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The Face

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Dean Koontz's 'The Face' is a supernatural thriller revolving around Ethan Truman, the head of security for Hollywood star Channing Manheim, and Manheim's son, Fric. Strange packages start arriving at Manheim's house, leading Ethan to uncover a mystery involving cryptic messages, supernatural occurrences, and a looming threat. The narrative weaves between various characters' perspectives, slowly unraveling the meaning behind the mysterious gifts and the imminent danger faced by the characters. Koontz blends elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural in a slow-paced yet engaging story that keeps readers on edge.

The book delves into themes of good versus evil, supernatural forces, and human fears, all wrapped in Koontz's trademark vivid prose and intricate plot twists. It explores the relationships between characters like Ethan, Fric, and various others connected to the main storyline, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Koontz's writing style captivates readers with its descriptive scenes, compelling characterizations, and a blend of natural and supernatural elements that create a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the novel.

Characters:

The characters include a flawed but determined security chief, a relatable child, and a chaotic villain, all contributing to a blend of personal and external conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style involves rich descriptions and dynamic pacing, though it occasionally leans towards verbosity, which can impact the flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a Hollywood star facing threats as his security chief investigates mysterious packages, leading to a mix of suspense, supernatural events, and character-driven narratives.

Setting:

The setting combines the glitz of Hollywood with a Christmas atmosphere, enhancing the narrative's tension and mood.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly fast-paced and gripping, with some fluctuations that may lead to unevenness in engagement.
The variety of apple, a red delicious, might have significance. Considering that these messages had been delivered in the form of objects and images, never in words, every detail might refine the send...

Notes:

The Face is about a famous actor named Channing Manheim, who is a minor character in the story.
The main characters are Ethan Truman, the actor's security chief, and his son Fric.
The plot involves mysterious packages that contain cryptic and sinister messages.
A supernatural element is introduced when Ethan experiences a near-death encounter and sees strange happenings.
The book has multiple perspectives, switching between Ethan, Fric, and an anarchist named Corky Laputa.
Fric, the 10-year-old son, is portrayed as lonely but has a sarcastic sense of humor.
The story has themes of good versus evil, and features typical Koontz elements like demons and chaos.
There are detailed descriptions and rich prose throughout the book, which some readers found excessive.
The ending includes a twist that may feel predictable or saccharine to some readers.
The book is dense, with over 600 pages, yet many readers find it hard to put down.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to violence, death, and supernatural themes that may be unsettling to some readers.

From The Publisher:

Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist"(Rolling Stone ) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean 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. Now he delivers the page-turner of the season, an unforgettable journey to the heart of darkness and to the pinnacle of grace, at once chilling and wickedly funny, a brilliantly observed chronicle of good and evil in our time, of illusion and everlasting truth.

He's Hollywood's most dazzling star, whose flawless countenance inspires the worship of millions and fires the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying, enigmatic "messages" breaches the exquisitely calibrated security systems of his legendary Bel Air estate.

The boxes arrive mysteriously, one by one, at Channing Manheim's fortified compound. The threat implicit in their bizarre, disturbing contents seems to escalate with each new delivery. Manheim's security chief, ex-cop Ethan Truman, is used to looking beneath the surface of things. But until he entered the orbit of a Hollywood icon, he had no idea just how slippery reality could be. Now this good man is all that stands in the way of an

insidious killer-and forces that eclipse the most fevered fantasies of a city where dreams and nightmares are the stuff of daily life. As a seemingly endless and ominous rain falls over southern California, Ethan will test the limits of perception and endurance in a world where the truth is as thin as celluloid and answers can be found only in the illusory intersection of shadow and light.

Enter a world of marvelous invention, enchantment, and implacable intent, populated by murderous actors and the walking dead, hit men and heroes, long-buried dreams and never-dying hope.

Here a magnificent mansion is presided over by a Scottish force of nature known as Mrs. McBee, before whom all men tremble. A mad French chef concocts feasts for the mighty and the malicious. Ming du Lac, spiritual adviser to the stars, has a direct line to the dead. An aptly named cop called Hazard will become Ethan's ally, an anarchist will sow discord and despair, and a young boy named Fric, imprisoned by celebrity and loneliness, will hear a voice telling him of the approach of something unimaginably evil. Traversing this extraordinary landscape, Ethan will face the secrets of his own tragic past and the unmistakable premonition of his impending violent death as he races against time to solve the macabre riddles of a modern-day beast.

A riveting tour de force of suspense, mystery, and miraculous revelation, The Face is that rare novel that entertains, provokes, and uplifts at the same time. It will make you laugh. It will give you chills. It will fill you with hope.

Ratings (3)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (6):

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Want To Read (3)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 week

When I first read this in 2020 it was a 4 star read and I've been meaning to reread it for along while. Unfortunately it wasn't as exciting the second time around but still an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars

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I really do enjoy reading some Dean Koontz from time to time, while this isn't a favorite of mine it got everything I want from his novels, compelling and some insane characters, a good plot, edge of your seat action and the complete and utter need to find out what happens. My only complaint is that I wasn't in love with the ending.

 

About the Author:

Dean Koontz, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.

 
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