Frankenstein: Dead and Alive: A Novel (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein) [Mass Market Paperback]

by Dean Koontz

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

About the author

Acknowledged 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

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from a few moments that made me a bit uncomfortable, this was overall a good read.

The continuation of the previous books - book 1 covering maybe 3 or 4 days, book 2 covering 24 hours, and now this one covering maybe 6 or so hours - I have to admit that the pacing was very well done. Every scene was filled with tension about what was coming next, and each chapter pulled together the threads to weave a complex yet simplistic ending.
If they hadn't obviously left it open for another book, I'd have been a bit annoyed by the deus ex machina of it all, but knowing that there is another 2 books following this one, it makes me more forgiving of it.

The moments with chameleon were terrifying, a few times I genuinely had to look around the room as if it could be hiding in here with me, which is the mark of a good monstrosity to me.

I initially started off hating Jocko, but his and Erika Fives relationship really struck something in me, and I found myself becoming more sympathetic to him the same way Erika did. His quirks and mannerisms were endearing, and the fact that he rushed in to save Erika even at the risk of exposing himself to Victor was a touching moment.

Carson and Michael were again on top form, their banter is just forever unmatched, and I am so hoping they are in the next book, considering what their epilogue is.

I wish we had seen more of Deucalion and Victor facing each other. He has been through so much because of Victor and I wanted him to have some of the vengeance he deserves, to be able to unleash some of his rage - but then his story ended the way it did because he didn't react that way. He was better than what Victor made him for, what Victor made him to be, but I do feel like he also deserved to go off on him. Yes, Victor died, but I still wanted more than what happened.

My main issue with the book was Victor's seeming madness at the end, after we've spent three books watching him have such a sharp and calculating mind - yes Deucalion took away the madness for his death, but it shouldn't have been there in the first place, because him being mad feels like an excuse for the evil he does.
My other big gripe was the epilogue where they mentioned that Deucalion 'cured' arnies autism so now he's useful to his sisters business - that just felt kinda gross to me, because he didn't need to be cured or useful - he was loved and a part of the family no matter what, why did he need his whole personality and identity changing just so he and Carson and Michael can get their happy ending? I'm pretty sure it would have been a happy ending for them even if he wasn't cured.

Overall, a good read aside from the points I made. 4.5 rounded down to 4.