Saturday, September 17, 2011

(528) Phantoms by Dean Koontz

It is fiction that tied in with age old unexplained mysteries. Looking at those beautifully built monuments that were left to be reclaimed by nature, I have wondered what exactly exterminated such a distinct ancient civilisation in South America. We know that the Spanish had waged war successfully for decades, but that would not explain a hill top city that was both deserted, unknown and abandoned.

Koontz wove such mystery into modern day doomsday in a town called Snowfield in California. Here the police, the Governor, the army and the press were involved. Where unexplained deaths occurred, autopsies were performed. Scientists in space suits carried out their tests determining if it was chemical or biological weapons. Even specialists in outer space alien theory were invited to be present. Here the author built the image of an invincible monster. Almost, but not quite! The ego of the monster turned itself into an object to be examined. That in turn revealed its vulnerability. The desire for glory determined that the monster wanted an author to document its power. That bought time for the biologist to import an item which might destroy the monster.

After the monster was killed, it went on to show us that the two human followers of the creature were overcome by fire power while they tried to carry out more murders. As in traditional tales, the two heroes were rewarded by finding their soul mates. I felt like I was sitting by the fire side listening to the end of an exciting epic poem.

It is a well written book. However, it is unlikely I would read it again. My friend who lent me the book seemed to think differently. She had given me better books for recycling but she wanted this one back. Interesting!

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