The horror story your students have been asking you for! The only children’s story by the master of horror. Mr Hood’s Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles, a blissful round of treats and seasons, where every childish whim may be satisfied. There is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with … Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr Hood’s wonders, does not stop to discover the consequences. It is only when the House shows its darker face – when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadow – that he comes to doubt Mr Hood’s philanthropy.
The house and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey’s soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered for a thousand years…
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Hard to categorize, but I really loved this. It’s a fast read about a 10 year old boy who finds everything he ever thought he wanted is not what it’s cracked up to be. Has an element of the supernatural that makes it kind of a training wheels intro to horror for kids, but not so much that it’s not age-appropriate and nightmare inducing. Sorta like …
It is just a very good book from an excellent author. I recommended this book in another category as well because it is the 1 book I have had on my shelf since I was very young that I refuse to get rid of. I have been waiting a long time hoping this would be turned into a movie.
This is a wonderful take on how innocence is lost within the eyes of a child. I love the way Barker takes you to the edge, then throws you over the side.
It is very entertaining and it is a fun- filled book which everyone can enjoy. It is truly indeed a real page turner.
Barker is the master of horror I don’t think anyone will dispute that. The Thief of Always is almost whimsical. A young boy Harvey Swick feels like the great grey beast February has eaten him alive and he longs for something more then doing his chores and waiting for school to began.
An encounter with a strange being lands him in the holiday …
great book! I recommend it! Sucha good book. So, so great! Amazing characters, definitely an action book. I was a little sad but very entertaining. Beautiful language!
LOVE IT
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
What a wonderful, magical story! This book was first published in 1992 and I have only just found it. It’s perfect for ages 10 through adult. This is certainly a story I will read again and highly recommend.
As a child there is …
Most of Clive Barker’s books are massive tomes filled with wonderful world-building and twisted characters. But reading them is a time-consuming task. Well worth it and rewarding, but you need to commit. Imajica, Great and Secret Show, Everville, all awesome books but they are an undertaking. But if you’ve never read Barker and want a short, …
I like it and it in trusts me. It is a 10 year old boy how goes to a Hausa he doesn’t know and he doesn’t even know anything about there and anyone there. The 10 year boy name is (Harvey) and he intrusts me about exploring and imagination,etc. So it is wonderful and you should read it.
This is one of my Favorite books, I have read it several times over the years and have owned a few copies due to “over reading” a copy. It is a fast pace page turning adventure about a boy who thinks he is unhappy with how his life is and he realizes things weren’t so bad after all. Its a good choice for young adult and adult.
I read this book in high school… for some reason it always stuck with me. The side characters are interesting and unpredictable. Predates several of it’s genre, but along the same line as ‘Coraline’ and a little Harry Potter-ish.