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somanybookstoread's review against another edition
1.0
This is a book a friend leant me years ago, saying it was his "favorite book". Always up for a literary adventure (and not good at giving up on things I start), I took the plunge, even if years after he handed it to me. Different from what I usually read? Absolutely. Off the wall nonsensical? Indeed. Outlandish and hard to follow plot for the sake of weird? Afraid so. Characters that just aren't realistic on any level? Bingo. Super lengthy for no good reason? Unfortunately. Not really my cup of tea, though I did try.
jjordanmagic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
el_viral's review against another edition
5.0
The first full-length novel I'e read of Barker's, and it did not disappoint. An excellent read, full to the top with ideas and drifting dreamscapes that really draw you in. I will definitely be reading Everville to enter back into this amazingly crafted world.
spitzig's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I guess I was expecting more cosmology. More interesting monsters. Barker can create some interesting monsters.
Horror doesn't really scare me, so I can't judge it on that basis. This novel is a little creepy at times, and I felt that.
A couple characters were ok. One, I thought was pretty well done.
Plot, eh.
Other people talk about it being amazing. Maybe if I'd read it when it was written. I think other authors I've read have done better, though.
Horror doesn't really scare me, so I can't judge it on that basis. This novel is a little creepy at times, and I felt that.
A couple characters were ok. One, I thought was pretty well done.
Plot, eh.
Other people talk about it being amazing. Maybe if I'd read it when it was written. I think other authors I've read have done better, though.
kateofmind's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
tani's review against another edition
4.0
Weird, but simultaneously captivating. I love the ideas here, and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Art.
mazer_nickham's review against another edition
5.0
The summer I read this book was the summer I changed my mind about the horror genre. Previously, I had read some subpar Stephen King and some even more subpar Dean Koontz. A friend recommended the Great and Secret Show to me, saying it was like King's The Stand, but better.
I skeptically started the book and was immediately glued to the page. Barker mixes dark fantasy and horror elements comprising a concoction that I've never found in any other book.
The story is near impossible to explain without making it sound like a cliche, boring horror novel. Palomo Grove is a small California town where two ancient powers awaken, Jaffe and Fletcher. The Jaffe is an evil entity while Fletcher seems to be good. Their presence seems to be having a mysterious effect on the town and its residents.
Barker introduces us to the residents of Palomo Grove, including my favorite surly reporter, Grillo. Somehow, Barker manages to simultaneously develop a large handful of characters and storylines while making the book feel cohesive. Overall, an amazing book and recommended to anyone who feels the horror genre is tired and boring.
I skeptically started the book and was immediately glued to the page. Barker mixes dark fantasy and horror elements comprising a concoction that I've never found in any other book.
The story is near impossible to explain without making it sound like a cliche, boring horror novel. Palomo Grove is a small California town where two ancient powers awaken, Jaffe and Fletcher. The Jaffe is an evil entity while Fletcher seems to be good. Their presence seems to be having a mysterious effect on the town and its residents.
Barker introduces us to the residents of Palomo Grove, including my favorite surly reporter, Grillo. Somehow, Barker manages to simultaneously develop a large handful of characters and storylines while making the book feel cohesive. Overall, an amazing book and recommended to anyone who feels the horror genre is tired and boring.
ianrhodes's review against another edition
5.0
Messed up. Disgusting. Beautiful. Clive Barker at his genius best.
jvar's review against another edition
5.0
This was the first of Barker's books I read. It's when I learned of the sea of Quiddity. And how you visit it three times in your life. Full of horror and the most fantastic of characters. This is a book I have read and re-read without ever becoming bored, though I would not recommend it at bedtime reading. Unless you enjoy nightmares. It is an amazing epic story.