The Hellbound Heart

by Clive Barker
The Hellbound Heart cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Horror
Technical
  • ID: 3412
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780007382934
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2011-11-24
  • Reviews: 3

Clive Barker, renowned as the master of nerve-shattering horror, delivers one of his most chilling tales in The Hellbound Heart. This story delves into the profound depths of the human heart, exploring both its greatest terrors and ecstasies. The narrative is so gripping and unsettling that it has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, inspiring the cult classic film Hellraiser. /n/n Barker's unique ability to blend psychological horror with visceral imagery makes this novella a standout in his repertoire. The Hellbound Heart is not just a tale of supernatural dread but also a profound exploration of human desire and its consequences. It's a must-read for fans of intense, thought-provoking horror.

Reviews
Jeroen's Thoughts · 2024-09-09
intense 4.50

The novel is praised for its lean, focused narrative that moves quickly while still feeling rich and fully realized. It's described as a potent shot of horror.

The reviewer highlights how the novella's tight storytelling and quick pacing make it a compelling read. They appreciate how Barker manages to create a fully realized story in a short format, likening it to a strong shot of liquor. The horror elements are particularly noted for their intensity and effectiveness. However, they also acknowledge that the story's brevity might leave some readers wanting more depth.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a very lean, focused narrative, moving quickly but rich enough to feel like a fully realised story.

    Like a liquor shot of horror.

    The novella's tight storytelling and quick pacing make it a compelling read.

Murray Ewing · 2024-07-06
compelling 3.50

The novella is seen as a compelling and atmospheric horror story, though it's noted that it might not appeal to everyone. The narration is described as slightly formal.

The reviewer finds the novella to be a strong piece of horror fiction, with a compelling atmosphere that draws readers in. They note that the story's macabre and unsettling elements will appeal to fans of the genre. However, they also mention that the slightly formal narration might take some time to get used to, and the story takes a while to build momentum.

Quick quotes

    This is an intelligent, compelling and atmospheric horror novella.

    Yes, the narration is perhaps slightly too formal and the story takes a while to really get going.

    Those who are drawn to the macabre and unsettling will find much to appreciate here.

This is Horror · 2015-04-29
gripping 4.00

The story is noted for its singular plot that is followed through to a bloody conclusion. It's seen as a gripping tale that delves into the consequences of obsession.

The reviewer appreciates how the novella sticks to its central plot without unnecessary diversions, making it a tight and engaging read. They find the story's exploration of obsession and its bloody conclusion particularly effective. The reviewer also notes that the story's familiarity, especially to those who have seen the film adaptation, doesn't diminish its impact.

Quick quotes

    The Hellbound Heart deals with the results of singular plot, and sees it through to its bloody conclusion.

    The story should be familiar if you've seen the film adaptation, but that doesn't make it any less gripping.

    It's a tale that delves into the darkest corners of human obsession.

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