A bloodthirsty sheriff is terrorizing a small Texas town where justice has been buried with his victims. Until Nameless arrives—a vigilante whose past is a mystery and whose future is written in blood.Anyone who crosses Sheriff Russell Soakes is dead, missing, or warned. One of them is a single mother trying to protect her children but bracing herself for the worst. Nameless fears the outcome. … outcome. He’s seen it in his visions. Now it’s time to teach the depraved Soakes a lesson in fear. But in turning predators into prey, will Nameless unearth a few secrets of his own?
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes In the Heart of the Fire, part of Nameless, a riveting collection of short stories about a vigilante nomad, stripped of his memories and commissioned to kill. Follow him in each story, which can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
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This is the first of six little beauties about “Nameless” from the incomparable Dean Koontz. These range from long short stories to short novellas. From “In the Heart of the Fire” to “Memories of Tomorrow” (love that title), we follow Nameless as he wreaks vengeance on the powerful, vicious, and corrupt. He does what the justice system fails to do, protect the weak. We’re in “an eye for an eye” land, so there’s violence aplenty. Nameless has amnesia from an unknown traumatic event in his past that’s hinted at in dreams. He doesn’t know exactly why he’s a vigilante or who’s one providing him with weapons and assignments to hunt down and kill the bad guys. In this story, it’s a murdering sheriff in rural Texas. There aren’t many shades of gray in these books. As with Jack Reacher, you’ll be rooting for Nameless to do what he does best: kill those who deserve no mercy.
There are six of these all together that make up the story. This is the first in the series and it is good. I like Nameless.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything by Dean Koontz. Although this was a short story, I enjoyed it. It’s nice to see a little revenge street justice for someone so despicable.as the two in this story. Nice to see a “monster” get his just rewards. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Once started … Ya can’t put it down
A scenario one can only wish would never happen … but perhaps does in small towns ruled by evil, corrupt families who believe themselves to be untouchable … and others to be their game pieces to be played with, abused and tossed aside or destroyed.
Awesome! The whole series is just a welcome vindication for all things unjust.
Good for a short story.
A short, entertaining series, one you’ll keep coming back for the next. And the next.
This is an interesting series about a man who doesn’t know who he is, doesn’t recall anything before the last two years, and has a mysterious power he can’t explain…and yet there’s something about the little girl with the floppy-eared bunny….
I was hooked from the start. The mysterious beginning for the character of Nameless kept me listening and wanting more. Though his tactics aren’t exactly legal, he’s on a mission to claim justice for the wrongs done to the innocent.
I found myself rooting for Nameless. You will too. Trust me.
This one made me want to read the others. I loved how the bad guy finally got what he deserved ten times over.
The Nameless series is a big recommendation from me!
Dean Koontz has done a great job with this one.
A good, quick read, though could’ve been shorter. With the Nameless who has some sort of supernatural power, we struggle against the evil.
I can’t reveal much about the story, because it is only 60 pages in length. I don’t know, maybe it is a coincidence, as I’m reading this author’s Devoted, Dean Koontz’s both stories has the base of sexual desires.
I’ve really been enjoying the “Nameless” series by Dean Koontz. Short novellas full of creativity, inspiration and philosophy on justice, truth and the struggle between good and evil. Easily readable in one sitting and each lends itself to a bigger mystery in the next.
Great book. Short and sweet. Will read more from this author.
Dean Koontz’s new series of short fiction is a must read. Fast moving with great characterization!
Great start to a new and interesting character!
Dean Koontz has a way of building unique and interesting characters like Odd Thomas and Ricochet Joe, and Nameless is no exception! It was a quick, fun read. Highly recommend if you love Koontz!
I have been a fan of Mr. Koontz FOREVER!!! He is a master story-teller and one that can hold your attention whether it’s for a ‘short story’ or a full length novel. This first short story in the series of Nameless: In the Heart of Fire was indeed up to par with the usual Koontz suspense and intrigue.
I’m glad I was able to have the next 5 (Photographing the Dead; The Praying Mantis Bride; Red Rain; The Mercy of Snakes ; and Memories of Tomorrow (my favorite) waiting in line to continue the saga of Nameless and his ‘justice’ he served in each one. I can see Nameless becoming a full length novel or if he wanted to keep them short stories, to continue into the next 6 books. 🙂 All in all, they are something that is easy to read, quick to read, and a joy to read. ( I’m going to copy and past this same review for all 6 of the series of Nameless)
Great Audio book plenty of action and suspense. Will definitely check out the rest of the series.
Vigilante or Angel of Vengeance?
Mature readers.
No sex, but allusions to it
Violence
Nameless, the main character, has no memory of his past and believes his amnesia may be both a physical condition and a psychological choice.
This short story introduces him as a man who is sent on a mission to punish those who have used their positions and influences to commit heinous crimes without fear of reprisal. Having gotten his orders via text messages, when he arrives to do the job, his hotel reservation, car, and names of contacts have all been provided for him. Additionally, he has flashes of both premonitions and glimpses into the past.
In true Dean Koontz style, it’s just a little bit creepy, yet very satisfying to read of evil punished and the innocent set free.
Intriguing idea.
I will be reading the next in the series.
In the Heart of the Fire
Nameless, Book 1
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
Nameless deals with a corrupt Sheriff and associate. Dozens of missing people, mostly young girls, have gone missing since the Sheriff came into power. Great story and narration.