Ashley Bell

by Dean Koontz

From #1 bestselling author Dean Koontz -- the must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure, about the girl who said no to death.

Who is Ashley Bell? The only girl who can save her has no idea who she is ...

Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman -- whose doctor says she has one year to live.

She replies, We'll see.

When Bibi is miraculously cured of an inoperable brain tumour, it's only the beginning of a strange and terrifying journey. For Bibi believes that in exchange for being saved herself, she in turn must save the mysterious Ashley Bell. But first, she has to find her.

Bibi's obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.

Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long acclaimed master.

• ISBN10: 0345545966
• ISBN13: 9780345545961
• Publish Date: 8 December 2015
• Publish Status: Remaindered
• Imprint: Bantam
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 576
• Language: English

Reviews

[wyvernfriend]

Knowing there would be twists in this tale because it was a Koontz, I guessed several of them early enough on. Bibi is diagnosed with inoperable cancer one day and the next she's clear, she goes on a quest to discover what has happened and to save Ashley Bell.

Not bad, a bit predictable.

[Beth C.]

I'm a long-time reader of Dean Koontz, starting from many years ago. Lighting has always been among my favorite books of all time. So I was excited to read this, having heard that it was one of his better books from the last few years. Unfortunately, it seems I will continue to appreciate his older works better.

The biggest issue I had with this book was simply how long it dragged on. Had the book been culled by about 1/4, the story would have felt much tighter than it did. I had to stop and take breaks simply because it started feeling like it was never going to end.

The story itself was interesting, though there needs to be a *heavy* suspension of disbelief in parts. Some things just seemed way to easy and convenient. As for the ultimate outcome, well...it just didn't strike a chord.

The characters were ok, but I particularly liked Pax and Pogo. Having said that, I'm not sure if Pogo would have been that likeable had I not read the two prequels first. He was much more developed in those, so for anyone not having read them, he's not going to mean much to them.

Overall, I wouldn't say my reading time was wasted exactly...but on the rare day that I got to spend most of it reading, I think I would have rather read something else.