Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14505 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04-11
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Synopsis
SOMEONE NEW IS PLAYING GOD The Frankenstein story updated to the 21st century by the great American storyteller Dean Koontz. Frankenstein's monster has survived the centuries to become a creature living in the shadows of modern civilization, a haunted and really quite heroic figure dedicated to battling the truly monstrous evil that has also survived the years: the cruel genius who gave him life, Dr Frankenstein. The legendary monster is called Deucalion. The action takes place in modern-day New Orleans where the next generation of Dr Frankenstein's monsters is wreaking havoc. But it's Deucalion, newly arrived in the city, who is the obvious suspect in the eyes of Detective Carson O'Connor. The cool, tough cop is soon talking about an ages-old conspiracy, a near immortal race of beings, and killers that are more -- and less -- than human. She doesn't know Deucalion and she are on the same side. Deucalion seeks one final confrontation with the evil genius who created him, Dr Frankenstein. Dean Koontz, the master storyteller, creates a bold new legend.

Customer Reviews

Pitchforks At The Ready...It Lives!!
Koontz's attempt to revive Shelley's classic literary masterpiece could easily have ended in disaster, instead it is a triumph. Koontz takes the demented Frankenstein and his hapless creation, and drags them screaming and kicking into the modern day.

Interestingly in the 200 years since their exploits were last recorded by Shelley, Frankenstein has become more disturbed and ruthless in his pursuit of supreme creation. No longer does he need to root through prison graveyards for grizzly remains. Technology has developed to the stage of far more human-looking creations.

Only his first-born son knows who he really is, and has the means or the will to stop his Father...

Just like the original, Koontz's update contains many interesting themes about humanity and what it means to be human, if indeed it means anything. In an age that has become obsessed with materialism, and the empty pursuit of wealth, has the monster become more human than human?

Fascinating stuff, and dare I say it, some of the ideas expressed explored in this modern update are more relevant than when Shelley wrote the original.

Bold words indeed. There again, I'm a human being and I can say what I like....

Koontz is OK!
'Prodigal Son' is the first book in a modern trilogy about Frankenstein and his monster. It is 200 years after the monster has been created and it turns out that Mary Shelley's book was based on near fact. The monster has retreated to a monastery, but he must leave his sanctuary when he discovers that the man he knew as Frankenstein is still alive and that young women are being found murdered with body parts missing. Can the monster survive in modern day New Orleans to hunt down his former master? With the police on the hunt for a serial killer a 6ft 4 man made out of corpses could be their prime suspect!

I was not too sure about this novel before I read it, but it actually contains some interesting ideas that move the Frankenstein story on. The Doctor is now interested in creating cloned creatures and this fits with modern knowledge. I really enjoyed the storylines that followed the master, the monster and the police. If the book had only followed these paths it could easily be a 4 star book. However, we are also given a couple of additional storylines that are not as strong and detract from the action.

I also have an issue with the increased sexualisation of the story with Frankenstein being particularly at fault. I know that living over 200 years could make you a bit mad, but I thought that Koontz and Anderson took this madness in the wrong direction. Despite this, the book is fast paced and full of interesting ideas. As long as the next books follow the interesting storylines and do not descend into the poor action similar to the end of this book, they should be worth a read.

disappointing
Koontz's Odd Thomas books took a sinister, sun-bleached view of supernatural California and overlayed it with whimsical charm and a wry narrative. Prodigal Son lacks everything that made Odd Thomas appealing. Clunking dialogue, carboard cut-out villains and zero charm. If, however, this sort of novel appeals - by all means, go ahead annd fork out.