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Book Reviews of Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3)

Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3)
Dead and Alive - Frankenstein, Bk 3
Author: Dean Koontz
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ISBN-13: 9780553587906
ISBN-10: 0553587900
Publication Date: 7/28/2009
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 260

3.8 stars, based on 260 ratings
Publisher: Bantam
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

25 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

venus avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
I loved the first two Frankenstein books. They came across as tightly formatted and carefully structured, which made me as a reader feel cared for and tended to. You felt the consideration that was put into a well-crafted story, and you were able to enjoy the books greatly because of that. The first two in the series did not have loose ends; every side story was lovingly rendered and came across with a depth, despite or because of their brevity, that was quite enjoyable.
You can imagine my disappointment when some of the side stories become loose threads in the third installment. Conflicting descriptions of the characters bloom in full form, leaving the reader flipping back through the pages of the earlier books in the hopes of having been wrong. The dialogue, where previously creative and enjoyable, is now tedious and uninspired. Situations are made mention of that never come into the story for resolution. Additionally, the hurricane is mentioned at the very beginning only, which had me wondering 'Why bother with it at all, then?' He had all the elements, but he did not do with them what he could have. The frustrating thing is you can see the promise in the story beneath the lack of attention.
The entire book shows Koontz simply phoned it in on this one, and I really expected so much more based on the length of time we had to wait for it to come out. He has left me feeling let down, because it lacked consistency and trumpeted the fact that he went this one solo. All this book gave me was closure, because it certainly lacked the heart and care to give me satisfaction as the previous two had done.
knic avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This was an awesome series of books! These rank up there with some of Koontz's early books, which were some of his best. I did have some issues with this book though.

MINOR SPOILER ALERT:
Victor Helios is one of the most vile, evil villains ever. Through the whole series I was looking forward to this guy getting what he deserved in the end. He got off WAAAAAYYYYY to easy in this book and is one of the reason why I only give this book 4 stars. It was so dissapointing! Especially with all the build up of everyone thinking they weren't going to make it through the final confrontation with Victor alive!

The second problem I had with this book also concerned Victor. Through the series I saw Victor as just pure evil. He was brilliant, cunning, thoughtful, and reasoned things out. He seemed to be in denial quite a bit when it came to his work, but nothing that said he was crazy. He'd been alive 240 years and had faced several life threatening situations and many settbacks in his work. So why would he suddenly start to get delusional at the end of this book? It just threw everything off for me and I hated it! It was also a waste of space since he didn't stay delusional.

The first 2 books in this series were great, but I think Koontz should have had a co-author with this one also. Good book, and I'd still recommend, but a dissapointing ending.
shorty04 avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on
Helpful Score: 5
This was a great ending to the Frankenstein series.

Fast paced all the way through. All of the major characters are here, and there are even a few new creations.

The ending didnt really live up to all of the suspense that the book built, but Koonz left it on a creepy, yet hopeful note like he is famous for.

A special note for Odd fans. . . the last paragraph of the book will make you smile ;)
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was a bit disappointed with this one. The first two were really page turners for me, very interesting and suspenseful but this one was harder to get through. The dialog was amusing in places when I didn't think it should have been. It also seemed odd and stilted in places for me. I did like it but it didn't live up to the previous two. Never the less, I'd recommend it to those who have been waiting to see just what Victor was up to.
JoyReadsLots avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Not nearly as good as the first two in the series. Still an interesting read and I am still a fan of the overall series, but this one was not quite up to par in my opinion. That said, if you've read the first two, how can you not read the final one to see how it plays out?
angelavan avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Thought the ending could have been better. Had good suspense until the end, where it just ended. Thought the last "fight" scene as going to be more epic. Liked how he kind of rapped up the characters stories but also left it open for Frankenstein to return.
Montana2 avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I cannot put this book down. The plot just keeps getting better. Very good read.
SciFiFan avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 69 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great series. I have to agree with other reviewers that the first two books were much better, more cohesive and the characters much more developed. That siad this was an acceptable end to the series.

It was almost a shallow read though, in comparison to the first two books. However, how can you not read it if you have read the first two...so there we are, you must read the finale!
dave-n-dogs avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on
Helpful Score: 1
I was a bit disappointed that the main characters in this third book in the series didn't hold true to their strengths from the first two books. Without giving too much away ('cause hey! you read the first two and there's going to be at least one more) I felt some main characters were given the comedy treatment while other just were left as background. Let's hope Dean gets back to form in Book 4.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 1568 more book reviews
One of the reviewers said this book 'scared his socks off!' I can't say it any better!

From back cover: As a devastating hurricane approaches, as the benighted creations of Victor Helios begin to spin out of control, as New Orleans descends into chaos and the future of humanity hangs in the balance, the only hope rests with Victor's first, failed attempt to build the perfect human. Deucalion's centuries-old history began as the original manifestation of a soulless vision--and it is fated to end in the ultimate confrontation between a damned creature and his mad creator. But first they must face a monstrosity not even Victor's malignant mind could have conceived: and indestructible entity that steps out of humankind's collective nightmare with powers, and a purpose, beyond imagining.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 2 more book reviews
I just finished this, the third book in the series. With the approaching ending, I wondered how there could be a 4-th book - but the author has pulled it off. Since this is a continuing series, it is best to read them in fairly quick succession, but the author does provide sufficient memory-jogging without too much repetition.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on
did not meet expectations of the 1st book
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 8 more book reviews
Once again Koontz leaves us wanting more, but only after finishing the entire read. Slow at first, and not all story lines were written with as much detail as the first two books, leaving some story lines with blunt endings. Seemed the book was a bit rushed when written, when compared to book 1 and 2. However, would definately recommend reading the compelte "trilogy" set...as we wait for book 4 due out in just a few days!
chaostime avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 7 more book reviews
If you love Dean Koontz, or any well put together paranormal thriller, this is the one for you. I bought Book 1, 2, and 3 after just reading the first few pages of Book 1. The plot keeps you moving, and the quasi-historical references keep it interesting. Throw in an evil mastermind and a couple ethical cops and it's a sure winner.
barbsis avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 1076 more book reviews
I was rather disappointed in this series concluder. After waiting four years, I expected a lot more involvement with Deucalion. Instead the entire book revolved around other demented characters doing very disturbing and gruesome things. Deucalion is the hero (?) of this series and he was barely even in this book. Very disappointing.

Apparently Victor Frankenstein has a laboratory that produces replicants (clone humans (or zombies) with programmed mentalities). Dr. Frankenstein is replacing prominent figures of society (including the president) with these replicants in hopes of murdering all the "Old Race" and replacing them with the "New Race" ala Hitler.

I understand that the reason for the long delay in publishing this book is that Koontz's co-author died. Well you can certainly tell that something was seriously missing in the writing of this one. I usually like Koontz's writing but this seemed like it wasn't even part of the Frankenstein series let alone a conclusion. I am glad this is the conclusion because after this, I'm sure I wouldn't read another in the series.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 11 more book reviews
Great last book for a great series. The ending was a tiny bit of a let down, but overall the book is a great read. Always keeping the reader guessing by dropping you at climactic points to check on the other cross stories. I would highly recommend the series as a whole, and this one in particular. The first book is more of an introduction and by itself isn't that interesting. This book though, really brings it home.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on
Wonderful fast read - Dean's humour is wonderful.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 3161 more book reviews
WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!

This is the most confusing mess of nonsense it is just gross and violent, the characters are so shallow and stupid and you just read page after page and get nowhere, the first two books were pretty good but this one is just lacking in 'sense' of any kind.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 214 more book reviews
Third book in the Frankenstein series. Great read. Loved this series by Dean Koontz. Of course, anything by Dean Koontz is great!
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 7 more book reviews
Dean Koontz does it again! His writing made me glued to each page. I couldn't put it down. FABULOUS!!!
shesingsnow avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 2 more book reviews
I am enjoying this series. Not great literature, but highly entertaining.
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 9 more book reviews
In the third book of the Frankenstein trilogy, Dean Koontz continues the saga of the monster made human and the human turned monster. As Deucalion and Helios meet again for the first time, expect fireworks aplenty.
perryfran avatar reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 1229 more book reviews
The conclusion (or is it? - I know there are 2 more books in the series) of Koontz's Frankenstein series. Overall, I enjoyed the series, this last book not quite as much as the first two. Maybe it was the really bizarreness of this third chapter with Frankenstein's creations going completely wacko that put me a little off. For example, the giant morphed insect thing that took on the personalities of most of the lab workers, and Jocko - the troll that was born out of one of the creations (although Jocko was rather amusing). This does leave an opening at the end for a followup which Koontz did write. I guess I'll need to get the last two books to see what happens!
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on + 21 more book reviews
Awesome!
reviewed Dead and Alive (Frankenstein, Bk 3) on
I WANT THIS BOOK!