Ashley BellAuthor: Dean Koontz
Published by: Bantam
Publication Date: December 8, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 578
Source: Publisher
The girl who said no to death.
Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live.
She replies, “We’ll see.”
Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science.
An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell.
But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she?
Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.
“She was no one’s toy. Never had been, never would be.”
Ashley Bell, another Dean Koontz book that gets love from me. Am I surprised? Nope!
This kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the majority of the book. There were times where I wondered what the hell was going on. I love that. There was also a point where it did seem to slow down a bit, but even that was interesting. I was so curious about the paranormal aspect and where it was leading, because I really had no idea. Shocking, I know.
Koontz does a great job of building everything up in the beginning. At times you wonder what do certain things and situations have to do with the story, but as it progresses, you start to see how the author pulls everything together. While things may seem irrelevant at times, they’re not. There’s a reason for everything.
The characters were wonderful, especially Bibi. She’s an intelligent woman who thinks her way through some pretty dangerous situations. It was nice to have such a competent heroine to root for.
Overall, Ashley Bell wasn’t my favorite of Dean Koontz’s book, but I sure enjoyed it a lot. Totally worth the almost 600 page read.
Great review! I am so glad to see that you enjoyed this one. I grabbed this on NetGalley but have put off reading it because I saw some not so great reviews. I hope to get to this one soon.
Hope you enjoy it. This is one you might have to stick with in the beginning, but it starts coming together.
It really is a chunk of a book to read. I enjoyed it overall, but it was a little overwhelming at times. Still, I’d definitely recommend it, especially to Koontz fans.
Yeah, I can definitely see how it would be overwhelming. I think I’m just used to his work and knowing it’ll lead somewhere.
I never read anything by Dean Koontz but I know for sure I won’t have the patience for this one. I am not a huge fan of very large books–not that they intimidate me–but that I have this weird thing about getting through a book fast. If it’s long it has to amaze me. But I definitely want to try something else of his. Nice review!
You should try Odd Thomas. That’s my favorite of his. Great characters, humor, and pretty quick read because it’s so good.
A HUGE yay for a competent heroine in a story like this Christy! Glad she thinks her way thought things and doesn’t need someone else to come bail her out time and again. Loving the sound of this one!
Indeed. Competent heroine for the win. 😀
I haven’t read a Dean Koontz book in forever. I used to live on his books when I was in my crime fiction phase. This sounds like a lot of fun and I’m glad you enjoyed it overall. And you’re right, he always does such a fantastic job building things up in the beginning and keeping you guessing.
Great review, Christy!
I practically grew up on his books. lol. I don’t read them as often as I used to, but it’s nice getting back to his work now and then.
I love when I have no idea what the hell is going on. I actually have never read anything by Dean Koontz. I will definitely be checking this out (even though it’s long!) Great review!
Start with Odd Thomas. That’s my favorite of his, and an all-around great book.
Can you believe that I have never tried him before? What book would you suggest starting with first from him?
Odd Thomas. Without a doubt. You should read it no matter what.
K. I’ll look that one up. 😉
I started this one, and I just wasn’t in the mood so I set it aside. I can’t decide whether I should pick it back up or not.
It was one I had to push through in the beginning, but I knew it would pick up and the payout would be worth it. Don’t be a quitter.
600 pages?! Maybe later. I do not have the patience for super long reads lately. I was wondering what your are rating is, the ones I’ve read before your review were mostly 3’s. I ask because I’m a Koontz virgin and I like suspense, I just don’t want my first Dk to be a 3
Yeah, I wouldn’t pop you Koontz cherry with this one. I’d rate it a 3.5-4, but I’m used to his writing when he does it like this. Read Odd Thomas. I love that book so much. Great characters and lots of humor.
I have never read one of his books
You totally should.
I have yet to read him. Don’t know why. I have cousins who aren’t readers (or don’t read much) but love him. I so need to get to it. Especially if this isn’t your fave, but you still enjoyed it. Speaks a lot to his writing.
You should follow in your cousin’s footsteps and read him. Start with something older though, like Odd Thomas.
Not bad, he can be hit or miss with me..I wonder how the audio is?
I haven’t read anything by Dean Koontz yet but this sounds really good. I like that the MC is a capable character. A Too Stupid to Live character can definitely diminish my enjoyment. I’ll definitely have to give this a try.
It really does throw me off when I see you read Koontz. And then comments like, “I was so curious about the paranormal aspect and where it was leading, because I really had no idea..” are SOOO unlike you (I think?). You really surprise me with your eclectic-ness!!!
And yet, further confirmation for me that Koontz has earned his popularity! I will make sure and show this one to my mom – she may bawk at the page count but she loves paranormal mysteries!
When a book is totally worth it after being 600 pages long, I think that is an indicator of the fact that the book is good!
I haven’t heard of the author or ever reading anything but I will definitely have to go check them out since I adore mystery novels!
I haven’t tried yet a book by the author but I really need to! In fact I have one in French so I know I’ll do it one day.
Gah that’s a long book. I’ve always been a little too chicken to read his for some reason. Maybe one day 😀
oh wow….this book sounds wonderful and I haven’t read this author yet. I love the sound of the heroine though…it is always refreshing to read a character that can think with her head.
I was looking at this at the store today. I’ve been hearing great reviews on this one. I’m so curious now. I may have to give this one a go.
Wow, so mysterious. Now I wanna know what the hell is going on!
I’ve never actually read a book by Dean Koontz – though I’ve always wanted to. Needless to say, this might not be a book to start off with, eh?
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I actually haven’t read a Dean Koontz book before, but I’ve definitely heard a lot about it. It sounds like it would be up my alley though! Thanks for the review Christy!