 The narrative is as sharp as a rough-cut diamond, ready to tear apart the wearer. An incredible exploration of grief, secrecy, and redemption. The House at the End of the World by Dean Koontz Soon no one on Earth will have a place to hide in this novel about fears known and unknown by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz. Publisher : Thomas & Mercer (24 Jan. 2023) Language : English Hardcover : 416 pages ISBN-10 : 1662500440 ISBN-13 : 978-1662500442 A Horror Book Review by Yvonne Miller It’s been so long since I’ve had the delight of reading a Dean Koontz novel and when the opportunity arose to read his new release hitting the shelves in January 2023, to say I jumped would be an understatement. I like what this author consistently brings to the table – original plots, memorable characters, and a writing style that doesn’t fail to draw you in with a few words. I didn’t think that his brand of storytelling could get much better, but The House at the End of the World exceeded all my expectations. Have you ever found yourself wanting to escape from life? I know I have. Sometimes it all just gets a bit too much, doesn’t it? The daily grind of work, sleep, cooking, and cleaning – it’s all so predictable that you just want to do something spontaneous. This is exactly what Katie does after something catastrophic happens in her life. She has a promise to keep, and she fully intends to do just that. She buys the Island known as Jacob’s Ladder, it’s a haven, and she’s completely isolated from everything and everyone. It’s exactly what she needs, the wildlife and the vista doesn’t exactly bring her back to life, but it certainly helps calm her. The neighbouring island of Ringrock harbours a secret – a life-altering and destructive government research facility that if their true intention were to be leaked would impact the islands, the continent perhaps even the world. A concept that unleashed upon the residents would be a nightmarish hellfire. This isn’t usually my immediate go-to genre, but it left me feeling unseated and questioning what goes on these little islands that are scattered around the world. If I was to try and sum up The House at the End of the World it would be – You might want to shut your eyes, but Koontz prises it open with hooks, and the terror is forced upon you without any escape plan. The story dips in and out of Katie’s past and the event that shaped her becomes clear. It’s more than any person should have to deal with. It would kill the strongest of people and yet she’s still standing albeit with a metaphorical hitch in her step. It’s the worst kind of reality check but she won’t ever be a vulnerable victim again. Katie believed that Jacob’s Ladder would be her opportunity to hide away but what if she was more at risk on the island than she ever was on the mainland? I loved Katie’s character. She’s a badass that is determined to get to the bottom of the suspicious goings-on Ringrock. She’s angry that her peace is being shattered and has the means to protect herself and her property if push came to shove. A strong and resilient character that has the will to see through her intentions. As always with a Koontz novel, he writes animals so incredibly well. You fall in love with them – Michael J. was one of them (had more than one chuckle with the aptly named fox). The story is served with a pacing that immediately has you engaging the seatbelt and doing three hail marys. The narrative is as sharp as a rough-cut diamond, ready to tear apart the wearer. An incredible exploration of grief, secrecy, and redemption. The House at the End of the World |
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