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Summary: Can't keep this book on the shelf
Review: This was the first Clive Barker book I ever read. I first read this about 7 years ago. I had no idea who Clive Barker was. This book is excellent. It easily tops my list of favorite book. Clive Barker has a wonderful imagination and talent to be able to put this great story together. Since I first read this, I have read it at least 10 more times. This has prompted me to buy more of his books. I am in the middle of reading Weaveworld and I also bought The Inhuman Condition. I know that both of these books will be excellent as well. The Thief of Always is a "must read" book. It's a definate page turner!
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Summary: WOW!!
Review: This was my first Clive Barker novel and definately not my last! I am an avid reader and am upset to say that I have not delved into the mind of Clive Barker. Until I decided to pick up this book! I found myself latched to it and forgot the world around me until I was finished in record speed! The characters are very rich and imaginative. The atmosphere is fascinating and the story is captivating! It is rare that a book captures me as much as this one has! I am excited to find out if his other works are just as captivating! Thank you Clive for your talent!
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Summary: Clever and imaginative
Review: Combine a creative plot with spectacular writing and cast of charactors. That is a summary of The Thief Of Always. It is hauntingly brillant. A definate must!
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Summary: Awesome book!
Review: This book is a great fantasy book, nothing like his other books. A child who wishes away his boring, rainy days gets more than he bargains for at the Hood House. Not scary, but is a wonderful read. Try very hard to get the hardcover from 1992, Clive drew the most wonderful illustrations that really make the book a great find.
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Summary: Blown Away
Review: This is the first novel I've ready by Barker, and I plan to read the rest of his books.This book is incredible! The char are so real, the reader can't help but to care about them. Young Harry Swick is bored with his life, and wants some exciement. As the old saying goes, becareful what you wish you, you might just get it, and Swick indeed got what he wanted....he just never knew the price would be so high. Swick was granted access to Mr. Hood's Hoilday House. The house can offer you anything you wish for and your every need and want is met....but it comes at a price. At the house, Swick befrineds two kids named Lulu and Wendell. Together, they try to levae the house, but one of them can't go. That's all I'll say for the plot of the book, b/c I don't want to ruin anything. I'll just say that I loved the char of Lulu. She was incredible. The reader will be drawn in by Barker's strong writing stlye, and the reader will be glued to the pages to see what happens next. If you start this book, you wont' be sorry. I can pronmise you that.
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Summary: Barker reaching out to all ages.
Review: With The Thief of Always, Clive Barker scores a bull's eye, and proves he does not have his imagination solely restricted to the violent eroticism which are largely predominant in his "adult writings." Here, he writes what people classify as a "children's book", but that could mislead and discourage many adults, which would be a shame, since this book is lovely. As always, Barker brings forth examples of prodigal imagination at work, and using both words as well as illustrations done by himself- he brings this book to life. It is compulsively readable, and with its short chapters, you'll find yourself hurrying through it to find out what happens next. Clive Barker is doubtlessly one of the most important writers in our times, and this work is just further testament to his growing string of successes.
Rating: 
Summary: This was a cool book...
Review: This was a cool book that I enjoyed. I am wanting to get back into Clive Barker (I've read some of his other stuff too, put could never actually finish a book. I just wasn't ready to receive Barker's imagination quite yet - indeed trippy interesting stuff). Anyway, this book showcased Barker's talents without having to read his other tomes. And what I liked probably best, was the fact that Barker can also draw - well done drawings penciled and inked by the author himself is very cool- gives a chance to plumb even deeper into the world the author is trying to convey. Copied perfectly from the minds-eye. A am now going to re-begin my journey into Imagica soon...
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Summary: Children's book?
Review: Although ostensibly a children's book, 'The Thief of Always' has always struck me more as a book for adults about their childhood. The themes of loss and potential fit perfectly with anyone who looking back on their childhood from the position of mediocre adulthood has ever wondered if they might have amounted to something more. That may sound rather pessimistic, but Barker's point always seems to be that we never value the present as much as we should, and that having an eye on the future can have terrible consequences. So maybe if these sentiments are inspired in the reader it is Barker suggesting that we 'grow up' a little, rather than wallow in what might have been. All in all I found the characters unfailingly sympathetic and well drawn, and Barker has a brilliant understanding of the things that really frighten you when you are young. Certainly things like ghosts and vampires are frightening, but the thought of killing one of your friends is surely a far more terrifying prospect. I read this book when I was about 14. A few years later, at the age of 21 I had the desire to read it again, I don't know why; perhaps one of the universal fears that Barker is so good at manipulating had impinged on my life for a moment, but whatever, I remember the book and went out and bought a copy. I can give it no greater compliment than when I read it again, with all the sobriety and cynicism I had gained since being an eager 14 year old reader, and still found it utterly beguiling and charming.
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Summary: The Thief of Your Imagination!
Review: Clive Barker is known as the master of Horror and Fantasy. The Thief of Always proves it. The story is non stop from the beginning. A ten year old boy named Harvey Swick is bored and tired of the same old routine. So when the opportunity arises to do something different, he does what most ten year olds would do, take it! But where Harvey is going is not what it seems. Is the Holiday House and all of it's joys real or an evil illusion? As Harvey makes friends, things begin to spark his doubts about this place. Fearing for his safety and missing is parents, he tries to go home, or can he? You will have to read the book and discover what happens to Harvey. I truly feel this is Clive's best. The story would make a very suspenseful and exciting movie. This book is not graphic and does not contain foul language, therefore making it a book even teens can read. I highly recommend this novel!
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Summary: Wonderful Read Aloud Book!
Review: I am a fourth grade teacher and my principal has been reading 'The Thief of Always' to my students. They love the book! Reading it is the highlight of their day. It is quite a page turner, and I will admit that I am as enthralled as my students. It is a great read aloud book, written exceptionally well with many plot twists and turns. I highly recommend it.
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