The Taking

not yet rated

The new thriller from Dean Koontz is a novel of surpassing suspense and visceral terror as doomsday dawns.

On the morning that will mark the end of the world they have known, Molly and Niel Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain. It has haunted their dreams through the night, and now they find an eerily luminous and golden downpour that drenches their small Californian mountain town. As hours pass they hear news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. An obscuring fog turns once familiar streets into a ghostly labyrinth. By evening, the town has lost all communication with the outside world. First TV and radio go dead, then the Internet and phone lines. The young couple gathers together with some neighbours, sensing a threat they cannot identify or even imagine. The night brings strange noises, and mysterious lights drift among the trees. The rain diminishes with the dawn but a moody grey-purple twilight prevails. Within the misty gloom the small band will encounter something that reveals in a terrifying instant what is happening to the world - something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.

Epic in scope, searingly intimate and immediate in its perspective, The Taking is a story of a strangely changed and changing world as apocalypse comes to Main Street.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

Book Order

Your Rating

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Standard Shelves

Updated 04/12/2025

Category: Horror

Release date: 2004

Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is a master of suspense, blending chilling thrills with profound emotional depth in a way that has made him one of the most recognized names in contemporary fiction. With over 100 novels published and millions of copies sold worldwide, his work spans across genres, from psychological thrillers to supernatural mysteries, consistently captivating readers with intricate plots and unforgettable characters.

Born in 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania, Koontz’s early life was marked by a love for storytelling and a fascination with the darker sides of human nature. His writing career began in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that he truly began to find his voice, capturing the essence of fear and wonder with books like Whispers and Phantoms. These works cemented his place as a writer who could combine edge-of-your-seat tension with deep psychological insight.

What makes Koontz’s stories stand out is his ability to explore the human condition within the framework of high-stakes action and eerie mystery. His characters, often ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, face not only physical danger but also moral and philosophical dilemmas that resonate deeply with readers. Whether he's introducing a troubled protagonist on the run from a malevolent force or a loyal dog who becomes an unexpected hero, Koontz's ability to evoke empathy and suspense simultaneously is what keeps his readers coming back for more.

Koontz’s writing style is as dynamic as his storytelling. He seamlessly weaves elements of horror, science fiction, and thriller, all while exploring themes of good versus evil, the strength of the human spirit, and the mysteries of the universe. His books often delve into the supernatural, but they are grounded in the very human experiences of love, loss, and survival. He has a knack for creating worlds that feel familiar, yet brimming with dark and unsettling possibilities, making every page turn feel like a step deeper into a thrilling unknown.

Some of his most notable works include Intensity, Watchers, and Odd Thomas, the latter of which has gained a particularly devoted following. The Odd Thomas series, featuring a young man with the ability to see the dead, showcases Koontz's talent for blending horror with heart, creating an unforgettable protagonist who is both ordinary and extraordinary.

Throughout his career, Koontz has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Bram Stoker Awards and a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Despite his immense success, he remains a humble figure, deeply involved in his craft and committed to creating stories that engage and provoke thought long after the final page is turned.

Koontz’s impact on the thriller genre is undeniable. His books invite readers to confront their deepest fears while offering hope and redemption, a unique combination that has made him an enduring figure in modern fiction. With every novel, Dean Koontz continues to push the boundaries of suspense, horror, and emotional storytelling, ensuring his place as one of the leading authors of his generation.