Title: By the Light of the Moon
Author: Dean Koontz
First published January 1, 2002
460 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553582765 (ISBN10: 0553582763)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
While traveling through the desert, Dylan O’Conner is attacked and injected with an unknown substance. The attacker claims that Dylan is now a carrier of something magnificent that will change his life forever.
But with only 24 hours to live, Dylan must quickly uncover the truth about his new abilities and avoid those who seek to destroy him. Alongside his autistic brother and another carrier, a young woman, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of their new powers.
Time is running out, and their only hope lies in deciphering the cryptic messages that Shep, Dylan’s brother, keeps repeating about a mysterious man and his work.
About the Author
Dean Ray Koontz is a celebrated writer who has captivated millions of readers worldwide with his thrilling tales of mystery, adventure, and compelling characters. Often hailed as “America’s most popular suspense novelist” by Rolling Stone and other critics, Koontz has earned a reputation as one of today’s most successful writers.
As the author of numerous #1 New York Times bestsellers, Koontz has been a beloved figure in the literary world for many years. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, and their beloved golden retriever, Elsa, in addition to cherishing the memory of their former goldens, Trixie and Anna.
To stay up-to-date with Koontz’s latest work and musings, fans can follow him on Facebook and Twitter (@DeanKoontz) or visit his official website at DeanKoontz.com.
Editoral Review
In the world of suspenseful thrillers, few authors can match the expertise of Dean Koontz. His 2002 novel, “By the Light of the Moon,” combines elements of science fiction, horror, and psychological drama to create a tense and thrilling reading experience.
Koontz’s writing style is expertly crafted, with a clear and direct prose that keeps the story moving steadily forward. His characters are vividly drawn and fully realized, with complex motivations and backstories that add depth and complexity to the narrative.
The novel’s themes explore the line between science and ethics, as well as the dangers of unchecked ambition and hubris. The basic premise of the novel centers on the lives of three brothers Dylan, Shep, and Jilly who find themselves tangled up in a web of intrigue and danger after a strange encounter with a mysterious stranger.
The stranger gives them a potion that endows them with incredible powers of mind and body, but also causes strange and unpredictable side effects. As they struggle to come to grips with their newfound abilities, they must also contend with the deadly forces that seek to exploit their powers for their own nefarious purposes.
The book is set in modern-day America, but Koontz imbues it with a palpable sense of otherworldliness, as though the events of the novel are taking place in some alternate reality just beneath the surface of our own. This sense of eeriness and unease sits at the heart of the novel’s power, keeping the reader on edge and unable to fully relax.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characterization. Each of the three brothers is fully fleshed out, with their own unique quirks and flaws that make them feel real and relatable.
Koontz also takes the time to develop a number of intriguing secondary characters, such as the enigmatic Stranger and the ruthless villain Ortho Stice. These characters are given sufficient depth and complexity to make the reader invested in their ultimate fates.
On the downside, the book occasionally falls victim to some of the tropes and clichs of the genre. There are moments where the pacing flags, and the ending may feel a bit rushed and unsatisfying to some readers.
Additionally, while Koontz’s prose is clear and direct, it can occasionally lack the poetry and nuance of other, more literary works. Overall, “By the Light of the Moon” is a taut and suspenseful thriller that should satisfy fans of the genre.
It may not be Koontz’s absolute best work, but it is still a highly enjoyable read that showcases the author’s considerable talents. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, and I give it an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
