From body horror to the terrifying loss of humanity, “Midnight” by Dean R. Koontz is one of the scariest novels I have ever read. Tech millionaires using the populace as guinea pigs and putting technological advancement ahead of basic humanity is a theme more relevant now than ever before. Antagonist Thomas Shaddack is a pure villain whose hubris threatens to end the entire world if our heroes cannot thwart his plans. The stakes are high and no one is safe. 

Koontz crafts three-dimensional characters that despite their flaws resonate with the reader. Chief of Police Lowman Watkins may be a monster himself, but the chapters from his perspective show just how horrible and gut-wrenching being transformed can be. You can’t help but feel bad for him and wish that he could change is fate. 

The book explores what it means to be human. Is it worth “evolving” if we lose the ability to love or connect with others? What terrifying things await those who willingly discard their humanity? I will not spoil the surprise, but one transformation of an adolescent particularly horrified me. Technology pervades almost every aspect of our lives nowadays, I truly wonder if Silicon Valley executives would prefer us to be indistinguishable from their inentions. 

While this book touches on many dark and horrifying topics, Koontz never lets the reader lose sight of a hope in humanity. Flawed as we may be, heroes can rise, and only by facing evil head on can we come out victorious. All that is to say: this book will scare you, but not leave you utterly depressed by its end. It is a solid 10 out of 10 for me, and has made me excited to read Koontz’ other works.