The Taking
February 28th 2007 12:00
I need to thank KL Ameroth for her recommdenation. Dean Kootz is an interesting author.....
The book opens and reads with a poetic charm. T.S Elliot is in great evidence and so is, to a slight point, Dante Aligheri. But more on that later. As far as language it is obvious that Mr Kootz has spent time reading the classics. His every line of description and philosophy are full of a glowing kind of energy. But despite it's poetic edge it isn't presumptuous or too lofty. Edgy scenes contrast with the poetic beauty and leaves a picture worthy of rememberance.
Thematically speaking it is an absolute work of art. The creation of hell on earth and absolute anarchy is painted vividly (if you are a gamer and have played Halflife 2 some of it is almost directly out of Ravenholme. Yeah, you almost EXPECT the headcrabs) and with a brilliantly tantalising atmosphere. For me to read this is like reading "Dante's Inferno" but alot more contemporary setting and language. Certainly the fact that the dog is named Virgil (Dante's guide) and is a shepherd dog, shows that serious homework has been done.
I have to admit, I haven't quite finished the book yet. Reading time in total, about five hours. Almost done. I have to admit though, I need to finish this one.
JZ
The book opens and reads with a poetic charm. T.S Elliot is in great evidence and so is, to a slight point, Dante Aligheri. But more on that later. As far as language it is obvious that Mr Kootz has spent time reading the classics. His every line of description and philosophy are full of a glowing kind of energy. But despite it's poetic edge it isn't presumptuous or too lofty. Edgy scenes contrast with the poetic beauty and leaves a picture worthy of rememberance.
Thematically speaking it is an absolute work of art. The creation of hell on earth and absolute anarchy is painted vividly (if you are a gamer and have played Halflife 2 some of it is almost directly out of Ravenholme. Yeah, you almost EXPECT the headcrabs) and with a brilliantly tantalising atmosphere. For me to read this is like reading "Dante's Inferno" but alot more contemporary setting and language. Certainly the fact that the dog is named Virgil (Dante's guide) and is a shepherd dog, shows that serious homework has been done.
I have to admit, I haven't quite finished the book yet. Reading time in total, about five hours. Almost done. I have to admit though, I need to finish this one.
JZ
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Hiya my friend...
Just a quick visit...I will do an Arnie tomorrow...
I'll be back.
Dusk
Comment by JoshZ
a headcrab is kind of like a face hugger, from Aliens....
But scarier....
And more annoying.
JZ
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I love it when I'm reading a book that I devour almost all in one sitting like you are with this one...it's almost like the world stops isn't it?
Tracy
Comment by JoshZ
Glad to have you here.
Yes, time does seem to be suspended while I am in a good book....
And THEN you look up and see 4am on the clock and think, "damn, I have to get up soon....but, one...more....chapter...."
JZ.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Tracy,
I had to leave a comment for you first, Tracy, as it is truly heartwarming that you've noticed my absence!!
Makes me all warm and fuzzy!
It takes Dean Koontz (and JZ) to lure me back!!
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To JZ,
It takes a true man to know what really gets me going....
And that's Dean Koontz, every time!!!!
Loving your post...loving that you're loving old Koontzie...
I love The Taking myself....but you've got to read Odd Thomas....you've just got to. Of his most recent stuff, it's one of his best.
Also Life Expectancy was awesome...I could go on forever and ever....
(And I just might)
Converting people one Dean Koontz novel at a time...
(You'll be drinking pink champagne soon, JZ...now then I"ll worry)
K.L.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you, how are you?
I'm glad that JZ and Dean Koontz enticed you back to Orble land
Comment by JoshZ
well, as tempting as I may be I apologise profusely as all the tempting I can do is completely reserved for my Nata. But it was a VERY nice thing to say.....
I think a trip to Borders on monday may be in order.
What impresses me with some authors is not that they work the classics, but HOW they work the classics. In this case, the use of TS Elliot and of Dante were absolute solid gold for a literary buff like me.
I also now need to get me some Elliot.
Glad to see you this time and hopefully many more times KL..
JZ
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
JZ,
I think Koontz is a huge Elliot fan....and HG Wells...which you can really see in his writing!
Thanks for your sweet words! And this post!
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Hi Tracy,
How are you??? What's happening in your world?
Yes, old Koontzie will do it every time....I think I've been in love with this man since I was 12! In love with an author...yeah, it's truly sad!
K.L.
xoox
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm very well thanks. Much the same is happening for me, working and still Orbling. What about you, I was wondering if you'd hung up your Orble hat?
Byee