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A review by kyle_j_durrant
Books of Blood, Volumes 1-3 by Clive Barker
5.0
I absolutely tore through this omnibus. Each story (aside from the first, introductory story of Volume 1) is at least 30 pages long, probably pushing the boundaries of what is considered a short story, yet I devoured each one in a single sitting. On some days I was reading multiple stories because I was so invested in Barker's writing.
Aside from reading The Hellbound Heart recently, I haven't had much exposure to Barker's writing. I've heard good things, of course, but now I truly understand why he's so popular. These stories were incredible, with outstanding writing that painted vivid scenes. I don't think there was a single one that I didn't like.
Barker brings a blend of eroticism and horror to his writing. He doesn't shy away from darkness, yet also highlights the beauty inherent in the frightful.
My favourites from these first three volumes are:
The Midnight Meat Train
Sex, Death and Starshine
Dread
Hell's Event
The Skins of the Fathers
Rawhead Rex
Confession of a (P*rnographer's) Shroud
and
Human Remains
I'm jumping straight into the second omnibus, so you can probably expect a review for that very soon.
Seriously, though, if you haven't read Barker yet I really think you should. I'm ashamed that it took me so long to dive on in, and I can already feel how his work is going to become a major inspiration and influence for my future work.
Aside from reading The Hellbound Heart recently, I haven't had much exposure to Barker's writing. I've heard good things, of course, but now I truly understand why he's so popular. These stories were incredible, with outstanding writing that painted vivid scenes. I don't think there was a single one that I didn't like.
Barker brings a blend of eroticism and horror to his writing. He doesn't shy away from darkness, yet also highlights the beauty inherent in the frightful.
My favourites from these first three volumes are:
The Midnight Meat Train
Sex, Death and Starshine
Dread
Hell's Event
The Skins of the Fathers
Rawhead Rex
Confession of a (P*rnographer's) Shroud
and
Human Remains
I'm jumping straight into the second omnibus, so you can probably expect a review for that very soon.
Seriously, though, if you haven't read Barker yet I really think you should. I'm ashamed that it took me so long to dive on in, and I can already feel how his work is going to become a major inspiration and influence for my future work.