BookPath
Dragon Tears
Dean Koontz

Dragon Tears

Quick Answer

"Dragon Tears" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Standalone Novels.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
2006432 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
A cop races against time to prevent his own death in this heart-pounding thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz. Harry Lyon is a rational man, a cop who refuses to let his job harden his soul. His partner urges him to surrender to the chaos of life. But Harry believes in order and reason. Then one fateful day, he's forced to shoot a man—and a homeless stranger with bloodshot eyes utteres the haunting words that challenge Harry Lyon’s sanity... “Ticktock, ticktock. You'll be dead in sixteen hours...Dead by dawn...Dead by dawn...Dead by dawn...”
Next Recommended Book

The Eyes Of Darkness

Book #1993.2 of 524 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

high 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 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 Dragon Tears?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Dragon Tears before Hideaway?

Yes. Dragon Tears is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Dragon Tears required reading for the Standalone Novels?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Dragon Tears in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Dragon Tears is The Eyes Of Darkness (Book #1993.2).