Reviews

The Thief of Always by Clive Barker

sng2098's review against another edition

4.0

So I needed to think about this before I wrote a review for it. I will preface this by saying my favorite book is Abarat by Clive Barker, but that's the only other thing I've read from him.

This was not what I was expecting at all. I assumed it was going to be a very childish and whimsical book with a little splash of "horror". Let me tell you, as a 30 year old, this book was mentally disturbing. I can't imagine all those years of my life just gone, especially for the other boy that was stuck in this time loop with him.

If you're on the fence about reading something from Clive Barker I would stay start here, it's small and easy to get through.

guitaraholic's review against another edition

5.0

I love this book. I read it when I was a child (around 11 or 12) and found it amazing. On an extended camping trip when I was 15 I read it again to my 2 cousins (12 and 8) who also loved it and were possibly a little frightened. Maybe doing scary voices for Rictus and Mr. House was a bit much. Regardless, this was an excellent read as a kid without being overly disturbing (it is Clive Barker, after all). It's the type of young ones book that reminds of the good fantasy stories that don't come around that much anymore. Thanks Clive.

theworldisatext's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Harvey Swick is bored,
until extravagance turns
into time now gone. 

Castles, twinkling lights—
Don’t go to the pond at night.
Wish Hood to nothing. 

xenomorph's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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

tenerowicz11's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

solnit_and_sebastian's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A sanitized yet spooky fable from Clive Barker, this one is perfect for fledgling horror lovers or anyone who likes a story with a strong lesson at its core.

stack1220's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

brendalovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

This story was really weird, but that's what made it enjoyable.

samarama9's review against another edition

dark slow-paced

1.0

a_leo_reading's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a refreshing novel to read by Clive Barker. He is my favorite writer of all time, but his novels can be an extremely intense experience. This novel was one written primarily for middle-grade readers and great for adults. It was extremely poetic and beautifully written. I highly recommend this novel, as well for anyone to read Clive Barker.