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Odd Thomas #0.5
Odd Thomas: You Are Destined To Be Together Forever
Listening Length: 59 minutes
This exclusive audiobook short story looks back - way back - to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever.
Amid the dizzying rides, tantalizing games of chance, and fanciful attractions of a state fair, two teenage sweethearts on the cusp of life and love's pleasures find their way to a shadowy carnival tent brimming with curiosities. There, from the bizarre and enthralling Gypsy Mummy, a mechanized merchant of dreams and prognosticator of tomorrows, the young couple learns what fate promises for them. But fate, for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, is something altogether different: full of dark corners, sharp edges, and things no seer or soothsayer could ever anticipate.
And for Odd Thomas, a gallant fry cook from a sleepy California desert town, the future beckons - to listen to unquiet spirits, pursue unsettling mysteries, and learn shocking truths...for a purpose far greater than himself.
This exclusive audiobook short story looks back - way back - to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever.
Amid the dizzying rides, tantalizing games of chance, and fanciful attractions of a state fair, two teenage sweethearts on the cusp of life and love's pleasures find their way to a shadowy carnival tent brimming with curiosities. There, from the bizarre and enthralling Gypsy Mummy, a mechanized merchant of dreams and prognosticator of tomorrows, the young couple learns what fate promises for them. But fate, for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, is something altogether different: full of dark corners, sharp edges, and things no seer or soothsayer could ever anticipate.
And for Odd Thomas, a gallant fry cook from a sleepy California desert town, the future beckons - to listen to unquiet spirits, pursue unsettling mysteries, and learn shocking truths...for a purpose far greater than himself.
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2014
About the author
Dean Koontz
902 books41k 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
January 24, 2019
Short, quirky read with Odd Thomas and his girlfriend Stormy heading to the annual spring fair/carnival and getting waylaid along the way by a ghost with a meat cleaver in his neck...
This is the first "Odd Thomas" book I have read. I've always wanted to try this series and I thought that this would be a good one to start with. It was okay, but according to the blurb I was expecting a story that took place mostly at a carnival, which it didn't. The carnival came towards the end. So the rest of the story was about the ghost with the meat cleaver (which didn't really grab my attention.)
This was a so-so read with the ghost of Elvis even making an appearance.
This is the first "Odd Thomas" book I have read. I've always wanted to try this series and I thought that this would be a good one to start with. It was okay, but according to the blurb I was expecting a story that took place mostly at a carnival, which it didn't. The carnival came towards the end. So the rest of the story was about the ghost with the meat cleaver (which didn't really grab my attention.)
This was a so-so read with the ghost of Elvis even making an appearance.
December 22, 2016
There is an underlying warmth to this odd — pun intended — little tale by Koontz featuring Odd, and Stormy Llewellyn. It takes place about four years prior to the beginning of the Odd series by Koontz, when they are both sixteen. Not having tackled the series yet, I have no way of knowing if the background here is anything new for fans of the series, but it certainly made me want to read it, and very soon. Stormy’s background of being orphaned and then adopted and abused is touched upon, and of course Odd’s terrible childhood, so bad he has moved out and lives above someone’s garage in this tale, while working as fry cook at the Pico Mundo Grill.
In essence, despite Odd’s powers and his ability to see the dead, this is a quirky and delightful look at growing up, and as usual with Koontz, a testament to the human spirit. The actual spirit of Elvis, a different spirit with a hatchet in his neck, a spooky house where someone has been murdered, and a carnival where Odd and Llewellyn are headed to have fun, are all components to a wonderful short story that reminds us why we read. A short but marvelous story to lose yourself in, even if it is only for a short while.
In essence, despite Odd’s powers and his ability to see the dead, this is a quirky and delightful look at growing up, and as usual with Koontz, a testament to the human spirit. The actual spirit of Elvis, a different spirit with a hatchet in his neck, a spooky house where someone has been murdered, and a carnival where Odd and Llewellyn are headed to have fun, are all components to a wonderful short story that reminds us why we read. A short but marvelous story to lose yourself in, even if it is only for a short while.
January 17, 2018
A good introduction to the Odd Thomas books. A quick read at 40 pages and I’m now looking forward to starting the series.
Three stars.
Three stars.
February 24, 2015
This short story clocking in at 38 pages was enough to impart information to old and new readers of the Odd Thomas series. Frankly I wish this had been written first, and I would suggest new readers to Odd Thomas may want to start off with this book before moving on to the first full length novel.
The Odd Thomas series includes the following: Odd Thomas: An Odd Thomas Novel, Forever Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel, Brother Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel, Odd Hours: An Odd Thomas Novel, and Odd Apocalypse: An Odd Thomas Novel, Deeply Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel.
Mr. Koontz's last book in the series, Saint Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel was published on January 13, 2015 and the short story was a segue into the new and final book.
The last review I had regarding the Odd Thomas series I posted on April 15, 2013 on Amazon said:
When I first read Odd Thomas I totally fell in love with the character of Odd, Stormy, Chief Porter, and all the inhabitants of Pico Mundo.
At that time I stated to become a bit irritated with Dean Koontz's writing and was ready to write off that novel but I quickly fell in love with everyone.
I remember getting to the ending and ugly cried for about half an hour.
Finally, it seemed to me that Koontz had managed to write something totally different, heart wrenching, with depth, that did not just quickly resolve itself like his other novels.
However, by the time I got around to reading Odd Hours I started to get a bit disenchanted with our awesome fry cook.
I started to feel that the overall premise of the novels needed to get a bit shaken up and that having Odd explain things using 20 words when one word would started to work my nerves instead of charming me like it had in the past.
However, with the newest iteration of the Odd Thomas series, Deeply Odd I found myself falling in love with Odd all over again.
And I found myself loving Stormy and Odd all over again in this short story showing them at 16 and how they both found out that they were destined to be together forever. I honestly thought that the series lost it's charm once we had Odd traveling all over after the events of the first novel. Deeply Odd managed to bring back some of the fire from the first book that I found missing from the other books. This short story was a great return to form and gives me hope that the final book, Saint Odd is going to be just as spectacular.
The only thing that I wish that we had seen more of are fan favorites like Chief Porter and Terri who are discussed in the short story, but are not seen or heard. We also have Stormy and Odd talking like their later adult selves which was a tab bit disconcerting. It would have been great to actually have them acting like actual teenagers. In both of their cases it is understandable once you understand Odd's and Stormy's backgrounds. However, it was still a bit much.
And sorry to say at times i was over Odd's banter and wanted the story to get a move on. I forgot that Odd's little conversational quirks can start to work your nerves after a while.
What was most surprising is that we read about Stormy's reluctance in having Odd or herself involved with the fallout from his 'psychic magnetism'. I think that makes sense since at 16 she is not the same woman who was all about Odd doing what needed to be done to make others safe and how this life was boot camp and the here after was about about being 'in service."
In sum, I was happy to revisit with Odd and Stormy and this short story makes me excited for the final novel in this series.
The Odd Thomas series includes the following: Odd Thomas: An Odd Thomas Novel, Forever Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel, Brother Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel, Odd Hours: An Odd Thomas Novel, and Odd Apocalypse: An Odd Thomas Novel, Deeply Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel.
Mr. Koontz's last book in the series, Saint Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel was published on January 13, 2015 and the short story was a segue into the new and final book.
The last review I had regarding the Odd Thomas series I posted on April 15, 2013 on Amazon said:
When I first read Odd Thomas I totally fell in love with the character of Odd, Stormy, Chief Porter, and all the inhabitants of Pico Mundo.
At that time I stated to become a bit irritated with Dean Koontz's writing and was ready to write off that novel but I quickly fell in love with everyone.
I remember getting to the ending and ugly cried for about half an hour.
Finally, it seemed to me that Koontz had managed to write something totally different, heart wrenching, with depth, that did not just quickly resolve itself like his other novels.
However, by the time I got around to reading Odd Hours I started to get a bit disenchanted with our awesome fry cook.
I started to feel that the overall premise of the novels needed to get a bit shaken up and that having Odd explain things using 20 words when one word would started to work my nerves instead of charming me like it had in the past.
However, with the newest iteration of the Odd Thomas series, Deeply Odd I found myself falling in love with Odd all over again.
And I found myself loving Stormy and Odd all over again in this short story showing them at 16 and how they both found out that they were destined to be together forever. I honestly thought that the series lost it's charm once we had Odd traveling all over after the events of the first novel. Deeply Odd managed to bring back some of the fire from the first book that I found missing from the other books. This short story was a great return to form and gives me hope that the final book, Saint Odd is going to be just as spectacular.
The only thing that I wish that we had seen more of are fan favorites like Chief Porter and Terri who are discussed in the short story, but are not seen or heard. We also have Stormy and Odd talking like their later adult selves which was a tab bit disconcerting. It would have been great to actually have them acting like actual teenagers. In both of their cases it is understandable once you understand Odd's and Stormy's backgrounds. However, it was still a bit much.
And sorry to say at times i was over Odd's banter and wanted the story to get a move on. I forgot that Odd's little conversational quirks can start to work your nerves after a while.
What was most surprising is that we read about Stormy's reluctance in having Odd or herself involved with the fallout from his 'psychic magnetism'. I think that makes sense since at 16 she is not the same woman who was all about Odd doing what needed to be done to make others safe and how this life was boot camp and the here after was about about being 'in service."
In sum, I was happy to revisit with Odd and Stormy and this short story makes me excited for the final novel in this series.
Loop me in, Odd one. - Stormy Llewellyn
December 26, 2014
This was my first Kindle Short download. I've read several, though not all, of the Odd Thomas series, so this prequel was a nice reminder of Oddie's paranormal abilities. I especially like the cameo appearances by Elvis Presley. Most of all, I like the way Koontz mixes humor and catastrophe. I've always felt that horror and the paranormal do not have to be all blood and guts. Glad to know that Koontz agrees.
September 11, 2020
This was a very good short prequel to the Odd Thomas series. This showed me how much I miss this character and wished the stories were still coming out. It also brought up the one and only criticism I have of the entire series. I wished We had seen more of Stormy then we did. I wish she had made a bigger impact in two or three books instead of just the first one. I loved this short story.
October 9, 2016
Just a short story from Odd's early life. I did expect a little more, but that's okay. It was nice to see Stormy again. A nice interlude between more substantial reads.
November 24, 2016
The Odd Thomas series is one of my favourite series. Honestly, I cannot begin to explain how much love I have for the series. I fangirl like mad, telling everyone to read it. I could rant and rave for hours about how much I love the books. I won’t, though. At least not right now.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise to hear that You Are Destined To Be Together Forever has been on my to-read list for quite some time. Despite knowing the story was a mere handful of pages, despite knowing it added very little by way of knowledge of the series, despite having read some negative reviews, I needed this like I need oxygen. It was a must read. I wanted – no, I needed – the story of Odd and Stormy, the story of the Gypsy Mummy and her fortune.
I’ll admit the story did leave me wanting more. I went in knowing the story did not offer as much to the series as it wants you to believe… and still I wanted more. The first five chapters tell the story of Odd and Stormy as they deal with a recent arrival in the spirit world. It was an okay story, but there wasn’t really much by way of substance. It kept me interested, I cannot deny that, but it didn’t have the thrill factor of the full-length Odd Thomas novels. It was enjoyable, but rather weak compared to the main series. The final chapter is where the title comes into play. We get to read the story of the fortune Odd holds so close to his heart throughout the series. Whilst I did enjoy watching this scene play out, it didn’t add any information we hadn’t read before. These things had been alluded to throughout the main books, and if you were to take out the bits and pieces you would be given an almost word-for-word rendering of the final chapter of this story.
Nevertheless, it was Odd Thomas. I’m biased and love all Odd Thomas stories, and whilst this wasn’t my favourite it still just about managed to pull a four star rating out of me. An enjoyable enough read for the diehard fans of the series.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise to hear that You Are Destined To Be Together Forever has been on my to-read list for quite some time. Despite knowing the story was a mere handful of pages, despite knowing it added very little by way of knowledge of the series, despite having read some negative reviews, I needed this like I need oxygen. It was a must read. I wanted – no, I needed – the story of Odd and Stormy, the story of the Gypsy Mummy and her fortune.
I’ll admit the story did leave me wanting more. I went in knowing the story did not offer as much to the series as it wants you to believe… and still I wanted more. The first five chapters tell the story of Odd and Stormy as they deal with a recent arrival in the spirit world. It was an okay story, but there wasn’t really much by way of substance. It kept me interested, I cannot deny that, but it didn’t have the thrill factor of the full-length Odd Thomas novels. It was enjoyable, but rather weak compared to the main series. The final chapter is where the title comes into play. We get to read the story of the fortune Odd holds so close to his heart throughout the series. Whilst I did enjoy watching this scene play out, it didn’t add any information we hadn’t read before. These things had been alluded to throughout the main books, and if you were to take out the bits and pieces you would be given an almost word-for-word rendering of the final chapter of this story.
Nevertheless, it was Odd Thomas. I’m biased and love all Odd Thomas stories, and whilst this wasn’t my favourite it still just about managed to pull a four star rating out of me. An enjoyable enough read for the diehard fans of the series.
June 28, 2016
You Are Destined To Be Together Forever is a prequel to the Odd Thomas series by American author, Dean Koontz. It introduces sixteen-year-old Odd Thomas, high school student and fry cook at Pico Mundo Grill, and Stormy Llewellyn, whom he is proud and pleased to call “his girl”. Mention is made of his best friend, P. Oswald Boone, his boss Terri Stambaugh, and his friend, Police Chief Wyatt Porter. And of Odd’s unique gift/curse: the ability to see dead people.
On his night off, Odd has borrowed Terri’s car and is taking his girl to the Carnival where Stormy is looking forward to snow cones with orange syrup. But Stormy will have to be patient, because an uninvited hitchhiker of the spiritual variety means they need to go save a life first. A short story with perhaps not quite as many twists as might be expected, but still likely to cultivate an interest in readers new to this seven book series.
On his night off, Odd has borrowed Terri’s car and is taking his girl to the Carnival where Stormy is looking forward to snow cones with orange syrup. But Stormy will have to be patient, because an uninvited hitchhiker of the spiritual variety means they need to go save a life first. A short story with perhaps not quite as many twists as might be expected, but still likely to cultivate an interest in readers new to this seven book series.
December 4, 2014
The Prequel
The "Odd Thomas" series has been one of Dean Koontz's best creations with its quirky protagonist and fast-paced, twist-laden plots. Gearing up for the January 2015 release of the series finale, "Saint Odd," Koontz has released this prequel short story. Set before before the events of the first book, this story focuses on the night that then-sixteen-year-olds Odd and Stormy visit a carnival...an event referenced in flashback throughout the novels.
This piece is more focused on character development (and, presumably, foreshadowing "Saint Odd"), so the plot is more straightforward here than in the novels. With that said, it is a well-written, fast-paced story that will grip the reader from start to finish...not to mention a great appetizer for the final book in the series.
The "Odd Thomas" series has been one of Dean Koontz's best creations with its quirky protagonist and fast-paced, twist-laden plots. Gearing up for the January 2015 release of the series finale, "Saint Odd," Koontz has released this prequel short story. Set before before the events of the first book, this story focuses on the night that then-sixteen-year-olds Odd and Stormy visit a carnival...an event referenced in flashback throughout the novels.
This piece is more focused on character development (and, presumably, foreshadowing "Saint Odd"), so the plot is more straightforward here than in the novels. With that said, it is a well-written, fast-paced story that will grip the reader from start to finish...not to mention a great appetizer for the final book in the series.
February 1, 2019
This was a fun dip into the world of Odd Thomas. I haven’t had much exposure to the character other then the film based on the books a long time ago. (So long ago in fact that I barely remembered what the story was about.) I saw somewhere online that this short story took place before the first novel so I decided to start here so I could be in chronological order. I am glad I did because it was hard not to enjoy the chemistry the two lead characters have with each other. If people are looking to start with this book before jumping into the main novels I say go for it.
September 23, 2018
The Story is set a few years before the first Odd Thomas book when Odd & Stormy were sweet 16 in high school. You Are Destined To Be Together Forever revisits the day Stormy & Odd get their fortune from Gypsy Mummy - but before that moment arrives, we have time for another adventure. This short prequel to the beloved Odd Thomas Series reminds us of the power of dreaming for the future and being able to adapt to the changes.
February 5, 2019
This was my first Koontz read in a long time, and my first Odd Thomas story. I have seen the movie, so I had that perspective. I was somewhat disappointed with the story. It just didn't seem to involve much at all, other than Odd's internal dialog. I'm still not sure what the ghostly side trip was all about. I kept expecting it to take a completely different turn...
So the ghosts can't talk. Couldn't they communicate by just pointing to icons like those on an Ouija board?
So the ghosts can't talk. Couldn't they communicate by just pointing to icons like those on an Ouija board?
December 13, 2014
A cute little teaser for his upcoming novel release--more a marketing ploy than a read of substance, but still, if you're a fan, well worth the ride. I look forward the last ODD THOMAS book!
December 23, 2024
3.5★
I was super impressed with this very short story- how much can you really do in 34 pages? Quite a bit apparently. I was hooked right away which is really imperative if there’s any hope for enjoyment in a story this short. I may be a bit biased as I already love the main characters but I feel like the only people reading this are going to be fans of Odd Thomas so I doubt I’m alone in that.
If you ever wondered about the infamous beginning of Odd and Stormy’s relationship then this is definitely worth your time. And in true Odd Thomas fashion the story is hijacked by a ghost that Odd can’t help but investigate- I really enjoyed the twist in this portion of the story; it was very clever and disturbing- I really had a fun time with this!
I was super impressed with this very short story- how much can you really do in 34 pages? Quite a bit apparently. I was hooked right away which is really imperative if there’s any hope for enjoyment in a story this short. I may be a bit biased as I already love the main characters but I feel like the only people reading this are going to be fans of Odd Thomas so I doubt I’m alone in that.
If you ever wondered about the infamous beginning of Odd and Stormy’s relationship then this is definitely worth your time. And in true Odd Thomas fashion the story is hijacked by a ghost that Odd can’t help but investigate- I really enjoyed the twist in this portion of the story; it was very clever and disturbing- I really had a fun time with this!
August 8, 2026
Reading this out of order turned out to be the right call by accident. It's a short, warm little detour back to sixteen year old Odd and Stormy, before any of the weight of the later books, and it works exactly as a palate cleanser should.
It's not essential reading. The plot is thin, more mood than mystery, and anyone expecting a full case will be mildly let down. But that's not really the point. The point is Odd and Stormy just existing together for a bit, Elvis riding shotgun, before the series starts asking more of them.
Structurally it feels misplaced as a true prequel. Despite being set before book one, it reads like it wants an audience already invested, the shorthand and callbacks land better if you already know these two. I'd slot it in after book one or two rather than first.
That said, it also functions fine as a way to test the waters. If you're wondering whether Odd's voice is for you, this is short enough to answer that question fast, and the charm is all there in miniature.
Nice, easy, four stars for what it is.
It's not essential reading. The plot is thin, more mood than mystery, and anyone expecting a full case will be mildly let down. But that's not really the point. The point is Odd and Stormy just existing together for a bit, Elvis riding shotgun, before the series starts asking more of them.
Structurally it feels misplaced as a true prequel. Despite being set before book one, it reads like it wants an audience already invested, the shorthand and callbacks land better if you already know these two. I'd slot it in after book one or two rather than first.
That said, it also functions fine as a way to test the waters. If you're wondering whether Odd's voice is for you, this is short enough to answer that question fast, and the charm is all there in miniature.
Nice, easy, four stars for what it is.
December 9, 2014
Kept waiting for the twist; which could have stretched the story out to 40 pages. Having forgotten if I've read the first Odd novel, my reason for picking this up was to fill in the Stormy love story, but so little time was spent on the "title moment" I left disappointed. The ghost of Hitchcock (does not appear in this book) could have warned me this is just a quick add for the last book coming out next month.
May 8, 2023
May 2023
Audiobook
59m 1.3x speed
Nice little time killer for the train. An introduction to a guy that can see spirits, whether they be good, evil or Elvis not moving on. It made me curious about the first book. There was a lot of nicknames thrown around which see-sawed between annoying and sweet or fun.
Audiobook
59m 1.3x speed
Nice little time killer for the train. An introduction to a guy that can see spirits, whether they be good, evil or Elvis not moving on. It made me curious about the first book. There was a lot of nicknames thrown around which see-sawed between annoying and sweet or fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Ever wonder what happened to that kid from “Sixth Sense”?
“I see dead people…” says Cole to Dr Malcolm Crowe
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Cole after the credits rolled at the end of “The Sixth Sense,” read the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz 😆
If you’ve not read any Odd Thomas books yet, start here. If you HAVE read any Odd Thomas series books, read this short story as it is the beginning of the Odd Thomas (& Stormy) story.
“I see dead people…” says Cole to Dr Malcolm Crowe
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Cole after the credits rolled at the end of “The Sixth Sense,” read the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz 😆
If you’ve not read any Odd Thomas books yet, start here. If you HAVE read any Odd Thomas series books, read this short story as it is the beginning of the Odd Thomas (& Stormy) story.
September 10, 2022
The story of ODD and Stormy and how they learned that they were destined to be together forever.
38 pages. Contained a bit about his supernatural powers and how he uses them to help others.
Full bodied and in depth story for a novella.
Content concerns: Murder, violence (both mild with little detail) Abuse only mentioned not detailed.
No cursing. No sex. Tags are accurate since I read this after reading the first two books.
38 pages. Contained a bit about his supernatural powers and how he uses them to help others.
Full bodied and in depth story for a novella.
Content concerns: Murder, violence (both mild with little detail) Abuse only mentioned not detailed.
No cursing. No sex. Tags are accurate since I read this after reading the first two books.
December 20, 2014
A prequel to the Odd Thomas horror-lite series and revolving around a young fry cook and his girlfriend who live in Pico Mundo, California. It's late May in this tale.
My Take
I am torn between giving this a "3" or a "4". The "3" is my annoyance over how short this story is — 39 pages!. And while it feels repetitive, it actually does include a well-written shortie. It is Dean Koontz after all — still, if money is an issue in your house, I wouldn't bother even spending the 99¢ on it.
That whine over, Koontz does write a quirky story with unexpected characters who charm their way into your heart. The circumstances Koontz puts them in and the way he has them express themselves…too funny. I really do like this series, and I'd encourage you to spend your money on the first in the series, Odd Thomas , 1, instead of this one.
It's Odd, of course, helping someone who's died horribly only there's a nasty twist at the almost-end followed by that bitter bit of foretelling at the end. Made me want to cry.
Koontz is light on the details; the way he wrote about Roberta made me wonder if she was the real(ly) guilty party in this.
Read about Odd, and you'll see why I think of it as horror-lite, *grin*.
The Story
Just a short side trip to help a crazed dead man running through Odd's car before Odd and Stormy head off to the carnival and those momentous words from the Gypsy Mummy.
The Characters
Odd Thomas is a very independent young man; he's had to be with the mother he has. Father is definitely not in the picture.
Stormy Llewellyn is Odd's girl. And he still can't believe it. An orphan, she has a strong goal in mind for ice cream parlors, and she's learning all she can at Burke & Bailey's at the mall.
P. Oswald Boone is Odd's friend and mentor, a famous mystery writer. Terri Stambaugh owns the Pico Mundo Grille where Odd works as a fry cook. Wyatt Porter is the chief of police, and he and his wife are friends with Odd.
Elvis Presley likes to haunt, er, visit with Odd. Odd has his own ideas about why Elvis hasn't passed to the Other Side.
Kurt is the man with a meat cleaver in his neck. Roberta owns the picturesque house. Kristen is the girl in the handcuffs. Hannah was the broken one. Johnny and his fiancée aren't too happy.
The Cover and Title
The cover is grim with that dust bowl flavor in an apocalyptic setting: a leaning ferris wheel rises up out of a sand dune alongside a lonely road. Bare brown mountains lurk in the background as dark, gray, stormy clouds hover over it all, completing that fuzzy frame of black encircling it all.
The title is more of that foretelling, a prick in the heart as Koontz reminds us that their idea of "You Are Destined To Be Together Forever" has a different connotation than Odd and Stormy are planning.
My Take
I am torn between giving this a "3" or a "4". The "3" is my annoyance over how short this story is — 39 pages!. And while it feels repetitive, it actually does include a well-written shortie. It is Dean Koontz after all — still, if money is an issue in your house, I wouldn't bother even spending the 99¢ on it.
That whine over, Koontz does write a quirky story with unexpected characters who charm their way into your heart. The circumstances Koontz puts them in and the way he has them express themselves…too funny. I really do like this series, and I'd encourage you to spend your money on the first in the series, Odd Thomas , 1, instead of this one.
It's Odd, of course, helping someone who's died horribly only there's a nasty twist at the almost-end followed by that bitter bit of foretelling at the end. Made me want to cry.
Koontz is light on the details; the way he wrote about Roberta made me wonder if she was the real(ly) guilty party in this.
Read about Odd, and you'll see why I think of it as horror-lite, *grin*.
The Story
Just a short side trip to help a crazed dead man running through Odd's car before Odd and Stormy head off to the carnival and those momentous words from the Gypsy Mummy.
The Characters
Odd Thomas is a very independent young man; he's had to be with the mother he has. Father is definitely not in the picture.
Stormy Llewellyn is Odd's girl. And he still can't believe it. An orphan, she has a strong goal in mind for ice cream parlors, and she's learning all she can at Burke & Bailey's at the mall.
P. Oswald Boone is Odd's friend and mentor, a famous mystery writer. Terri Stambaugh owns the Pico Mundo Grille where Odd works as a fry cook. Wyatt Porter is the chief of police, and he and his wife are friends with Odd.
Elvis Presley likes to haunt, er, visit with Odd. Odd has his own ideas about why Elvis hasn't passed to the Other Side.
Kurt is the man with a meat cleaver in his neck. Roberta owns the picturesque house. Kristen is the girl in the handcuffs. Hannah was the broken one. Johnny and his fiancée aren't too happy.
The Cover and Title
The cover is grim with that dust bowl flavor in an apocalyptic setting: a leaning ferris wheel rises up out of a sand dune alongside a lonely road. Bare brown mountains lurk in the background as dark, gray, stormy clouds hover over it all, completing that fuzzy frame of black encircling it all.
The title is more of that foretelling, a prick in the heart as Koontz reminds us that their idea of "You Are Destined To Be Together Forever" has a different connotation than Odd and Stormy are planning.
December 8, 2014
"true Evil walked the world"
This short story has everything that made Odd Thomas one of the most loved fictional heroes from the past decade. One constant throughout the entire series was the fortuneteller's card that promised Odd and Stormy would always be together. Now Koontz gives Odd fans a wonderful story that's exactly as advertised -- the events of that fateful night.
Odd and Stormy are driving to the carnival with the lingering spirit of Elvis Presley tagging along in the backseat -- but a second lingering spirit interrupts their plans and sends them on an unexpected and dangerous detour. Odd and Stormy are only teenagers, but his "quirks" and her difficult life have already taught them that "true Evil walked the world" -- which leads them to wonder, can they safely navigate this perilous journey called life together?
Koontz masterfully uses this short story to set up the forthcoming SAINT ODD.
This short story has everything that made Odd Thomas one of the most loved fictional heroes from the past decade. One constant throughout the entire series was the fortuneteller's card that promised Odd and Stormy would always be together. Now Koontz gives Odd fans a wonderful story that's exactly as advertised -- the events of that fateful night.
Odd and Stormy are driving to the carnival with the lingering spirit of Elvis Presley tagging along in the backseat -- but a second lingering spirit interrupts their plans and sends them on an unexpected and dangerous detour. Odd and Stormy are only teenagers, but his "quirks" and her difficult life have already taught them that "true Evil walked the world" -- which leads them to wonder, can they safely navigate this perilous journey called life together?
Koontz masterfully uses this short story to set up the forthcoming SAINT ODD.
January 17, 2015
I adore Odd Thomas. A brilliant invention by Koontz, and I think that this little prequel was sweet.
I mean, you know, as sweet as it can get when Odd and Stormy meet up with a recently-killed person who is begging for vengeance.
It's a messy story, like that, but utterly within Odd Thomas's purview. It's sweet to see Stormy alive, to see them together, to watch as they get the fortune that will define Odd's dreams for the rest of the series.
All in all, a nice prequel.
I mean, you know, as sweet as it can get when Odd and Stormy meet up with a recently-killed person who is begging for vengeance.
It's a messy story, like that, but utterly within Odd Thomas's purview. It's sweet to see Stormy alive, to see them together, to watch as they get the fortune that will define Odd's dreams for the rest of the series.
All in all, a nice prequel.
December 9, 2014
Ive been a fan of the odd one from the very beginning.He and the cast of characters from these books are some of my favorite in fiction today.Followed closely by Christopher Snow but that's a whole different review.I look forward to the last odd book with excitement and a bit of sorrow as I don't want the journey of these fictional friends to come to an end.
December 9, 2014
Oh Dean I wish Odd could go on forever
This is a must read if you have read the other books in the series
Can't wait till saint odd.
This is a must read if you have read the other books in the series
Can't wait till saint odd.
December 9, 2014
this was a great little story that all fans of Odd Thomas should read. Full review on my blog here: http://courtneysreads.blogspot.com/20...
January 29, 2015
I wish this had come out first!
If you've never read these books do yourself a favor and start here. A great read albeit too short IMO.
If you've never read these books do yourself a favor and start here. A great read albeit too short IMO.
April 27, 2019
3.5 stars. I was totally suckered by the promotional copy -- a carnival, a dark fortune tellers' tent, the Gypsy Mummy -- I'm in! And that took up a tiny portion of this story. The majority was nowhere near as interesting. 3.5 stars b/c I love these characters and Koontz's writing has his usual flashes of brilliance amid some not-so-brilliant passages. But on the whole, I'm disappointed.
July 14, 2019
My sister-in-law recommended the Odd Thomas series, so started with this quick read that lays out the beginnings of the relationship between Thomas and Stormy. It's nice to have an introduction to the main characters prior to beginning a series. 5 out of 10.
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