Carpe Biblio

Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein trilogy (Prodigal Son; City of Night; and Dead and Alive) tell the story of the modern Prometheus – 200 years later.  It is set in modern day New Orleans, and pits an even more diabolically insane Dr. Frankenstein against his initial creation – the Prometheus.  Dr. Victor Helios (Frankenstein) has built an army of clones, and is taking over the New Orleans government.  He is well on his way to world domination and the elimination of the human race.  The Prometheus (Deucalion) has spent two hundred years dealing with his internal demons, and has developed a greater sense of humanity than humans.  He has traveled to New Orleans to fight Helios, and save mankind with the help of two New Orleans detectives, Carson O’Connor and Michael Maddison.  In the meantime, the army of clones begins to melt down as they grapple with the meaning of life.

I am under the impression Koontz uses this trilogy to lash out against the immorality existing in society, science and governments.   The system is broke, and we need a Deucalion to save us since government doesn’t seem to be capable.  I will agree with him on this point, and not allow myself to be side tracked into writing a rant against our current and previous administrations.

I am a Dean Koontz fan.  I have been to an author talk/book signing, and conversed with him briefly.  I have given him good reviews in the past, especially his Odd Thomas series.  He is a fellow Pennsylvanian from the Pittsburgh area.  But this trilogy is not his best work.   Of the three, his second book, City of Night was the best.  The third book, Dead and Alive was the worst.  On Library Thing, six of the eight reviews agree with my assessment.

 Bruce G. Smith 1/17/2010