After Death

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

A modern-day Lazarus is humanity’s last hope in a breathtaking novel about the absolute powers of good and evil by Dean Koontz, the #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense.

Michael Mace, head of security at a top-secret research facility, opens his eyes in a makeshift morgue twenty-four hours following an event in which everyone perished—including him and his best friend, Shelby Shrewsberry.

Having awakened with an extraordinary ability unlike anything he—or anyone else—has ever imagined, Michael is capable of being as elusive as a ghost. He sets out to honor his late friend by helping Nina Dozier and her son, John, whom Shelby greatly admired. Although what Michael does for Nina is life changing, his actions also evoke the wrath of John’s father, a member of one of the most violent street gangs in Los Angeles.

But an even greater threat is descending: the Internal Security Agency’s most vicious assassin, Durand Calaphas. Calaphas will stop at nothing to get his man. If Michael dies twice, he will not live a third time.

From the tarnished glamour of Beverly Hills to the streets of South Central to a walled estate in Rancho Santa Fe, only Michael can protect Nina and John—and ensure that light survives in a rapidly darkening world.

©2023 The Koontz Living Trust. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Koontz's latest thriller is superbly narrated by Edoardo Ballerini.… Narrating largely from Mace's point of view, Ballerini portrays him as an unflappable, stoic loner who helps a single mother and her son escape the grasp of the boy's father, a vicious L.A. gangbanger…. Ballerini's performance of the cat-and-mouse game between Mace and Calaphas is riveting.”—AudioFile Magazine, Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

“A master of the suspense thriller genre, After Death is still another brilliant, original, memorable, and entertaining novel [from] master storyteller Dean Koontz. Deftly narrated by voice actor Edoardo Ballierini, …[this] will have a special appeal for fans of conspiracy thrillers and science fiction adventures.”—Midwest Book Review

“Koontz has always had near-Dickensian powers of description and an ability to yank us from one page to the next that few novelists can match.”—Los Angeles Times

Really, really like Mr. Ballerini as a narrator

I have found that I either really like or really don't like Mr. Koontz (as an author of course. Not as a person). I'm not actually sure that it is because he does anything different, it may just be me and whatever mood I'm in. Maybe...maybe not.

This is one of the ones that I did enjoy. Was it my favorite of all time? No, but it kept my interest. This book seems to be slotted in the science fiction genre (which I love) but at the same time, it feels a little too superficial to be in that category.

Meaning what you ask? Well, the events that occur in this book definitely fall into that SF category at times, but then there is really no world building to go along with and support this new and scary technology. We do not get any description in the build up to explain how exactly the event that occurs in the beginning of the book started and how EXACTLY did Michael Mace end up being the only one alive? How exactly did what happened to him...well....happen? There are many things like that throughout the book, some bigger than others.

With that being said, I decided to just top trying to figure it out and just go along for the ride. And honestly, it was a pretty fun ride. I guess that means that this one is definitely on the good side.

Blend of Tension and Hope, awesome narration

"After Death" takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world fraught with danger and despair and punctuated by hope and resilience. Narrated by the talented Edoardo Ballerini, this audiobook brings the story to life in a vivid and engaging manner.

Edoardo Ballerini's narration is a highlight of the audiobook experience. With his skillful narration, Ballerini paints a rich and immersive landscape that captures the essence of the story. The ability to visualize the events and emotions as they unfold is a testament to Ballerini's mastery of his craft.

Contrary to some feedback about frequent pauses, my listening experience was smooth and uninterrupted, allowing for a seamless immersion into the world of "After Death." It's worth noting that individual preferences for playback speed can impact the perceived pauses, so finding the optimal setting is key to enjoying the narration fully.

The novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the way women are mistreated by malevolent individuals. While these themes might be unsettling, they serve to heighten the stakes and showcase the strength of the characters in the face of adversity. The juxtaposition of these harsh realities with moments of positivity and the presence of remarkable elements like robot dogs adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The blend of tension and hope is what makes "After Death" a compelling read. As the story unfolds, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering if there's a chance for redemption and a brighter future. This emotional journey, combined with Koontz's knack for creating intricate and relatable characters, cements the story's place in the reader's mind.

In the end, "After Death" earns a solid five-star rating. Edoardo Ballerini's narration elevates the audiobook, making it a must-listen for fans of suspenseful storytelling. While the story does tackle challenging themes, it also weaves in elements that remind us of the strength of the human spirit. Dean Koontz's ability to capture both the darkness and the light in his storytelling is masterfully showcased in this gripping tale.

Way Too Dark, Fast-forward is Your Friend

On the surface (and the cover’s blurb) this tale is much like many of Mr. Koontz’ a books (sans faithful dog until near the end ;-)), boy meets girl, they run from shadowy, ill-intentioned figure(s) toward a greater good of some kind etc., etc.,

Unfortunately, the ill-intentioned villains are of the totally human variety in this particular tale. Disturbing in a way the other-worldly villains are not. Which quite frankly, led me to speeding past those passages frequently. Koontz delves deep into the psyche of far too many crazies in this book. And I do mean DEEP. There is far more exposition about these ill-intentioned, mentally, spiritually and emotionally deranged people for my tastes and it happens frequently. To the detriment, I feel, of the pacing of the book and my peace of mind. During a particular passage the tension builds, and builds, and builds until you’re on the edge of your seat only to have him go deep-mind diving into several of the lunatics’ psyches. I suppose so the reader will better understand their actions and choices. Except it’s not needed. Sometimes people do things for the craziest reason (especially if they’re already crazy and/or morally bankrupt). We don’t need to know every bad thing or thought they’ve had. It makes the moment of tension exceed the need to know what’s going to happen next. By the time he takes the reader off-path and meander his way back to the main action you just want him to get on with it and so fast forward became this reader’s friend.

These things kept me from enjoying the book nearly as much as I could have. The main protagonists were interesting and I really wanted to spend more time with them, to know the why’s of them. We got that to some degree, thank you Mr. Koontz, but not nearly as much as we did with the lunatics. More time spent with the protagonist pays off better in the end. Besides, I just don’t like spending that much time inside dark minds. Real life can be dark enough, I don’t need my escape world to be this dark!! Sheesh! Perhaps it’s because the darkness was of the human variety? It left a sour taste in my mouth.

As for the reader/performer - He did a great job embodying each character and making them audibly distinct. Even the narrative passages were well performed. NO worries with performance. There were just a couple instances when he delayed transitioning from the narrative to the protagonist’s voice but not to the point it ruined the story.

Would I revisit this story? No. Is it a good story. It’s a technically well-written story. Mr. Koontz is good at what he does, too good sometimes. But to be honest, this tale is not outstanding and nothing Mr. Koontz hasn’t done before, but far better. Mr. Koontz has some really great tales in his repertoire. Strangers is a great one, A Bad Weather Friend, and Life Expectancy are also fantastic reads. They’re adventurous, thrilling and even have villains, they’re just not the ilk we see here.

I hope this helps you to make a good selection. If you’re not turned off by a lot of human darkness (and I do mean ATON) this book may be for you. If you prefer your escapism to have a little light with the fantastic and adventure try another of his tales - there are a gazillion of them. Enjoy!

Excellence, yet again!

Dean Koontz has created another intriguing story that keeps you wanting more. This book provides the drama, suspense, and faith in elemental goodness that inspires my dedicated love of all Dean Koontz’s books. Also, Eduardo Ballerini is the perfect choice for narration.

Read it in one day

Such a compelling story! I listened to it straight through! I found it suspenseful and intriguing. Enjoy

Koontz does it again !

I listened to this book in a day and a half, I loved the main character and I felt closure at the end of this book. very entertaining.

Really good

Dean you have such a creative mind!!!!!! Great story again! I look forward to the next

Great Book!

Thoroughly enjoyed this one!!! Have always loved Dean Koontz books - this one did not disappoint!!!

Great book and narrator

Very entertaining, Glad that “gift” was put to good and not evil! Kinda wish it could be real.

My new favorite, second only to Watchers

Inspired. Suspenseful. Always amazed that he can turn the fantastical into the believable. Connecting broadly referenced real life circumstances with incredibly detailed information… then turning it all into possible and, as always, hopeful in the end. And… the dogs, in any form, are always a bonus for me.