A review by karp76
The Fifth Dominion by Clive Barker

3.0

A great distinction lies within this book. As the cover so boldly states, it is a "bestseller." A bestseller appeals to the universal, to the commonality among all of us. It is a buffet with something for everyone. Herein too lies its fault. The narrative in its rush to tell, to be a bestseller, to keep moving and appeal and tantalize loses itself and in the process devalues itself. The writing seems rushed, as do the events and somethings seem to make no sense whatsoever other than they NEED to happen to get the plot where needs to go (i.e. Judith automatically falling in love with Oscar). The caveat, I suppose, would be that is this part one of two. All secrets may be revealed. That is yet to be proven. One last note, a distinction between the creations and creation must be made. I loved the names, creatures and imagination invoked by Barker. There is a real vibrancy to them that the writing does not completely do justice.