I opened my 2018 review for Dean Koontz’ Velocity with, “Dean Koontz is my man. He writes pop thrillers with interesting characters and a certain panache that I enjoy.” 
That same introduction applies for this review of Koontz and his 1980s sci-fi thriller called Lightning.
From its opening moments, Lightning has an ominous tone. Even the sunnier moments have shadows. Koontz makes it very clear that the characters in the book will face real darkness throughout their lives. It feels dangerous and even foolish for the characters to hope for a happy ending to their lives. And yet, they hope! That’s why the reader roots for them and keeps turning the pages. We hope, too, and we want to see that it’s not in vain.
Laura Shane is the center of this story. Koontz lets us in on four life phases – the unusual circumstances around her troubled birth, her adolescence, and then her 20s and 30s. Bad things happen around her, almost as if a malevolent force is willing it. However, there does seem to be another force working to prevent those things. Laura’s resilience is constant.
One thing that is unclear for the reader – is Laura the cause of the bad things? Is she the driver of the malevolent force? Laura doesn’t question herself that way, which perhaps is a useful lesson for the reader. (Even though we all love the “Am I the drama?” meme.)
There are some fun sci-fi elements to this story, as well as some interesting ideas about destiny, fate, love, and death.
In my review of Velocity a few years ago, I mentioned it was a great beach read. In this case, Velocity was a great cabin read – despite the summer heat I loved sitting by the lake and turning these pages.
Koontz is still my man for engaging yet relaxing reads!
3.5/5 Stars