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Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story)

Quick Answer

Read "Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story)" as the 11th 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 "Wilderness" (Book 10)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 11th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2014
The singular journey of Odd Thomas is approaching its unforgettable conclusion in Saint Odd. But before Odd’s destiny is revealed, this exclusive eBook short story looks back—way back—to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever. Amid the dizzying rides, tantalizing games of chance, and fanciful attractions of a state fair, two teenage sweethearts on the cusp of life and love’s pleasures find their way to a shadowy carnival tent brimming with curiosities. There, from the bizarre and enthralling Gypsy Mummy, a mechanized merchant of dreams and prognosticator of tomorrows, the young couple learns what fate promises for them. But fate, for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, is something altogether different: full of dark corners, sharp edges, and things no seer or soothsayer could ever anticipate. And for Odd Thomas, a gallant fry cook from a sleepy California desert town, the future beckons—to listen to unquiet spirits, pursue unsettling mysteries, and learn shocking truths . . . for a purpose far greater than himself. Acclaim for Dean Koontz and his Odd Thomas novels “This is Koontz working at his pinnacle, providing terrific entertainment that deals seriously with some of the deepest themes of human existence: the nature of evil, the grip of fate and the power of love.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “The nice young fry cook with the occult powers is Koontz’s most likable creation . . . candid, upright, amusing and sometimes withering.”—The New York Times “One would be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying read. . . . Not since Watchers has Dean Koontz created such an endearing and enduring character as Odd Thomas. . . . A superb story from one of our contemporary masters.”—San Antonio Express-News “An inventive . . . mix of suspense, whimsy and uplift.”—The Washington Post “Heartfelt and provocative . . . a wonderfully rich and entertaining story.”—Chicago Sun-Times “Suspense, tension, and surprising plot twists . . . Characters and the search for meaning, exquisitely crafted, are the soul of his work. . . . One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune
Next Recommended Book

Strange Highways And Other Stories

Book #12 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 Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story)?

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

Can I read Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story) before Wilderness?

No. We recommend reading Wilderness first. Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story) is the 11th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story) 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 Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story) in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever (Short Story) is Strange Highways And Other Stories (Book #12).