Something Wicked This Way Comes

by Ray Bradbury
Something Wicked This Way Comes cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Gothic
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Paperback • £10.99
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Format • £10.44
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Technical
  • ID: 6186
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780575087330
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-08-29
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

In the quaint town of Green Town, Illinois, the arrival of Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show just before Halloween brings an eerie allure that captivates the townsfolk. The carnival's siren call promises youth regained and dreams fulfilled, but for two boys on the cusp of manhood, the journey into its smoky mazes and mirrors reveals a sinister truth about the price of their innermost wishes./n/nAs the boys delve deeper into the carnival's mysteries, they encounter a world where reality and illusion blur, and the true nature of the carnival's masters is exposed. Their adventure becomes a battle between good and evil, testing their courage and the bonds of friendship as they strive to escape the carnival's malevolent grasp.

Reviews
The 4th Dave · 2021-04-07
beautifully-written 4.25

It's a creepy and beautifully-written 'genre' novel that touches on deep ideas and themes about the human experience.

The reviewer found the book to be a creepy and beautifully-written novel that delves into deep ideas and themes about the human experience. They appreciated the way the book blends genre elements with profound exploration of human nature. The reviewer also noted the book's timeless quality, highlighting its relevance and impact. The atmospheric writing and the emotional depth of the story are particularly noteworthy, creating a sense of unease and melancholy that stays with the reader. The reviewer enjoyed the book immensely and found it to be a memorable and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    It's a creepy and beautifully-written 'genre' novel.

    The book touches on deep ideas and themes about the human experience.

    The atmospheric writing and the emotional depth of the story are particularly noteworthy.

Nerds Like Me · 2020-08-31
haunting 4.00

This dark story is filled with sinister and creepy imagery, evoking deep sadness. It's a haunting tale that lingers long after the last page.

This review highlights the dark and haunting nature of the story, emphasizing its sinister and creepy imagery. The reviewer finds the tale deeply sad and horrifying, noting that it leaves a lasting impression. They appreciate the way the book delves into the darker aspects of the human experience, making it a compelling read. The atmospheric writing and the emotional depth of the story are particularly noteworthy, creating a sense of unease and melancholy that stays with the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's a dark story, with some sinister and very creepy imagery.

    Things happen which are horrifying in that way that makes you deeply sad.

    The book delves into the darker aspects of the human experience.

The Guardian · 2012-12-14
spectacular 4.50

The language is spectacular and enhances the storytelling without detracting from it. It's a book that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.

This reviewer was captivated by the book's spectacular language, which beautifully complements the storytelling. They found the novel to be a rich and layered experience, appreciating how the language elevates the narrative without overshadowing it. The reviewer also noted the timeless quality of the story, highlighting its relevance and impact. The book's ability to touch on universal themes and emotions makes it a memorable and rewarding read. The reviewer enjoyed the book immensely and found it to be a standout work in Bradbury's oeuvre.

Quick quotes

    The language is spectacular while never detracting from the storytelling.

    I read this for the first time very recently and loved it.

    The book touches on universal themes and emotions.

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