I think while they write in similar/same genres, they are very different. Koontz relies more on suspense, while King just scares the shit out of you. When I look solely at author’s craft, I think King is far superior in terms of story arc, sentence structure, word choice, character development — even dialogue
Dean Koontz was great earlier, books like Lightning (my favorite), Phantoms, and Soul Survivor were good, psychological thrillers/suspense books. However, he’s evolved since he lost his dog, he went in a spiritual direction and, to be honest, not as good.
I’m only asking because I know I like Stephen King but it has been awhile since I’ve read any of his books. I was curious as to whether or not I would like Dean Koontz is I know I like Stephen King.
I agree with Deb, I love both authors. I do also agree with earlier comments that Koontz’s earlier works are the best. Intensity is still one of my favorite books of all times. Takes off from page one! The Voice In the Night, Visions, Watchers, Strangers, Phantoms… all of these are great!!!
I have read a few by Koontz that I enjoyed. I am trying to get through It, but it is not interesting and not scary. I did not think the first movie was scary, but I do want to see the new one.
I think Koontz can be just as scary in his own way as King. More low-key build-up and background explanation in Koontz, but makes the characters more relatable.
Dean Koontz writing style is so much more efficient, in my opinion. King’s books tend to have a lot of what I call “Fluff” in them overly and unnecessarily descriptive.
Overall, Dean Koontz crafts a fine book..good characters and stories! His endings to not piss me off. I say the same with SK! Except, often his endings miss the mark. I have never thrown a DK book against the wall after finishing…I have thrown one or two of SKs!
I think while they write in similar/same genres, they are very different. Koontz relies more on suspense, while King just scares the shit out of you. When I look solely at author’s craft, I think King is far superior in terms of story arc, sentence structure, word choice, character development — even dialogue
Three inches short.
Dean Koontz was great earlier, books like Lightning (my favorite), Phantoms, and Soul Survivor were good, psychological thrillers/suspense books. However, he’s evolved since he lost his dog, he went in a spiritual direction and, to be honest, not as good.
I have been a big fan, but agree with you…I always enjoyed his humor. I couldn’t finish this last book
I agree. I just finished his latest book, Silent Corner, and I liked it a lot better than his other recent books.
Intensity is my favorite Dean Koontz.
The Stand and Lisey’s Story is my favorite Stephen King.
I don’t compare.
I’m only asking because I know I like Stephen King but it has been awhile since I’ve read any of his books. I was curious as to whether or not I would like Dean Koontz is I know I like Stephen King.
@Rachel, I’m a huge Stephen King fan and I love Dean Koontz.
I agree with Deb, I love both authors. I do also agree with earlier comments that Koontz’s earlier works are the best. Intensity is still one of my favorite books of all times. Takes off from page one! The Voice In the Night, Visions, Watchers, Strangers, Phantoms… all of these are great!!!
I’d say…read him and find out! Try Intensity!?
Dean is not horrifying like Stephen is.
My favorite Dean Kootz book is Midnight. Haven’t read anything of his in years.
They’re both good in their own ways. I’ve found koontz a bit harder to get into personally. He does a few “series” too (odd thomas) which is cool
I like Odd Thomas!
I started the movie then decided to read the book first. I dunno if I’ll ever watch it cause the actor who played the lead died ?
They don’t. Two separate styles of writing.
They are very different in their writing.
Honestly, I don’t think he compares at all. S. K. HAS ALWAYS been my favorite author!
I love Dean koontz!! Mr. King’s offerings are too scary for me 🙂
I have read a few by Koontz that I enjoyed. I am trying to get through It, but it is not interesting and not scary. I did not think the first movie was scary, but I do want to see the new one.
I think Koontz can be just as scary in his own way as King. More low-key build-up and background explanation in Koontz, but makes the characters more relatable.
Love both. Unable to compare
I love Dean Koontz and used to love Stephen King, but he became way too creepy for me!
Dean Koontz writing style is so much more efficient, in my opinion. King’s books tend to have a lot of what I call “Fluff” in them overly and unnecessarily descriptive.
Overall, Dean Koontz crafts a fine book..good characters and stories! His endings to not piss me off. I say the same with SK! Except, often his endings miss the mark. I have never thrown a DK book against the wall after finishing…I have thrown one or two of SKs!
I think Dean Koontz gets into your psyche and Stephen King tries to use horror
I prefer Stephen king even though I don’t like horror. And I loved On Writing
I’ve read a few of Koontz’s books and liked them but I like Stephen King way better