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A review by versmonesprit
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What could be more iconic than the cult Hellraiser? The book that birthed it, Barker’s pièce de résistance. Jail for me for putting off reading this!
Rather unsurprisingly, the book was leagues better. The narration was compelling, Barker’s skill and wisdom showing through at every turn. So much lore was given without it ever feeling like an info dump. The gore and action were described so well, and the characters had much more depth to them. Despite the questionable dynamics, it was refreshing to see a book that wasn’t moralising. If anything, it was sympathetic to the women at the centre of this hellish, weirdly sensual, absolutely horrific story.
A must read for fans of the cult classic franchise in need of more and better.
Rather unsurprisingly, the book was leagues better. The narration was compelling, Barker’s skill and wisdom showing through at every turn. So much lore was given without it ever feeling like an info dump. The gore and action were described so well, and the characters had much more depth to them. Despite the questionable dynamics, it was refreshing to see a book that wasn’t moralising. If anything, it was sympathetic to the women at the centre of this hellish, weirdly sensual, absolutely horrific story.
A must read for fans of the cult classic franchise in need of more and better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape