The Big Dark Sky

In Koontz’s (Quicksilver) latest, a small and unlikely group of strangers are inexplicably drawn to a Montana ranch that becomes the center of a horrific maelstrom of death and destruction. The motley group confronts an evil presence which has been dormant for centuries, observing humans develop as a species, and finding them abhorrent. It has recently been corrupted by the philosophy of a charismatic cult leader, and it uses its devastating powers to control animals, read minds, and disrupt computers in a quest to eradicate humankind. The group tries to stop the annihilation with guns, logic, and positivity, but it may already be too late. Narrator Fajer Al-Kaisi does an excellent job providing voices and accents for Koontz’s wide and numerous cast of characters. He ably conveys the tidbits of philosophy, quantum mechanics, and cult thinking that Koontz sprinkles throughout. Unfortunately, these bits and pieces seem more like fun facts than essential plot points. As a result, the story becomes increasingly disjointed and confusing, and ultimately fails to terrify or even suspend disbelief.