The Thief of Always: Fable, A

"Menacing demons, wondrous miracles, sinister magic, and vivid characters make Thief a compulsive, lightning-paced tales that almost begs to be read aloud." — Miami Herald

One of horror master and perennial bestseller Clive Barker’s earliest novels—the tale of a haunted house with many a dark secret.

Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles 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 its darker face—when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows—that he comes to doubt Mr. Hood's philanthropy.

But the house and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle. Mr. Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any he has encountered in ten centuries . . .

Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for a thousand years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles 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 its darker face—when Harvey discovers the pitiful creatures that dwell in its shadows—that he comes to doubt Mr. Hood's philanthropy.

But the house and its mysterious architect are not about to release their captive without a battle. Mr. Hood has ambitions for his new guest, for Harvey's soul burns brighter than any he has encountered in ten centuries . . .

"An impressive piece of storytelling." - Midweek

"Appropriate for all ages." - Rocky Mountain News

“Barker...sets up his enchanted kingdom with plenty of wit and atmosphere.” - Chicago Tribune

“A modern fable written with literary flare and storytelling-with-a-twist style that will entertain and enchant.” - San Diego Union-Tribune

“In a tale that manages to be both cute and horrifying, bestselling novelist and screenwriter Barker puts the dark side back into childhood fantasy.” - Publishers Weekly

“A book that demands to be read in a single sitting, and through the cracks between one’s fingers. There has never been a horror story quite like this. Josh Malerman truly delivers.” - Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool

“This completely compelling novel contains a thousand subtle touches but no mere flourishes-it is so well, so efficiently, so directly written I read it with real admiration. Josh Malerman does the job like a fast-talking, wised-up angel.” - Peter Straub

“The author uses understatement and allusion to create a lean, spellbinding thriller that Stephen King fans will relish.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Certain to satisfy anyone who just wants to take a fun little trip into one of Barker's worlds." - Virginia Pilot/Ledger Star

"Menacing demons, wondrous miracles, sinister magic, and vivid characters make Thief a compulsive, lightning-paced tales that almost begs to be read aloud." - Miami Herald

“Charming and pleasantly shuddery.” - Washington Post Book World