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Shadow Fires
Rachael Leben's violently possessive ex-husband, Eric, hideously mangled in a freak accident, is dead. And his body has disappeared from the city morgue.
Now someone, or something, is watching Rachael. Calling her. Stalking her. And though no one will believe her, she knows who it is; that his walking corpse is a grotesque mockery of life, and his brilliant, warped mind, once again "alive," is seething with jealous rage, seeking an unspeakable revenge.
There's nowhere left to run...
Now someone, or something, is watching Rachael. Calling her. Stalking her. And though no one will believe her, she knows who it is; that his walking corpse is a grotesque mockery of life, and his brilliant, warped mind, once again "alive," is seething with jealous rage, seeking an unspeakable revenge.
There's nowhere left to run...
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
2108 people are currently reading
5946 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Nichols
24 books192 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Leigh Nichols is a pen name of Dean R. Koontz / Dean Koontz.
Leigh Nichols is a pen name of Dean R. Koontz / Dean Koontz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
July 30, 2022
Deliciously creepy
This is an older Koontz book but, as one would expect, creepy enough for all fans. Genetic modification, corrupt government agents and some very endearing characters make for an enjoyable read! Good ole creepiness.
This is an older Koontz book but, as one would expect, creepy enough for all fans. Genetic modification, corrupt government agents and some very endearing characters make for an enjoyable read! Good ole creepiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
Shadowfires is a novel by Dean Koontz that was published in 1987 under his pseudonym Leigh Nichols. It was the last novel to be published as by Nichols, and in fact was the last book by Koontz to be published under a pen name. (Well, the last that's he's acknowledged so far, at least.) It's a very nifty straightforward horror novel, with covert scientific military ops and cross-country chases and a frisky romance and the best zombie you've encountered since Sheriff McClelland observed that, "Yeah, they're dead. They're all messed up." Thankfully, Rachael has more on the ball than poor Barbara. It's my favorite of Koontz's pseudonymous novels, and among my favorites of his overall works. The writing is carefully layered and elegant, very nicely paced to go with the flow of the plot, and almost poetic in spots; for example, the last line is: "The storm was moving eastward, and the voice of the wind was stilled for now."
June 1, 2021
"Shadowfires" has more in common with those B-movie features from the '50s filmed in someone's backyard out in the California desert, and in particular, this story reminds me of Robert Clarke's "The Hideous Sun Demon." If you like those kinds of creature features, the prolific Dean Koontz has a book for you. Not only is this a delightful homage to classic monster movies, it is served up as a rich jambalaya of an 80s politically incorrect action adventure, a techno thriller, a serial killer romp, a thoughtful commentary about the Vietnam War, and a sensitive psychological portrait of narcissism as a defense against sexual trauma.
In a nutshell, the book concerns a young woman, Rachael, who is divorcing her ridiculously rich husband who runs a genetics lab with grants from the Pentagon. During an argument, the husband, Eric, runs out into traffic and is killed by a garbage truck. But a few hours later, his body is missing from the morgue, and mysterious men in black driving big Cadillacs and welding some serious firepower are hunting Rachael and her new boyfriend. Meanwhile, Orange County detectives are investigating a series of brutal murders that seemed to be linked to Eric and his genetic research. The whole thing becomes a frantic race across the American West as four different factions converge onto Las Vegas where the stakes were never higher.
This was a fun and thrilling ride that was worth every bit of time it took to read the over 400 pages of action-packed prose. I really was surprised how many genre styles and ideas Koontz was able to thrust into one novel while still allowing for quite sophisticated themes and story arcs. Usually novels that are this busy feel rushed and cramped, but not so here. Koontz even takes his time among the mayhem immersing the reader in beautifully descriptive narration, leaving no opportunity missed for you to hear the wind hissing through the vast desert and the screech of the cicadas in the forest, to smell the ozone in the air during a thunderstorm and the scent of pine in the mountains.
I really don't have much negative to say about this book. The only thing that annoyed me was we had another female heroine with "Titian" hair. Why is it that so many science fiction writers love their women with titian hair, and have to remind you of their titianishness every chance they get? I'm looking at you E.E. "Doc" Smith! But really, this book only loses a star because I can't say the premise is vastly original. But if you jump with joy and slap in a limp bag of popcorn in the microwave when you hear that TCM is showing a Roger Corman marathon, you will love this book.
So what surprises me even more is that of Koontz's bibliography, you don't hear this book often discussed by his fans. It certainly is no masterpiece, but if you are ever in the mood for some entertaining scifi scares, where Marlboro men and titian women kick some armed thugs and some toothy monsters around, crack open a copy this summer while lounging by the smoking grill or hanging out at the beach. You'll have a good time.
In a nutshell, the book concerns a young woman, Rachael, who is divorcing her ridiculously rich husband who runs a genetics lab with grants from the Pentagon. During an argument, the husband, Eric, runs out into traffic and is killed by a garbage truck. But a few hours later, his body is missing from the morgue, and mysterious men in black driving big Cadillacs and welding some serious firepower are hunting Rachael and her new boyfriend. Meanwhile, Orange County detectives are investigating a series of brutal murders that seemed to be linked to Eric and his genetic research. The whole thing becomes a frantic race across the American West as four different factions converge onto Las Vegas where the stakes were never higher.
This was a fun and thrilling ride that was worth every bit of time it took to read the over 400 pages of action-packed prose. I really was surprised how many genre styles and ideas Koontz was able to thrust into one novel while still allowing for quite sophisticated themes and story arcs. Usually novels that are this busy feel rushed and cramped, but not so here. Koontz even takes his time among the mayhem immersing the reader in beautifully descriptive narration, leaving no opportunity missed for you to hear the wind hissing through the vast desert and the screech of the cicadas in the forest, to smell the ozone in the air during a thunderstorm and the scent of pine in the mountains.
I really don't have much negative to say about this book. The only thing that annoyed me was we had another female heroine with "Titian" hair. Why is it that so many science fiction writers love their women with titian hair, and have to remind you of their titianishness every chance they get? I'm looking at you E.E. "Doc" Smith! But really, this book only loses a star because I can't say the premise is vastly original. But if you jump with joy and slap in a limp bag of popcorn in the microwave when you hear that TCM is showing a Roger Corman marathon, you will love this book.
So what surprises me even more is that of Koontz's bibliography, you don't hear this book often discussed by his fans. It certainly is no masterpiece, but if you are ever in the mood for some entertaining scifi scares, where Marlboro men and titian women kick some armed thugs and some toothy monsters around, crack open a copy this summer while lounging by the smoking grill or hanging out at the beach. You'll have a good time.
September 8, 2022
Koontzland Group Read - December 2017
Read Koontz in December: this is #3 out of 4 - done
A good chase-and-escapes book with scenes never ending.
In Orange County, California - Dr. Eric Leben(42) & Racheal(30) are leaving their divoice lawyer's office. Dr. Eric Leben has been 1 year separated from his wife, Racheal. He is seen being hit by a garbage truck as they both walk out of the lawyer's office. Eric's dead body is transferred into the hospital morgue. But then missing when the morgue slab is open.
Did he really die? Did he walk out? Did someone take him?
Eric has always been arrogant but she humiliated him turning down his power & money. The divoice was due, he always beat her, separated for 1 year & Ben Shadwat(37) has been her "new" boyfriend for the last 5 months (runs a successful real estate business).
Eric beat & killed other young girls, such as, Sarah & Becky. His "Wildcard" project is a genetic alteration carrier to stop aging, tests reincarnated dead mice back to life. Was he the "test" to bring dead humans back to life, himself after the crash?
Typical last scene, Dr.Eric Leben, Anson Sharp (DSA agent), Lt. Verdad, Det. Peake, Det. Shadwat, Racheal & Ben fight to the end - who gets killed. Does Dr.Leben get away to fight again? Does he really get killed?
And an unusual end to a Koontz book.....
YouTube Shadowfires 1 Soundtrack (page 1 -267) 9:29 = https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=706s&am...
YouTube Shadowfires 2 Soundtrack (page 268-509) 8:50 = https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcF9M3a...
Read Koontz in December: this is #3 out of 4 - done
A good chase-and-escapes book with scenes never ending.
In Orange County, California - Dr. Eric Leben(42) & Racheal(30) are leaving their divoice lawyer's office. Dr. Eric Leben has been 1 year separated from his wife, Racheal. He is seen being hit by a garbage truck as they both walk out of the lawyer's office. Eric's dead body is transferred into the hospital morgue. But then missing when the morgue slab is open.
Did he really die? Did he walk out? Did someone take him?
Eric has always been arrogant but she humiliated him turning down his power & money. The divoice was due, he always beat her, separated for 1 year & Ben Shadwat(37) has been her "new" boyfriend for the last 5 months (runs a successful real estate business).
Eric beat & killed other young girls, such as, Sarah & Becky. His "Wildcard" project is a genetic alteration carrier to stop aging, tests reincarnated dead mice back to life. Was he the "test" to bring dead humans back to life, himself after the crash?
Typical last scene, Dr.Eric Leben, Anson Sharp (DSA agent), Lt. Verdad, Det. Peake, Det. Shadwat, Racheal & Ben fight to the end - who gets killed. Does Dr.Leben get away to fight again? Does he really get killed?
And an unusual end to a Koontz book.....
YouTube Shadowfires 1 Soundtrack (page 1 -267) 9:29 = https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=706s&am...
YouTube Shadowfires 2 Soundtrack (page 268-509) 8:50 = https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcF9M3a...
September 3, 2021
При все че през последните години бях имал няколко крайно разочароващи срещи с Дийн Кунц (веднага се сещам за Невинност и Чудакът Томас: Завръщането), въобще не се поколебах да придобия тази тухличка, защото съм свикнал да се доверявам на хорър вкуса на Иван Атанасов. И не, няма да спра да го хваля - благодарение на него видяхме на родния пазар Кървавите книги на Клайв Баркър, преоткрихме Дан Симънс като талантлив автор на ужаси, запознахме се с нови великолепни неща на Робърт МакКамън и... и... спирам.
Призрачни огньове, както ми сподели самият Deadface се нареждал сред личните му топ 10 на Кунц, писан в най-силния период на автора - между Светкавица и Пазители. Сега, затворил последната страница, трябва да се съглася. Романът, появил се през 1987 (издаден е под псевдонима Лий Никълс), е колкото брутален хорър, толкова и напрегнат техно-трилър (фабулата гравитира около генното инженерство, но се мяркат и хакерски практики от зората на този занаят). Е, добрите, традиционно за Кунц, бяха добри до захаросаност, а лошите - гадни копелета на квадрат, но категорично отсъстваха малоумните сюжети и диалози от гореспоменатите заглавия и искрено се забавлявах през цялото време. Плюсът е и, че за изминалите десетилетия четивото съвсем не е лошо остаряло.
Призрачни огньове, както ми сподели самият Deadface се нареждал сред личните му топ 10 на Кунц, писан в най-силния период на автора - между Светкавица и Пазители. Сега, затворил последната страница, трябва да се съглася. Романът, появил се през 1987 (издаден е под псевдонима Лий Никълс), е колкото брутален хорър, толкова и напрегнат техно-трилър (фабулата гравитира около генното инженерство, но се мяркат и хакерски практики от зората на този занаят). Е, добрите, традиционно за Кунц, бяха добри до захаросаност, а лошите - гадни копелета на квадрат, но категорично отсъстваха малоумните сюжети и диалози от гореспоменатите заглавия и искрено се забавлявах през цялото време. Плюсът е и, че за изминалите десетилетия четивото съвсем не е лошо остаряло.
March 28, 2017
In the late 1980s, just after the publication of this book, Dean Koontz decided to consolidate his pseudonyms and just publish everything as himself. He was not at peak popularity, but getting close.
Koontz made a deal with Dark Harvest, a small publishing company nobody has cared about in years, located in Illinois.
Koontz reprinted his Leigh Nichols books in new hard covers. The covers were illustrated by Koontz friend Phil Parks.
The covers themselves are amazing. They are probably my favorite book covers I've come across. Inside the book are a bunch of illustrations to go with the stories.
It just so happened that the public library in Carol Stream managed to get at least 4 of these titles added into their collection. So, when a kid from the 6th grade class next door started bringing them in and showing them off.. I knew I had to get a piece of the action.
In addition to my infatuation with Stephen King, I started reading up every Koontz book I could find.
Those Dark Harvest versions of these books have stuck with me. I have been tempted whenever I go back home, to see if these still sit on the shelves at the old library. I've imagined what it would be like to just take them home and never bringing the back. (But it know it is wrong!!!)
Now that I am an adult, every now and then I think about trying to track them down and finally adding them into my collection. In terms of Dean Koontz books, they are somewhat rare, and probably well favored by big fans of the author. In terms of literature as a whole, they're probably not that big of a deal.
Even so, one of these Dark Harvest editions can cost a pretty penny. Usually the ones that I come across as asking for $50 or more. Not the most practical for a book I mainly want to keep on my shelf and flip through now and again.
When I go to used book stores, I always check the Koontz hardcovers, never expecting any of them to show up.
Yet... this summer I got insanely lucky. A Half Priced Books store in Cincinnati had "Shadowfires" and they only wanted ten dollars for it. I can only imagine that the person who sold it, and the people who priced it didn't have much of a clue what it was they had.
I am thankful for that.
Shadowfires was the one Dark Harvest book I didn't get to see as a kid. The cover is probably the silliest of the bunch, but it is still captivating. The interior illustrations are dark and moody and of Park's consistent quality. Finding this book, for me, is a huge deal, and it is in AMAZING condition!
So now I have it, and the hunger for the others grows.
As of this writing, before I have started my re-read of this book, I realize that this is one of the Dean Koontz books I have nearly no actual memory of. It was never a particular favorite of mine, and I cannot recall the plot just by thinking about it. I keep getting this one mixed up with the time traveling Nazi book (the first Koontz book that I remember feeling disappointed with ((but not the last)) ).
Now that I have re-read the book...
I feel like I remember bits and pieces, but not a whole lot from when I was a kid. Overall, it isn't a terrible Dean Koontz book. It is quite a bit better than a lot of the more modern stuff he is writing. This book hails from that era of "Scientists push too far to create an advancement and end up making a monster instead" type story.
If you haven't read this one before, there are far better worse books to read. (The Taking, Your Heart Belongs to Me, What The Nights Knows, every Odd Thomas book after the first). Though somebody coming in hoping for something amazing... this isn't amazing.
It suffers from being a bit too melodramatic at times (which is how Koontz rolls) but with this book in particular it suffers from too many characters. The two good guy cops and the DSA agents didn't need to be in the book at all, you would have had the same exact story
Koontz made a deal with Dark Harvest, a small publishing company nobody has cared about in years, located in Illinois.
Koontz reprinted his Leigh Nichols books in new hard covers. The covers were illustrated by Koontz friend Phil Parks.
The covers themselves are amazing. They are probably my favorite book covers I've come across. Inside the book are a bunch of illustrations to go with the stories.
It just so happened that the public library in Carol Stream managed to get at least 4 of these titles added into their collection. So, when a kid from the 6th grade class next door started bringing them in and showing them off.. I knew I had to get a piece of the action.
In addition to my infatuation with Stephen King, I started reading up every Koontz book I could find.
Those Dark Harvest versions of these books have stuck with me. I have been tempted whenever I go back home, to see if these still sit on the shelves at the old library. I've imagined what it would be like to just take them home and never bringing the back. (But it know it is wrong!!!)
Now that I am an adult, every now and then I think about trying to track them down and finally adding them into my collection. In terms of Dean Koontz books, they are somewhat rare, and probably well favored by big fans of the author. In terms of literature as a whole, they're probably not that big of a deal.
Even so, one of these Dark Harvest editions can cost a pretty penny. Usually the ones that I come across as asking for $50 or more. Not the most practical for a book I mainly want to keep on my shelf and flip through now and again.
When I go to used book stores, I always check the Koontz hardcovers, never expecting any of them to show up.
Yet... this summer I got insanely lucky. A Half Priced Books store in Cincinnati had "Shadowfires" and they only wanted ten dollars for it. I can only imagine that the person who sold it, and the people who priced it didn't have much of a clue what it was they had.
I am thankful for that.
Shadowfires was the one Dark Harvest book I didn't get to see as a kid. The cover is probably the silliest of the bunch, but it is still captivating. The interior illustrations are dark and moody and of Park's consistent quality. Finding this book, for me, is a huge deal, and it is in AMAZING condition!
So now I have it, and the hunger for the others grows.
As of this writing, before I have started my re-read of this book, I realize that this is one of the Dean Koontz books I have nearly no actual memory of. It was never a particular favorite of mine, and I cannot recall the plot just by thinking about it. I keep getting this one mixed up with the time traveling Nazi book (the first Koontz book that I remember feeling disappointed with ((but not the last)) ).
Now that I have re-read the book...
I feel like I remember bits and pieces, but not a whole lot from when I was a kid. Overall, it isn't a terrible Dean Koontz book. It is quite a bit better than a lot of the more modern stuff he is writing. This book hails from that era of "Scientists push too far to create an advancement and end up making a monster instead" type story.
If you haven't read this one before, there are far better worse books to read. (The Taking, Your Heart Belongs to Me, What The Nights Knows, every Odd Thomas book after the first). Though somebody coming in hoping for something amazing... this isn't amazing.
It suffers from being a bit too melodramatic at times (which is how Koontz rolls) but with this book in particular it suffers from too many characters. The two good guy cops and the DSA agents didn't need to be in the book at all, you would have had the same exact story
June 4, 2013
This was one of the earlier Koontz novels that I somehow missed in my youth. It tells the tale of a genetic genius named Eric who, after an ugly argument with his soon to be ex-wife Rachel, dies in an accident. But this is a Koontz novel so you know he doesn't stay dead . . .
Before long Rachel and her new love interest Ben are on the run from a resurrected Eric and men who will do anything to keep Eric's status a secret.
Koontz has always been hit or miss with me and I'm sad to say that this book was more of a miss. I'm a big fan of monster books and zombies but this book focused more on the action which bored me. Not helping matters was the mostly unlikable cast of characters and the unbelievable dialogue.
And shall I mention the "love scene"? How could I not? It still has me creeped out. When Rachel and Ben finally give in to temptation Koontz describes their happy ending as "Ben emptying copious measures of himself into Rachel". Sounds rather painful to me. I imagine his organs melting down from the burning heat of Rachel's womanly bits. It's here my mind begins to drift and set up a new plot twist. One where Ben expires from all of this sexual bother and losing of himself and Rachel, so sexually frustrated, is forced to hook back up with zombie Eric. Hey, he may be rotting and smelly but at least he has more life left in him than boring self-satisfying Ben. Oops, I think I just turned this into a Richard Laymon novel.
Anyway now that I'm completely off track, I'll just end this by saying that I would have enjoyed it more if it had focused more on the changes Eric the "monster" was going through and spent less time on the snoozy chase scenes. It would've helped too if there were less time agonizing about every thought and motivation passing through many of the dull characters heads (especially Ben and his nemesis whose name has escaped me).
I probably would have enjoyed this more when I was a lot younger or if I hadn't read so many romances over the years.
Before long Rachel and her new love interest Ben are on the run from a resurrected Eric and men who will do anything to keep Eric's status a secret.
Koontz has always been hit or miss with me and I'm sad to say that this book was more of a miss. I'm a big fan of monster books and zombies but this book focused more on the action which bored me. Not helping matters was the mostly unlikable cast of characters and the unbelievable dialogue.
And shall I mention the "love scene"? How could I not? It still has me creeped out. When Rachel and Ben finally give in to temptation Koontz describes their happy ending as "Ben emptying copious measures of himself into Rachel". Sounds rather painful to me. I imagine his organs melting down from the burning heat of Rachel's womanly bits. It's here my mind begins to drift and set up a new plot twist. One where Ben expires from all of this sexual bother and losing of himself and Rachel, so sexually frustrated, is forced to hook back up with zombie Eric. Hey, he may be rotting and smelly but at least he has more life left in him than boring self-satisfying Ben. Oops, I think I just turned this into a Richard Laymon novel.
Anyway now that I'm completely off track, I'll just end this by saying that I would have enjoyed it more if it had focused more on the changes Eric the "monster" was going through and spent less time on the snoozy chase scenes. It would've helped too if there were less time agonizing about every thought and motivation passing through many of the dull characters heads (especially Ben and his nemesis whose name has escaped me).
I probably would have enjoyed this more when I was a lot younger or if I hadn't read so many romances over the years.
July 29, 2022
Too many typos, formatting errors, non-factual opinions, misogyny, ethic slurs, blah, blah, blah. In other words, a Koontz book from the Koontz boilerplate.
In a repeated theme of several other novels about men becoming creatures, Koontz has only omitted one favorite. A Golden Lab or Retriever. As usual, the women are called 'girls' and have large breasts, long legs, and are gorgeous. They always want sex and have multiple orgasms each time they do.
The comments about Vietnam are especially cringe-worthy. This reader is a Vietnam-era vet whose spouse served in SE Asia.
Objective views are needed when writing about a war that claimed so many lives. Koontz doesn't deal in objectivity. He pushes his opinions as fact. Did he serve? Of course not. He did get a hair transplant because 'appearances' are everything to him. His writing is nothing like the contemporaries he is often compared. He, like his creature, has shrunk. His only redemption is his love of CCI, Canine Companions for Independence, a worthy and trusted organization that provides free service dogs to those in need, including veterans.
In a repeated theme of several other novels about men becoming creatures, Koontz has only omitted one favorite. A Golden Lab or Retriever. As usual, the women are called 'girls' and have large breasts, long legs, and are gorgeous. They always want sex and have multiple orgasms each time they do.
The comments about Vietnam are especially cringe-worthy. This reader is a Vietnam-era vet whose spouse served in SE Asia.
Objective views are needed when writing about a war that claimed so many lives. Koontz doesn't deal in objectivity. He pushes his opinions as fact. Did he serve? Of course not. He did get a hair transplant because 'appearances' are everything to him. His writing is nothing like the contemporaries he is often compared. He, like his creature, has shrunk. His only redemption is his love of CCI, Canine Companions for Independence, a worthy and trusted organization that provides free service dogs to those in need, including veterans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2023
জেনেটিক ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং এর মাধ্যমে মৃত্যুকে পরাজিত করার চেষ্টা করতে গিয়ে এক জিনিয়াসের দানবীয় পরিণতির কাহিনি। সাইড আলাপ করতে গিয়ে কম করে হলেও একশো পৃষ্ঠা বেশি নষ্ট হয়েছে। এর মধ্যে ভিয়েতনাম যুদ্ধ নিয়ে যথারীতি আমেরিকা ভালো দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি, কম্পিউটার হ্যাকিং নিয়ে ইতিহাসের সেরা আজগুবি কাহিনি, ডিফেন্স সিকিউরিটি এজেন্সি নামক রাষ্ট্রীয় প্রতিষ্ঠানের হাস্যকর সব ভূল, সর্ব গুণে গুণান্বিত নায়ক-নায়িকা সব মিলিয়ে বইটা বেশ খিচুড়ি টাইপ হয়ে গেল। টানটান কাহিনির কারণে পড়তে ভালোই লাগে। সেরা চরিত্র জুলিয়ো ভার্দাদ আর পিক।
April 4, 2020
A re-animation of 'bad men' horror, with paedophilia and corruption as sub-plots… marred by a weak romance of main characters maybe? 5 out of 12.
September 1, 2020
Good Old Book...
I will surely read more books of Dean
I will surely read more books of Dean
May 7, 2024
This is an early writting by Dean Koontz!!!
Published under the pen name Leigh Nichols...
By Kindle Unlimited included.
Good thriller!!!
This one without a dog...
But the creative power and fantasy which you are used to in Dean Koontz novels are fully present.
I loved it, it kept me entertained!
Published under the pen name Leigh Nichols...
By Kindle Unlimited included.
Good thriller!!!
This one without a dog...
But the creative power and fantasy which you are used to in Dean Koontz novels are fully present.
I loved it, it kept me entertained!
March 7, 2011
I know that the reviews for this book have been mostly negative, but I am going to break with that and give a positive review. I really enjoyed Shadowfires. Yes, the book had a VERY unlikely premise, and it required a huge suspension of disbelief. But many horror books do. The story was so fast-paced that it kept me turning pages quickly to find out what would happen. The "good" characters were very likable. I really rooted for them and cared about what happened to them. That is essential for any horror story. A good horror story must have characters you believe in and feel for. Also, the characters were smart- there was not one single point in the book where they missed doing something that I had thought of. The author dealt with the premise of the story in a logical manner and had obviously thought through all the objections or logical problems that could have been perceived by the reader. I hate it when the main characters of a horror novel are "dumb" and miss the obvious solutions to their problems- that did not happen here.Nor did Dean Koontz leave any obvious plot holes. It was easy to feel myself in the characters' shoes and they did, in every case, what I would have done (and even sometimes things I would not have thought of) Shadowfires was a good adventure story, a cat and mouse chase with multiple players which rocketed along until a huge confrontation at the end, and I found that confrontation to be satisfying. Overall, a satisfying read. It was very effective as a horror novel.
November 22, 2025
Dean Koontz, what else can I say
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love, betrayal, and genetic experiments made this a fast paced journey through the unknown. Thriller readers will love this read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love, betrayal, and genetic experiments made this a fast paced journey through the unknown. Thriller readers will love this read.
September 20, 2022
A terrifying early novel from Dean Koontz (originally published under a pseudonym) about the quest for immortality and the dangers of genetic engineering. The protagonists--the villain's ex-wife and her new boyfriend--are eminently likable and easy to cheer for, and there are several interesting supporting characters that flesh out a great dramatis personae. The main antagonist is definitely evil but believably so, and his transformation from damaged genius to something far more grotesque is handled with horrifying dexterity. A fast-moving, surprisingly intricate plot drives everything toward an inevitable--and fiery--climax. Easily recommended to all fans of Koontz and anyone who likes a good thriller.
Want to read
October 2, 2017This hardcover is copy 290 of 600 editions printed and is signed by author Dean Koontz and illustrator Phil Parks on limitation page.
December 20, 2008
(unabridged audiobook read by Jonathan Marosz): As Rachel and Eric leave the offices of their divorce lawyers, they are arguing viciously about the settlement. Eric gets so angry he storms off directly into oncoming traffic, where he is killed by a garbage truck. After the initial shock wears off, Rachel gets incredibly paranoid and hangs out with her boyfriend Ben, actively not telling him things. When Eric's body disappears from the morgue, her paranoia becomes a reality: Eric's not really dead! It gets a little silly from there, blending unlikely genetic theory with bizarre theology on the afterlife. It's a chase story through and through, with Ben and Rachel spending the bulk of the book not telling each other things while fleeing Eric, the local cops, and the feds. Koontz is usually good for quirky characters having bizarre adventures, but this time he was a little short on the adventure part. It was really nothing more than one big chase scene, that didn't even tie up the majority of the issues it raised by the end (namely, the consequences of the characters' actions, the mental waffling over which had been a big part of the plot). So yeah: dig Koontz, not so big on Shadow Fires. (Interestingly, this is the last novel he wrote using a pseudonym. Maybe that should have been a clue.)
January 5, 2012
Not very good at all.
In the late 80's and early 90's, I devoured Dean Koontz by the fistful, probably reading 16 to 20 of his books (some of which I actually debated upgrading to hardcover editions) in a 5-year time span before finally burning out on him thoroughly and completely.
Now, as I reread one of these novels every year or two, I wonder what the hell I was thinking? The characters (usually described in terms confined to the card aisle at Hallmark) are virtually the same in every book, the bad guys variations on the same theme (government conspiracy, anyone?), and the logic and motivations directing his characters are often terrible.
So why 2 stars instead of 1? Nostalgia, I suppose. When Dean launches another detailed description of interior design or landscaping flora or clothing by brand-name, something inside me starts to giggle. Add to that the sudden and jarring inclusion of a five-syllable word that feels like it was taken off a Word-of-the-Day calendar, and how can you not love the guy?
As for this book in particular, it's guilty of all of the above, and to boot it runs at least 250 pages too long. Not one I'd recommend to anyone.
In the late 80's and early 90's, I devoured Dean Koontz by the fistful, probably reading 16 to 20 of his books (some of which I actually debated upgrading to hardcover editions) in a 5-year time span before finally burning out on him thoroughly and completely.
Now, as I reread one of these novels every year or two, I wonder what the hell I was thinking? The characters (usually described in terms confined to the card aisle at Hallmark) are virtually the same in every book, the bad guys variations on the same theme (government conspiracy, anyone?), and the logic and motivations directing his characters are often terrible.
So why 2 stars instead of 1? Nostalgia, I suppose. When Dean launches another detailed description of interior design or landscaping flora or clothing by brand-name, something inside me starts to giggle. Add to that the sudden and jarring inclusion of a five-syllable word that feels like it was taken off a Word-of-the-Day calendar, and how can you not love the guy?
As for this book in particular, it's guilty of all of the above, and to boot it runs at least 250 pages too long. Not one I'd recommend to anyone.
December 8, 2008
It more or less goes without saying that Koontz books aren't very enjoyable, but this one is actually one of the ones that was relatively fun. It's a pretty basic creature feature. Once the plot is set, you know what you're going to get; there isn't much in the way of suspense.
This novel revisits Koontz's obessesion with secret experiements and genetic tampering. His concerns have not exactly turned out to be prescient. The characters are same basic stock you'll find in any of his work and the writing is lackluster and annoying. The plot revolves around a guy coming back from the dead and mutating into a lobster or something. His valiant and selfless ex-wife must fight him off, with the help of the supportive and understanding new boyfriend. So we're not breaking any new ground here, but still, it's more atmospheric than some of his other novels and not unreadable.
This novel revisits Koontz's obessesion with secret experiements and genetic tampering. His concerns have not exactly turned out to be prescient. The characters are same basic stock you'll find in any of his work and the writing is lackluster and annoying. The plot revolves around a guy coming back from the dead and mutating into a lobster or something. His valiant and selfless ex-wife must fight him off, with the help of the supportive and understanding new boyfriend. So we're not breaking any new ground here, but still, it's more atmospheric than some of his other novels and not unreadable.
February 19, 2022
Back in the 90s, I wander down to Global Video on a Friday night and rent some movies for the weekend. Often, the new releases were packed with standard horror/SF/action movies, and perfect Friday night fodder.
Now with Shadowfires, which was originally written in the late 80s, had that glorious mid to late 90s feel about it. Detectives and agents trying to gun down the antag. Conspiracies. Experiments gone awry. Body horror. It's all in the mix.
I'll admit that this one flew by and I would certainly say it's in the upper half of Koontz books. That's not to say its not without flaws, such as side plots seemingly falling off the back of the truck only to be remembered and thrown back on, and a menacing subplot that wanes and is unceremoniously killed off with barely a whimper.
It's 2018 Invisible Man meets 1997 Relic. Yes, this was a fun book!
Now with Shadowfires, which was originally written in the late 80s, had that glorious mid to late 90s feel about it. Detectives and agents trying to gun down the antag. Conspiracies. Experiments gone awry. Body horror. It's all in the mix.
I'll admit that this one flew by and I would certainly say it's in the upper half of Koontz books. That's not to say its not without flaws, such as side plots seemingly falling off the back of the truck only to be remembered and thrown back on, and a menacing subplot that wanes and is unceremoniously killed off with barely a whimper.
It's 2018 Invisible Man meets 1997 Relic. Yes, this was a fun book!
June 29, 2022
Intriguing
Beware of arrogance, science, and of course, those in power. We all know, power corrupts, and I've begun to believe even the best of us are at risk of "power sickness". So, how to tell who's sick, and who's strong enough to contain such power, and to keep their humanity? That's the knowledge we need at the ballot box. That is the knowledge our leaders need when appointing others. That's the knowledge we need for ourselves.
Beware of arrogance, science, and of course, those in power. We all know, power corrupts, and I've begun to believe even the best of us are at risk of "power sickness". So, how to tell who's sick, and who's strong enough to contain such power, and to keep their humanity? That's the knowledge we need at the ballot box. That is the knowledge our leaders need when appointing others. That's the knowledge we need for ourselves.
October 20, 2020
“The drugs don’t destroy brain cells so much as they . . . eat away at their souls, leave them empty and purposeless.”
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I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. This is one of the worst books I have ever read. There was nothing enjoyable that came out of it. The plot is stupid, the characters are terribly developed, and the writing wasn’t great either. The dialogue is the some of the worst Ive saw in any book. It wasn’t believable and was cheesy most of the time. The plot was decent starting out. Koontz seemed to go haywire and completely destroyed what little momentum he had. It felt like was trying to make it more interesting but ultimately made it worse. There were too many hints in the actions and dialogue of what was to come. That made it to be very predictable and failed to capture my interest most of the way through. The “battle” scenes were way too long. They were overdrawn drivel. The same goes for the book as a whole. The book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. There was so many useless, filler pages that the novel could have easily done without. It seems like Koontz just added all of this extra, useless plot to make the book more lengthier. I’m not sure exactly what went on with Shadow Fires, but I know I completely wasted my time on this book.
.
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I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. This is one of the worst books I have ever read. There was nothing enjoyable that came out of it. The plot is stupid, the characters are terribly developed, and the writing wasn’t great either. The dialogue is the some of the worst Ive saw in any book. It wasn’t believable and was cheesy most of the time. The plot was decent starting out. Koontz seemed to go haywire and completely destroyed what little momentum he had. It felt like was trying to make it more interesting but ultimately made it worse. There were too many hints in the actions and dialogue of what was to come. That made it to be very predictable and failed to capture my interest most of the way through. The “battle” scenes were way too long. They were overdrawn drivel. The same goes for the book as a whole. The book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. There was so many useless, filler pages that the novel could have easily done without. It seems like Koontz just added all of this extra, useless plot to make the book more lengthier. I’m not sure exactly what went on with Shadow Fires, but I know I completely wasted my time on this book.
December 20, 2013
My rating is 3.5 stars.
This novel is about what happens when man is not careful with science and it goes amok. A recently divorced husband is killed but refuses to die and he is after his ex-wife. This book had a mixture of horror and thriller. If you have read Dean Koontz before, you will recognize his theme of the chase between evil and good. The first half of the book was really enjoyable as it was more suspenseful and enticed me to continue reading. The second half veered towards the horror aspect and lost its pace of suspense. That is the reason I knocked down my rating from 4 stars. I would recommend this book as it crosses all genres of horror, thriller, and and little of science fiction.
This novel is about what happens when man is not careful with science and it goes amok. A recently divorced husband is killed but refuses to die and he is after his ex-wife. This book had a mixture of horror and thriller. If you have read Dean Koontz before, you will recognize his theme of the chase between evil and good. The first half of the book was really enjoyable as it was more suspenseful and enticed me to continue reading. The second half veered towards the horror aspect and lost its pace of suspense. That is the reason I knocked down my rating from 4 stars. I would recommend this book as it crosses all genres of horror, thriller, and and little of science fiction.
September 19, 2017
This is the kind of story that drew me to Dean Koontz, his finest works are filled with very possible terrors, things that could happen in our world, and each tale is spun in such a way as to cause a very real emotional response from the reader, be it horror, disgust, or fear. For a time this story gripped me in a way his work hasn't done in a long time, right up until the very real became slightly absurd and fantastical. I guess I must have grown up a little too much, and found a cynical element within myself that no longer bounces with joy, grinning in delight at the pure terror one of Dean Koontz's books could deliver.
I must be getting old. :(
I must be getting old. :(
January 8, 2021
This was so fucking stupid and I am absolutely obsessed with it. This starts off like a normal thriller then becomes a zombie book then like a lobster-monster book? I don't know how to explain what happens in this book but I am floored. So dumb, so ridiculous, I am obsessed.
July 28, 2022
Now This is a Monster!
Omg, this book is captivating, scary, and the science is so believable! Now, this is a true monster, and I loved it! Awesome!
Omg, this book is captivating, scary, and the science is so believable! Now, this is a true monster, and I loved it! Awesome!
August 28, 2018
The only book by Dean Koontz I've ever read that I detested!
May 28, 2018
No words for this masterpiece ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 9, 2024
I’d give this 3.5. Pretty classic Dean Koontz book. A little two wordy on this one. Some intense parts but way to descriptive (wordy) for back stories, etc.
August 20, 2022
Starts out a bit slow but about 45% it picks up and is hard to put down.
Action packed, with some romance, and lots of suspense that left me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were well developed, but I think Koontz could have given the h & H a few flaws to make them more full. His "bad guys" were exceptional. Bad, but pitiable at times, not being evil for the sake of being evil. They had pasts which led them to their current actions and mindsets. Very well done.
The thing I really like about Koontz is his deep understanding of human nature. He also has a great sense about intuition, cause and effect (karma) and psychology which show through in his writing.
This is KU and I would recommend.
Summary (bare basics):
Content concerns:
Action packed, with some romance, and lots of suspense that left me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were well developed, but I think Koontz could have given the h & H a few flaws to make them more full. His "bad guys" were exceptional. Bad, but pitiable at times, not being evil for the sake of being evil. They had pasts which led them to their current actions and mindsets. Very well done.
The thing I really like about Koontz is his deep understanding of human nature. He also has a great sense about intuition, cause and effect (karma) and psychology which show through in his writing.
This is KU and I would recommend.
Summary (bare basics):
Content concerns:
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