The Thief of Always by Clive Barker (Middle Grade Book Review)

The Thief of Always
by Clive Barker
Published by Harper Trophy
on February 5, 2002
(first published in 1992)
Genre:
Middle Grade, Horror, Fantasy
Length: 224 pages
Ages: 10 and up

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Synopsis:
Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles, a blissful round of treats and seasons, where every childhood whim may be satisfied...

There is a price to be paid, of course, but young Harvey Swick, bored with his life and beguiled by Mr. Hood's wonders, does not stop to consider the consequences. It is only when the House shows it's darker face--when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows--that he comes to doubt Mr. Hood's philanthropy.

The House and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle, however. Mr. Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any soul he has encountered in a thousand years...


My Thoughts:
Ten-year-old Harvey Swink is just plain bored, so when a strange man offers him a fun vacation, he takes it. He is led to Mr. Hood's Holiday House where every day plays through the seasons and holidays and starts all over again. Harvey can eat what he likes, do what he likes, and stay as long as he likes, but he soon learns there are consequences to all the fun.

The Thief of Always is a fun cautionary tale for young readers that is perfect for the Autumn season. Though this book features all four seasons and could be read any time of year, I think it's an extra special read for the 'spooky season' because of it's the inclusion of the Halloween holiday but also because it's more horror than anything.

This book reminded me so much of Neil Gaiman's 'Coraline' (though this one was written first) with its big, beautiful house with its magic and secrets and its overall plot. I would definitely call this Coraline for boys but either story is suitable for any gender and The Thief of Always is a great story on its own without the comparison! 
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