The Omen

Written by David Seltzer

Narrated by Holly Palance and Mark Owen

The Thorns thought that they were just a normal family until carnage and bloodshed began to surround their only child—can it be true that he's the Antichrist?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media
• Release date: Nov 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781666557404

David Seltzer

David Seltzer is an accomplished author, screenwriter, producer, and director best known for his work on The Omen, Shining Through, and Punchline. One of the screenwriters for the 1971 musical film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, he studied film and television at Northwestern University.

Reviews for The Omen

[Cristian Diaz Basualto · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

spectacular,just like the movie, it was awesome, more graphic and with a lot more details.

[melissa jackson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW. Absolutely phenomenal. Not for everybody because requires the ability to have faith.

[paul · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Damn, this is disquieting. Such an unnerving sense of dread throughout.

[zack · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great story just short and lacking detail and character development.

[scottcholstad · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rating this one is tough for me, and I've had a hard time deciding between three stars or four, but ultimately felt like this novel doesn't measure up to other similar ones I've given four stars to, so it's three stars. Which is not to say it's bad. I recall the virtually social craze that swept America when this film came out and I believe, the book actually followed, which is rare. And I recall that when I saw the film at a young age, I was properly creeped out so at that time, I would have given it a higher rating. However, having seen it again a number of times over the years and having read the book, again, while decent, I remain somewhat unimpressed because I think there's a lot of books and stories out there that are far more "horrifying" and creepy than this one. Indeed, I suspect one of the seasons for its continuing legacy is simply that it was a product of its time, as in the 1970s were chock full of little but apocalyptic books, shows, films, religions, novels, prophets, etc. If you don't believe me, look up Hal Linsey's The Late Great Planet Earth. See how influential and popular it was back then and how many copies it sold. Then either read it or see the film made from it (or both). I was forced to see that by my fundie parents and it scared the shit out of me much more than The Omen ever did! Which is why I don't think it has held up well or holds up well at all, which ultimately is its greatest weakness. It feels dated and forced, almost like a fraud. Possibly to cash in on the rage and/or fad of that decade. But that's just me; feel free to disagree. It's okay, but not recommended as I think there are far too many better books out there in the genre.

[bridgey_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Omen - David Seltzer *****We have all heard of the film, but until recently I wasn't aware that there was a book. I am unsure which came first, but judging from the quality of the writing I would assume the book.The plot follows Damien (now a name synonymous with evil) and how he was substituted with the dead child of wealthy and politically high up American family. The son of Satan he must follow in his adopted father’s footsteps to become a political world leader and begin the destruction of mankind. Expect all the thrills of the film and a few scenes that were either not filmed or edited out. At times gruesome, at others philosophical as much of the book of revelations is quoted as it seemingly becomes mirrored in real life. The pages just flew by and I'm sure that I will one day revisit this book.There is a sequel to the book, but I think it is by a different author so I’m not sure how that will stand up to the original. If you have seen the film then definitely read the book. If you have yet to see the film, read the book first. As usual the book is far superior (and with a great film like the Omen, that really is something!)

[whitewavedarling · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a fast read, and clearly written with an eye toward film because it is just that quick, but not badly written. I usually avoid books written off of movies because I don't expect much from the writing, but for what it was, this was well done and entertaining. I would have liked a bit more depth and a slower wrap-up, but it was a nice quick horror to pass some time with. I'm sure there's no surprise here if you've seen the movie (which I haven't), but if you're more a fan of written horror, don't give this an automatic pass just because of its connection to the movie.

[rsplenda477 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Seltzer provides a classic in the demonic subgenre of horror. It is clearly and concisely written, yet very detailed and rich. It also plays upon the "trust no one" philosophy of the 1970s (politics, religious institutions, etc.) In my opinion, it only rivals The Exorcist within the demonic subgenre. I highly recommend The Omen to all horror fans.

[caanderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic story, compelling characters, and a true page turner. You feel sorry for Mr. and Mrs. Thorn. What they wanted was a family, what they got was a parent’s worst nightmare.

[sturlington_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fairly silly book. I'm sure it makes a better movie, as it reads like a novelization, without much to offer in the way of deep characterization, interesting plot or thrills other than the cheap variety.

[amaliagavea · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If I hadn't read this was a novelization of the incredibly chilling film starring Gregory Peck, by none other than David Seltzer himself, I would have rated it a bit higher. In a rare case, Seltzer has taken liberties with his own original material to transfer the film to the pages, and as it is, the novel seems like a very good effort.

It provides many interesting details about the past of key characters, especially Catherine, Thorn's wife, and father Tassone (who was father Brennan in the film). Also, the character of Jennings -my own personal favourite in both the film and the novel- the young photographer who helps Thorn solve the riddle concerning the boy Damien, is significantly expanded.

The unfortunate thing is that there are some differences in comparison to the film that, in my opinion, are unecessary and take away much of the atmosphere that the film succeeds in creating. I will add no spoilers but I can say that while I definitely enjoyed reading the book, it failed to chill my blood and send shivers down my spine in the way the film did. I have watched the movie twice and will watch it again and again. Do I recommend the novelization? Certainly. Will I read it a second time? I doubt it.

[Joey Eggleton · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Omen, Rosemary's Baby, and The Exorcist must have been scary back in the day. But having lived through the Satanic Panic, all the apocalyptic fiction at the turn of the Millennium, and QAnon, they only get sillier with time.

[Don Alex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The three "Omen" novelizations were actually better than the films.

[lauriebrown54 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ever since this book & movie came out in the 70s, I’ve heard about how scary it was. I was very disappointed in it now that I’ve finally gotten around to reading it. American ambassador to England, Jeremy Thorn and his wife Katherine, after a couple of miscarriages, are having a baby. But when Thorn gets to the hospital, the priest in charge tells him the baby has died. But a mother with no next of kin has just died giving birth. The baby is healthy and has no one to take it. Will Thorn adopt the baby, pretending it’s his own, lying even to his psychologically fragile wife? Yes, yes he will. He never even sees the body of his own baby. Four years later, bad things start happening around Damian. The nanny commits suicide at his fourth birthday party. A new nanny appears the next day out of the blue, without anyone calling the agency. Katherine begins to get neurotic as the boy gets closer to the nanny and withdrawing from her. A priest follows Thorn, babbling strange warnings. A paparazzo who follows Thorn finds ghostly images in the photos he takes; on the nanny before her dramatic suicide, on the priest who follows Thorn. Animals fear Damian, except for a mysterious black dog that keeps getting into the house. Churches induce a hysterical fear in him. What is the child? Is he the antichrist? Sadly, the book didn’t induce even mild fear in me. I think the problem is that you have to believe in Satan to be scared by this book, and I don’t. So while I felt tension, waiting to see who lived and who died, it couldn’t really creep me out. The book has flaws, too. The characters are two dimensional; no one is really likable. There is no depth to the story. I think the problem may be that Seltzer was also the screenwriter, and I think the screenplay may have come before the novel. In a movie, things aren’t described for us. The actor’s facial expressions, the set designers, the lighting person, all add the depth missing from the printed word in the screenplay. I think it didn’t occur to Seltzer to add these cues for the novel reader. Meh.

[JuanFlores2206 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of those novels that answers the question... Why do we like horror novels... read it and you will find the answer. (Translated from Spanish)

[RocktorMindfixer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, quick to read, more action than dialogue, and flashbacks from the movies if you've seen them... ? A true classic. (Translated from Spanish)

[EstherEst ?‍♀️??‍♂️ · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book that appears in this novel could only be the Bible.

The demon inside a person's body, but... what if a satanic cult conducted an experiment? A book that reads quickly and captivates, with scenes of certain tension. (Translated from Spanish)

[Isvic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a great book, a classic horror from the time of The Exorcist or Rosemary's Baby. Short but concise, with a quick reading pace, it could be read almost in one go if time allows. It is a clear example that it is not necessary to elongate a story to achieve a great novel; in just over 200 pages, a good plot can be created with a perfectly written introduction, climax, and conclusion. I liked the characters, all with a well-defined role, and the settings where it takes place. (Translated from Spanish)

[MJulianaL · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a gloomy book! It left me feeling haunted! But I loved it and highly recommend it if you want to be scared! (Translated from Spanish)

[Pampchiz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another case of "if you liked the movie, read the book." (Translated from Spanish)