Something Wicked This Way Comes

by Ray Bradbury
Something Wicked This Way Comes cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 6186
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781501167713
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-10-24
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 4

In Ray Bradbury's haunting tale, the arrival of a mysterious carnival in a quiet Illinois town sets the stage for a chilling adventure. The carnival, led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark, promises thrills and wonders, but it soon becomes clear that its attractions come with a sinister price. The story explores themes of good versus evil, the power of imagination, and the consequences of unchecked desires. /n/n As the boys, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, delve deeper into the carnival's secrets, they uncover a world where dreams and nightmares blur, and the line between reality and fantasy becomes dangerously thin. Bradbury's rich prose and vivid imagery create an atmosphere of dread and wonder, making this a timeless classic of dark fantasy.

Reviews
BVitelli2002's WordPress Blog · 2024-08-05
fantastic 5.00

The book is a fantastic classic that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer found it to be a rewarding read that exceeded their expectations.

The reviewer expresses their excitement and satisfaction with reading this classic, describing it as a win. They highlight the book's engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes, which made it a deeply rewarding experience. The reviewer admires the way the story captures the essence of a timeless classic, making it a must-read for anyone interested in thought-provoking literature. They conclude that the book is a fantastic addition to Bradbury's works, deserving of the highest praise.

Quick quotes

    I was itching to read a classic and came up with a win when I selected Something Wicked This Way Comes.

    The book is a fantastic classic that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

    It is a rewarding read that exceeded my expectations.

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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