The Thief of Always

by Clive Barker
The Thief of Always cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Horror
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5432
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780063469006
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2025-07-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Thief of Always follows Harvey Swick, a young boy who stumbles upon Mr. Hood's Holiday House, a place of wonders and miracles. Initially captivated by the house's magic, Harvey soon discovers its sinister side, revealing the horrors hidden within its walls. As he uncovers the truth about Mr. Hood's true intentions, Harvey must fight to escape the house's grasp, which has plans to claim his soul. Clive Barker's masterful storytelling weaves together elements of horror and fantasy, creating a compelling and eerie narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats./n/nThe novel is praised for its vivid characters and menacing demons, making it a compelling read that almost begs to be read aloud. Barker's signature style of blending the supernatural with the psychological makes this a standout in the horror genre, offering a tale that is both thrilling and deeply unsettling.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2025-10-23
fantastic 4.50

The book is described as a fantastic read, quick, fun, and emotionally resonant. The reviewer appreciates Barker's ability to create a compelling story that stands out from his usual dark and gritty style.

This Reddit post highlights the book as a fantastic read, praising its quick pace, fun elements, and emotional depth. The reviewer appreciates how the story stands out from Barker's typical dark and gritty style, making it a unique and enjoyable experience. The emotional resonance and fun aspects of the book are particularly noted, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This book was an absolute blast, it was a super quick read, really fun and pretty emotional at times.

    For all his dark gritty over sexualized writing.

    It was a super quick read, really fun and pretty emotional at times.

Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-23
delightful 4.50

The narration by Adam Verner is praised, and the book is recommended for all ages, especially for family listening. The story is engaging and well-written, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters to life.

This review highlights the excellent narration by Adam Verner, making the book suitable for all ages and particularly enjoyable for family listening. The reviewer appreciates the engaging and well-written story, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters to life. They find the book to be a delightful children's horror story that captures the imagination and keeps readers interested throughout.

Quick quotes

    Adam Verner does a nice job with the narration.

    I'd recommend this for all ages, but it'd be especially nice for a family to listen to together.

    The writing is incredible, so lyrical, yet simple.

House of Cadmus · 2020-06-25
wonderful 4.50

The Thief of Always is a wonderfully unique tale for children but is also very much a story adults can appreciate. It's a compelling read that offers something for everyone.

The Thief of Always is a wonderfully unique tale for children but is also very much a story adults can appreciate. It's a compelling read that offers something for everyone. The book's ability to bridge the gap between children's literature and adult fiction is one of its greatest strengths. The story is engaging and the themes are universal, making it a book that can be enjoyed by a wide audience. The narrative is well-crafted and the characters are memorable, which adds to the overall appeal of the book.

Quick quotes

    The Thief of Always is a wonderfully unique tale for children but is also very much a story adults can appreciate, too.

    I enjoyed reading this book, and I think it's a great choice for both children and adults.

    The story is engaging and the themes are universal, making it a book that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.

The Gothic Bookworm · 2020-02-28
loved 5.00

The reviewer loved the book, particularly the mysterious and enchanting house that becomes Harvey's home. They found the story captivating and emotionally engaging.

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for the book, highlighting the wonderful house that becomes Harvey's home, which is not what it seems. They loved the story's mysterious and enchanting elements, finding it captivating and emotionally engaging. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    A wonderful house with everything a young boy could want becomes Harvey's home, but things aren't always what they seem.

    I LOVED this book.

    The story is captivating and emotionally engaging.

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