The Thief of Always

by Clive Barker

Book Overview

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 rounds of treats and seasons, where every childhood whim may be satisfied... There is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr. Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is only when the House shows it's darker face -- when Harvey discovers...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061091464
• ISBN13: 9780061091469
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: HarperTorch
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Amazing book

This a a great book the copy I got was in awesome condition

Have bought 4 copies

One for myself, three to give to others for All Hallows’ Read

2 points to make about this ....

First, I've only had 2 transactions with this site, and, I've been thoroughly pleased, from pricing, to shipping speed, 5 star all the way. Now, secondly, if you think you know Barker, but you don't know this book, then you don't know Barker. I've read this book maybe 5 or 6 times since I was 12 ish years old. It's a WONDERFUL, fanciful tale that hooks you early, keeps you hooked, breaks your heart, and everything else you want in a great book. I recommend this book to EVERY avid reader I know, and, I've yet to have one disagree with me on this book. Now I wanna read it again. I'll put a preface here, it starts off feeling like it was a book written for that "tween" audience, and, I get that, but, stick with it past that, I promise it's worth it. Hope this helps anyone who is on the fence. Like this if that's you LOL

A wonderfully unique story....

I have read this book numerous times in my life and it is one of my favorites. It is a unique story and always makes me appreciate the good things in my life even more. The story probably does appeal more to a younger audience but even adults should read this wonderful story. Sometimes what we think we want isn't everything we thought it would be and that message is portrayed in this story very well. A short easy and compelling read that has a touch of different book genres throughout the story. A little horror mixed with a little fantasy with a touch of drama and humor. A great book and a must read for anyone that likes to read.

I wish I could give it 100 stars

I discovered this book when I was probably 11 or 12, I am 23 now and still pick it up and read it again occassionally. I even have a tattoo for it ❤

Kids book

I cant see this book captivating a lot of kids past the age of 15(unless they read it as a kid themselves)- however this is a fun children's book. Kinda reminds me of the Labyrinth with Hansel and Gretel mixed in. Good lessons, fun illustrations, similar to the ones by Alvin Schwartz. Great bedtime story book.

I have read this book many times

My favorite book of all time really good book for parents to read to kids and they will enjoy it to

This book is absolutely phenomenal.

Yes phenomenal it deserves a word like that. This book has made an impact on my life. It takes you to a place where impossible becomes logical and sanity fades away. No matter what though this book taught me that throughout life no matter how hard things seem to get you need to appreciate what you do have. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

the best book i've ever read

when i was 12, i randomly picked up this book in a bookstore, started reading there, and my mom had to actually buy it she says, because just walked aorund reading it, i even left with it in my hands still reading and reading in the carr, out of the car and in to the house where i sat in my room for 2 days until i was done. a day later, i read the book again. this book forever remains in my mind as the best book i've ever read. the imagery is amazing! absolutely perfect. it's a dark tale and it is absolutely the best book i've ever read. i picked it up again a year ago and read it again, and still found it just as good. i can't even put into words how great this book is. every adult and child alike will like this book.

The Best Book Ever!

The Thief of Always is a exciting, fun book that keeps you want to keep on reading. A little scary but addicting. The expression bored to death, which was created by Zeus when Hermes told everlasting jokes to a monster, just means your bored for a couple minutes and then you find something to do, but to this boy he is literally bored to death and is taken to a holiday house, a kid's dream! Then things begin to change......if you want to find out what happens I suggest you read the book, The Thief of Always!

Clive Barker for a younger crowd? Yes, its true!

I have always been a fan of horror, and this was the book I actually read to my son that finally started him on his own road of reading for pleasure. A young boy is unhappy with his life; he doesn't like school and doesn't like his parents, and wishes for a place where he can play all day long and have no responsibilities. He finds that place when creepy Rictus leads him through the mists to a place he has always dreamed of. Kindly old Mrs. Griffin runs a quaint little house, cooking marvelous meals for the boys and girls with her cats. Harvey soon finds that this place is magical, every morning is Spring, every afternoon Summer, every evening is Autumn, and every night Winter. The children play in the warmth of summer, have Halloween every evening, and Christmas every night. He makes friends with Wendell and Lulu, and meets some freakish inhabitants. But when he finally finds the lake with the strange fish, and witnesses Lulu changing, that he realizes this wonderful place is a trap and he cannot leave. He seeks a way out, and with the help of Mrs. Griffin's cats he makes it through the misty barrier, only to find that for every day that passes in the House, a year passed in the outside world. Harvey must set things to right again, and that means returning across the misty barrier and confronting the dreaded Mr. Hood. A very enjoyable read, and surprisingly good to read to older children, especially those who may be unhappy with school. Sometimes, you get what you wish for, only to find out its not what you really wanted....

the holiday house

this book was the best book that i had ever read. although ive probably only read about a minimum of 10 novels in my life this book was the best. Also, the audio cassette version rocks your mom. if you ever listen to an audio book I'd recommend this one.

A wonderful fantasy for everyone

I love Clive Barker's works: his books, his art, his movies. OK, now with that said let me try to give an unbiased review of this book. I loved it!! Once started I could not put it down. The whole story was interesting and fun and very exciting to read. The book is meant to appeal to all ages and for the most part it does. It is a tale involving magic, fantasy, fun, and children. Harvey, our ten year old hero, finds himself whisked away to the Holiday House where all the solutions to a bored afternoon are given to him. He later discovers the price he is paying and bravely proceeds to battle with the House. A good tale told in the vein of a fairy tale but in modern, magical times. It also comes with illustrations as done by Clive himself which perfectly match the story. They add to the wonder of discovery as you read. In case you are worried, the illustrations are pretty tame compared to a lot of his other work. The illustrations from The Thief of Always do not come close to the graphic nature of the pictures found in Clive Barker Illustrator. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, including young children.