THE CITY BY DEAN KOONTZ - REVIEW

pic and description taken from Netgalley

Description:

The city changed my life and showed me that the world is deeply mysterious. I need to tell you about her and some terrible things and wonderful things and amazing things that happened . . . and how I am still haunted by them. Including one night when I died and woke and lived again.

Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph, in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.

The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart.

My Review / Thoughts:

When this book came up on Netgalley, I requested it right away.  I thought it sounded very interesting.  I really wish I could say that I loved it, but unfortunately that is not the case.  So, lets start off with what I liked about the book.

I enjoyed the writing.  It was really well done.  I enjoyed the idea of the story.  I liked how things connected and at times it was actually a little nerve racking.  The poor little boy had to go through a lot in his young life.  I liked Jonah as a character.  I loved his talent.  When Koontz described him playing the piano, I could feel the love he had for his talent.   I absolutely loved his mother and Grandfather.  They were such great characters.

I don't really know what to say.  The idea of the boy narrating his own life as a child is interesting enough, but for me it was way too wordy.  I felt like I was reading more about the inside of a room sometimes, than I was about an actual story.  It was just way too boring for me in between the actual dialogue and story.  I know for most people this will be what draws them in, but I just really am not into a lot of description.

I appreciate the opportunity to review the book.  I love to see different styles of writing, and Koontz really is a great author.  This book just wasn't one for me.

Source:  I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

My Rating:

About the Author:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.

Dean R. Koontz has also published under the names Leigh Nichols, Brian Coffey, David Axton, Owen West, Deanna Dwyer and Aaron Wolfe.

Dean lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Anna, and the enduring spirit of their golden, Trixie.