The Forest of Lost Souls

A Novel

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: January LaVoy

2025 Audie Award Finalist for Best Thriller/Suspense Audiobook

A fearless woman, raised in the forest, fights against a group of powerful men in a novel about good versus evil, the enduring nature of myth, and the power of love by #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Raised in the wilderness by her late great-uncle, Vida is a young woman with an almost preternatural affinity for nature, especially for the wolves that also call the forested mountains home. Formed by hard experience, by love and loss, and by the prophecies of a fortuneteller, Vida just wants peace. If only nearby Kettleton County didn’t cast such a dark shadow.

It’s where José Nochelobo, the love of Vida’s life and a cherished local hero, died in a tragic accident. That’s the official story, but Vida has reasons to doubt it. The truth can’t be contained for long. Nor can the hungry men of power in Kettleton who want something too: that Vida, like José, disappear forever. One by one they come for her, prepared to do anything to see their plans through to their evil end. Vida is no less prepared for them.

Vida, the forest, and its formidable wonders are waiting. She will not rest until goodness and order have been restored.

©2024 by The Koontz Living Trust. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Golden Voice January LaVoy delivers an exceptional performance as Vida, who possesses a profound understanding of the mountains where she was raised.… LaVoy's precise and skillful portrayal of each character and moment adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the listening experience. The contrast between LaVoy's initial serene depiction of Vida and the men's shock at the violence of her quest for revenge is particularly striking. Overall, this audiobook combines an outstanding story with a memorable performance.”—AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

“A page-turning thriller that combines a touch of magic with deep love for the natural world.”—Kirkus Reviews

Ill-paced and generic.

I've been a Koontz fan for decades. But this book fell short. Lots of current political dog whistles. And I don't feel like Koontz really tied Cheyenne culture to the story in a meaningful way. It felt like a cheap gimmick to snare a wider audience. The end was rushed and predictable. The villains were very generic. The pace of the story was all over the place, the most interesting scenes breezed past, while lingering on irrelevant details, with no bearing on the story. I like the wolves and dogs. But this ultimately fell quite short. I wasn't afraid of any of the villains, nor did I feel a strong connection with the main character. I hate to criticize one of my favorite authors in this way, but this novel didn't move me the way every other novel by Koontz has.

Needed a good editor

The level of detail in this book was unnecessary and excruciating. The verbosity began to sound self-indulgent and pompous. I've read Dean Koontz for many years and enjoyed his earlier work tremendously, and always looked forward to the next book, but don't know what he was really trying to accomplish here other than a Stephen King – like battle between good and evil, nature and "civilization." Sadly, I call this one a fail.

Fell short

It had its ups and downs with engagement. The end was predictable. It was not as interesting as it could have been. This is one I would return to get my credit back to get a better book

Doesn’t seem like a Koontz novel

The story was too short. Also, the first 3/4 of the book was interesting and got into the background of the character. The last couple of hours it fast forwarded into the villains intentions and backstory. Then it just sort of fizzled out. It started out like an adventure, turned into romance novel, and stayed there. Meh.

Very unique

Always love Koontz, this book was excellent and sad at the same time, the human race is sadly full of lost soles

Clear line between good and evil.

Nothing to dislike. Well written and beautiful narration. Suspenseful, no constant swearing. Lovers of Dean Koontz will enjoy the book. And those who have never read his books: try this one. You will not be disappointed.

Intriguing mix of mystery, suspense and the supernatural

This story is done in true Dean Koontz style.
The characters confront both internal and external darkness. This book’s strength lies in its immersive atmosphere and the deep emotional pull of its characters.
Koontz crafts tension, blending his trademark philosophical undertones with thrilling suspense.
it’s a battle between good and evil. The setting itself feels like a character, with descriptions that make the forest pulse with life and supernatural elements.
The narrator truly elevates this story with a voice that captures every nuance of Koontz’s strange and suspenseful world, the narrator adds depth to the characters and brings the forest to life. Her pacing and tone amplify the story’s tension. I found this book captivating not only through Koontz storytelling but also through narration that compliments his style perfectly. Needless to say I am a Koontz fan and have many favorites. The Forest of Lost Souls has now joined that list.

Beautiful Story!!

I listened to this book in one day. Love the characters and the story. I hope there is a way to include them in another book.

Fun story

The story was good. It didn’t wander off into La La Land and get two bizarre.

Insultingly dumb climax

It's an enjoyable listen until you get to the climax and all the pieces come together. Then you realize how incredibly outlandish the plot is. The climax, if summarized in two sentences, would sound so utterly juvenile and cliche that you'd think a child dreampt it up.

One of the themes at the end of the story is that 'wind power is bad and will destroy the environment and collapse the country's economy.' This is such a clumsy and heavy-handed message (Koontz figuratively slaps us in the face with it, without providing any supporting facts) that it seems like this book was likely financed by an energy company with an agenda to turn public opinion against wind power.