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Nameless: Season Two #2
Gentle Is the Angel of Death
To some he’s a medical genius. To others, a twisted angel of mercy with a necessary solution to what he sees as an ugly dilemma. Only one man can help Dr. Death face the evil of his ways.
Henry Siphuncle has a selfless mission: releasing his patients forever from their distasteful imperfections. It’s for their own good. And the world’s. Even Henry’s own wife didn’t survive his disgust. Nameless has tracked him across the country to an isolated rural community, where the residents are grateful for their new free clinic. For Henry, it might just be the end of the road.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes Gentle Is the Angel of Death, part of Season 2 of Nameless, a gripping collection of stories about a man in search of the truth, the past, and those who owe a debt of blood. Follow him through each story, which can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
Henry Siphuncle has a selfless mission: releasing his patients forever from their distasteful imperfections. It’s for their own good. And the world’s. Even Henry’s own wife didn’t survive his disgust. Nameless has tracked him across the country to an isolated rural community, where the residents are grateful for their new free clinic. For Henry, it might just be the end of the road.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes Gentle Is the Angel of Death, part of Season 2 of Nameless, a gripping collection of stories about a man in search of the truth, the past, and those who owe a debt of blood. Follow him through each story, which can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
3627 people are currently reading
1343 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
905 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 460 reviews
May 31, 2024
This is the second story in Season Two of the “Nameless” series. Nameless has no memory and gets his assignments from the mysterious Ace of Diamonds. In this short story, Nameless’s mission involves a respected doctor who is secretly a murderer of patients that don’t fit his expectations of beauty. In the end, he gets what he deserves. Another enjoyable read in the Nameless series.
September 22, 2021
This is part of a series of short stories. This is the second book of the second season. I would start off with the very beginning before reading this short story. In this one, Nameless is on a mission to serve justice against a prominent doctor who kills patients because he believes they are "ugly".
I was so pleased with the first story in the new season. Unfortunately, this story brought me back down to earth and flaws I found in the first season are present here. I like the idea of meting out justice but I would argue this isn't that. I would argue this is revenge and being vindictive. I am not saying I would not be vindictive if someone personally wronged me. I am of the belief the vindictiveness comes into play with how the missions are presented and played out. They are extravagant and this one was way over the top. Then when it goes all wrong it is way too convenient that another victim is bad or a way out that is pure dues ex machina. On the positive side there was a passage where Nameless might agree with me about the missions. I hope this comes to fruition and not ignored.
I was going to give this just one star as I hated everything about the mission. Even the verbose writing bothered me more in this offering as it seemed like it was over the top. Just like the mission. The only thing that saved this story was the ending which hinted at an overall plot line which did peak my interest. I will move onto the next story with hope of character growth and more information about the overall arc.
I was so pleased with the first story in the new season. Unfortunately, this story brought me back down to earth and flaws I found in the first season are present here. I like the idea of meting out justice but I would argue this isn't that. I would argue this is revenge and being vindictive. I am not saying I would not be vindictive if someone personally wronged me. I am of the belief the vindictiveness comes into play with how the missions are presented and played out. They are extravagant and this one was way over the top. Then when it goes all wrong it is way too convenient that another victim is bad or a way out that is pure dues ex machina. On the positive side there was a passage where Nameless might agree with me about the missions. I hope this comes to fruition and not ignored.
I was going to give this just one star as I hated everything about the mission. Even the verbose writing bothered me more in this offering as it seemed like it was over the top. Just like the mission. The only thing that saved this story was the ending which hinted at an overall plot line which did peak my interest. I will move onto the next story with hope of character growth and more information about the overall arc.
June 16, 2021
I've been so excited since getting this series from Dean. He is a great storyteller and his writing style in this series is original to say the least. I wasn't expecting Nameless mission to involve so many characters and it was a nice touch. His intrusive premonition of our nation being torn with violence of untold proportions continues and it gives me pause for thought.
December 31, 2021
Gentle Is the Angel of Death is a much better plot and a despicable character to hate!
Nameless is a good main character to cheer for. It will be interesting to see where Dean Koontz takes the journey of this vigilant hitman with the rest of the series!
I’m already seeing cracks in his amnesia, his sense of code and whether he’s still invested with taking out the worst of the worst.
Nameless is a good main character to cheer for. It will be interesting to see where Dean Koontz takes the journey of this vigilant hitman with the rest of the series!
I’m already seeing cracks in his amnesia, his sense of code and whether he’s still invested with taking out the worst of the worst.
October 22, 2021
A lesser nameless story mostly because I didn't like the wrap-up.
July 27, 2021
This is a typical "middle child" book as I call them - it wants to help the storyline along (and yes there is definitely one developing rather than the mission of the week of season 1) however there are still several more instalments so of course the series does not want to peek too soon.
As a result you have a strange mix of plot development and routine and for me it felt that they were mixed in a way that seemed "different". It is hard to explain - at least without major spoilers but the speed at which the mission unfolded was startling and yet hits at what is to come (which honestly I have not got a clue) started building - I guess the question for me is - will this be maintained through the following books. I think the only way to answer that is less procrastination and more reading I think.
That said which ever way I call it Dean Koontz is still a master of suspense and even after realising that the titular hero will survive at least till the last instalment there is still sense of trepidation and suspense hoping that all goes well.
As a result you have a strange mix of plot development and routine and for me it felt that they were mixed in a way that seemed "different". It is hard to explain - at least without major spoilers but the speed at which the mission unfolded was startling and yet hits at what is to come (which honestly I have not got a clue) started building - I guess the question for me is - will this be maintained through the following books. I think the only way to answer that is less procrastination and more reading I think.
That said which ever way I call it Dean Koontz is still a master of suspense and even after realising that the titular hero will survive at least till the last instalment there is still sense of trepidation and suspense hoping that all goes well.
December 4, 2021
Trying Nameless Again Continued
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook edition (June 2021)
I wasn't that impressed with the first season of Dean Koontz's Nameless (2019). Its main attraction was its being a free offer through Amazon Originals. The stereotypical and predictable tales of a Jason Bourne-like amnesiac vigilante enacting punishment on the wicked became tiresome and I gave up after the 3rd story out of 6. More background to the mysterious Treadstone-like organization behind the scenes and the Nameless character themselves might at least add needed drama and suspense to the proceedings. The 2nd season seemed to promise something along those lines.
This second episode did begin to show some cracks in the facade of the otherwise seemingly omniscient organization Ace of Diamonds. The mission involves unmasking a self-styled Dr. Kevorkian-like 'mercy' killer who is actually just eugeneciding any patient who doesn't meet the doctor's aesthetic ideals. The plot is unusually elaborate and expensive even for this already unrealistic series, with dozens of assistants recruited to psychologically manipulate the villain. Nameless is given yet another absurdly revealing cover name as "Keyser Söze" (the mastermind in the film "The Usual Suspects").
It all falls apart with the interference of a secondary villain, the stereotypical corrupt small town cop. Nameless has to make a quick cleanup of the resulting fiasco and hit the road again. There are more references to his visions of a future totalitarian organization and its Triskelion logo, which presumably foreshadows a final confrontation. Anyway, it is enough for me to continue with the series.
Gentle is the Angel of Death is the 2nd of the 6 short stories making up the crime fiction series Nameless Season 2, released simultaneously on June 10, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Originals and as an audiobook by Audible Originals.
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook edition (June 2021)
I wasn't that impressed with the first season of Dean Koontz's Nameless (2019). Its main attraction was its being a free offer through Amazon Originals. The stereotypical and predictable tales of a Jason Bourne-like amnesiac vigilante enacting punishment on the wicked became tiresome and I gave up after the 3rd story out of 6. More background to the mysterious Treadstone-like organization behind the scenes and the Nameless character themselves might at least add needed drama and suspense to the proceedings. The 2nd season seemed to promise something along those lines.
This second episode did begin to show some cracks in the facade of the otherwise seemingly omniscient organization Ace of Diamonds. The mission involves unmasking a self-styled Dr. Kevorkian-like 'mercy' killer who is actually just eugeneciding any patient who doesn't meet the doctor's aesthetic ideals. The plot is unusually elaborate and expensive even for this already unrealistic series, with dozens of assistants recruited to psychologically manipulate the villain. Nameless is given yet another absurdly revealing cover name as "Keyser Söze" (the mastermind in the film "The Usual Suspects").
It all falls apart with the interference of a secondary villain, the stereotypical corrupt small town cop. Nameless has to make a quick cleanup of the resulting fiasco and hit the road again. There are more references to his visions of a future totalitarian organization and its Triskelion logo, which presumably foreshadows a final confrontation. Anyway, it is enough for me to continue with the series.
Gentle is the Angel of Death is the 2nd of the 6 short stories making up the crime fiction series Nameless Season 2, released simultaneously on June 10, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Originals and as an audiobook by Audible Originals.
November 28, 2021
That evil man deserved everything he got in my opinion. Yuck! But I do like a good vigilante story as always. 😁
January 14, 2022
Really good second installment in this series. On to the third.
October 14, 2021
Another excellent installment. So glad the author continued this series with another few stories, and hope he continues to do it for a long time. Love the Nameless character, especially since you now know what's his real background.
August 2, 2021
Series is starting to get silly with its concepts of truth, justice & vengeance. The setup in this case was way over the top. Overly complicated with way to many players and a bit too much moralizing about truth. When Aloisia says “When Granddaddy Otis come to believe Doc Henry done it, he was like to have him taken off in the woods, shot in the head, and left for what wild things might find him tasty.” that makes sense! A simple & uncomplicated solution not requiring an army of actors to make the good doctor snap mentally. And for what? The evil doer so far is always killed so what’s the point in making them see the truth? And Aloisia also says, “Still and all, spendin’ big money to do what a bullet could do cheaper, you must really get off tormentin’ the likes of Doc Henry.” That’s spot on! 2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2022
Another great installment in this series!!!
I couldn't put it down, so good indeed...
Nameless, the man with no past or recollection of himself acting as the agent of justice again...
This time it's about so-called mercy killings on innocent but disabled peoples!
Very gripping and a genuine page turner...
Highly recommendable to all Dean Koontz fans...
And now is time to deeply dig my literary teeth into the next installment of this series!!!
I couldn't put it down, so good indeed...
Nameless, the man with no past or recollection of himself acting as the agent of justice again...
This time it's about so-called mercy killings on innocent but disabled peoples!
Very gripping and a genuine page turner...
Highly recommendable to all Dean Koontz fans...
And now is time to deeply dig my literary teeth into the next installment of this series!!!
December 8, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I don't know - a megalomaniac "angel of death" doctor who so strongly believes in utilitarianism that he's been killing "ugly" people and people with disabilities for decades, and Nameless isn't going to like kneecap the guy or cut off a finger? Strap him to a table and show him photos of all his victims while torturing him?
This intellectual, clever revenge is not packing a punch for me. I like it rough.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded down
I don't know - a megalomaniac "angel of death" doctor who so strongly believes in utilitarianism that he's been killing "ugly" people and people with disabilities for decades, and Nameless isn't going to like kneecap the guy or cut off a finger? Strap him to a table and show him photos of all his victims while torturing him?
This intellectual, clever revenge is not packing a punch for me. I like it rough.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded down
July 1, 2021
Could have gone with 4 stars or 3
July 13, 2021
The angel of death has always been a topic which raised lots of attention, shock, and controversy, and the same is with this Nameless episode by Dean Koontz. The moment I started reading about a twisted angel of mercy killing those he found ugly, it smelled to be one of my favorite Nameless stories. It still might be if I wasn’t undecided about the ending which to me resembles more to the future and the events our society is heading towards (again) than to a perfect ending for this story: “What he has seen is a nation gone insane. History attests that whole societies can turn away from truth and descend into a madness of lies in as little as a year. That was all it took in Germany in the late 1930s.” As much as I hate this vision, I will be gentle with my rating.
July 8, 2021
This second season of Nameless has redeemed itself for me with this installment. This one is actually my favorite out of all of them. The new target in this story is a Doctor that wants to rid the world of its imperfections by killing off the disabled and the ugly. Honestly, I do wonder what goes through an author's head when they come up with these ideas. I was thoroughly entertained and satisfied with the comeuppance. Also, I find the vision of the future quite intriguing. I think fans will enjoy this one!
June 17, 2023
It’s probably me and not the story. The second installment of season 2 of the Nameless series was just okay for me. Maybe it’s because the concept of a doctor being a megalomaniac and killing people with the knowledge of his medical training isn’t a very unique story line. 🤷🏻♀️ Oh well, still looking forward to reading the next one.
October 4, 2021
“It’s never over when it’s over.”
- Nameless
- Nameless
September 20, 2021
I'm really enjoying this second series of short stories featuring Nameless; the mysterious vigilante with no memories beyond his time as Nameless.
These are essentially revenge short stories...and I'm loving them.
Next please!
These are essentially revenge short stories...and I'm loving them.
Next please!
October 14, 2022
This is a creepy one!
June 10, 2021
THIS baddie is really sick...Jimmy is also missing from this story which makes me sad. I was really hoping to get to know that kid a whole lot better; maybe he’ll show up down the road. “Gentle is the Angel of Death” is book 2 in this second season of the NAMELESS: SEASON 2 series.
Nameless, the undercover, amnesiac agent is now posing as a doctor in order to catch one. That’s about all I can say without spoiling this twisted storyline. There’s nothing unusual about this story, it’s been done many times before. This is just an excellent example of short form storytelling. It’s also a stark look at what constitutes true beauty. How much more than “eye of the beholder” is/should it be?
“Vengeance is political. Embracing truth, bringing others to a confrontation with it - that’s spiritual. I’m no damn politician!” That profound and intriguing line is delivered close to the end of this twisted tale. Was it the good doc or Dr. Death who makes this proclamation?
Koontz does wax on with a bit of political supposition that might upset some readers but it does keep with the characters and story. Let’s hope this is a one of situation📚
Nameless, the undercover, amnesiac agent is now posing as a doctor in order to catch one. That’s about all I can say without spoiling this twisted storyline. There’s nothing unusual about this story, it’s been done many times before. This is just an excellent example of short form storytelling. It’s also a stark look at what constitutes true beauty. How much more than “eye of the beholder” is/should it be?
“Vengeance is political. Embracing truth, bringing others to a confrontation with it - that’s spiritual. I’m no damn politician!” That profound and intriguing line is delivered close to the end of this twisted tale. Was it the good doc or Dr. Death who makes this proclamation?
Koontz does wax on with a bit of political supposition that might upset some readers but it does keep with the characters and story. Let’s hope this is a one of situation📚
August 17, 2023
Mad Doctor
The doctor euthanized people who he thought ugly or if they had an illness, a disease or affliction so he could keep the world a more beautiful and pleasant place. He called it utilitarianism. I called him a monster. His thoughts were just so perverse and disgusting and he did it all under the guise of service to the community. I loved his retribution. It was profound. This series is very good. I took a small hiatus but I keep coming back to it.
The doctor euthanized people who he thought ugly or if they had an illness, a disease or affliction so he could keep the world a more beautiful and pleasant place. He called it utilitarianism. I called him a monster. His thoughts were just so perverse and disgusting and he did it all under the guise of service to the community. I loved his retribution. It was profound. This series is very good. I took a small hiatus but I keep coming back to it.
January 10, 2024
Rating: 2.5 stars
Short Story: 66 pages (Kindle edition)
This is the second of six short stories in Season Two of Nameless. I suggest that new readers start with the first season. Gentle Is the Angel of Death is a very uncomfortable addition to the Nameless stories.
Henry Siphuncle has a selfless mission: releasing his patients forever from their distasteful imperfections. It’s for their own good. Even Henry’s own wife didn’t survive his disgust. Nameless has tracked him across the country to an isolated rural community, where the residents are grateful for their new free clinic. For Henry, it might just be the end of the road.
Short Story: 66 pages (Kindle edition)
This is the second of six short stories in Season Two of Nameless. I suggest that new readers start with the first season. Gentle Is the Angel of Death is a very uncomfortable addition to the Nameless stories.
Henry Siphuncle has a selfless mission: releasing his patients forever from their distasteful imperfections. It’s for their own good. Even Henry’s own wife didn’t survive his disgust. Nameless has tracked him across the country to an isolated rural community, where the residents are grateful for their new free clinic. For Henry, it might just be the end of the road.
November 23, 2021
Damn
This was not justice in my eyes but vengeance 😳 I’m having a bit of sympathy for the devil 😅. Doc was a really disturbed man, even “the man who is not “ questions the punishment phew 😰. I am worried about the visions Nameless keeps on having is scary 😧….. the story continues
This was not justice in my eyes but vengeance 😳 I’m having a bit of sympathy for the devil 😅. Doc was a really disturbed man, even “the man who is not “ questions the punishment phew 😰. I am worried about the visions Nameless keeps on having is scary 😧….. the story continues
March 16, 2022
Great Series
I've been cheating a bit and listening to some of these as audiobooks in the car, but it's SO much better than my rounds of usual political podcasts.
I've always been a Koontz fan since Lightning and I still enjoy his writing style and his twists.
I've been cheating a bit and listening to some of these as audiobooks in the car, but it's SO much better than my rounds of usual political podcasts.
I've always been a Koontz fan since Lightning and I still enjoy his writing style and his twists.
Read
March 31, 2022Lovin my Dean short stories. Wishing they were in a omibook
July 8, 2021
Another dark case involving a healer with a deadly habit of killing those he finds visually unappealing.
June 13, 2021
Shades of Mission Impossible. The second episode of Season Two was good, but what disturbed me what lies in the future, because as Nameless surmises, it could happen here very soon. The major problem is we won't have a Nameless or an Ace of Diamonds dealing with it. How can our politicians not see where they're leading us, what we can be facing?
It used to be that no matter how bad things are portrayed in books or movies, it will work out, things won't really be that bad, but can we believe that in this day and age?
Dean Koontz is too freaking good at this.
It used to be that no matter how bad things are portrayed in books or movies, it will work out, things won't really be that bad, but can we believe that in this day and age?
Dean Koontz is too freaking good at this.
August 15, 2021
Another Amazing Nameless Book
Read this book faster than I have read any of Dean Koontz' books. I devour this series. I loved the restaurant scene! It was so appropriate.
Should anyone ever find themselves doing any wrong to Mr. Koontz, have no doubt, he can make you disappear, and lead the party searching for you!! There is one sentence still bothering me and I must leave this writing to go back to it, to quote it accurately. "As he steps out of the Rover, a white Lincoln Aviator pulls into the space beside him, driven by a young man he doesn’t recall ever having seen before. Without a word, this stranger presents the key to the stylish SUV and accepts the key to the Rover. "
Anyone else get chills with this?? "driven by a young man he doesn't recall ever having seen before"!!!!
Is this just perchance, or will this show up in the next story? (insert X-Files type music here!!!)
Read this book faster than I have read any of Dean Koontz' books. I devour this series. I loved the restaurant scene! It was so appropriate.
Should anyone ever find themselves doing any wrong to Mr. Koontz, have no doubt, he can make you disappear, and lead the party searching for you!! There is one sentence still bothering me and I must leave this writing to go back to it, to quote it accurately. "As he steps out of the Rover, a white Lincoln Aviator pulls into the space beside him, driven by a young man he doesn’t recall ever having seen before. Without a word, this stranger presents the key to the stylish SUV and accepts the key to the Rover. "
Anyone else get chills with this?? "driven by a young man he doesn't recall ever having seen before"!!!!
Is this just perchance, or will this show up in the next story? (insert X-Files type music here!!!)
November 21, 2023
Fine
This may be my least favorite of the Nameless short stories so far. It was just a bit more on the boring side to me. It could've also been that the target this time around was so despicable, I was just annoyed and disgusted every time the chapter was from his perspective. However, I did like the tease of getting more answers into the triskelion symbol Nameless continues to see as well as potentially learning more about who Nameless was and how he came to be doing what he does.
This may be my least favorite of the Nameless short stories so far. It was just a bit more on the boring side to me. It could've also been that the target this time around was so despicable, I was just annoyed and disgusted every time the chapter was from his perspective. However, I did like the tease of getting more answers into the triskelion symbol Nameless continues to see as well as potentially learning more about who Nameless was and how he came to be doing what he does.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews