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Dean Koontz

Darkness Under the Sun (Novella)

Quick Answer

Read "Darkness Under the Sun (Novella)" as the 3rd book in the Standalone Novels, Novellas, and Collections sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Phantoms" (Book 2)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 3rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2010
The chilling account of a pivotal encounter between innocence and ultimate malice, Darkness Under the Sun is the perfect read for Halloween—or for any haunted night—and reveals a secret, fateful turning point in the career of Alton Turner Blackwood, the killer at the dark heart of What the Night Knows, the forthcoming novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz. There once was a killer who knew the night, its secrets and rhythms. How to hide within its shadows. When to hunt. He roamed from town to town, city to city, choosing his prey for their beauty and innocence. His cruelties were infinite, his humanity long since forfeit. But still . . . he had not yet discovered how to make his special mark among monsters, how to come fully alive as Death. This is the story of how he learned those things, and of what we might do to ensure that he does not visit us.
Next Recommended Book

What the Night Knows

Book #4 of 19 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels, Novellas, and Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Darkness Under the Sun (Novella)?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Darkness Under the Sun (Novella) before Phantoms?

No. We recommend reading Phantoms first. Darkness Under the Sun (Novella) is the 3th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Darkness Under the Sun (Novella) required reading for the Standalone Novels, Novellas, and Collections?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Darkness Under the Sun (Novella) in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Darkness Under the Sun (Novella) is What the Night Knows (Book #4).