'Lightning' by Dean Koontz is a thrilling tale that intertwines time travel, suspense, and mystery. The story follows Laura Shane, a woman who is saved from various life-threatening situations by a mysterious guardian angel who turns out to be a time traveler from 1944 Berlin. As Laura grows older, she unravels the secrets behind her guardian's actions and discovers the importance of her own existence. The narrative weaves together elements of romance, action, and historical intrigue, creating a captivating plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Koontz's writing style in 'Lightning' is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and imaginative. explores themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of altering the course of history through time travel. The characters are well-developed, with complex relationships and emotional depth that add layers to the storyline. The novel combines elements of science fiction and thriller genres, offering a unique take on the concept of time travel and its impact on the lives of the characters involved.

Characters:

The characters are complex, particularly Laura and Stefan, whose development reflects their struggles and relationships throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and accessible, combining suspense with emotional depth, often told from a third-person perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around time travel, with the protagonist repeatedly saved by a guardian during critical moments in her life, emphasizing themes of destiny and sacrifice.

Setting:

The setting uniquely intertwines various locations across the 20th century, specifically influencing events and character interactions through dramatic weather.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow in the first half, emphasizing character development, then shifts to a faster, more action-packed rhythm in the latter half.

Wednesday, January 12, 1955, was frigid, gray, and somber. At twilight thick, fluffy snowflakes spiraled out of the low sky, and the people of Denver huddled in expectation of a Rocky Mountain blizzar...

Notes:

The book was published in 1988 and explores themes of time travel, fate, and protection.

The protagonist, Laura Shane, is born during a lightning storm and repeatedly saved by a mysterious blond stranger named Stefan.

Stefan is later revealed to be a time traveler from Nazi Germany involved in secret experiments.

The book features a mix of suspense and romance, with Laura growing from a troubled childhood into a celebrated author and mother.

The storyline includes tense moments of danger when Laura faces multiple threats to her life, including a child molester and assassins.

Koontz weaves in elements of alternate history, suggesting that Laura's actions could influence major world events, like the defeat of the Soviet Union.

Characters such as Thelma, Laura's best friend, add depth to the story, showcasing the impact of their relationships on the main character's life.

Koontz's writing was praised for character development and creating an engaging, action-packed plot.

Some readers noted a disturbing theme of child endangerment, but lauded Koontz for handling sensitive topics without being graphic.

The book is a blend of genres, including thriller, science fiction, and romance, appealing to a diverse audience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child abuse, potential child sexual abuse, violence, and trauma that may be distressing to some readers.

Has Romance?

The book features a medium level of romance, particularly the evolving relationship between Laura and Stefan, which is central to the plot.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz's brilliantly thrilling novel of suspense.

In the midst of a raging blizzard, lightning struck on the night Laura Shane was born. And a mysterious blond-haired stranger showed up just in time to save her from dying.

Years later, in the wake of another storm, Laura will be saved again. For someone is watching over her. Is he the guardian angel he seems? The devil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond all time and space?

"A gripping novel…fast-paced and satisfying."-People

Ratings (25)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (45):

Read It (29)
Want To Read (12)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

marluv424

Incredible

3 months

it’s like dean koontz entered my brain and decided to challenge himself by writing a book that included all the niche shit I love. Time travel? World War 2? My deep dark fantasy of having someone fall in love with me purely on the merits of my writing? the man OUTDID himself.

this started out as an audiobook purchase which quickly became a book purchase which quickly turned into a “I can’t sleep until I finish this book” binge fest. I raced through it so quickly I’ll undoubtedly have to read it again and I already look forward to it.

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Lightning?

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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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Lightning

Dean Koontz