Customer Reviews

City of Night (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, Book 2)

5 star:		(69)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

In the second of three novels dealing with ancient evil in contemporary New Orleans, Detectives Carson O'Connor and Michael Maddison are left realing from the discovery that Victor Helios, a billionaire scientist, was once Victor Frankenstein, and that his very first creation, now calling himself Deucalion, has come to the city to save the world. For Victor never stopped making new people--his terrifying "New Race." He has created what he THOUGHT was the perfect person...until things go wrong.

The New Race, created to be loyal unto Victor and to not believe in God or any form of supersticion, begin having doubts. The New Race are designed not to kill unless ordered by their creator to do so; but their lust to kill (for they hate human beings) is becoming uncontrollable. And several members of the New Race are changing into unthinkable monstrocities, with the sole desire to destroy and wreck havok.

As O'Connor, Maddison, and Deucalion race to stop Helios's evil plans, they must face the reality that they are too late: that events have been set in motion that may kill everybody in the city of New Orleans...and possibly the rest of the world.

It's a corny idea, to be sure; but then, Koontz has never been afraid to go out on a limb. And, truthfully, only he could turn this ridiculous notion into a horror/suspense novel that's not only readable, it's right up there with his best. Co-written by Ed Gorman (another brilliant horror/suspense writer), "City of Night" picks up where the first novel left off, and will leave readers hanging on the edge of their seats for the final installment (which doesn't come out for another year, unfortunately).

Let me start off by saying that I was saddened to find out that book 3 in this series isn't planned for release until winter 2007. I can understand the reasons, but with the way we are left hanging at the end of this book, I want to know what happens now. =)

Fans of book 1 will not be disappointed. This book picks up right where the last one left off and hits the ground running from start to finish. There was a recap to what has happened that was subtly mixed in to the first few chapters. This is very nice if, like me, you picked up this book as soon as it came out, but set it on your shelf until you got around to reading it. Overall the book moved VERY quickly and was a nice easy read.

I don't want to get too into the plot as I believe the Amazon Editorial Reviews suffice, as do many of the other reviews here, and I don't want to be the one to give away something that may spoil the story for you. I will say that you continue with O'Connor and Michael's often comedic interaction which, in between all the action and events, is very welcome. Deucalion seemed to me to take on a bit of a different role, and he didn't seem to come across as ominous as he had in "Prodigal Son". At first I was disappointed, but it fit the flow of the story quite well. Victor Frankenstein's character continued to grow and you can truly get a feeling of his madness and conceit in what he does as he becomes more and more reckless.

I definitely recommend this book, especially if you enjoyed the first book in the series. I picked up book one because I am a huge fan of everything Frankenstein. This, while being a different twist on the story, has been very good thus far.

Really, how does he classify as a racist? Can people read a book? It is a tremendous reworking/continuation of a literary classic. It breathes new life into the old tale and gives it a 21st century spin. It's the same Koontz style that HIS readers have come to enjoy, and that is not a bad thing at all. There are only a two novelists whose works I will continue to read, Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz. As a law student, my time is scarce and Koontz makes reading more than worth my time. However, reading a trilogy in the works is difficult. If you haven't started the series yet, wait until book 3 comes out and read them in quick succession. I can't wait for the final installment. Do not listen to the negative reviewers, they sound jilted for some personal reason and are not being fair critics.

The second installment in Koontz's Frankenstein series. It picks up right where the first book left off. O'Conner Carson and Deacullion begin to prepare for Victors attack on mankind. Meanwhile Victor himself is begning to lose control of his New Race.
This book wasnt as exciting as the first however is still very good. Its a very good transition to the conclusion of the story (which I believe will be called Dead or Alive). The last few chapters of this book leave you wanting more and craving the third and final installment in Deans take on this classic story.
The only problem I've had with this series is the 3rd book was supposed to be out this past summer (06) yet still hasnt been released. According to a UK website its due out there the end of May. Weather this is true for the US I still dont know nor can I seem to find and info on the US release. If you are interested in reading this series I suggest waiting til the 3rd book is released as this one will leave you wanting to read more and waiting for a conclusion on which you dont have any real information on its release is really annoying.

Another page turner from Dean Koontz! Just could not put it down, but was very frustrated by the ending! Just when I thought it was all going to 'kick off' he leaves you hanging. However I have managed to find out that his third book is out in July this year so I suppose it is not to long to wait. The reason that it is a little longer wait for his third book is because he is going it alone as he has found out that he does not 'colaborate well' (his words not mine!

How is it possible that Koontz can write dozens of books about Odd Thomas (lamer by the minute) dogs (please, there's one in every story now and it's getting old) but can't find the time to finish his best work to date???
The Frankenstein story he tells is engaging and fresh yet he keeps postponing release of book three to the benefit of that lame brained Thomas and whatever religious claptrap he seems to love so much these days (the "taking" anyone?) That too, what's up with the sudden religiosity? does it sell more? seriously get back to your roots, I'll take Strangers over anything he has written in the past 5 years (except for Franky of course)

Read Christopher Moore "practical demon keeping" instead

Disappointed

Really loved the premise for this trilogy. Book one (Prodigal) is definitely a five star, and the review on this one would have gotten four stars, but we've been waiting quite a while now for the third installment.

I can understand how the movie version of Prodigal might have put the author off. (Totally miscast.) Still, I hate to be left hanging on a good story.

And I'm sure other loyal readers feel the same way.

This is the second volume in Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series. It continues the story in the first book. Readers may want to look at my review of the first volume Prodigal Son. Victor Helios is the name that Dr. Victor Frankenstein is using in New Orleans over two hundred years after he created his monster who he thinks is dead. He is manufacturing what he considers new improved beings, a new race, that he intends to use to kill and replace humans. These will be beings that do his bidding. Helios is over confident. Although he has been experimenting for two centuries, his beings, now numbering a couple of thousands, and placed in prominent New Orleans positions after the humans they are replacing are killed, are beginning to fall apart.

The first monster he created some 200 years ago is still alive and wants to stop Helios. He has unusual powers as a result of being hit by lightning. He is very strong and can move from one place or continent to another in a second. But Helios programmed him that he can't kill him. So Deucalion, as he calls himself, needs the help of two New Orleans detectives, Carson O'Connor and Michael Maddison. The two are sexually attracted to each other, but Carson does not want to pursue their relationship until they settle the Frankenstein matter.

Carson has an autistic brother, Arnie. Helios made one of his creatures autistic. This creature, Randal Six, meaning that he is the sixth attempt to create Randal correctly, is one of the many Helios creatures who is disintegrating. He sees a picture of Arnie smiling. Although programmed to remain in his room, Randall leaves to go find Arnie and learn from him how to enjoy living. He decides that either Arnie will tell him or he will kill him. This problem of dissatisfaction with their existence is one of the main reasons why the Helios creatures are falling apart.

William, for example, like all the creatures, is programmed not to kill himself, but he begins to chew off his fingers to destroy himself joint by joint. Erica five, who Helios made to be his wife, does not understand why he beats her during sex. Isn't she satisfying him? Christine, a maid, against instructions, advises her to read a psychology book. Cindy and Benny, who were designed to kill humans, go amuck. She wants to have a child even though this is against her programming. The two of them also want to kill people who Helios hasn't designated to be killed. Father Ducaine, another replicant - a replicant is a Helios being who replaces a killed human - begins to feel the presence of God, although programmed not to believe. What will happen to these beings? Will Helios scheme unfold? What part will Deucalion, Carson, and Michael play?

As with the majority of Mr. Koontz's books I truly enjoyed the read ....until I came to the end & discovered there is no final chapter. BOO!!! on you Mr. Koontz. In the future if this author writes a multiple volume book I'll be sure to wait until all books are published before I commit my eyes to page.

Dean Koontz has been my favorite author for years. I love every single one of his books, are re-read them frequently. I love that he has taken and old favorite, Frankenstein, and put his wonderful artistic spin on it. I, like other readers here, am eagerly anticipating the third book in the series. I highly recommend this book, the first book in this series, and everything else he has written.