Cabal

by Clive Barker
Cabal cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Horror
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Bookshop
Format • £10.44
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5532
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: Crossroad Press
  • Published: 2017-08-20
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Cabal is the story of Boone, a man tormented by the belief that he has committed horrific crimes. Seeking solace in a remote Canadian necropolis, he discovers the Nightbreed, shape-shifters with extraordinary abilities. Boone, too, possesses these powers, but his presence puts both himself and the Nightbreed in grave danger. As they are hunted, Boone must summon the courage to protect them from extinction. The novella explores themes of redemption, identity, and the struggle between light and darkness. Boone's journey is not only one of survival but also of self-discovery, as he confronts his inner demons and the external forces threatening the Nightbreed. The story is a blend of horror and fantasy, with a deep emotional core that underscores the power of love and sacrifice. It serves as the basis for the major motion picture Nightbreed, further cementing its place in the realm of dark fantasy.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2021-01-01
great 4.00

The novel is praised for its solid blend of horror and fantasy, with a touch of romance, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is noted for its ability to keep readers engaged and looking forward to more.

This reviewer finds Cabal to be a really solid book, appreciating its nice blend of horror and fantasy with a pinch of romance. They highlight how the novel manages to keep readers engaged from start to finish. The reviewer also notes that the book's ability to blend different genres seamlessly makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read. They conclude that Cabal is a book that they would recommend to others, especially those looking for a good blend of horror and fantasy.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Cabal is a really solid book, a nice blend of horror and fantasy with a pinch of romance thrown in.

    Thoroughly enjoyable and now I look forward to reading more of Barker's work.

    Cabal is a book that manages to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

PekoeBlaze · 2019-08-15
excellent 4.50

The novel is praised for its dark and gruesome horror elements, which are expertly blended with suspense and gothic themes. It is seen as a masterful work that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

This reviewer is clearly a fan of Clive Barker's work, and Cabal does not disappoint. They highlight the novel's exquisitely dark mixture of ultra-gruesome splatterpunk horror, suspenseful horror, gothic horror, and paranormal horror. The reviewer appreciates how Barker weaves these elements together to create a compelling and terrifying narrative. They also note that the novel is not just about horror but also delves into deeper themes, making it a rich and rewarding read. The reviewer concludes that Cabal is a masterful work that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This novel contains an exquisitely dark mixture of ultra-gruesome splatterpunk horror, suspenseful horror, gothic horror, paranormal horror, ...

    Cabal is a masterful work that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    Barker's writing is vivid and visceral, drawing the reader into a world that is both terrifying and fascinating.

DeadEndFollies · 2018-05-22
good 3.50

The book is described as a contemporary Gothic love story that blends elements of horror and comedy, making it a unique and engaging read. It is noted for its ability to balance different genres seamlessly.

This reviewer sees Cabal as a contemporary Gothic love story that's halfway between Edgar Allan Poe and Beetlejuice. They appreciate the unique blend of horror and comedy, which makes the novel stand out. The reviewer notes that while it might not fit neatly into the traditional horror genre, it offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre. They also highlight the novel's ability to balance different genres seamlessly, making it a compelling read. The reviewer concludes that Cabal is a book that defies easy categorization, which is part of its charm.

Quick quotes

    It's a contemporary Gothic love story that's halfway between Edgar Allan Poe and Beetlejuice.

    I can't exactly call that horror because there isn't a lot of horror in it, but it's definitely not a comedy either.

    Cabal is a book that defies easy categorization, which is part of its charm.

Appears in Lists