Icebound: A Novel

Due to the brazen marketing techniques of short articles as books on Kindle and the repetitive substance of his latest works, I had thrown Koontz into the dustbin. I'm glad I took a chance on this book as I enjoyed reading it. The story moved slowly to me until about the 65% mark, then it moved right along. Upon discovering it is a revamped early work, I was not surprised.

First of all, I'm a great Koontz fan. He is a superlative writer, and this early book--updated by the author--is an example of his extraordinary talent. FEW writers can combine great adventure and plot WITH excellent characterization. Koontz is a master of doing just this.Icebound is a departure from Koontz's horror genre. This is strictly a techno-thriller. The action is nonstop--never a dull moment, and all very, very well done. It is about a group of scientists who are carrying out an assignment in the arctic...very believable scenario, I might add. As a result of severe weather storm conditions and sub-oceanic quakes, a large chunk of ice breaks off and they find themselves stranded on an iceberg upon which they had implanted explosives scheduled to go off in 12 hours. There are no American ships that can rescue them because of their distance and the severe weather. Only a Russian sub on a clandestine mission is close enough and has the ability to possibly rescue the team of scientists.The stories of the men, especially the submarine captain, make you really care about the outcome. Although Koontz, in his afterword, is humble enough to diminish his technological detail as compared with a Tom Clancy, I found the whole thing so real that I was there! I love submarine adventures and to me, this numbers with the best of them.Noteworthy is the graphic detail of what it must be like to work in such an extreme environment. The descriptions of the arctic and the weather conditions are awesome. Even the death scene where one man dies through drowning is so realistic I could imagine vividly what it felt like to die this way.On top of the natural perils they face, there is a one twisted mind with them who is obsessively determined to commit murder. This portion of the story is also very well executed.In short (I should have said this some paragraphs back!), I can find nothing negative to say about this story or writing style. I read it at breakneck speed because it was so riveting. I heartily recommend this book to not only Koontz fans but to anyone who enjoys a techno-thriller.If you're looking only for a supernatural horror story, this is not the ticket. But...if you love Koontz's immense talent and want to read an exciting thriller, have at it!

The entire premise, actions, results, and everything to do with reality on the ocean and in the arctic is so wrong it's inconceivable this book was ever written. The author knows nothing about any of the subjects depicted in this fantasy novel. He didn't bother to check with any arctic explorers, submariners, scuba divers or even a simple boat captain about how reality works in these environments. Nearly every chapter had me laughing out loud. Worse than the worse Dirk Pitt novel ever and that's a pretty high bar for silliness.

I love this book so much. I could see everything written in my minds eye. A couple of scenes were so vivid in my imagination. This was my first read by Koontz and can’t wait to read more of his works.

Definitely not your usual Dean Koontz, but such an atmospheric, transportive read! Trust me, you’ll actually felt cold while reading it. Trapped, cold, on a verge of a disaster, with a psychopath in your group’s midst—it just doesn’t get any more compelling that this. I consumed it in a matter of a couple of days without noticing. Thank you, Mr. Koontz, for reissuing these stories and sharing them with us!

First book I ever read by Dean Koontz and it is not a horror book. It is an action packed, suspenseful thriller where a group of scientists get trapped on a floating iceberg. Massive winter storm prevents rescue by ship or plane and of course, one of the scientists is a psychotic killer but which one is it?! Very enjoyable read with an exciting ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This one kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I really wasn't sure how it would end. As usual, it was great!

A long struggle that went on and on. 50% was aimless wondering that was exhausting to read.I think of the 20+ books of Dean Koontz books I have read this could be the worst.

I normally associate Koontz as a horror writer, but this is more of a mystery thriller. A great read set in the vast landscape of the article, Koontz really captures the atmosphere.I would say it's pretty original, with a good set of characters with different backgrounds, but all fit for arctic exploration.Great read from a brilliant writer.

This is one of those stories that you can't believe what's happening, however it is happening and all you can do is keep reading in the slim chance that hope will win over despair. Get ready for a tense unstoppable read....

I’m still reading this book but I can say it’s a page turner, and in light of recent news coverage about drought conditions in South Africa and the possibility of using icebergs to help ease the situation, the storyline is prophetic!

I love DK n it pains me to give him anything but a five star..this book just didn't do it for me...had a good concept but was rather boring..

Never been disappointed with a Dean Koontz book and this is no exception!This book is quite literally one of those books that 'Once you start to read it you can't put it down!'From the very start and right to the very end this story has you gripped by the ... well, you know!Recommended to all Dean Koontz fans and those who are undecided!