Intensity

Intensity
Dean Koontz

This is a brilliant masterpiece of collective suspense--which, in my opinion, is the best type of horror. The antagonist is dreadfully cool, in a way that makes you hate what he does but love his demeanor.
In this novel we follow the fractured tale of Chyna Shepherd, a young psychology student, and her accidental run-in with a most unusual serial killer. This man, Edgler Vess, kills not for gain of wealth or deranged fantasy, but for the pure pleasure it brings him. Unlike any other, he views the world in such a way that taints the readers vision as well. He sees pain and suffering not as a negative aspect, but just another ripe emotion to be enjoyed to it's fullest. He chews the aspirin for the bitter taste, massages a pulsing bruise, and enjoys the sensations all around him. And yet, his is neither masochistic or sadistic.
The commodity of Edgler Vess is heightened by the reverse view we see from Chyna's point, learning to both despise and respect this character, as we secretly chant for his demise, yet lie in wait for his next atrocious act.
This is, by far, one of Dean Koontz best, and it would be a generous mistake to pass it up.
Amaya

King Dork by Frank Portman (c2006)

What an incredibly clever book that accurately depicts the joys and agonies of High School life -- I laughed out loud and groaned in equal measure! Tom "Chi Mo" Henderson, a 14-year old outsider, survives daily humiliations at Hillmont High and at home by seeking refuge in music. Together with his only friend, Sam, they invent witty band names and write angst-filled songs. One of Tom's educational torments includes having to read The Catcher in the Rye, which leads him to discover a box of books left by his father, a detective who died under mysterious circumstances. Tom sets out to read each volume to decode the secret messages he finds written in the book margins. Tom is a wonderfully intelligent and likeable character with oddball observations and obsessions. The story is easy to read, and the plot's mysteries come together for a dazzling conclusion. Be ready for the movie soon! The author is very hip, too -- you might know him as the front man for the punk band, The Mr. T. Experience.