If you’re a fan of “classic Dean Koontz” like I am (I’m talking about mid-’70s to mid-’90s Koontz), then you’re probably aware of some of the themes that ran through many of those novels. You had your young person with magical powers. Or a dog --- preferably Koontz’s favorite breed, the beautiful Golden Retriever --- somehow involved. If you were really lucky, you might have been presented with a magical youngster AND a dog!

Why the trip down memory lane? Well, as I read QUICKSILVER, I came across some of these themes (and many more). Quinn Quicksilver is raised in an orphanage that is not particularly special until he begins learning about his “strange magnetism,” a power that may very well be otherworldly. If you go all the way back to the beginning of Koontz’s career, through the myriad of pseudonyms he has written under, you will find a science fiction writer at heart. That is what made this book so special for me as it introduces us to a young man with incredibly special powers who is about to go on a magical adventure.

"Koontz excels at chase scenes. In fact, some of them last the entire length of a novel as this one does.... QUICKSILVER is Dean Koontz stepping back in time and having a lot of fun doing it."

As a newborn, Quinn was abandoned on a lonely highway in Arizona, seven miles outside the small town of Peptoe. Swaddled in a blanket, he was left in a basket to die were it not for the fortunate event that occurred next. Three men riding in a vehicle --- Hakeem Kaspar, Bailie Belshazzer and Caesar Melchizadek --- discovered the baby and brought him to the police station. All that was found on him was a pinned envelope with the name “Quinn Quicksilver” inside. (I don’t think you have to be terribly religious to get the Three Wise Men reference here.) Quinn was sent to the nearest orphanage, which was run by Catholic nuns, and was never adopted.

Now, at the age of 18 and on his own, Quinn’s story officially begins. Working as a writer for a magazine, he is enjoying lunch at the counter of his favorite diner when he is flanked by two suits who identify themselves as members of the Internal Security Agency. He is asked a number of questions that make no sense, and they seem quite wary of him. They point out that others are in the diner watching him, which causes his friends to assist him with a quick getaway.

Koontz excels at chase scenes. In fact, some of them last the entire length of a novel as this one does. Once Quinn escapes, he will never be the same. As he begins learning more about himself and what he may be, he assembles colleagues for his journey --- which is similar to a metaphysical The Wizard of Oz. They include Bridget, a girl around his age who also may have powers, and her grandfather, along with a slight Asian woman named Panthea Ching. Oh, and they also bring a dog with them.

The trip, sort of their own Fellowship to Mordor, takes them to a place in the desert called the Oasis. There is something out there that is otherworldly and definitely not a mirage. It is waiting for them, and only Quinn will be able to save this world and perhaps others. QUICKSILVER is Dean Koontz stepping back in time and having a lot of fun doing it.