At last, I get to read a Dean Koontz novel which doesn’t prominently feature a golden retriever.One would have thought that a writer as prolific as Koontz – at least two novels a year – might suffer from the odd shortage of ideas. But if anything, the main problem with ‘The Face’ (which is a horribly bland title) is that it just has too many ideas. It is of course always wrong to criticise ambition in fiction, but Koontz doesn’t quite manage to make all these strands work together and so the whole thing is a bit of a mess.Plot-wise we have an ex-cop whose broken heart has led him into private security work, when trying to solve an odd little mystery he experiences a terrifying visitation; there’s the son of the world’s biggest film star, whose loneliness at home is being eased by calls that don’t seem to originate in this reality; an anarchist/killer who is plotting an audacious act of kidnapping in the most ruthless fashion (I liked this character, but Kevin Spacey in ‘Seven’ is written large through his DNA); roaming LA is another cop, who has also experienced a vision from beyond; and there’s an ex-con, who died that morning but is now walking about in a nice suit. On top of all this there are various visits to the lowlifes of LA, and a scathing portrait of the narcissism of some top models and actors.The problem is that this book starts out as a crime thriller (the opening chapter, where the ex-cop receives an apple which has been cut in half and then sewn back together – a plastic eye placed at the middle – is a brilliant start with a brilliant image), but then the more supernatural elements are gradually pressed onto it and the two don’t really gel. I’d have liked it to have been a straight story about the attempt to kidnap Hollywood royalty (even if that would have been slightly derivative); or, I’d have liked it to be the tale of an actual guardian angel (although that would be more comic-book) – as attempting them simultaneously just creates a book as sprawling, long and sometimes silly as this one.However, I can’t say I actively disliked it. I read it across a couple of plane journeys, and for that kind of setting it’s absolutely fine. As long as you can disconnect your higher mind and not think about the implausibilities too much, then ‘The Face’ does build up the tension nicely and ensures that you cling on tight to see how it all plays out. Not brilliant, but perfectly passable.
The Face is Hollywood’s biggest star, and as such it isn’t unusual for fans to send him gifts- and death threats- in the mail. Ethan Truman, The Face’s Chief-of-security and burned out ex-cop, is worried. The Face has been sent a series of strange riddles (the latest of which is gruesomely physical, a doll’s eye inserted into a hollowed out apple) and Ethan knows whoever is behind them isn’t the average admirer. He has his work cut out for him as Fric, The Face’s 10-year-old son, begins receiving eerie phone calls from “Moloch, the devourer of children.” He tells Fric that must find a hiding place in his father’s mansion- somewhere that no one will ever find him- because the ‘beast in yellow’ is coming.Unlike most thrillers, the antagonist in The Face is not at all mysterious. Koontz introduces Corky Laputa, the ‘beast in yellow’ that Fric is warned about, early on in the novel and explains his motivations and actions. Fascinatingly, Corky is a lethal combination of cheerfulness, pessimism, and insanity. He is a strangely amusing character who is dedicated to causing chaos and destruction; the first time we meet Corky he is wearing a bright yellow raincoat, singing “Singin in the Rain”, and spreading poison amongst a neighbourhood’s flowerbeds. The heart of the novel is the growing relationship between Ethan and Fric. Both are on the point of loneliness and despair; Ethan is mourning the death of his wife, while Fric has spent his entire life being ignored by his actor father (‘Ghost Dad’), and his supermodel mother (‘Nominal Mom’). Ethan and Fric’s relationship is a realistic portrayal of a man and boy who are both in pain and need love and affection, without becoming cheesy or lovey-dovey. What greatly aids this is the realistic characterisation of the main characters, especially that of Fric. He could easily have come across as annoying or spoiled, but instead he is funny, precocious, and incredibly vulnerable.The structure and story beats of The Face are pure thriller, yet the strong psychological horror and supernatural streaks are initially surprising. Although it starts slowly, the tension is built up until it is nearly unbearable and the pace picks up in the second half, racing towards the startling conclusion. Dean Koontz is repeatedly referred to on the covers of his novels as ‘the master of our darkest dreams.’ With The Face he certainly lives up to the title.
What do You think about The Face (2004)?
For such a well known author, I was shocked with how poorly written and tedious this book was. The premise is simple, but not in a good way. Reading this book makes you wonder if Dean Koontz has not just watched Se7en and then felt compelled to write his own supernatural version of it. The story line is stupid, and none of the characters bar one, who is gruesomely tortured by the villain - arouses any liking or sympathy throughout the story. Except for the one exception previously mentioned, I actually wanted the villain to come out victorious, and this, I'm sure, was not what Koontz was aiming for. So I deem this book a failure, and a terrible mistake if you are looking for your first taste of Dean Koontz...
—Benjamin Stahl
This book took ages to get going, but once it did, it was totally worth the wait. This is a horror thriller type story with a supernatural plot line, except the supernaturalness is not what is to be feared. That is far more mortal. It's scary to think that people like Corky exist. I don't understand why someone would be like that, ignoring the big things like murder etc it was the little things that creeped me out the most, that someone would try and ruin things for other people for no good reason. I loved Ethan and Fric, great characters. I would have liked to have seen how Fric interacted with his father though, Dunny was also a great character. I like his scenes. The chase was pretty exciting and the ending wasn't have bad considering endings are not Koontz strong points.
—Redfox5
How funny I would come to really like a kid named Frik. That Frik is a nice boy, not a pampered, spoiled brat like most children of megastars might be. You feel sorry for the guy, living without hearing from his mother for years, and his father being the hottest star alive...Frik is always measuring himself against his dad and coming up skinny, asthmatic and geeky. Ethan is the widowed homocide cop now working as security for The Face-the big star. We meet two of Ethan's good pals, and a host of bad guys, including one seriously warped dude named Corky. He gets onto The Face's estate using a dirigible...a BLIMP! Some elements of this story have been used by Koontz before...but I would say the level of profundity, of profoundness is up to this point in my reading of Koontz unrivaled. Worth the read just for that alone!
—Martip
