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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I burned through this one in a day. It's the first thing I've read by Barker and it's got me hooked and really interested to read some of my other books by him. His writing style reminded me of Neil Gaiman and Ray Bradbury. I can definitely some of his influence in Joe Hill books recently too. An eerie story that belongs in the ranks of Halloween Tree. Definitely recommend if you're looking for something creepy, vibrant, and around 300 pages.
A thing of beauty and pleasure that turns out to be rotten underneath. This speaks to my notion of horror on a deep level. I suspect myself of being more of a Wendell than a Harvey, susceptible and unwilling to look too closely for fear of losing something nice in return for an uncertain reward.
The action and pacing in this story was very fast, as befits something subtitled "a fable." The way Harvey was able to solve all the puzzles and defeat all the monsters felt too easy, but I think that opinion belies my cynicism more than anything. The real battle was not against the monsters, but against Harvey's own beliefs and desires. Once he understood and decided, the battle was already won.
A very spooky read. Would have kept me up all night if I'd read it as a kid. Atmospherically, it felt very similar to me to Coraline, featuring many of the same themes and settings.
The action and pacing in this story was very fast, as befits something subtitled "a fable." The way Harvey was able to solve all the puzzles and defeat all the monsters felt too easy, but I think that opinion belies my cynicism more than anything. The real battle was not against the monsters, but against Harvey's own beliefs and desires. Once he understood and decided, the battle was already won.
A very spooky read. Would have kept me up all night if I'd read it as a kid. Atmospherically, it felt very similar to me to Coraline, featuring many of the same themes and settings.
I would have loved this book as a kid, but unfortunately it wasn't published until I was in high school and on to "grown-up" books. Now, as I've been interested in what is out there for young adults, I had a chance to read Thief of Always and really enjoyed it. A lot of reviews compare it to Gaiman's Coraline and I can see the similarity of storyline however the writing styles are different enough I didn't feel I was reading the same exact story.
The simple message to enjoy the time you have with those you love is well illustrated in this spooky little book.
The simple message to enjoy the time you have with those you love is well illustrated in this spooky little book.
fast-paced
Late to the game once again. Entertaining read, great pace, good message, twas great.
what an amazingly complex and beautiful book! it is the embodiment of childhood: the wonder, beauty, mistakes, and perfection that can only be found before adulthood sets in. i'm so very glad that i read this. this book confirms what a true master Mr. Barker is!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Another great work by Mr. Barker! It screams "make me an animated film"
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes