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Nightmare Journey
Dean Koontz

Nightmare Journey

Quick Answer

"Nightmare Journey" 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?
1975188 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
Nightmare Journey One hundred thousand years in the future, after man has been fatally humbled by his exploration of the stars and discovery of far more intelligent beings, civilization is struggling to return to the planet's surface. After man fled the stars, he tried to explore his own genetic frontier, creating horrible races of deformed beings- some scaled, soome furred, tiny, winged and huge. Now Jask, a Pure who retains the original human genetic code, and Tedesco, a great bear with a human brain, are thrown together by their one shared and fatal trait- telepathy. Hunted like animals by the fearful populace, they go in search of The Black Presence- which may be the key to mankind's place in the cosmos.
Next Recommended Book

The Wall Of Masks

Book #1975.6 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 Nightmare Journey?

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

Can I read Nightmare Journey before Invasion?

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

Is Nightmare Journey 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 Nightmare Journey in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Nightmare Journey is The Wall Of Masks (Book #1975.6).