Rating: 
Summary: A strong tale of terror and triumph
Review: This book is an excellent read. While some readers may complain that the book is far too heavy-handed in decrying the evils of a government gone too far, I find that this is a secondary sub-plot to the story of Spencer Grant. A loner who has hidden all his life from a terrible evil visited upon him as a young boy, he is on a personal quest to "find a life" by attempting to track down a beautiful but troubled woman who is running from powerful enemies while at the same time trying to resurrect long buried memories of that terrible evil and confront them. Yes, the enemies in question are rogue government agents, including one who is equal parts Adolf Hitler and Jeffrey Dahmer, but such "evil government agencies" are frequently a part of Koontz's books, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. In the case of this book, the rogue agency acts as a catalyst to bring all the major players together in a climax that is at the same time terrifying and triumphant. Koontz has created some of his most interesting characters yet in one of his most exciting books yet written. This audiotape version is narrated by Anthony Heald, one of Hollywood's more underappreciated actors. Audiobooks are much like an actor or actress putting on a one-person play, and Heald proves himself a master of dialect, as his narration moves easily from deep character introspection to breathless action sequences.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely revolting!
Review: I have read several Dean Koontz books and I can truthfully say that I have liked all of them (except maybe Fear Nothing). Then this book had to come along. First off it was way too long. Several sections could have been lopped off especially the long-winded part when Spencer was in a mad river huddled in his car. And secondly what made me squirm was towards the end when one of the characters has sex with her own father! And he likes it! This is disgusting in it's filth and beyond depraved. ...What is this world coming too?
Rating: 
Summary: Way, way too long of a book, ending kind of stupid.
Review: This is my first Dean Koontz book to read and will probably be my last because for the length of the book, it is not very good.The chase is exciting and the background of Spencer Grant is quite interesting. The goons from the government are creepy and sinister. This book could have been a lot shorter and still been just as good. Koontz seems to enjoy giving poetic desriptions to scenery before and after the action, none of which really matters. The evil organization in the book is not believable. I can accept the government does some shady things no one knows about. But there is no way a agency like the one in this book would exist. Therefore, Koontz looses a little credibility. The final fight scene utilizes something out of star wars and seemed ridiculous. Seemed Koontz just invented a weapon to get the characters out of an impossible situation. Finally, the ending of the book is disappointing. You find out that nothing is really settled. If you haven't read this author, don't start.
Rating:
Summary: Koontz Lemmings
Review: I can't believe how good the reviews are for this book. I picked the book up at a Half Price Book clearance rack for a buck and feel cheated. I read it on a camp out and got my money's worth when I used it to feed the campfire...
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent fictional reality
Review: As all of the best fictions do, this story has many elements of truth, enough to make you wonder what is not real. There are three main plots, all woven well together, without any weak spots. The characters, for the most part, seem plausible, although you wouldn't want to meet them all. There are some weaknesses in the development of the lead female protagonist, which are easily forgiven as the plot is so strong. The leading female antagonist seems a bit off, but then again, I've simply never met anyone quite so - different. She has a better explaination for her actions than the other woman, but that is only due to the story development. By the time you find out why what's happening is happening, you're so wrapped up in the storyline, it's as plausable as any other aspect of the book. There are occasions when you might think "Not a chance of this happening!", and then it all falls together so nicely you're almost ashamed to have had a doubt. All in all, a very well written & thought out story, with rich characters & background, good dialogue, and enough twists & turns to keep you reading way past your bedtime. I would love to read the story following the lives of the new President & her lover, if only to get a look at their placid, flaccid, and fluid-free new world.
Rating:
Summary: A good read!
Review: Koontz has done it again. yes it is another government consperacy, but he does this so well. His books are nothing more than light reading, but once I start one I cannot put it down!!! I also recommend "A Tourist in the Yucatan" a fun thriller/adventure.
Rating:
Summary: A river runs through it...
Review: This is one of the few Koontz novels I've read that doesn't have some sort of strange monster (man-made or alien) in it. However, the suspense and drama does not lack for the absence of a monster, as Koontz ably portrays man as the ultimate evil to himself. Spencer Grant has spent the better half of his lifetime erasing his past, eliminating the connections to the evil, the monster, who gave him life. The ghost of his father's past haunts him everywhere he goes, having left its mark on him in the form of a cicatricial scar that runs from his ear to his chin. Spencer has not found the life that he so desperately needs to find, although he has found himself to be good at many things in life. In his search for the missing memories of the event that changed everything in his life, Spencer finds himself at the Red Door bar, and strikes up a conversation with Valerie Keane. Something between them just "clicks", and Spencer returns the next night to see her once more...and thus begins the incredible journey that brings Spencer face to face with his past, and his future. Koontz' characters in Dark Rivers of the Heart are well-conceived and colorful. The plot never suffered throughout, as Koontz switches perspectives from Roy Miro, to Spencer, to Valerie, to Eve, and so on. What is probably the scariest concept of this novel is that the property forfeiture laws that the secret agency makes use of are actually on the books and in effect today, perhaps not to the extent abused by Tom Summerton and the agency, but real nonetheless. Fast-paced, engaging, and thrilling, though not the "chiller" novel one would expect from Koontz. Peace Out.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of Koontz
Review: It was the best book I have read for a while. The plot is intriguing, complicated, and extremely suspenseful. Definitely a page turner.. I am surprised it has not been made into a movie yet. Koontz is the best, period.
Rating:
Summary: Audiobook is superb
Review: Anthony Heald's narration is amazing. His depiction of Roy Miro is brilliant. As a bonus the audiobook version includes an interview with Dean Koontz. I also recommend the audiobook versions of Dragon Tears and Mr. Murder read by Jay O. Sanders.
Rating:
Summary: Typical Good People vs. Evil Government Agents
Review: Your typical boy meets girl and falls for her. Only problem, she is running from Evil Government Agents who want to kill her because she knows to much. Will good triumph over evil? You will only know if you read the book. This is a fast paced book that you will find hard to put down. Because of the plot I could only give this book 4 stars. Above average but not outstanding. I have read much better. If you like Koontz, you'll like this book. If you havn't read any of his work, then this is a good place to start.
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