the expense of deeper character development, but it’s a ripping yarn. There are some surprises, notably concerning the nature of the characters and how Koontz set his story up.
Is it somewhat absurd? Of course it is. I would expect no less. Between the Mad Scientist, the New Race, the Serial Killer and Deucalion there is bound to be a fair amount of mayhem. This is good, if you’re inclined towards Speculative Horror fiction.
I bow to no one.
Deucalion is, of course, an enigma. A curious mixture of affability and disdain, vulnerability and invincibility, he strides from the obscurity of the last two hundred years into modern day New Orleans. Of the protagonists in this novel, and there are more than one, I obviously liked him the most. Who wouldn’t? Although, to be honest, he doesn't really feature enough.
Do you believe in evil?
The novel raises a plethora of moral dilemmas. There is a philosophical argument in here somewhere; you won’t have to search too hard to find it, but you may get waylaid by the simmering violence.
All flesh is grass, and withers, and the fields of the mind, too, are burned black by death and do not grow green again.
What can I say? I enjoyed it.
Koontz does a pretty good job of extrapolating the Frankenstein mythos. He doesn’t do much to alter the original history, but instead focuses on a “what if” scenario. What if Mary Shelley’s novel was an account of actual events? What if Victor and his creation were still around today? How could that have come about? What would they be doing? Etcetera. This kind of thing has a multitude of possibilities, limited only by the author’s imagination, and it’s obvious that DK had quite a bit of fun with Prodigal Son.
The story is paced very well, perhaps at the expense of deeper character development, but it’s a ripping yarn. There are some surprises, notably concerning the nature of the characters and how Koontz set his story up.
Is it somewhat absurd? Of course it is. I would expect no less. Between the Mad Scientist, the New Race, the Serial Killer and Deucalion there is bound to be a fair amount of mayhem. This is good, if you’re inclined towards Speculative Horror fiction.
I bow to no one.
Deucalion is, of course, an enigma. A curious mixture of affability and disdain, vulnerability and invincibility, he strides from the obscurity of the last two hundred years into modern day New Orleans. Of the protagonists in this novel, and there are more than one, I obviously liked him the most. Who wouldn’t? Although, to be honest, he doesn't really feature enough.
Do you believe in evil?
The novel raises a plethora of moral dilemmas. There is a philosophical argument in here somewhere; you won’t have to search too hard to find it, but you may get waylaid by the simmering violence.
All flesh is grass, and withers, and the fields of the mind, too, are burned black by death and do not grow green again.
What can I say? I enjoyed it.
March 31, 2023
By far Koontzs' best novel. Maybe because it's co-wrote
It's a Frankenstein murder mystery.
The suspense-horror novel
takes place in New Orleans. There's a serial killer afoot, who paradoxically collects body parts. Hmmmmm... turns out it's not what you think. Or is it?
Flows nicely and there's no romance (Koontzs is totally a story killer when he tries to introduce romance).
It's a Frankenstein murder mystery.
The suspense-horror novel
takes place in New Orleans. There's a serial killer afoot, who paradoxically collects body parts. Hmmmmm... turns out it's not what you think. Or is it?
Flows nicely and there's no romance (Koontzs is totally a story killer when he tries to introduce romance).
November 16, 2023
I am a huge fan of Dean Koontz and enjoyed this book, but was disappointed to see the abrupt ending which left me hanging and having to decide whether or not to buy the sequel. That seems like a dirty trick to me.
Overall, though, this is a great story about serial killers in a hauntingly damp and dark New Orleans.
Overall, though, this is a great story about serial killers in a hauntingly damp and dark New Orleans.
February 18, 2012
I occasionally get the urge to read a Koontz novel. Some of his earlier works like Watchers are quite exciting. I keep hoping his current novels will return to his earlier high standards. However his later books, Relentless being a prime example, simply do not work well and hints of a writer who may now be writing to a formula and for the money. I hope that's not true but it is my suspicion.
Dean's Koontz Frankenstein pastiche of which this is the first part does not reduce that fear. In fact, this may be the worst Koontz novel I've ever read. Even at his worse, Koontz is a quality writer of horror and suspense but this doesn't even read like his style, leading me to the conclusion that collaborator Kevin J. Anderson was more than second fiddle on this project. There are plenty of tell-tale annoyances throughout such as Patterson-like short chapters (most are less than four pages), alternating scenes that do not meld together (I guess that happens later in the series), and a wandering style that screams , "I'll tell you in the sequel!". I doubt Mary Shelley would have been very happy with this book. I certainly wasn't.
Dean's Koontz Frankenstein pastiche of which this is the first part does not reduce that fear. In fact, this may be the worst Koontz novel I've ever read. Even at his worse, Koontz is a quality writer of horror and suspense but this doesn't even read like his style, leading me to the conclusion that collaborator Kevin J. Anderson was more than second fiddle on this project. There are plenty of tell-tale annoyances throughout such as Patterson-like short chapters (most are less than four pages), alternating scenes that do not meld together (I guess that happens later in the series), and a wandering style that screams , "I'll tell you in the sequel!". I doubt Mary Shelley would have been very happy with this book. I certainly wasn't.
October 24, 2021
5 Stars for Prodigal Son: Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1 (audiobook) by Dean Koontz and Kevin J. Anderson read by Scott Brick.
This is a wonderful modern take on a classic. I’m so happy that I found this series right before Halloween. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. And Scott Brick does such a great job with the narration.
This is a wonderful modern take on a classic. I’m so happy that I found this series right before Halloween. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. And Scott Brick does such a great job with the narration.
January 30, 2014
Hummmmm...... Well, I'm one of those people, possibly one of the few people who wasn't enthralled by Mary Shelly's classic. So even though I like "much of" Dean Koontz's writing I put off reading this one for some time.
Bottom line on it is that it's pretty good.
The book is readable. Koontz can do good serviceable writing, sometimes his prose is almost inspired. Here it's largely the former. Building on the general idea from the Shelly book he expands the story. We're led to believe that Shelly somehow must have been told something about the real events of "the Creature's" creation and the events that followed.
But they weren't all the facts nor were the "facts" she related all accurate. You see Victor Frankenstein is far more evil than he appeared in that book, and he's still alive, still "out there" trying to replace God.
So, good read. I found myself largely interested. The female protagonist is well written...the New People are actually a little unbelievable. Some of the things they can do, can survive and so on are really over the top.
But this isn't the only place we see that so suspend your belief...or disbelief and enjoy the book. It's just good old literary junk food.
Bottom line on it is that it's pretty good.
The book is readable. Koontz can do good serviceable writing, sometimes his prose is almost inspired. Here it's largely the former. Building on the general idea from the Shelly book he expands the story. We're led to believe that Shelly somehow must have been told something about the real events of "the Creature's" creation and the events that followed.
But they weren't all the facts nor were the "facts" she related all accurate. You see Victor Frankenstein is far more evil than he appeared in that book, and he's still alive, still "out there" trying to replace God.
So, good read. I found myself largely interested. The female protagonist is well written...the New People are actually a little unbelievable. Some of the things they can do, can survive and so on are really over the top.
But this isn't the only place we see that so suspend your belief...or disbelief and enjoy the book. It's just good old literary junk food.
March 18, 2023
Prodigal Son is the first of five books in Koontz's Frankenstein series. It was first published as a collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson, whose name was removed in later editions, and I wonder if it was re-written or revised or what happened. I'm usually not enthusiastic about re-boot or re-make stories, as I think that the contemporary author (or artist or filmmaker or musician or whatever) would probably be better off doing their own original work, and that if the original work has survived for a long time, then the original creator probably did it right the first time. However, this one is strikingly original and well-crafted and tells a wholly new and modern story. It's set in a nicely portrayed contemporary (pre-Katrina 2005) New Orleans and features a pair of police detectives seeking a serial killer who get a whole lot more than they expected. It ends with a classic cliffhanger and the first three books, at least, have to be read in order to get a full story, but I believe it's well worth it.
April 9, 2010
Having never read a Dean Koontz novel and intrigued by the C.S. Lewis quote at the beginning of this book (I'm a huge Lewis fan), I picked this up, thinking that maybe this would be a good first exposure to Koontz's writing.
It wasn't. If I had to describe it in one word, the word I'd pick would be "ridiculous." The word fits every character, scenario and action in the entire book.
We have Frankenstein's monster who, apparently, found God and joined a monastery. We have Dr. Frankenstein himself, under a cool new nickname, who has discovered the secret to immortality and thus has descended into a nihilistic wonderland. We have a fabulous serial killer who has also discovered the secret to immortality (through daily vitamins, shampooing and exercise!) and serves no purpose in the story whatsoever except as a horror gimmick and a posthumous deus ex machina.
Then we have the protagonist, an anime-perfect heroine with bigger balls than any of the men in the book and no personality whatsoever. Along with Ms. Ballbuster is her namby-pamby detective partner.
Together, this wacky cast and others merge together to create a heaping, steaming ball of uselessness.
The characters have no personality at all (for a couple of them, that's even a part of their character!). There are scenes where you can't even tell who's talking. The "big twist" at the end that sets up the rest of this story can be seen a hundred miles away. The people act ridiculous and talk ridiculous. The story, though having a decent concept, goes nowhere at all. Finally, the portrayal of autism in this book is so laughably inaccurate and stereotypical that it almost comes off as insensitive.
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein is the literary equivalent to a horrible Hollywood remake of a remarkable classic film. I didn't bother to finish this series; instead I picked up his Odd Thomas series, which is far superior to this trash.
It wasn't. If I had to describe it in one word, the word I'd pick would be "ridiculous." The word fits every character, scenario and action in the entire book.
We have Frankenstein's monster who, apparently, found God and joined a monastery. We have Dr. Frankenstein himself, under a cool new nickname, who has discovered the secret to immortality and thus has descended into a nihilistic wonderland. We have a fabulous serial killer who has also discovered the secret to immortality (through daily vitamins, shampooing and exercise!) and serves no purpose in the story whatsoever except as a horror gimmick and a posthumous deus ex machina.
Then we have the protagonist, an anime-perfect heroine with bigger balls than any of the men in the book and no personality whatsoever. Along with Ms. Ballbuster is her namby-pamby detective partner.
Together, this wacky cast and others merge together to create a heaping, steaming ball of uselessness.
The characters have no personality at all (for a couple of them, that's even a part of their character!). There are scenes where you can't even tell who's talking. The "big twist" at the end that sets up the rest of this story can be seen a hundred miles away. The people act ridiculous and talk ridiculous. The story, though having a decent concept, goes nowhere at all. Finally, the portrayal of autism in this book is so laughably inaccurate and stereotypical that it almost comes off as insensitive.
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein is the literary equivalent to a horrible Hollywood remake of a remarkable classic film. I didn't bother to finish this series; instead I picked up his Odd Thomas series, which is far superior to this trash.
March 16, 2022
The first book in Dean Koontz's 5 book Frankenstein series.
Dean Koontz can be very hit or miss with his novels. When he's good, he can be great. But he's released some real stinkers over the course of his career. I gave up on him many years ago. But something drew me back to his work. He's a 'fast food' author; quick, tasty, and filling, for a brief period.
I went into Prodigal Son with an open mind. I'd heard good things about this series, and, on a whim, decided to buy the whole 5 book set.
I sped through the first book in 2 days. It was written in such a way that I just wanted to know more. Very well written. Excellent pacing. Great characters.
It's not a retelling of the classic Mary Shelley novel. This is more of a continuation, but set in modern times. It explores what kind of experiments and scientific leaps Victor Frankenstein would be able to achieve in the 21st century.
This also has a number of subplots that all connect towards the end of the book. And, of course, there's the return of a certain 'monster' that shows up.
This novel didn't feel like the usual 'fast food' Koontz dishes out. It felt like fine dining in a fancy restaurant. Quite possibly one of the best Koontz books I've read by him.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get into his work. And for those, like me, who had given up on his work, it's a good place to have have your faith restored.
Dean Koontz can be very hit or miss with his novels. When he's good, he can be great. But he's released some real stinkers over the course of his career. I gave up on him many years ago. But something drew me back to his work. He's a 'fast food' author; quick, tasty, and filling, for a brief period.
I went into Prodigal Son with an open mind. I'd heard good things about this series, and, on a whim, decided to buy the whole 5 book set.
I sped through the first book in 2 days. It was written in such a way that I just wanted to know more. Very well written. Excellent pacing. Great characters.
It's not a retelling of the classic Mary Shelley novel. This is more of a continuation, but set in modern times. It explores what kind of experiments and scientific leaps Victor Frankenstein would be able to achieve in the 21st century.
This also has a number of subplots that all connect towards the end of the book. And, of course, there's the return of a certain 'monster' that shows up.
This novel didn't feel like the usual 'fast food' Koontz dishes out. It felt like fine dining in a fancy restaurant. Quite possibly one of the best Koontz books I've read by him.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get into his work. And for those, like me, who had given up on his work, it's a good place to have have your faith restored.
April 24, 2019
Really good fun. One of the best Koontz novels I've read.
October 6, 2022
"Come in, come in! I was just cremating a customer."
- Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Prodigal Son, Chapter 40
New Orleans is such a wonderful setting for this story and the storytelling is brilliantly executed. The humor is sharp as a razor's edge. I am so happy to be re-reading this series with other Koontzlanders.
I love this fairytale setting:
A white picket fence met white gateposts inlaid with seashells. The gate itself featured a unicorn motif.
Under Carson's feet, the front walkway twinkled magically as flecks of mica in the flagstones reflected moonlight. Moss between the stones softened her footsteps.
Almost thick enough to feel, the fragrance of the magnolia tree flowers swagged the air.
The windows of the fairy-tale bungalow were flanked by blue shutters from which had been cut star shapes and crescent moons.
Trellises partially enclosed the front porch, entwined by leafy vines graced with trumpetlike purple blooms.
Favorite Passages:
Roy Pribeaux liked to rise well before dawn to undertake his longevity regimen - except on those occasions when he had been up late the previous night murdering someone.
______
She needed to have the rug of routine pulled out from under her, to be tumbled headlong into the mystery of life. Maybe mystery was a synonym for change.
______
When new hopes fail, old hopes return in the endless cycle of desperation.
- Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Prodigal Son, Chapter 40
New Orleans is such a wonderful setting for this story and the storytelling is brilliantly executed. The humor is sharp as a razor's edge. I am so happy to be re-reading this series with other Koontzlanders.
I love this fairytale setting:
A white picket fence met white gateposts inlaid with seashells. The gate itself featured a unicorn motif.
Under Carson's feet, the front walkway twinkled magically as flecks of mica in the flagstones reflected moonlight. Moss between the stones softened her footsteps.
Almost thick enough to feel, the fragrance of the magnolia tree flowers swagged the air.
The windows of the fairy-tale bungalow were flanked by blue shutters from which had been cut star shapes and crescent moons.
Trellises partially enclosed the front porch, entwined by leafy vines graced with trumpetlike purple blooms.
Favorite Passages:
Roy Pribeaux liked to rise well before dawn to undertake his longevity regimen - except on those occasions when he had been up late the previous night murdering someone.
______
She needed to have the rug of routine pulled out from under her, to be tumbled headlong into the mystery of life. Maybe mystery was a synonym for change.
______
When new hopes fail, old hopes return in the endless cycle of desperation.
March 16, 2011
I have heard many times from fans of Dean Koontz that they were upset because Koontz used "no-name" writers to co-author his retelling of Mary Shelly's classic story, FRANKENSTEIN. Let me put some of this nay-saying to rest. Kevin Anderson is not a no-name author. He has written numerous novels for the Star Wars universe (the bounty hunter trilogy is a lot of fun), and he has also written for X-Files. I'd say that's two pretty solid foundations to stand upon.
As for the story itself, I really enjoyed it. The pace was fast, keeping me wanting to turn pages well into the night. The New Orleans setting is perfect, giving a creepy quality to an already creepy story. And who doesn't love an almost seven feet tall protagonist in Deucalion? As for the human characters, I am confident that they will be fleshed out in future installments. This series has serious potential.
RECOMMENDED
As for the story itself, I really enjoyed it. The pace was fast, keeping me wanting to turn pages well into the night. The New Orleans setting is perfect, giving a creepy quality to an already creepy story. And who doesn't love an almost seven feet tall protagonist in Deucalion? As for the human characters, I am confident that they will be fleshed out in future installments. This series has serious potential.
RECOMMENDED
September 28, 2022
I have always liked Dean Koontz. I read a lot of his books when I was in high school. I know he isn’t for everyone and that’s ok. This was originally a screenplay for a TV show and it was definitely easy to picture this story as a show. It enjoyed the take on good vs evil and man vs monster. Who was the real monster here? I certainly have my opinion. There were some interesting characters, lots of action, and of course, good old Dr Frankenstein. I will surely continue the series.
December 25, 2021
I read it back in the beginning of 2018 and it felt forever ago, a life time even. But I I've had fond memories of it and been looking for the others in the series without any luck. Might need to buy them someday for full prize but if they are just as good as this one, it shouldn't be a problem. Seem to enjoy rewriting s of Frankenstein more than the actual book for some reason
November 1, 2019
Αρκετή φλυαρία ώρες ώρες και ο Δευκαλίων λάμπει δια της απουσίας του! Θα ήθελα περισσότερο από αυτόν. Ελπίζω στα επόμενα να έχει μεγαλύτερο ρόλο.
October 12, 2017
I was obsessed with reading more and more of this book until I was all the way through. One of my favorite features was the short chapters with a revolving point of view between different characters; making it hard to put down as you wanted to know each character's thoughts on each change of events.
Also, even though the point of view is constantly shifting, the plot still remains clear and consistent. Though so.e subjects were glossed over ; possibly being left for another volume, the main theme was resolved by the ending- thus not leaving a cliff hanger just because the story would continue in another book.
I'm excited to read book two but I'll wait until I have a day off so I can give the focus I would like.
Also, even though the point of view is constantly shifting, the plot still remains clear and consistent. Though so.e subjects were glossed over ; possibly being left for another volume, the main theme was resolved by the ending- thus not leaving a cliff hanger just because the story would continue in another book.
I'm excited to read book two but I'll wait until I have a day off so I can give the focus I would like.
November 17, 2018
I was surprised by how much I liked this read. It was a believable good story especially for around the Halloween season.
October 9, 2018
He Lives!
Both Frankenstein and his monster have achieved a level of immortality and find themselves living their 200th year in New Orleans. Nope, not joking.
But I like the way Koontz spins this one: above-ground burial crypts = easy access to bodies for Dr. Frankenstein's creepy endeavors. He's still creating people, only now he's kind of perfected it, and he's planting New World infiltrators in every area of society - police stations, churches, government. Well, that would explain a lot, huh?
But instead of a raging, homicidal green giant, Frankenstein's first creation (going by the name Deucalion) is now a peaceful monk who returns from the mountains of Tibet to confront the true monster.
I read this as part of my October Spooky Reads challenge, and although I didn't find it at all scary, it was definitely thrilling and worth continuing with the series.
Both Frankenstein and his monster have achieved a level of immortality and find themselves living their 200th year in New Orleans. Nope, not joking.
But I like the way Koontz spins this one: above-ground burial crypts = easy access to bodies for Dr. Frankenstein's creepy endeavors. He's still creating people, only now he's kind of perfected it, and he's planting New World infiltrators in every area of society - police stations, churches, government. Well, that would explain a lot, huh?
But instead of a raging, homicidal green giant, Frankenstein's first creation (going by the name Deucalion) is now a peaceful monk who returns from the mountains of Tibet to confront the true monster.
I read this as part of my October Spooky Reads challenge, and although I didn't find it at all scary, it was definitely thrilling and worth continuing with the series.
June 28, 2007
When I picked up this book at my mom's house and read the back cover, I literally said out loud, "Oh no he DIH-uhnt!" Thank you, Dean Koontz, for making me channel Ricki Lake reruns.
Koontz has apparently run out of ideas for trite, one-dimension characters, and he's abandoned all pretense at being original. Instead of taking a break from publishing utter crap, he copes with this by cannibalizing fucking FRANKENSTEIN.
Koontz has apparently run out of ideas for trite, one-dimension characters, and he's abandoned all pretense at being original. Instead of taking a break from publishing utter crap, he copes with this by cannibalizing fucking FRANKENSTEIN.
December 19, 2011
Wow, this was a fun and a surprisingly interesting continuation of the Frankenstein story that ties directly into the original. Deucalion, the original monster, has been living in a Tibetan monastery where he has found a sense of peace. Of course, he eventually learns that his creator is still alive under the name of Doctor Helios and travels to New Orleans in preparation for the eventual confrontation and discovers that he is not alone and that Doctor Helios has been very, very busy.
April 20, 2013
This is the first Dean Koontz novel I read so I decided to do a little research about him; and here's what I read: According to his official website and book blog sites, Dean Koontz is one of the good authors who brought several of his books to appear on the New York Times Bestseller List. He is famous for his novels which can be perfectly described and categorized as suspense thrillers with elements of classic horror, science fiction and satire.
Frankenstein (Book One: Prodigal Son) is one of Dean Koontz's best known novels. It is a combined science fiction-horror mystery, and satirist novel. It is actually a modern version of Mary Shelley's highly-acclaimed novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus in 1818. Mary Shelley's version of Frankenstein is about an eccentric mad-scientist, Victor Frankenstein who creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment (dead bodies, electricity, lightning and some other stuff). Although Dean Koontz didn't change the horror/goth-ish like theme of Shelley's version, he, however, contemporized Victor Frankenstein's image and "WORKS". Imagine the change from ugly stitches into unnoticeable beautiful sew patches and Dean Koontz named them as the "New Race".
Dean Koontz made me like Science-Fiction and Horror novels. His talent in writing didn't fail to meet my expectations. I'm going to read more and more of his works! :)
Frankenstein (Book One: Prodigal Son) is one of Dean Koontz's best known novels. It is a combined science fiction-horror mystery, and satirist novel. It is actually a modern version of Mary Shelley's highly-acclaimed novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus in 1818. Mary Shelley's version of Frankenstein is about an eccentric mad-scientist, Victor Frankenstein who creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment (dead bodies, electricity, lightning and some other stuff). Although Dean Koontz didn't change the horror/goth-ish like theme of Shelley's version, he, however, contemporized Victor Frankenstein's image and "WORKS". Imagine the change from ugly stitches into unnoticeable beautiful sew patches and Dean Koontz named them as the "New Race".
Dean Koontz made me like Science-Fiction and Horror novels. His talent in writing didn't fail to meet my expectations. I'm going to read more and more of his works! :)
June 25, 2010
3.0 to 3.5 stars. This was a really fun, fast paced read. I thought the main character of Deucalion was well done and gave you a character you could really cheer for in the story. The human characters were pretty two dimensional, except for Victor Frankenstein who was a good villian. This minor gripe aside, the story is worth a read.
February 28, 2013
Seems to be a pretty good start to this series. It opens more doors than it closes. I do not feel that someone could be satisfied reading just this book alone. I am interested to see what book 2 will bring. Once again, Koontz has created maniacal madmen driven by the torment in their minds and their desire to conquer at the cost of humanity.
June 1, 2008
I'm one of the few people in the world that was never really turned on by the Frankenstein story. I found it fairly boring when I tried to read it (even though I was in junior high at the time) and I never got into the movies either. The story just didn't strike me as something I'd find exciting.
I had the same expectations for Koontz's new series based on the legendary story, but at the suggestion of my mom, I decided to give it a try.
The story takes place in Lousiana where women are being found murdered, specific body parts having been removed from the corpse. Men are also being found, only it seems that their organs have been diligently removed. While the police deduce that they have a serial killer on their hands, the plot is a bit more complicated than that.
In fact, the book lends itself to several different twists and turns that could go anywhere in the next part of his series (which I have yet to read). There's a potential romantic relationship going on with the partners on the case. There's the arrival of Deucalion, the two hundred year old "monster" and first work of Dr. Victor Helios, aka Frankenstein, who knows his maker, knows his whims, and is determined to help put a stop to his evil genius tendencies, tendencies which include the development of a new race of beings, superior in every way to humans who see Victor as their "Father." There's Randall Six, the man made autistic who seeks the answer to why another like him is happy where he is not. Amidst the characters is a struggle for those made by the doctor, those who are not human, are not made by the same God but who wish to experience the fulfillment and happiness they see in those around them.
This book was great. It kept me hooked through the whole thing and makes me excited for more in the series even though I haven't yet even picked up Book 2. Koontz creates an atmosphere of horror, mystery, romance, and a world that is slightly disturbing. There is an anticipation brought on by not knowing who's human and who's a creation of Frankenstein and how they will be revealed. Admittedly, Koontz's take on the story makes me want to go back and give the original a second glance, something I'll probably consider doing in the near future.
I had the same expectations for Koontz's new series based on the legendary story, but at the suggestion of my mom, I decided to give it a try.
The story takes place in Lousiana where women are being found murdered, specific body parts having been removed from the corpse. Men are also being found, only it seems that their organs have been diligently removed. While the police deduce that they have a serial killer on their hands, the plot is a bit more complicated than that.
In fact, the book lends itself to several different twists and turns that could go anywhere in the next part of his series (which I have yet to read). There's a potential romantic relationship going on with the partners on the case. There's the arrival of Deucalion, the two hundred year old "monster" and first work of Dr. Victor Helios, aka Frankenstein, who knows his maker, knows his whims, and is determined to help put a stop to his evil genius tendencies, tendencies which include the development of a new race of beings, superior in every way to humans who see Victor as their "Father." There's Randall Six, the man made autistic who seeks the answer to why another like him is happy where he is not. Amidst the characters is a struggle for those made by the doctor, those who are not human, are not made by the same God but who wish to experience the fulfillment and happiness they see in those around them.
This book was great. It kept me hooked through the whole thing and makes me excited for more in the series even though I haven't yet even picked up Book 2. Koontz creates an atmosphere of horror, mystery, romance, and a world that is slightly disturbing. There is an anticipation brought on by not knowing who's human and who's a creation of Frankenstein and how they will be revealed. Admittedly, Koontz's take on the story makes me want to go back and give the original a second glance, something I'll probably consider doing in the near future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
Do you remember the first years of American Idol? When one of the contestants would give a particularly good, unique performance of a “classic”, Randy Jackson would say, “You made it your own, dawg!” Well, Dean Koontz certainly has made Frankenstein his own.
There is a certain wow factor that an author like Dean Koontz brings to his stories. He goes well beyond the basic storyline, with multilayered storylines, complex characters and well developed comic relief. It is with good reason that Koontz occupies so much space on the horror shelf of my local bookstore.
Prodigal Son has two storylines that are intertwined. Koontz has woven them together like a master. There is the arc of this book, and above and beyond that is that of the series as a whole. The two flow seamlessly together and it all makes perfect sense.
In my mind there are two sets of characters. Detectives O’Connor and Maddison carry the story. They are well developed, interesting characters that I felt a connection to and want to know more about. But beyond them is Deucalion and his nemesis. These two are darker characters with secrets that only time can fully reveal.
Balancing everything are the comic elements; Koontz has chapters dedicated to banter between O’Connor and Maddison over who should drive the car, and paragraphs about Cheez-Its. These are the factors that make a book more enjoyable.
I have found a new series that I want to continue and a classic that I feel I need to read. What more could a reader want from a book?
There is a certain wow factor that an author like Dean Koontz brings to his stories. He goes well beyond the basic storyline, with multilayered storylines, complex characters and well developed comic relief. It is with good reason that Koontz occupies so much space on the horror shelf of my local bookstore.
Prodigal Son has two storylines that are intertwined. Koontz has woven them together like a master. There is the arc of this book, and above and beyond that is that of the series as a whole. The two flow seamlessly together and it all makes perfect sense.
In my mind there are two sets of characters. Detectives O’Connor and Maddison carry the story. They are well developed, interesting characters that I felt a connection to and want to know more about. But beyond them is Deucalion and his nemesis. These two are darker characters with secrets that only time can fully reveal.
Balancing everything are the comic elements; Koontz has chapters dedicated to banter between O’Connor and Maddison over who should drive the car, and paragraphs about Cheez-Its. These are the factors that make a book more enjoyable.
I have found a new series that I want to continue and a classic that I feel I need to read. What more could a reader want from a book?
January 26, 2010
This was a fast paced read for me and not many are these days. Koontz takes the two pivotal characters from Shelly's "Frankenstein" and brings them forward to modern times. Dr. Frankenstein is still up to his unethical tricks and has managed to prolong his own life through various methods while his first creation named "Deucalion". Deucalion has spent many years searching for purpose and has quietly been living among monks to find peace. He is brought out of his world of tranquility when he learns that Dr. Frankenstein is still creating monsters (though this time via modern methods). One of Dr. F's creations has gone renegade and become a serial killer and collector of various body parts. Deucalion, because he knows Dr. F's motives so well, joins forces with the police to help find the killer. This book held my attention from beginning to end with an interesting story as well as interesting characters. It's humorous and horrifying and a very good read.
January 20, 2018
Excellent, interesting take on the Frankenstein tale. Who is the real monster???
July 22, 2021
Una bella rivisitazione del mito di Frankenstein, anzi un sequel, con l'evoluzione di uno dei protagonisti e l'involuzione dell'altro, la trama principale è molto ben congegnata, interessanti le sottotrame e i possibili sviluppi filosofici. Unico appunto a volte troppa carne al fuoco, funzionerebbe anche con meno colpi di scena.. suvvia, la mano...
May 27, 2015
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series builds upon the classic book by Mary Shelley, using both Frankenstein and his monster as near immortals who each have lived in plain view of the public yet are hidden by the fictitious account of their evolution in the original book. As to not discard the concept, rather enhance and modernize it, the characters transition into a new landscape. Koontz maintains a thread of continuity while writing a new and fantastical setting for the monster and his creator.
PRODIGAL SON is a blend of horror, police procedural, and thriller and serves as a great introduction to a diverse cast of characters.
The plot largely revolves around a serial killer who takes parts of his victims and then evolves into a gruesome horror story with abominations walking the earth with strange abilities.
There really is no good verses evil typecasting in PRODIGAL SON as Koontz (and Kevin J. Anderson as co-author) establish the key players, each with their own motivations; just some more murderous than others.
PRODIGAL SON is a quick read (something that I've found during all three reads) and really establishes this new take on Frankenstein quite well. Don't expect the same story as Mary Shelley, this series is new and follows a rather different path.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
PRODIGAL SON is a blend of horror, police procedural, and thriller and serves as a great introduction to a diverse cast of characters.
The plot largely revolves around a serial killer who takes parts of his victims and then evolves into a gruesome horror story with abominations walking the earth with strange abilities.
There really is no good verses evil typecasting in PRODIGAL SON as Koontz (and Kevin J. Anderson as co-author) establish the key players, each with their own motivations; just some more murderous than others.
PRODIGAL SON is a quick read (something that I've found during all three reads) and really establishes this new take on Frankenstein quite well. Don't expect the same story as Mary Shelley, this series is new and follows a rather different path.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
April 7, 2015
Koontz takes the original Frankenstein story and creates something wonderful. Taking the idea of the classic story, Koontz places Frankenstein and his monster in the modern world. This story leaves you asking who the real monster is – whether it the grotesque monster happens to be the real monster or whether the creator of such a creature was the real monster.
In the usual Koontz fashion we come to love and hate the necessary characters, watching as the story unfolds. With new modified versions of his monsters being sent out into the world countless people are in danger as the mad scientist himself sets off to change the course of nature. Luckily, his monster is not as dead as he had originally thought and this time he has help: although there are more problems in the world than is apparent to anyone (be them good or bad) upon first glance.
It’s a must read for anyone who love Koontz or the classic Frankenstein story.
In the usual Koontz fashion we come to love and hate the necessary characters, watching as the story unfolds. With new modified versions of his monsters being sent out into the world countless people are in danger as the mad scientist himself sets off to change the course of nature. Luckily, his monster is not as dead as he had originally thought and this time he has help: although there are more problems in the world than is apparent to anyone (be them good or bad) upon first glance.
It’s a must read for anyone who love Koontz or the classic Frankenstein story.
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