Innocence (with bonus short story Wilderness)
By Dean Koontz

- Release Date: 2013-12-10
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Includes Dean Koontz’s short story “Wilderness”!
This ebook edition contains a special preview of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner.
In Innocence, Dean Koontz blends mystery, suspense, and acute insight into the human soul in a masterfully told tale that will resonate with readers forever.
He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.
She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.
But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance—and nothing less than destiny—has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.
Praise for Innocence
“A thriller that’s both chilling and fulfilling.”—People (four stars)
“Laced with fantastical mysticism, it’s an allegory of nonviolence, acceptance and love in the face of adversity. . . . The narrative is intense, with an old-fashioned ominousness and artistically crafted descriptions. . . . An optimistic and unexpected conclusion [mirrors] his theme. Something different this way comes from Mr. Koontz’s imagination. Enjoy.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Mystery and terror, the paranormal and romance—all combine to make Innocence a challenging and emotional experience.”—New York Journal of Books
“This novel really is something special. . . . This may just be the book Dean Koontz was born to write.”—Thriller Books Journal
“Entrancing . . . as speedy a chase-thriller as any Koontz . . . has ever constructed. Written in Koontz’ late mellifluent and reflective manner . . . [Innocence is] fueled by deep disgust with the world’s evils [and] hope for redemption.”—Booklist (starred review)
“[An] imaginative, mystical thriller from bestseller Koontz . . . This is the most satisfying Koontz standalone in a while.”—Publishers Weekly
“Masterful storyteller Koontz delivers perhaps his most eerie and unusual tale to date. The timeline in this amazing story is compact, and readers will be swept along as they try to unravel hints and clues as to the true nature of both the protagonists and the unfolding drama. Unpredictably spine-chilling and terrifying, this is a story readers won’t soon forget.”—RT Book Reviews
“Elegant . . . Fans of Koontz’s previous series will be left hoping that Addison and Gwyneth, too, will return.”—Library Journal
Reviews
A Little Fantasy
5By STEMteacher2020Fun. Wholesome. Enjoyable. Even when the story so closely mirrors our own “plague.”Innocence
5By Not So Good..yuckAgain, a great story.If I could give this book 10 stars, I would.
5By bibiasmomThis was my first Koontz novel. It was amazing. Masterfully written, it sucked me right in and kept me turning the pages until the end. I loved the characters, the way the author made me feel, the way he allowed me to experience this world (which is a true feat since it's not all rainbows and sunshine, but far darker than what I normally go for). I had always thought Koontz wrote horror (a genre I avoid) so I was cautious at first. But this is not horror, not really, for it delivers an inspiring message and a truly satisfying ending that will make you put this book in your "read again" pile AND make you agonize over which one of his works to read next.#1
5By Leerose18Best Book I’ve ever read!Boring, tedious read.
1By jamar530Not one of his better books, IMO. Leaves the reader with too many questions and no answers. The story plods on, bogging down in tedious descriptions and details that add nothing of importance to the story. Then right out of the blue, a plague destroys all mankind except the few innocent pure characters. Animals aren’t affected by the plague, but in its aftermath they all become herbivores, ceasing to hunt and kill other animals for food. Really? Seems like the story just fizzed out with nowhere to go.Innocence
4By Spaghetti & MeatballsI have long been a true fan of Dean Koontz. He has an unusual way of writing and I had forgotten this fact when I began this novel. It begins slow and I was questioning why I couldn’t get into this particular story. Of course, there was a reason, Dean Koontz was setting the stage. Everything was intertwined with an eventual connection. I ended up loving the story.Innocence
5By wallstreet wagerLoved it, really loved it.Innocence
5By SydmaxxPossibly his best, most inspiring work.A decent book, but not my favorite from Koontz
3By KacksterThere was so much about this book that I loved...such as his amazing story telling ability and character development. He pulls you into the story and you don't want to put it down. But he sometimes gets so bogged down in the details that it starts to lose the readers attention. I was also frustrated that he never really described Addison's appearance - and what little understanding you get doesn't happen until near the end of the book! Lastly, the ending felt rushed and incomplete. So many questions were left unanswered, in my opinion.Innocence
5By Volks49This was one of the most beautiful books I have read. Completely captivating it moves you.Boring
1By Tigman 83On second thought, ultra boring.Awesome
5By AlicemcinazDean Knootz you write really strange and awesome stories ever time I pick one of yours to read you never disappoint. This book is great loved the characters and the stories hope this does not happen but know it could. Keep writing we enjoy all that you do.Innocence
5By SusieMac46I usually only read the "Odd Thomas" series by Dean Koontz which I greatly enjoy. My niece suggested that I would also like "Innocence" so I decided to try it. It is a very good book & I enjoyed it as much as the "Odd Thomas" series. It is very different than the other books, but nevertheless I found it engaging & extremely well written. The characters are believe able & the ending was quite a surprise. Try it. You'll like it.Innocence
4By SuseaQA good read...never judge a book by its cover!Innocence
2By Rocketgirl56Koontz is a talented writer with an incredible imagination. However, this book was a disappointment. I found the first 80 to 90% of the book to be depressing, and the remainder to be too fanciful, contrived, and just plain weird. Sorry, Dean, but I can't recommend this one.innocence
2By AnnMargaret30I love Dean Koontz, however, I was disappointed in this story. Very drawn out and then having a plague consume the world out of the blue, with the heroes of the story surviving because of their differences, just seems to be following a worn out script. I am hoping the next Koontz novel will be more original and page turning....A marvelous tale
5By Great preyKoontz has spun a story of hope that can reach into the soul of everyone. Thank you sir.INNOCENCE
5By featherpenghostThank you for another opportunity to step into another theater, stand on another stage and participate in another play. A play offering love and hope for a better future. It is always a pleasure, a thrill and an inspiration to pick up your books. With best regards Johnna EdsbergWow!
5By GrammiebudMarvelous story! I would say Innocence is Dean Koontz' best novel of all time. I resisted the urge to read the last chapter first; something told me I would ruin things. It took until it was spelled out what was "wrong" with Addison, although I did feel that he and Gwyneth would become a couple. Scary, sad, hopeful....all at the same time. Again, wow!