Odd Apocalypse
Book 5 of the Odd Thomas series
Dean Koontz

The stallion reared over me, a creature of such immense power that I stumbled backward even though I knew that it was as immaterial as a dream... The woman astride the ghostly mount reaches out desperately, the latest spirit to enlist the aid of Odd Thomas, the unassuming young fry cook whose gift - or curse - it is to see the shades of the restless dead, and to help them when he can. This mission of mercy will lead Odd through realms of darkness he has never before encountered, as he probes the long held secrets of a sinister estate and those who inhabit it.
Once presided over by a flamboyant Hollywood mogul during the Roaring 20's, the magnificent West Coast property known as Roseland is now home to a reclusive billionaire financier and his faithful servants. And, for the moment, it's also a port in the storm for Odd Thomas and his traveling companion, the inscrutably charming Annamarie. In the wake of Odd's most recent clash with lethal adversaries, the opulent manor's comforts should be welcome. But there's far more to Roseland than meets even the extraordinary eye of Odd, who soon suspects it may be more hell than haven.
A harrowing taste of Roseland's terrors convinces Odd that it's time to hit the road again. Still, the prescient Annamaria insists that they've been led there for a reason. Just how deep and dreadful are the mysteries Roseland and her masters have kept for nearly a century? And what consequences await whoever is brave, or mad, enough to confront the most profound breed of evil? Odd only knows. Like his acclaimed creator, the irresistible Odd Thomas is in top notch form - as he takes on what may well be the most terrifying challenge yet in his curious career.

If you are reading this review and have never read the other books in the Odd Thomas series, then close this page, head to your local library or book store, and read the other books. If you have read Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd, and Odd Hours, then welcome to the review of Odd Apocalypse. If you're a fan of the series, chances are you already know how this review is going to go.

The Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz is one of the best series I have ever read and Odd Thomas is one of the best characters to have ever been written. This book is no exception to the rest of the series. In fact, if possible, it might even be a teensy bit better than the rest of the series. But I don't know if that's possible. Is it possible to get something better than perfection?

This chapter of Odd's life begins with Odd and his new traveling companion Annamaria, staying as guests of an eccentric man who owns an even more eccentric home. Why have they been invited to stay there? It's one of Annamaria's many mysteries that she always gets what she needs - and when in need of shelter, they now find it.

Only days, or possibly weeks, have passed since the events in Odd Hours and Odd is not quite ready for another adventure. Though ready or not, another spirit needs him to save her son and to find out the dark secret behind the estate and those who live there.

Yet another Hollywood ghost finds Odd, but is patient enough to be willing to wait until Odd has the time to address him. So, there is a high chance we will see more of Mr. Hitchcock in the next novel (Deeply Odd) when it comes out.

And for those wondering, Dean Koontz has addressed that Odd and Annamaria will never become lovers. This was addressed in one of his newsletters. Odd and Stormy received the "You are destined to be together forever" card and that is not going to change anytime soon.

This book stands up to the rest of the series. This entire series, this novel included, is a must read for, well, anyone.

My rating: Five out of five snails.