Helpful Score: 7
Although I have not been able to bring myself to read more than a bit of Barker's other works, this one is beautifully plotted and beautifully written. I have read it twice. It reads like a modern fairy tale, and I feel that it is mistakenly classified as horror. Granted, horror is an element in many fairy tales, but the fear in this one is nothing like what you find, for instance, in a Stephen King story. It is the delicious fear of a fairy tale, when you know that the bad thing could never really happen to anybody, but the writer has gotten you to suspend disbelief. There is a sort of moral to the story, too, which is another frequent element in fairy tales, but I must leave the reader to discover for himself what that it, because I don't want to give away the ending.
Helpful Score: 6
What a great story. I literally read this in about two hours. It was so good I couldn't put it down. I've read some of Barker's work in the past and they've been pretty heavy works. This was different. I almost want to say it was written with the teen or young adult in mind, as it was a very quick and easy read. Despite that, the story was great.
Mr. Hood's house had stood for a thousand years tempting children bored with their lives and looking for excitement. There is a price to pay for the bliss that the children receive. Harvey is different however, he sees through the charade and eventually sees the dark side of the house. He was the will power and courage to fight back against the house.
Some things seemed a bit stretched, but I'll forgive these minor issues because of the quality of this novel. I wish Clive would write more novels like this one. Great stuff.
Mr. Hood's house had stood for a thousand years tempting children bored with their lives and looking for excitement. There is a price to pay for the bliss that the children receive. Harvey is different however, he sees through the charade and eventually sees the dark side of the house. He was the will power and courage to fight back against the house.
Some things seemed a bit stretched, but I'll forgive these minor issues because of the quality of this novel. I wish Clive would write more novels like this one. Great stuff.
Helpful Score: 3
Read this from cover to cover in 2 days-suspenseful. But the big surprise was when I was describing it to my 8 yr old daughter, she wanted to read it. We ended up reading it aloud on a car trip, and everytime we stopped (dry mouth-LOL), my husband who was driving, begged us to keep going! I don't re-read many books, but would definitely read this again, and I'm not usually a fan of science-fiction or suspense
Helpful Score: 2
This was an excellent book, every bit as imaginative (and disturbing) as I've come to expect from the works of Clive Barker. While not especially gory like some of his other films and novels, there is a distinct sense of menace and suspense throughout the novel, that really keeps the reader entranced. NOT recommended for young readers, though - there's an earlier version of this book that's formatted to look like a childrens story book, which it is most definitely not. Teens and up however, particularly those who are fans of fantasy/horror, will love it.
Helpful Score: 1
The hero of "The Thief of Always" is a 10 year-old boy named Harvey. Boredom on a miserable February day causes Harvey to wish for "some fun." Suddenly, a rather repulsive and mysterious creature named Rictus enters Harvey's bedroom and invites him on a holiday where there will be endless fun. Harvey, a wise little boy, hesitates, but soon succumbs to the invitation.
Harvey finds himself as a guest at Holiday House--the home of the mysterious Mr Hood. There are two other children there--Wendell, and Lulu. At first, Harvey has a simply wonderful time--all his wishes come true. But there is something rather strange going on--each day passes through 4 seasons--spring in the morning, long hot summer days in the afternoon, every evening is Hallowe'en, and every night is Christmas. It's all a little too good to be true, and Harvey begins to ask questions. Mrs Griffin, the housekeeper, seems too terrified to answer and admonishes Harvey to enjoy each day, but Harvey's persistence and curiosity eventually lead him to the horrible truth.
Harvey finds himself as a guest at Holiday House--the home of the mysterious Mr Hood. There are two other children there--Wendell, and Lulu. At first, Harvey has a simply wonderful time--all his wishes come true. But there is something rather strange going on--each day passes through 4 seasons--spring in the morning, long hot summer days in the afternoon, every evening is Hallowe'en, and every night is Christmas. It's all a little too good to be true, and Harvey begins to ask questions. Mrs Griffin, the housekeeper, seems too terrified to answer and admonishes Harvey to enjoy each day, but Harvey's persistence and curiosity eventually lead him to the horrible truth.
Helpful Score: 1
Even though I was past middle age when I read this book for the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a well-written and interesting story.
I notice that some of the listings contain the word "horror." The book does have some very scary moments, but it does not fall under my idea of a horror story (a la Stephen King, for example); the fantasy element makes it much more like a long and scary fairy tale. It even has the moral undertones of a fairy tale, but they are so woven into the fabric of the story that one is hardly aware of them.
I liked this book so much that I looked for others by Clive Barker, but didn't like them enough to read them. This one is in a class by itself. Humorous, gripping, well-written, and with a satisfying ending.
I notice that some of the listings contain the word "horror." The book does have some very scary moments, but it does not fall under my idea of a horror story (a la Stephen King, for example); the fantasy element makes it much more like a long and scary fairy tale. It even has the moral undertones of a fairy tale, but they are so woven into the fabric of the story that one is hardly aware of them.
I liked this book so much that I looked for others by Clive Barker, but didn't like them enough to read them. This one is in a class by itself. Humorous, gripping, well-written, and with a satisfying ending.
Helpful Score: 1
In this house of a thousand wishes, everything Harvey ever dreamed of is now real. Sare are a few of his nightmares...
This was my first Clive Barker book. It was very off my path of reading which I am trying to accomplish this year. I enjoyed this tale of a boy who is shown a way to a house where a day is a year in your life. Your wishes are granted, except the wish to leave. An entertaining quick read.
I missed the tiny notice on the back cover stating "Ages 10 up." I struggled through it and it was pleasant- won't scare your kid. I grew up on Grimm's Fairy Tales- Screams, torture, cooked and eaten alive, betrayal- Now THAT'S more like it!
a stange tale of greed and childhood nightmares by a horror master.
For ages 10 and up.
Inventive. Good characterization. Spooky. Has cats. Good triumphs over Evil. I recommend it.
Inventive. Good characterization. Spooky. Has cats. Good triumphs over Evil. I recommend it.
a good and clean twisted book from Clive Barker. Its what every kid dreams of or is it?
Harvey is 10 years old and bored. School is boring, the weather is boring and there is nothing to look forward to in the middle of boring old February. So when a stranger invites Harvey to visit Holiday House, he is suspicious but eventually gives in to his longing for something fun and different.
At first, Holiday House is everything the stranger promised: the weather is beautiful, every day is Christmas and there is food and treats aplenty. Plus, Harvey enjoys the company of two other children at Holiday House, Wendell and Lulu. Of course, Holiday House is not the wonderful paradise it pretends to be. All those presents and toys and treats have to be paid for. And the price is very steep, indeed.
This was an OK story, rather predictable with what I felt was a weak ending. I mean, why would a creature as old and experienced as Mr. Hood, the power behind the house, fall for the very obvious trick that Harvey pulled on him?
The blurbs in the front of the book claim it is intended for teens and adults but I think most adults would find it as predictable as I did. It was not a surprise that Holiday House turns out to be a snare and a trap and that Mr. Hood is feeding on the souls of all the lost children that end up there. Or that Harvey is the hero who will rise to the occasion and rescue not only himself but all the lost children. Or even that each day at Holiday House is a year in the real world. I can't recommend this book for adults but kids would probably enjoy it.
At first, Holiday House is everything the stranger promised: the weather is beautiful, every day is Christmas and there is food and treats aplenty. Plus, Harvey enjoys the company of two other children at Holiday House, Wendell and Lulu. Of course, Holiday House is not the wonderful paradise it pretends to be. All those presents and toys and treats have to be paid for. And the price is very steep, indeed.
This was an OK story, rather predictable with what I felt was a weak ending. I mean, why would a creature as old and experienced as Mr. Hood, the power behind the house, fall for the very obvious trick that Harvey pulled on him?
The blurbs in the front of the book claim it is intended for teens and adults but I think most adults would find it as predictable as I did. It was not a surprise that Holiday House turns out to be a snare and a trap and that Mr. Hood is feeding on the souls of all the lost children that end up there. Or that Harvey is the hero who will rise to the occasion and rescue not only himself but all the lost children. Or even that each day at Holiday House is a year in the real world. I can't recommend this book for adults but kids would probably enjoy it.
For readers aged 10 and up... a moral tale of evil and what it takes to overcome it. Great book!
A refreshing book from the otherwise sinister Clive Barker. An adult fairy tale, very good (and quick) read.
horror master clive barker takes on kids books with this eerie and profound young adult novel. a personal favorite!
Very entertaining, very quick read (I read the entire book on a recent flight).
The author set up an interesting premise- but once the main character decided he was going to go up against the bad guys- he encountered NO obstacles. He wanted to fight the bad guys, he fought the bad guys and then he won... not interesting...
Harvey is bored. Bored with school. Bored with winter. Bored with being treated like a kid. Then he meets Rictus. The goblin stranger takes Harvey on vacation to a magical house where everyday is an endless round of fun....until Harvey discovers the final horrifying secret. Dozens of children have gone into Holiday House, but not one has ever come out.
Good book!
Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a blace of miracles, a blissful round of treats and seasons, wehre every childhood whim may be satisfied...
Thiere is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr. Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is onle when the House shows its darker face- when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows- that he comes to doube mr. Hood's philanthropy.
The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr. Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years...
Thiere is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr. Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is onle when the House shows its darker face- when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows- that he comes to doube mr. Hood's philanthropy.
The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr. Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years...
Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles, a blissful round of treats and seasons, where every childhood whim may be satisfied.
Thyere is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr.Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is only when the House shows its darker face-when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows-that he comes to doubt Mr.Hood's philanthropy.
The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr.Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years....
Thyere is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr.Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is only when the House shows its darker face-when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows-that he comes to doubt Mr.Hood's philanthropy.
The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr.Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years....
