The Forest of Lost Souls by Dean Koontz

The Forest of Lost Souls centers on a young woman named Vida. Raised by her late great-uncle in the forests of a fictional Kettleton County, Vida makes her living, like her great-uncle before her, finding gemstones. She has a knack for it showing a bit of mysticism one would expect in a Dean Koontz novel.

However, you must wait a chapter or two to find all of that out. The first chapter is about an albino she-wolf, elegantly described by Koontz, but leaving the reader mystified what’s the book is about.

Then the story at last plays out. Vida’s lover, José Nochelobo, a local hero and environmentalist, dies under suspicious circumstances. As Vida delves into the truth behind José’s death, she confronts powerful men, including Terrence Boschvark, a ruthless psychopath involved in land development, and Deputy Sheriff Nash Deacon, who becomes a formidable adversary. Vida must use her connection to nature and her resourcefulness to protect herself and the land she loves from those who seek to exploit it. She faces these threats one after the other and with each played out as a separate story.

It's been some time since I read Dean Koontz, and I don’t remember his writing being as lyrical as in this novel. Opinions on whether it signifies an improvement vary. Critics often praise Koontz for his lyrical prose, meticulous word choice, and ability to blend suspense with philosophical depth. However, some argue that his style can feel overly polished or repetitive, relying on familiar tricks that longtime readers may find predictable.

I have read Koontz himself has expressed a commitment to developing as a writer, emphasizing the importance of stretching creatively and refining his craft through extensive revision. While The Forest of Lost Souls likely reflects these efforts, its reception depends on individual preferences for his signature style. Fans seeking fresh narrative risks may appreciate the novel’s depth, while others might find it consistent with his established approach rather than a significant leap forward.

If there were a Koontz wackiness meter, The Forest of Lost Souls would be low on the scale, leaving a sound believability to the story.

Recommended.

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