I finished reading Dean Koontz’s, ‘The Taking’ this morning at about 1.30am. The book was thoroughly enjoyed and as a writer, I got a lot out of it. I could clearly say a while ago that Stephen King was my favourite author, but compared to most writers, I hadn’t done a wealth of reading to begin with, and King’s works overwhelmed the collection of books I had read, but now, Koontz seems to draw me in far more. And I’m getting another of his, ‘Velocity’ this Christmas.
The thing that distinctly separates Koontz from King is the fact that whilst King writes long drawn out descriptions, Koontz seems to get straight to the point whilst at the same time, not sounding dull or rushed. His paragraphs are remarkably shorter and the words seem less daunting. Whilst he doesn’t often use a wealth of exotic description, it works to great effect because at the times when he does, it stands out and grabs you by its brilliance. Koontz is not trying to baffle you with language, but draw you in with the story.
Whilst, the ending seemed to have a quasi-spiritual kind of message, it didn’t end abruptly or preachy. I, of course, did not relate to the message, but at the same time I could appreciate the parallels it made to a certain book of religion.
‘The Taking,’ is overwhelmingly gripping and one I’ll be sure to read again in the future.
I just ordered this book the other day and am eagerly anticipating reading it. I, too, love Stephen King, but Dean Koontz is refreshing after a bout with King.
It’s funny, but everyone I know that likes Stephen King, eventually finds Koontz – and vice-versa.
They complement each other nicely, don’t they
They do
After reading ‘The Taking,’ I sat down and read a chapter or two of King’s IT. They’re styles are so different but if you balance them out you can often handle both writers, because King can become an effort to read. Until you come to his awesome climaxes, that is