Rating: 
Summary: Not your ordinary time travel novel
Review: Koontz has produced a fine read in Lightning. Not only is the storyline original and exciting, but this book is also filled with heart and humor. When Koontz writes about the Ackerson twins and their friendship with Laura, you would swear that he is in fact a witty 12 year old girl because he so beautifully portrays their delicious humor (think the nun remark from Thelma)but also their pain. This is not just an oridinary science fiction/suspense book due to all the tenderheartedness that is present in the first half of the book. This book is just the right mix of intrigue and human warmth. It's a great read!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is my first Koontz novel even though writing friends have suggested him to me for years. It will not be my last! Loved it! (And yes, did get a minor headache from the paradox)
Rating:
Summary: My Second Koontz Novel..and a Great One!
Review: I got two Dean Koontz books for X-mas, because I heard he was a good Suspense/Horror writer, and I was tired of just reading Stephen King. I am sure glad I took a chance on this guy! The first book I read was Intensity, which is still my favorite of the two. The very day I finished that book, I opened up my second gift, Lightning, and got sucked into the characters and the mystery surrounding them. I read this book in about 8 days which is very fast for me, and I had trouble putting it down most nights. Some of the reviews here state that the second half wasn't nearly as good as the first, but I actually liked the second half better. Not only was it more action oriented (I'm a guy!), but it took the time travel ideas to a whole new level that I didn't see coming. Some of the time traveling issues did get so confusing that I found myself re-reading certain sections over again to finally make some sense of it. The characters are fleshed out extremely well, especially Laura and Stefan. I agree that most pre-teen girls and eight-year-old boys are not gonna talk in the manner or the intelligence of these kids, but the dialogue is so amusing I can overlook these minor flaws. Since reading these two novels, I now consider myself a Koontz fan and have bought four more of his most popular novels. If your into Sci-Fi, Action, Drama, Romance, or WWII history, give this novel a try. Its got a bit of everything for everyone. And go read Intensity if you haven't yet. Now it's time for me to start my third Koontz novel, Watchers.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read, but not memorable
Review: I liked this book in that it kept me reading and intrigued with what will happen next, and that is all I really ask of a book. The plot kept moving and the action was brisk. There was also a bit of a mystery to keep you interested about Laura's guardian angel and what that was all about. I was a little disappointed in his reason for "guarding" her, but I won't spoil that part.Time travel is really tough to pull off without plot holes. I usually look past them because there are just so many ways to find loopholes in time travel stories, but for those that read the book, do you honestly believe they were using the portal to its fullest? I really don't think Koontz thought through the whole time travel aspect and really nailed it down. When Stefan made 2 trips to the location of 2 specific famous people (I'm trying not to give anything away here), why didn't the members of the institute just do the same and blow them away? Seems much more useful than what they used the portal for.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing
Review: After reading a book like Lightning, I have such high esteem & respect for Dean Koontz. I've been a fan for many years, this was one of the first books of his I read. It's left an impression. While again, the plot isn't likely, somehow Koontz drags you in & makes you think that it is happening. In a town not far from you... Time travel has always been an interesting topic & Koontz manages to pull it off!
Rating:
Summary: "Jeez, Shane!"
Review: This, my first Koontz book, has left me startled and amazed. After one of my friends pestered me to read it for over a year I finnally gave in. I don't usually read this kind of book, but after "Lightning" I seriously need to reconsider what I "usually read." although there is a certain predictability about this book, my eyes were literally glued to the page, I did not even want to blink my eyes for fear I may miss the action, and after all you are kept guessing where Laura's guardian angel is from, why he is so interested in her, and why he is so intent on saving her. There is another "fault" to this book, and that is that in my opinion the ending is too abrupt. Still, considering how wonderful the rest of it is, and the unusual yet endearing writing style, I would highly recommend it to anyone, whether you are a lover of Koontz's novels or are just bored with what you "usually read." After this my mind is more open to different things.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After reading The Face, which I enjoyed for the most part, I returned to Amazon.com and picked out another one of Koontz's books based on the customer reviews. Unfortunately, I didn't read enough of them. Lightning has an intriguing beginning, but is marred by, among other issues, poor writing, unbelievable dialogue, and far too many words. I gave it three stars because it is a fairly entertaining concept and story. The poor writing is characterized by Koontz's tendency to tell instead of show; explaining every tiny thought a character has instead of showing reactions is, or should be, #1 on an author's "Do not do" list. Dialogue. Twelve-year old girls and eight-year old boys do not talk in the manner that Koontz portrays. It is possible that there might be a few exceptional children who do, but not three twelve-year old girls being brought up in an orphanage. Another problem the book has is the constant reference to various upscale products: Ray Ban sunglasses, Yyes St. Laurent suits, etc., etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseam. In my opinion it is understandable why so many people like this book: Laura Shane is a beautiful, spunky heroine; Stephan is a hunky, admirable "guardian"; the concept of time travel is fun; and, there is an appealing love story. However for the reader who might be annoyed by the problems I've mentioned, please be forewarned.
Rating:
Summary: Lightning
Review: Lightning is a suspense filled thrill ride that will keep you up late and guessing. Dean Koontz shows why he is the master of suspense-thrillers with this book. Lightning is the kind of book that makes you rush to see what happens, then weep when it's over. Dean Koontz mixes all the ingredients needed for a great thriller, perfectly. Lightning is filled with memorable characters, a great plot, and suspenseful writing, making it one of my favorite books.
Laura Shane has had a childhood filled with tragedy and mystery. She was saved from a botched delivery at birth, being murdered during a grocery store robbery and from being molested, all by the same blond haired hero. Every time evil is about to befall Laura, her hero shows up with the sound of lightning, saving only her. Is this mystery man truly her savior, or a demon bringing danger into her life? The truth is far more bizarre which will put Laura in a life or death struggle between her and time traveling "death squads" who are seeking to end her string of good luck. Lightning is a gripping story filled with twists and turns that keep you on your heels the whole way through. I have read Lightning twice now and I loved it just as much the second time over. I can't get enough of this story. It took my imagination places I never remotely expected to go when I first started reading.
The characters and dialogue in Lightning are well written and keep the story moving smoothly. Laura Shane the smart and tough main character was a joy to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold around her. Laura's guardian angel Stefan is an equally deep character that you can't help but fall in love with. He's struggling to get passed his dark past and do some good in his life. My favorite character by far is Laura's best friend Thelma. Thelma is a boisterous free spirit that loves life and lives it to the fullest. She supports and completely loves Laura and does every thing to help her. I always enjoy Dean Koontz characters they never fail to grab my attention and stay on my mind long after I'm finished with his books.
I have also read From the Corner of His Eye, Watchers, Strangers, Watchers, Phantoms, and Midnight by Dean Koontz. Every time I pick up one of Dean Koontz books the real world seems to fade away and I get lost in his world. I find myself sitting up late, not caring that I have to work in a few hours as long I get to finish the story. I have to admit there is a strong similarity in his characters and on how some of his stories unfold. Fortunately the circumstances and settings are so different that I don't think it takes anything away from his writing in the least. If you haven't read any of Dean Koontz books Lightning is a good one to start with. Lightning is non-stop entertainment that will turn you into a Koontz addict like myself.
Rating:
Summary: my first real book
Review: I don't ever read this type of book. my genre is usually fantasy/fiction, but my school librarian told me to. I have the highest esteem for my school librarian so I picked it off the shelves.
I read it in 2 days. 13 at the time, I was so scared I was shaking, but it was extremely well writ, and though it was my first adult book it was the best one I had ever read so far. Dean Koonts puts so much into his books that I didn't have trouble imagining the exact surroundings of the characters, or the timbre of their voices, or the shape, and size of their persons. but he didn't put so much detail that it was boring, and he left just enough out to let my imagination fill in the blanks. I would give this book ten stars if it was allowed. as it is, all I can do is recommend it to everyone who can read.
however, I wouldn't recommend this book to somebody younger than 15, and then only if it's a very mature 15 year old. some of the scenes in this book are not suitable for children any younger. I had to do my own editing sometimes. but, on the whole, this book was the greatest thriller that I have yet to read, and, for those who don't know, I've been looking for a better one for years and have still not found one. hats off to Koonts!
Rating:
Summary: Koontz at the Top of his Form
Review: This thriller has everything - perfect mood, perfect cover, great plot, scary effects, evil Nazis, damsel (and son) in distress, lots of action and a good ending. The hero is a real hero and the villians are bad as can be. Somehow Koontz escaped the problems that have plagued him in his most recent books - repetition, boring characters, dull plots.
This one is a real winner.
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