Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

by Kevin J. Anderson and Dean Koontz

Book Overview

From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. Here is the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of . . . Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. He is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who has traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553593323
• ISBN13: 9780553593327
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.2" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

A fun and witty modern retelling

I'm actually new to Dean Koontz but I am not disappointed by starting out with this series. His modern take on Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein novel is a suspenseful ride the whole way through with likeable protagonists, entertaining antagonists, and mutant creations straight out of Transylvanian mythos. Would recommend to to any fan or quirky horror.

Frankenstein Prodigal Son

This is an interesting take on Frankenstein. Having read Mary Shelley's, I was not sure how a writer would make this into a "modern" story. But the writer did, and I like the direction it took. I am currently reading the second book in the series. How this story came about for the writer is also very interesting, which can be read about in the beginning of the book.

Stunning Craftmanship

Frankenstein: The Prodigal Son is one of Dean Koontz's best novels. It is fast-paced, full of action and suspense, and the characters are ones you become attached to. Definitely a page turner...I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves a suspenseful thriller. Warning: Once you've read this, you'll have to read #2...and if you liked it as much as I did, you'll probably end up angry that #3 isn't out yet. Can't wait!

Excellent mondern day take on a classic.

Dean Koontz does and excellent job with his take on Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. The story takes place in modern day and Victor Frankenstein (now better known as Victor Helios)has been alive for centuries creating his super human "New Race" of people who he plans to one day control to wipe out man kind (the "Old Race")and create his vision of a more powerful productive world. Now it is up to Detectives O'Conner and Maddison with the help of Victores original monster who now goes by the name Deacullion to stop Victor and his New Race and save mankind. This was a great book that was hard to put down. If you have the time its very easy to read in one sitting. It offers suspense, excitment and a bit of humor. Highly recomended for all Koontz fans.

Desperately waiting for Book 3!

I decided to read this book after I was told of its' existance from a friend. I hadn't previously been a big Dean Koontz reader, having only read maybe 2-3 of his stories, but the idea of a new Frankenstein story intrigued me. I was definitely not disappointed in any way with this story. It almost felt like light-hearted reading compared to some of the other stuff that I had read recently. While not as much as I'm used to, it had enough action and gore to keep me going, and what a great story it contains! I zipped through the first two books just in time for that supposed 'Winter '06' Book 3 release, and I have yet to see anything further about it. I really want to see how this story continues, and I think anyone even slightly curious about this story will feel the same. If you happened to catch the movie that was released related to this, don't even bother comparing....the book is SO much better

Hurry up with number 3, will ya???

Koonz is the only author that I've ever read where I either love or hate the book. I have to say, the first two Frankenstein books are the best of the best. I pessimistically began this book thinking, "How is he going to pull of Frankenstein living in the 21st century?" Not only did Koontz pull it off, he did it with flying colors. The book reads fast, there is the right mix of understated humor and supernatural story telling, combined with well developed characters that hold the readers interest. I'd recommend reading both books one and two, as the final installment of the trilogy is due out in early 07.

A modern day twist on an old classic.

I just love the way Dean Koontz can weave a tale. Its like you're cast in a spell and you can do nothing but hold on until the ride stops. I couldn't put this book down. I could have read it in one sitting if work and other annoying obligations didn't get in the way. What if Dr. Frankenstein never died and was more powerful then ever? What could he accomplish with untold riches and resources? Well Dean Koontz certainly answered those questions. Dr. Victor Frankenstein (aka Victor Helios) is living in present day New Orleans and has created an empire where he a god. He creates life and takes it away at a whim. He has fine-tuned his craft by creating a New Race that will eventually wipe out mankind (the Old Race) and fulfill his dream of a utopian society that works like a beehive with a class system (alphas, betas, gammas, etc). You might be asking what about Frankenstein's monster. Well he is alive and well also. He calls himself Deucalion (mythical son of Prometheus). Living in Tibet, he receives word that Victor is still alive. So he travels to New Orleans for what he believes to be his destiny...to finally destroy his maker. After two hundred years, the man becomes the monster and the monster becomes human. There is so much more to tell. There are so many new and interesting characters that are well developed. I urge you to read this book. Dean Koontz is a master storyteller and you will be enchanted. I can't wait for the next installment: Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: City of Night. Jennifer