The Big Dark Sky
[{'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'This book is divided into four parts, with 89 main chapters, and a total of about 380 pages. The story is told from the perspective of different characters in the third person, starting with the main character Joanna Chase. Joanna is one of several people that all converge on a ranch in Montana for different reasons, as she hears the voice of her long dead mother calling her back to the place that she grew up.\n\nThis book combines some elements of different genres together to create an unusual type of story; full of mysterious coincidences and unexpected surprises. The pacing is pretty good, and the story jumps around from one character’s perspective to the next, as the plot slowly comes together. The rapid changes in setting and perspective were a little jarring at first, but it kept me interested in finding out how all the pieces fit together. I quickly began to formulate theories about where the story was going, but I was completely wrong and surprised by the twists and the conclusion. I think I liked Ganesh’s character arc the most.\n\nOverall, I enjoyed reading this book. It is difficult to describe, but somehow I found the journey to be more interesting than the destination; as I was engaged and curious while reading, but slightly less satisfied with the overall story by the end of the book. Still, any book that I don’t want to put down is probably a success, and this one even leaves some room for possible sequels. All in all, a strange and memorable story, worth checking out if you are looking for something unique from one of the most accomplished writers of our time.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I don't know how Dean Koontz keeps coming up with ideas to thrill us with. I've been reading his novels since the early nineties, LIGHTNING being the first novel I was lucky enough to get hold of. His talent for mixing horror, science-fiction and suspense, then adding real human emotions is what keeps me coming back for more. THE BIG DARK SKY had me hooked from the beginning. Joanna Chase is a novelist who spent the first nine years of her life on a ranch in Montana. For the most part, they were happy years but then tragedy struck. Her mother drowned and shortly afterward, her father was killed when a bear attacked him. She was sent to live with her aunt in New Mexico. Her memories of her childhood were dulled over the years. Then, suddenly she starts getting weird phone calls from a woman whose voice she thinks she knows but can't place. The voice is pleading for her help. Then, she starts having dreams about the ranch where she grew up. Her car begins turning on of its own accord with the GPS set to the coordinates of her childhood home in Montana. She succumbs to the mystery of it all and goes back home. That's when she meets Wyatt Rider, a private investigator hired by the present owners of the ranch to get to the bottom of a few mysteries that caused the present owners to flee. Joanna and Wyatt start sharing their stories and they realize they're in the middle of the ultimate showdown with a presence that is sinister, calculating and immensely powerful. That's all I'm going to say about the plot. That much you could have gotten from the description of the book. Let me just say you are in for one heck of a ride. The science-fiction elements were thrilling. Think Spielberg and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The suspense kept me tense and wondering what would happen next. The horror elements made me cringe. The utter evil of some of the characters you'll meet was mind-blowing. And the bravery and devotion of the good guys put me back on an even keel. Well, I've been saying for years that Dean Koontz is way more than a suspense novelist. He's a genius, and this book is testament to that fact. Also, I've been wanting longer books from him and this one comes in at 381 pages. His longest in a while. Thanks, Mr. Koontz."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I enjoy immersing myself into these stories created by Dean Koontz, which make me think, question, wonder, imagine, and explore as yet unknown phenomenon inside or outside our world. Some of his stories strangely foretell future events. Keep them coming Dean.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'What a wacky set of characters drawn together. They were crafted such that it was easy to align and engage with them. I really liked Ganesh Patel. I could see a future for him in subsequent Koontz stories. Loved the plot. It’s a shame we couldn’t have seen what was at the bottom of the lake. As with all Koontz novels, the scene settings were brilliant and over the top. A great and easy read, and I’m ready for another.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'My favorite author! The story keeps you on the edge. It reminds us evil exists, but gives us hope that good will triumph. And the most innocent among us can be true heroes.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Many different lives converging into one finish. This book has many characters seemingly unrelated that are all moving towards the same goal. Keeps you guessing until the end. Good read'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'This book has everything you could possibly want in a good mystery novel. Horrible, seemingly invincible villains. Many characters, all starting with different stories and backgrounds, that are brought together ultimately to become heroes. Lots of sub-plots spice the mystery in Montana. There are also several twists and unexpected turns. The themes around the nature of humanity and the the growth of AI are skillfully woven into the storyline, but in true Koontz fashion, are not “preachy.”\n\nBasically, this is a fast moving, fun-to-read romp that I enjoyed immensely.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "If you're into horror, aliens, mysteries, love, tragedy... its all here in this tale. Well rounded characters and meaningful quests. Enjoy!\nOh, and an ominous tone at the end will make you think."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Characters. I always like Koontz characters. Can’t finish a book if characters are flat—however reflective of our times. If the characters are not interesting, I am not interested. Interesting intersection of environmental issues and AI issues. Both issues are critical and no one is addressing them in rational ways. The characters are whole books. Please, Mr. Koontz, make this your new series. Your writing always speaks truth and raises morality issues—in America’s otherwise dark zombie world.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Minimalist once more:\nKoontz is an exceptional writer, a craftsman of the unexpected and almost unimagined.\n\nThis is an example of his ability to prevent readers from figuring out exactly where he is going. The characters are many and varied; not one alone is the protagonist but truly, it was an emsemble effort.\n\nThe AI Ganesh created, Artimis, is ... unusual. The villian is unfortunately a twisted AI from ... elsewhere ...\n\nThe plot took twists and turns to get us to ... Well, read it, so you can see where we ended up.'}]