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Dean Koontz's Frankenstein #1-5
The Frankenstein Series 5-Book Bundle: Frankenstein: Prodigal Son, City of Night, Dead and Alive, Lost Souls, The Dead Town
From the celebrated master of suspense comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. This definitive eBook bundle contains all five novels in the mesmerizing saga of mystery, myth, terror, and magic that is Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein.
“Koontz writes first-rate suspense, scary and stylish.”—Los Angeles Times
Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. He is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who has traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives in New Orleans as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Deucalion’s path will lead him to cool, tough police detective Carson O’Connor and her devoted partner, Michael Maddison, who are tracking the slayer but will soon discover signs of something far more terrifying: an entire race of killers who are much more—and less—than human and, deadliest of all, their deranged, near-immortal maker, Victor Helios—once known as Frankenstein.
This thrilling eBook bundle includes:
BOOK ONE: PRODIGAL SON
BOOK TWO: CITY OF NIGHT
BOOK THREE: DEAD AND ALIVE
BOOK FOUR: LOST SOULS
BOOK FIVE: THE DEAD TOWN
“A rarity among bestselling writers, Koontz continues to pursue new ways of telling stories, never content with repeating himself. He writes of hope and love in the midst of evil in profoundly inspiring and moving ways.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune
“Koontz writes first-rate suspense, scary and stylish.”—Los Angeles Times
Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. He is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who has traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives in New Orleans as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Deucalion’s path will lead him to cool, tough police detective Carson O’Connor and her devoted partner, Michael Maddison, who are tracking the slayer but will soon discover signs of something far more terrifying: an entire race of killers who are much more—and less—than human and, deadliest of all, their deranged, near-immortal maker, Victor Helios—once known as Frankenstein.
This thrilling eBook bundle includes:
BOOK ONE: PRODIGAL SON
BOOK TWO: CITY OF NIGHT
BOOK THREE: DEAD AND ALIVE
BOOK FOUR: LOST SOULS
BOOK FIVE: THE DEAD TOWN
“A rarity among bestselling writers, Koontz continues to pursue new ways of telling stories, never content with repeating himself. He writes of hope and love in the midst of evil in profoundly inspiring and moving ways.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune
1929 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
236 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
987 books39.4k 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 43 reviews
December 31, 2012
Absolutely fantastic books , bought an old tale up to date and carried on Mary shelleys vision in fantastic style
August 31, 2017
I think I read ALL of these in one week. The story was so good. Felt like an action movie.
My only complaint: no love story for Deucalion. He deserved more!
My only complaint: no love story for Deucalion. He deserved more!
October 5, 2014
I love retellings of classic books. When I started this series, I thought that's what this was, but it's not. I would refer to this series as an "add-on". When I say "add-on" I mean that this story picks up after the events of the original Frankenstein and continues the story in modern day. Having said that, I think this series as great! I enjoyed through all 5 books. Dean Koontz is a master story teller and it comes through in this series.
The plot is fantastic. I would say that it incorporates action/adventure, suspense, thriller, and sci-fi genres all into one nice package. Often times with series of this size there are books that are a let-down along the way (usually book 2 or 3). Not so with this series. They are all page turners. The plot starts us off in New Orleans in the modern day. This is a great location due to the mystery that comes with New Orleans all by itself. It makes the idea of a battle between Dr. Frankenstein and his original monster seem somewhat plausible. I don't like to go into the plot too much because I don't like spoilers in my reviews. But, the gist of the series is the battle between Dr. and monster. It is worth the read, I promise. The plot moves very well in these books and is rich in depth. There are the twists, turns, and surprises that us Koontz fans have come to know and love. There is also some darkness to the plot that can bee seen throughout most of his books.
The characters of this series are wonderful. Some authors make the mistake of trying to cram too many people into the story so that they can fill the content of this many books. Not so with Koontz. There wasn't any time through the series that I had to go back and remind myself of who someone was or what they were doing in the story. He does a good job of keep the core characters at the core and bringing in support characters as needed. It is wonderfully balanced throughout.
The readability of these books is great. They are page turners from start to finish. There aren't any parts of the book where you are willing your way through it so that you can get to the next "good" part. It flows very naturally and makes for any easy read.
The readership of this book would probably be high school and up. It's not that the language is hard to understand or that there are difficult words to get through, but there are some themes that run throughout the book that would make it suitable for an older audience.
Overall, this series was very enjoyable for me. I would put it in my top 10 series of all time right now. It's on the low end, but in the top 10 for sure. Well crafted and well worth the read, especially if you are a Koontz fan.
Overall rating: 5/5
The plot is fantastic. I would say that it incorporates action/adventure, suspense, thriller, and sci-fi genres all into one nice package. Often times with series of this size there are books that are a let-down along the way (usually book 2 or 3). Not so with this series. They are all page turners. The plot starts us off in New Orleans in the modern day. This is a great location due to the mystery that comes with New Orleans all by itself. It makes the idea of a battle between Dr. Frankenstein and his original monster seem somewhat plausible. I don't like to go into the plot too much because I don't like spoilers in my reviews. But, the gist of the series is the battle between Dr. and monster. It is worth the read, I promise. The plot moves very well in these books and is rich in depth. There are the twists, turns, and surprises that us Koontz fans have come to know and love. There is also some darkness to the plot that can bee seen throughout most of his books.
The characters of this series are wonderful. Some authors make the mistake of trying to cram too many people into the story so that they can fill the content of this many books. Not so with Koontz. There wasn't any time through the series that I had to go back and remind myself of who someone was or what they were doing in the story. He does a good job of keep the core characters at the core and bringing in support characters as needed. It is wonderfully balanced throughout.
The readability of these books is great. They are page turners from start to finish. There aren't any parts of the book where you are willing your way through it so that you can get to the next "good" part. It flows very naturally and makes for any easy read.
The readership of this book would probably be high school and up. It's not that the language is hard to understand or that there are difficult words to get through, but there are some themes that run throughout the book that would make it suitable for an older audience.
Overall, this series was very enjoyable for me. I would put it in my top 10 series of all time right now. It's on the low end, but in the top 10 for sure. Well crafted and well worth the read, especially if you are a Koontz fan.
Overall rating: 5/5
July 7, 2018
I remember when the Syfy channel tried to make this into a series a while back. They started with the first book, Prodigal Son and well, it actually looked beautiful upon the screen. At that time I didn't know that the show was based upon Dean Koontz's works but swiftly after the show got cancelled, I did find myself wanting to know more about that very different sort of Frankenstein's monster.
Dean Koontz really spins the tale on it's head, breathes new life and motivation into classic characters and introduces a whole slew of new ones with his 5 book series. Frankenstein's monster, Ducalion is a bold sort of hero/anti hero with brooding, mysterious menace but compassion. While Victor Frankenstein is fleshed out to be a maniacal, scheming and flawed millionaire with notions of remaking the world.
Throughout the book there are some notable characters, namely the plucky, street-smart New Orleans cops, Madison and Michael who aid Ducalion in his epic fight to keep Victor from taking over the world with his clones. (He has perfected his life-giving sciences). There's a misguided serial killer, wizened con man, a plump, nostalgic carnie, and numerous other supporting characters. Two of my favorite happened to be Erika Five (Frankenstein's cloned wife of which there are several) and Jocko, a tumor born from a clone who grows into a dwarf. Seriously, I could have read more about their adventures.
So, out of the five book series, I kinda think that it should have ended after the fourth book, as the fifth was looking at a shark to jump. The first four were an epic journey and while there are hints that lead up to the events that happen in the fifth book, the new setting and bizarre reinvention of Frankenstein's new creatures spins the tale from dark fantasy into something with a heavier tang of science fiction.
Altogether, this series was a really good, entertaining and imaginative retelling of an old and treasured tale bundle!
Dean Koontz really spins the tale on it's head, breathes new life and motivation into classic characters and introduces a whole slew of new ones with his 5 book series. Frankenstein's monster, Ducalion is a bold sort of hero/anti hero with brooding, mysterious menace but compassion. While Victor Frankenstein is fleshed out to be a maniacal, scheming and flawed millionaire with notions of remaking the world.
Throughout the book there are some notable characters, namely the plucky, street-smart New Orleans cops, Madison and Michael who aid Ducalion in his epic fight to keep Victor from taking over the world with his clones. (He has perfected his life-giving sciences). There's a misguided serial killer, wizened con man, a plump, nostalgic carnie, and numerous other supporting characters. Two of my favorite happened to be Erika Five (Frankenstein's cloned wife of which there are several) and Jocko, a tumor born from a clone who grows into a dwarf. Seriously, I could have read more about their adventures.
So, out of the five book series, I kinda think that it should have ended after the fourth book, as the fifth was looking at a shark to jump. The first four were an epic journey and while there are hints that lead up to the events that happen in the fifth book, the new setting and bizarre reinvention of Frankenstein's new creatures spins the tale from dark fantasy into something with a heavier tang of science fiction.
Altogether, this series was a really good, entertaining and imaginative retelling of an old and treasured tale bundle!
August 4, 2018
I have been a Dean Koontz fan since I was a teenager, however I fell off onto other genres and authors and forgot to go back for decades. This was such a great series to return to! He did a great job of reinventing an old tale and expanding on it. You find yourself rooting for the characters and the characters are developed and likeable. Is there a predictability aspect to the characters, maybe. But that is what I enjoyed about them. An easy read that I did not want to put down. Great series.
March 11, 2020
This series has everything.
These books will bring forth every emotion, no surprise there,lol. Dean Koontz is a master at writing the truth that lies in each of our hearts. The truth about life, love, and the truth about how goodness always defies evil in the end. I used to own every Dean Koontz book over written in hard cover, but lost them all in a house fire. I am currently releasing them all. Because they are worth it.
These books will bring forth every emotion, no surprise there,lol. Dean Koontz is a master at writing the truth that lies in each of our hearts. The truth about life, love, and the truth about how goodness always defies evil in the end. I used to own every Dean Koontz book over written in hard cover, but lost them all in a house fire. I am currently releasing them all. Because they are worth it.
September 15, 2020
I have read and re-read this series more times than I can count
I have read and reread the series more times than I can count And every time It makes me laugh it makes me cry it makes me happy It makes me sad I love it more and more each time I read it A good book is like A true friend You know that no matter what It will always be there for you
I have read and reread the series more times than I can count And every time It makes me laugh it makes me cry it makes me happy It makes me sad I love it more and more each time I read it A good book is like A true friend You know that no matter what It will always be there for you
May 3, 2025
Frankenstein - Dean Koontz
What a rollercoaster of a book. This took me nine months to read. The first trimester was getting accustomed to the characters. The subsequent third, was pretty addictive. Then finally, it birthed a very powerful ending, telling a well used theme based on the human condition lust for power, greed and humility. This book(s) I came upon many years ago, I'm so glad I returned to it in 2025
What a rollercoaster of a book. This took me nine months to read. The first trimester was getting accustomed to the characters. The subsequent third, was pretty addictive. Then finally, it birthed a very powerful ending, telling a well used theme based on the human condition lust for power, greed and humility. This book(s) I came upon many years ago, I'm so glad I returned to it in 2025
July 11, 2018
Another Winner from Koontz
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein is fabulous! Absolutely thrilling & delightful. Carson & Michael are funny and relatable. Personally pleased that he ended up going with the book format, in spite of his original intentions. A roller coaster ride through the incredible and fantastic. Definitely recommend. You won't want to put it down until the last page.
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein is fabulous! Absolutely thrilling & delightful. Carson & Michael are funny and relatable. Personally pleased that he ended up going with the book format, in spite of his original intentions. A roller coaster ride through the incredible and fantastic. Definitely recommend. You won't want to put it down until the last page.
August 12, 2023
Awesome series. Once you start you can’t put it down. Dean Koontz is an awesome writer. I think I have read 90% of his books and some of them more than once. He’s like a version of Stephen King without the bad language. I love that evil cannot prevail as long as there are good men to fight and both writers do that in their own awesome way. Both are my favorite authors.
September 4, 2024
Super cool book.
It makes a great revival of the legendary story of Frankenstein with a modern, technological twist and some darker, more perverted aspects than the original.
In Dean Koontz fashion, the series grabs you chapter by chapter and brings you along for a riveting ride, introducing you to both repulsive and lovable characters along the way.
It makes a great revival of the legendary story of Frankenstein with a modern, technological twist and some darker, more perverted aspects than the original.
In Dean Koontz fashion, the series grabs you chapter by chapter and brings you along for a riveting ride, introducing you to both repulsive and lovable characters along the way.
June 23, 2019
Awesomeness
Just plain good on so many levels. Characters. Imagery. Plot. Originality. Scariness. Morality. Immorality. Funny. Serious. Love story. Adventure story. Suspense story. It's all there.
Just plain good on so many levels. Characters. Imagery. Plot. Originality. Scariness. Morality. Immorality. Funny. Serious. Love story. Adventure story. Suspense story. It's all there.
April 20, 2024
I enjoyed this series very much. The story never got old.The characters were great great and and it was exciting and easy to follow. Many hours of reading pleasure can be had with this Siri's.If you're a fan of science fiction. This would have made a great t v series.
February 19, 2025
An absorbing reimagining
I started reading this wondering if DK would manage to retell and update the Frankenstein story. It is cleverly done and the characters are believable and likeable. The switch after book 3 is a nice twist.
I started reading this wondering if DK would manage to retell and update the Frankenstein story. It is cleverly done and the characters are believable and likeable. The switch after book 3 is a nice twist.
October 23, 2017
Excellent series
What a wonderful series. Could not stop reading. Love his writing. Kept me interested until the last page. Read and enjoy
What a wonderful series. Could not stop reading. Love his writing. Kept me interested until the last page. Read and enjoy
November 5, 2018
Amazing..
Talented writing... long but so good. Took me forever to finish. Did not disappoint- some times hard to be engaged with how long it goes on.
Talented writing... long but so good. Took me forever to finish. Did not disappoint- some times hard to be engaged with how long it goes on.
January 11, 2019
Awesome ending to this series. So enjoyed the whole series, hopeful, inspiring.
February 27, 2019
Great story!
I could not put these books down. Very vivid imagery throughout. Each book continued the story. A must read for monster fans.
I could not put these books down. Very vivid imagery throughout. Each book continued the story. A must read for monster fans.
March 10, 2019
Excellent series. I highly recommend reading the entire series. You won't be disappointed.
October 15, 2019
Great story
The only thing that took two stars, way to much is told by the bad guys. I just flat do not enjoy wallowing in the mind of a monster or a madman.
The only thing that took two stars, way to much is told by the bad guys. I just flat do not enjoy wallowing in the mind of a monster or a madman.
January 7, 2020
I am glad that I discovered Koontz in Cold Fire. He hasn't disappointed me so far. I really enjoyed this series
June 18, 2020
Great series!
October 25, 2020
Classic Koontz, read all 5 and enjoyed.
November 16, 2021
I liked how totally outrageous the adventure was but it isn't anything compared to the original. It was nice to see where 'The Monster" went off to after Frankenstein's death.
January 22, 2022
Always a good read
Good storyline. A bit repetitive at times but good non the less. When is the last snowman going to come out?
Good storyline. A bit repetitive at times but good non the less. When is the last snowman going to come out?
July 26, 2024
Read all 5 books. It's definitely good enough to read them all, but not great literature. I enjoyed them enough to finish the story. I liked Jocko and Erica 5 the best.
January 8, 2025
I'm not much for writing reviews, but this was a terrific book.
August 1, 2025
Good imaginative series. Book 4 was slow not sure it couldn’t have been combined with 5 into a more straightforward book. Overall I enjoyed it.
August 3, 2016
It was good--and add .5 for a total of 3.5 for the usual good writing of Dean Koontz. There was a lot of repetition in the book. It seemed like every time a character was mentioned there was a reminder of who that person was and their contribution to the book was mentioned. I wish it had been sold as one "big ole' book" instead of five different books. They must have broken the book down to dumb it down...most people only have an attention span for 300 pages (or so I've been told), so they chopped it up into five 300 page books that were more manageable for the masses. That way they could also charge for five books instead of just one. I am sure it is a publisher thing...at least I hope it isn't something Koontz pushed for. That is why I give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars.
December 31, 2014
Some of the issues that I have with Dean Koontz aren't present in this set of books - for example, the endings are much better handled.
However, characters tend to be copied from book to book, and I'm tired of the repetition. There's only so many times the angelic, easy bantering but tough good guys can be used without becoming boring, and we're long since past that!
However, having said that, I did enjoy the books overall. In particular, I liked the byplay between Nummy and Mr Lyss.
However, characters tend to be copied from book to book, and I'm tired of the repetition. There's only so many times the angelic, easy bantering but tough good guys can be used without becoming boring, and we're long since past that!
However, having said that, I did enjoy the books overall. In particular, I liked the byplay between Nummy and Mr Lyss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews