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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this randomly at a Half Price Books. I'd been wanting to read some of Clive Barker's books (The Hellbound Heart jumped ahead of it in line) and I was intrigued. I knew Barker had written books for younger readers before. My niece recommended his Ararat books, which I've also managed to find, so it wasn't a complete surprise when I found the lovingly illustrated hardcover book. I'm so glad I took the chance.
The bit after the colon (A Fable) is definitely a signal to the reader. The book is by turns whimsical and scary. It's not particularly concerned with things like character development or interactions. Even when other characters are around, there's a feeling that Harvey is battling with himself and the temptations/pressures of the Holiday House. For an adult reader, there's not a lot of shocks here, other than some of the disturbingly beautiful artwork. But that doesn't make the journey any less pleasurable.
It's interesting to see how Barker depicts Harvey in illustrated form. I won't say much for fear of spoiling anything, but if you have an illustrated edition, it's something to ruminate on.
The bit after the colon (A Fable) is definitely a signal to the reader. The book is by turns whimsical and scary. It's not particularly concerned with things like character development or interactions. Even when other characters are around, there's a feeling that Harvey is battling with himself and the temptations/pressures of the Holiday House. For an adult reader, there's not a lot of shocks here, other than some of the disturbingly beautiful artwork. But that doesn't make the journey any less pleasurable.
It's interesting to see how Barker depicts Harvey in illustrated form. I won't say much for fear of spoiling anything, but if you have an illustrated edition, it's something to ruminate on.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
A book for younger audiences, but still enjoyable for crusty 30-somethings like me. It's a fun, quick read (two nights of only 60-90 minutes each for me) with some typically Barker imagery and creations. Do recommend!
I know Clive Barker is known for his horror stories and particularly "Books of Blood", but this is the first book I read by him. And it was pretty scary! Basically, it's about a 10yo boy who goes to a magical house, only to discover the master of the house uses it to attract children to steal their youth. A page turner.
Mesmerizing book; I read it in one day. And the story, right up my alley! A ten year old boy gets whisked off to a fantasy world whose sugary sweet veneer steadily chips away to reveal a sour, foul underbelly. EXACTLY the kind of story I like -- beautifully written, suspenseful, and spooky. Perfect.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
My first Clive Barker novel, and I can't wait to pick up more! The quick chapters, illustrations at the top of each chapter, and fantastical horror mystery kept me deeply involved, finishing this book in a day.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced