The CityAuthor: Dean Koontz
Published by: Bantam
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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.
Me and ol’ Koontz have some history. I started reading his books when I was a youngin’, like elementary and jr. high. When I was about thirteen, I frequented a used bookstore and bought every Koontz book they would get in. One day, the crotchety old owner was ringing me up and said in a mean tone “would you want your daughter reading this stuff at your age?” I told him that I would be happy as long as she was reading, period. I never gave him my business again. Then while in high school, I’d come home from a late night of shenanigans and read some Koontz will totally buzzed (I don’t recommend doing this). I continued to read his books sporadically while in college and into my twenties. So you see, Koontz has been through a lot with me, but it has been years since I’ve read any of his books. I can’t even remember what the last one I read was, so I was excited see what my old buddy cooked up for us in The City.
The story starts with an older Jonah taking us back to 1967, telling us about a life changing incident and everything that transpired up to that point. No, I won’t tell you what the incident is! But even as I started figuring it out, Koontz still managed to surprise me.
I really liked Jonah as the main character. He’s a child prodigy when it comes to the piano, so music is a huge part of his life. Even though Jonah is 10 and 11-years-old during most of the book, in no way does it feel childish. He was a really great narrator for the story.
By no means was The City a favorite of mine, but I really did like it. The first 15-20% was a bit hard to get into, but after that I was completely engaged. It wasn’t that the very beginning was bad, it’s just the way Koontz set the book up. It seemed like unnecessary information, but I knew better. Once I got through the initial setup, everything started falling in place and I was hooked.
Throughout the book it may seem like it veers off and gives unnecessary information about characters at times, but there really is a point to everything. I love how he pulls it all together and we see how everything is connected. I love when a story is put together like a puzzle.
The supernatural aspect isn’t a major factor that is used a lot, and I really liked that. The City is more of a mystery/thriller with a supernatural push. It was pretty cool though, what ‘The City’ actually was and how she helped Jonah.
I loved how Koontz transported up back in time, giving us a real feel of what was going on in the world. I really enjoyed all the historical tidbits Jonah discussed, even though I could see how some might find it a bit on the boring side.
There are quite a few secondary characters that are important to the story, but I think Mr. Yoshioka was my favorite. The friendship that he and Jonah formed was very enduring. Then there is Malcolm and Amalia, his best friends. I loved these two. They are brother and sister with a dynamic I fell in love with.
Overall, I liked The City, and it was great to be reminded why I used to read so many books by Koontz.
I have adored some of his work and others have fallen flat. I am glad to see that this picked up and you enjoyed it
I’m sure there have been a few I didn’t like, but no way can I remember now. lol
I don’t know, 20% in is when I will give up on a book if I am not engaged by then, so now I am nervous about this one. But I do love Koontz.
Oh I have a book in French by this author but I haven’t tried it yet, I should one day, I’m curious.
I used to love Koontz. I was young when I started, too. I think my first book was The Door To December, and it just really freaked me out. One of my favorites was probably Intensity. Then after I got into book blogging, I just kind of got away from Koontz. I’ve not read this one, but I do find a lot of his books a bit slow in the beginning with the set up and then it’s a ride from then out. Maybe I’ll pick up one of his books soon, maybe you’ve inspired me 🙂
Can you believe I have never tried him? I do have one of this books I picked up years (yes years) ago but never dived in.
I am glad you liked this one even if it won’t be a favorite. It is nice that you can go to an author years later and still get something good from them.
About 10-12 years ago when in my early 20’s I read a ton of his books. I loved some and hated others. With him you never know what kind of weird you’re going to get. I don’t know if I’d pick up one of his books again. I think my taste has changed too much. But I had fun experimenting with the ‘horror’ (ish, at times) side of things.
I read a lot of VC Andrews in middle and high school and I remember my mom asking my aunt if they were bad and she said yes, some of them are. But my mom didn’t make me stop reading them. She just said that if they scare me to stop reading them, or if they made me uncomfortable. I have to give my mom a huge hug for that one because my parents were super strict in everything else.
I love that you’ve shared your long history with Koontz! I have a couple of authors I have that sort of attachment to. I haven’t read any of his works, but I think my mother-in-law loves them. I’m glad you enjoyed The City, Christy!
Good answer to that dude!
I haven’t read any of his books, he reminds me of SKing and I dislike being fucked around like that LOL. Happy you still find it fulfilling after all this time of reading his work.
Well while you seem to really have a history with Koontz I haven’t met him yet. I have seen this one on NG and was really intrigued by it but I didn’t request it. I’m so glad you enjoyed The City overall. Great review 🙂
Ha! Take that judgmental bookshop owner!
I have never read anything from Koonzt but I have seen his books around a lot growing up, I feel like I should check out some of his older works now since you loved it so much though! I’m glad you ended up enjoying this even though it didn’t end up as a favorite. Awesome review Christy!
I have read a few books by him and I have a review copy of this so I will be going there. I don’t have the long history with him like you do, though, I am more of a King girl. Still glad that you enjoyed this overall 🙂
Sooooo. I’m a total pansy and have never read his! lol My mom read one a few years back and it freaked her out what good. ::snort:: I love that you’ve been reading him so long. I don’t think I have one that’s popped in and out of my reading life for as long. So neat 🙂
I’ve seen his books all over the place, I know he’s a big name author, but to be honest I never had the desire to pick on his books…Until now.
Thanks Christy 🙂
I’m bummed to hear this is hard to get into in the beginning but it sounds like it was worth the wait. I’ll definitely check this out next time I’m at the store and see if I can get into it. Lovely review!