Saint Odd by Dean Koontz: A Sad Farewell
I’ve had this book since the day it came out, but couldn’t work up the nerve to read it. Of everything Dean Koontz has ever written (and I’m a huge fan), the Odd Thomas series has been my very favorite. I found Oddie to be one of the most endearing and special characters I’ve ever enjoyed reading about, so I’ve been very reluctant to read the final book in the series, knowing I would have to say goodbye. Finally, I worked up my nerve and plunged in headfirst.
As always, Koontz’s writing touches me deeply. No matter the nature of the bad guys, horror or alien, four-footed & furry or merely evil to the core, what Dean Koontz does best is remind us that there is nothing more powerful than love. That’s why he’s my favorite horror/ghost/urban fantasy writer of all time. Bar none. This series has been no exception, and anyone who was surprised at the ending of Saint Odd hasn’t been paying attention. It ended exactly the way it needed to, even though it broke my heart to read it.
If you have followed Oddie from the beginning, you’ll want to read this, and see him come full circle, doing everything he set out to do. If you haven’t read any of these books, you really should. There’s no other character out there quite like Odd Thomas. And I doubt there ever will be again. I’m going to miss him.
Saint Odd is definitely NOT a standalone story. Do yourself a favor. Start with Odd Thomas, and read the entire series.