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timtellsstories's review against another edition
5.0
Within its context, I think Clive Barker's Books of Blood is an essential read for horror fans. It's amazing this book (or books, if you consider the volumes separate and distinct) even exists at all, let alone that Barker got it published when he did. It had everything working against it (Collection of stories? Nobody wants to read those if they're not written by Stephen King. This is really serious horror that doesn't feature slashers or isn't written by Stephen King? Nobody wants that.). Yet, it got out there, and then Barker wrote The Hellbound Heart and did Hellraiser, and everyone promptly misunderstood everything Barker was about.
I'm not sure these stories give you a good idea what Barker's about. I think you'd probably want to turn to his later work for that. Still, within its context, we see a budding genius at work. His creativity is unrestrained, and it leads him to some very dark places.
Reading it today, it's a bit dated, and it's certainly not Barker's best writing, both of which he addresses in this book's introduction. But, I'm sort of in awe at the remarkable consistency of it all during a time of a writer's life when we all want to try new things. You can see Barker pushing into different places as he's searching for something, but the form, voice, etc. is all there.
If you've never read any Barker, I'm not sure this is the best place to start, but if you're working your way through historic horror staples like I am, I think this is a necessary stop. If you're curious about Barker, read some of his other books, too.
I'm not sure these stories give you a good idea what Barker's about. I think you'd probably want to turn to his later work for that. Still, within its context, we see a budding genius at work. His creativity is unrestrained, and it leads him to some very dark places.
Reading it today, it's a bit dated, and it's certainly not Barker's best writing, both of which he addresses in this book's introduction. But, I'm sort of in awe at the remarkable consistency of it all during a time of a writer's life when we all want to try new things. You can see Barker pushing into different places as he's searching for something, but the form, voice, etc. is all there.
If you've never read any Barker, I'm not sure this is the best place to start, but if you're working your way through historic horror staples like I am, I think this is a necessary stop. If you're curious about Barker, read some of his other books, too.
rocketiza's review against another edition
4.0
My previous knowledge of Barker was pretty much over the top 80s b-horror movies. My world was upended reading this to find such an imaginative range of stories written in language that was often poetic. Still plenty of viscera and sperm ladled out, just not packaged as I expected.
deeparcher's review against another edition
3.0
Just gruesome. If you're looking for a book that is filled with blood and malevolent ancient forces, this is your book.
kriavidar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
nevr0mancer's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, real good. I assume that the volumes are organized chronologically, explaining the increase in quality as you go through the author's short stories. It was straight up satisfying to see Barker's growth as a writer as time passed.
Plenty of grotesque imagery that I savored and missed only moments after finishing the collection.
These are my favorite of the batch, and the ones that I consider most gruesome, brutal, and/or gross:
"In the Hills, the Cities"
"Hell's Event"
"Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament"
"The Skins of the Fathers"
"New Murders in the Rue Morgue"
"Rawhead Rex"
Plenty of grotesque imagery that I savored and missed only moments after finishing the collection.
These are my favorite of the batch, and the ones that I consider most gruesome, brutal, and/or gross:
"In the Hills, the Cities"
"Hell's Event"
"Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament"
"The Skins of the Fathers"
"New Murders in the Rue Morgue"
"Rawhead Rex"
tiddybat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
elyseabrooke's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
avalin1's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thegoodmariner's review against another edition
5.0
I really love Clive Barker. And I forget how much sometimes. These stories are part of his straight-up horror writing, which he moved away from later on. But they are worth the time.
renicula's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Cannibalism, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, and Stalking
Minor: Alcoholism and Religious bigotry