The Whispering Room is a diabolical tale of nanotechnology used for power and control by a few bad actors—a chilling premise. This thriller uses 21st century science to both educate and horrify the reader. Koontz’s lyrical style acts to calm the frightening aspects of the story.
His characters development is excellent. Jane Hawk is a rogue FBI agent whose life has been permanently changed by these power-seeking bad guys. Luther Tillman, the sheriff in a small town in Minnesota, will suffer the same fate. Yet both show compassion and resolve despite their losses. I cared for each of these characters. In contrast, the bad guys were as despicable as Jane and Luther were likeable. I found all the characters true to their role in the story.
Koontz’s vivid descriptions of the climate helped to set the scene and tenor. From the snows of Minnesota to the balm of the Southwest, he successfully presents the weather as a minor character.
Words mesmerize me. They always have, from my earliest reading experiences. Finding an author who can make words sing is like discovering the golden pot at the end of a rainbow. Dean Koontz is that type of writer. While reading The Whispering Room, I found myself pausing many times to reread a paragraph that particularly sang for me.
One of the greatest benefits of reading is that it makes you think. In trying to decide how to review this book, I pondered the difference between craft and talent in writing. I have read many authors who are good at crafting a story, but still do not capture the ah-ha response from the reader. That is where the art of writing comes into play. Dean Koontz is a masterful storyteller who has the talent to tell a compelling story with a lyrical voice and a clarity of description.
I have not read the first Jane Hawk book— The Silent Corner will be the next book that I read. I also look forward to The Crooked Staircase in the Spring.
I was sent this Advanced Readers Copy by BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.
His characters development is excellent. Jane Hawk is a rogue FBI agent whose life has been permanently changed by these power-seeking bad guys. Luther Tillman, the sheriff in a small town in Minnesota, will suffer the same fate. Yet both show compassion and resolve despite their losses. I cared for each of these characters. In contrast, the bad guys were as despicable as Jane and Luther were likeable. I found all the characters true to their role in the story.
Koontz’s vivid descriptions of the climate helped to set the scene and tenor. From the snows of Minnesota to the balm of the Southwest, he successfully presents the weather as a minor character.
Words mesmerize me. They always have, from my earliest reading experiences. Finding an author who can make words sing is like discovering the golden pot at the end of a rainbow. Dean Koontz is that type of writer. While reading The Whispering Room, I found myself pausing many times to reread a paragraph that particularly sang for me.
One of the greatest benefits of reading is that it makes you think. In trying to decide how to review this book, I pondered the difference between craft and talent in writing. I have read many authors who are good at crafting a story, but still do not capture the ah-ha response from the reader. That is where the art of writing comes into play. Dean Koontz is a masterful storyteller who has the talent to tell a compelling story with a lyrical voice and a clarity of description.
I have not read the first Jane Hawk book— The Silent Corner will be the next book that I read. I also look forward to The Crooked Staircase in the Spring.
I was sent this Advanced Readers Copy by BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.