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Dean Koontz

Last Light (Novella)

Quick Answer

Read "Last Light (Novella)" as the 14th 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 "Dean Koontz 2-Book Thriller Collection: Innocence, The City" (Book 13)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 14th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2015
From bestselling author Dean Koontz comes an eBook original novella, the first of two tales that pave the way for Ashley Bell, his new novel of dark suspense! A woman with a good heart and a troubling gift. A man with a twisted soul and a terrifying talent. In this literal war of wills, only one can survive. With just a touch, Makani Hisoka-O’Brien can see the deepest secrets that others conceal—and it frightens her. There’s danger in the terrible knowledge that floods her mind and haunts her conscience. With just a touch, Rainer Sparks can learn the biggest problems that others bear—and it thrills him. There’s profit to be made making problems go away, by any means . . . including murder. In a place as big as Southern California, these two might have never met and discovered one another’s chilling abilities. But good and evil have a way of colliding . . . with shattering consequences. Acclaim for Dean Koontz “Dean Koontz is a prose stylist whose lyricism heightens malevolence and tension. [He creates] characters of unusual richness and depth . . . with a level of perception and sensitivity that is not merely convincing; it’s astonishing.”—The Seattle Times “Demanding much of itself, Koontz’s style bleaches out clichés while showing a genius for details. He leaves his competitors buried in the dust.”—Kirkus Reviews “A rarity among bestselling writers, Koontz continues to pursue new ways of telling stories, never content with repeating himself.”—Chicago Sun-Times “Tumbling, hallucinogenic prose. ‘Serious’ writers . . . might do well to examine his technique.”—The New York Times 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 “Koontz is a superb plotter and wordsmith. He chronicles the hopes and fears of our time in broad strokes and fine detail, using popular fiction to explore the human condition.”—USA Today “Characters and the search for meaning, exquisitely crafted, are the soul of [Koontz’s] work. . . . One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune “A literary juggler.”—The Times (London)
Next Recommended Book

Husband

Book #16 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 Last Light (Novella)?

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

Can I read Last Light (Novella) before Dean Koontz 2-Book Thriller Collection: Innocence, The City?

No. We recommend reading Dean Koontz 2-Book Thriller Collection: Innocence, The City first. Last Light (Novella) is the 14th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Last Light (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 Last Light (Novella) in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Last Light (Novella) is Husband (Book #16).