Innocence

Innocence by Dean Koontz, pages 338

Dean Koontz writes another unusual story, not quite horror, but certainly with an element of fear. Addison has been reviled since birth. His appearance inspires fear, horror and revulsion in others, to the point that most people he encounters try to kill him. After his mother kicks him out, when he is eight, he makes his way to a city, where he meets and lives with a man he calls “father”, who has the same affliction he does. Although life is not wonderful, Addison enjoys the status quo until the night he encounters a girl. He and she seem destined to meet and accomplish something big, but evil seems determined to thwart them. I was somewhat dissatisfied with this offering. The ending seemed somewhat unfinished and I’m not sure I liked the underlying premise of the book. However, the story was interesting and engaging and well-written, as Dean Koontz always is. His fans will probably like this story and it’s a decent introduction for new followers of the author.