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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars. Considering this was written in the early nineties, there are a few terms and turns of phrase that are a bit outdated by modern standards, but nonetheless, this is a great horror/fantasy that precedes the more well known Coraline (and the two share many traits!).
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love this book. I love the art and the concept. It's creepy and reminded me of what it felt like the first time I read Coraline.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It's strange to still see Clive Barker's strain of bleak body horror to be so recognisable, even when dressed up as a dark fairy tale for a younger audience.
Even as an adult, I found it an enjoyable (if very quick) read.
Even as an adult, I found it an enjoyable (if very quick) read.
For some reason I pick this book up thinking it’s the Clive Barker I haven’t read, but I’ve read it now at least three times.
Weird and fantastical, but childish. I can’t even claim to have shivered the first time I read it.
Weird and fantastical, but childish. I can’t even claim to have shivered the first time I read it.
This book was really good and so not what I expected when I picked it up.
It's the story of Harvey Swick - a 10 year old who is so bored with his life he can hardly stand it. In the "Be careful what you wish for" category - along comes Rictus - an odd man who persuades Harvey to go with him to Mister Hood's Holiday House - where everyday is a perfect day. Every day has all 4 seasons and they get presents every night as each night ends with Christmas. The food is the best food ever and there is every toy and every costume you could want. Harvey is so happy!
This goes on for a few weeks and then Harvey starts to wonder about why Mr. Hood would do all this for children he has never met? Something fishy is going on - and not just with the big pond outside with the strange large fish in it.
It's the story of Harvey Swick - a 10 year old who is so bored with his life he can hardly stand it. In the "Be careful what you wish for" category - along comes Rictus - an odd man who persuades Harvey to go with him to Mister Hood's Holiday House - where everyday is a perfect day. Every day has all 4 seasons and they get presents every night as each night ends with Christmas. The food is the best food ever and there is every toy and every costume you could want. Harvey is so happy!
This goes on for a few weeks and then Harvey starts to wonder about why Mr. Hood would do all this for children he has never met? Something fishy is going on - and not just with the big pond outside with the strange large fish in it.
What a great little tale. I was expecting a darker fable but this seemed to be an ode to a hero's tale and more generally childhood. Some definite biblical allusions and maybe some to the Master and Margharita as well.
An absolute page-turner: This is very plot driven as opposed to character driven. It's my first Barker book so I am not sure if that is his style but it was a fun little adventure to go on him with. Highly recommended.
An absolute page-turner: This is very plot driven as opposed to character driven. It's my first Barker book so I am not sure if that is his style but it was a fun little adventure to go on him with. Highly recommended.
This book was recommended to me by a very discerning 11 year old. A great introduction to horror for kids--it's not really scary enough to induce nightmares but it's definitely creepy and appealing. A fun quick read for adults too.
I really enjoyed this and think I'll re-read it sometime.