Something evil is coming for ten-year-old Aelfric Manheim. Protecting him are ex-detective Ethan Truman and a mysterious voice who calls Aelfric to warn him of the evil.

On the surface, this novel is a thriller/mystery. Underneath, however, is the strong supernatural vein Dean Koontz is often known for creating in his works.

Fans of Dean Koontz will want to read this novel, as well as fans of thrillers and mysteries. Just be warned of the supernatural elements.

I enjoyed the ending of the novel, how it all tied together and managed to surprise me a bit. The reader can predict what will happen ultimately, but there are aspects that aren't easily guessed.

The book drags a bit, particularly in the beginning. Just when it gets interesting, it also gets unbelievable. If you have the patience to push through, though, it'll all make sense in the end.

When I finished this novel, I wanted to read something lighter and a bit more comedic. I enjoy Koontz' novels, but I also find them to be very dark (even if they tend to be uplifting at the end). After reading about how horribly evil one person can be, I find myself wanting something more lighthearted.

Dean Koontz is not only a master of horror, but he's known for infusing meaning and supernatural elements into his novels. They're not merely showcases for horror, but means to express deeper philosophies. This is why I continually go back and read more and more of his work.

This novel isn't Koontz' best, in my personal opinion. It's a good novel, though. If you can push through the first hundred pages or so, you'll be hooked. It's not exactly a slow read, though it did take me more than a month to finish The Face. Truthfully, I chose a very busy month to read this novel, and there were days I just wasn't up for the negativity the novel often presents. Still, I enjoyed it overall. Just be warned that it's not the most thrilling or uplifting novel.

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Created Dec 03, 2009 at 7:09am • Submit your own review...