BookPath
Home/Authors/Dean Koontz/Dean Koontz's Frankenstein

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Dean Koontz
4 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Dean Koontz's Frankenstein by Dean Koontz with "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

A modern retelling of the Frankenstein myth, where the monster, now calling himself Deucalion, hunts his creator, Victor Helios, who has moved to modern-day New Orleans.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 4 main titles released between 2010 and 2025. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

Is this helpful?
Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

Begin Reading Path →
Audible VersionBest for commuting

Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series is incomplete, with multiple readers confirming they have read 'the first two' books and are still waiting for 'the 3rd book' or conclusion. The overwhelming sentiment is that the author has yet to finish the series, possibly focusing on other works like the Odd Thomas trilogy instead."

Key Reddit Advice

Read the first two books in sequential order. Be advised that the series is stalled, and the third volume (or conclusion) has not been released despite fan interest.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Dean Koontz's Frankenstein 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.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Dean Koontz's Frankenstein" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)"Explore all by Dean Koontz

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

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

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order4 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)

Pub: 2010

SOMEONE NEW IS PLAYING GOD The Frankenstein story updated to the 21st century by the great American storyteller Dean Koontz.

2

Dead Town

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)".

Dean Koontz’s enthralling Frankenstein series has redefined the classic legend of infernal ambition and harrowing retribution for a new century and a new age. Now the master of suspense delivers an unforgettable novel that is at once a thrilling adventure in itself and a mesmerizing conclusion to his saga of the modern monsters among us.   FRANKENSTEIN: THE DEAD TOWN   The war against humanity is raging. As the small town of Rainbow Falls, Montana, comes under siege, scattered survivors come together to weather the onslaught of the creatures set loose upon the world. As they ready for battle against overwhelming odds, they will learn the full scope of Victor Frankenstein’s nihilistic plan to remake the future—and the terrifying reach of his shadowy, powerful supporters. Now the good will make their last, best stand. In a climax that will shatter every expectation, their destinies and the fate of humanity hang in the balance. BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Dean Koontz's The City.

Curation Note:The series length was changed after initial announcements. Though books 4, 5, and 6 were originally slated to form a second trilogy, the final novel released, 'The Dead Town' (Book 5), stated on its cover that it was the final volume of the series.

3

Storm Front

Pub: 2000

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dead Town".

Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago in the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series—now celebrating its 25th anniversary! As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly—stinks. So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name... “A great series—fast-paced, vividly realized and with a hero/narrator who’s excellent company.”—Cinescape

4

Lost Souls

Pub: 2025

Plot details hidden until you finish "Storm Front".

LPPP

Curation Note:This book was the fourth installment, which, along with the fifth and a planned sixth novel, was originally intended to form a second trilogy to conclude the series.

Prefer Listening?

Best if you commute

Get the professional narration of "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)" free with an Audible trial.

Try Audible →

Own the Physical Copy

Best value option

Add "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.

View on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Dean Koontz's Frankenstein?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein, Book 1)" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Dean Koontz intended.

Can I read Dean Koontz's Frankenstein books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Dean Koontz's Frankenstein universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.