Author: Robert L. Barker
Publisher: Audioworks
Category: Book

List Price: ~~$16.00~~
Buy Used: $1.95
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Format: Abridged, Audiobook
Media: Audio Cassette
Edition: Abridged
Number Of Items: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7 x 4.8 x 0.8

ISBN: 0671663925
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780671663926
ASIN: 0671663925

Publication Date: June 15, 1988
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 6-10 of 63

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A beautiful (terrifying) edition April 5, 2008
The Hellbound Heart was originally written before Clive Barker became "The Future Of Horror". This is what one would expect from a seasoned writer with years of 'getting away with it' behind him. It also shows what was left out of the filmed version (we'll see what the remake brings). This is a stunning edition with original cenobite designs drawn by Clive as well as the original first chapter reprinted with annotations and notes by the author. A must for Clive fans. If you're new to the mans writings be prepared to sleep with the light on for quite a while.

5 out of 5 stars

One of the Top 10 Horror Novellas February 27, 2008
For a while in the 19th and 20th centuries, novellas ruled as the dominant form of horror fiction. From "Dracula" to "Frankenstein," many of the greatest horror characters emerged from slim volumes. "The Hellbound Heart" is the birthplace of Clive Barker's popular "Hellraiser" series of films (although he only wrote and directed the first film and not its subsequent sequels). The most recognizable character--Pinhead--does not appear by name in this novella. Instead, we have the briefest of glimpses into the morally ambiguous world pitting pleasure against pain that Barker mined early in his writing career. As an introduction to both Barker and the Hellraiser universe, "The Hellbound Heart" is a bloody good read.

4 out of 5 stars

As always, the book far outdoes the movie February 12, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I wasn't sure what to expect with a Clive Barker novella, to be honest I had seen movies with his name attached and had more often than not been let down. I picked this book up from a paperback swap site and was surprised at how short it was. Although and avid horror fan, I was never able to truly enjoy the original Hellraiser film, so I did not expect to be thrilled with it's source material.br /br /I was pleasantly surprised. Although it is obvious that the original Hellraiser film follows this story almost exactly, the daytime soap opera acting kept the movie from realizing the horror of this book. I found "Hellbound Heart" to be a surprisingly quick read, easy to follow and descriptive enough to see what is being said without being overly wordy. I would have to agree with the other readers that the concept is very Lovecraftian, the style however is very different. br /br /The story follows Frank, a disturbing man who has sought out pleasure of the senses his entire life. Viewed by others as a wastrel, he spends his time committing petty crimes and seeking to fill his lustful desires. He learns of a special puzzle box, which is supposed to open a door to the Cenobites who will show him a new realm of pleasure. Our journey starts as Frank opens the box, meeting the Cenobites and discovering the reality of their being.br /br /What follows is a tale of lust, pain and pleasure. To what lengths will someone to go fulfill their fantasy? What are they willing to believe, to do, and to suffer through? The book is well written and can be taken at just face value as a horror tale. However it also begs to discuss the reality and strength of ones desire and fantasy. With this being one of his first novels, there are some writing flaws to be found throughout the book, but none are distracting enough to jump out at you. My main irritant was not having any background or understanding of the relationship Kristy had with the rest of the characters. At first I assumed her to be a sister, I recalled from the movie she was a daughter, and then finally settled on the idea that she was an old friend of Rory's. Her relationship is never laid out for us. I think knowing that bond would have strengthened her position in the story since she is so vital to the finale. All in all this is a wonderful quick read for any horror fan. I f it had been about 20 pages longer I think it may have even made it to 5 stars for me. As it stands in the version I read it's a 4 out of 5 star book.br /

5 out of 5 stars

A Hell of a Book January 19, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

As a casual reader of horror (mainly Stephen King and Richard Matheson up until now) I had heard quite a bit about this Clive Barker fellow with all comments being positive. I had even seen tid bits of his directorial debut "Hellraiser" which was based upon this, his own novel. From what I saw I liked. His type of horror is very unique to say the least. Where as King merely gives you goosebumps Clive will go straight for the jugular. With that said I was surprised that it took me this long to read one of his novels or short stories. br /Was I dissapointed? No, Clive is a much better writer than King with his descriptions jumping from the page. While reading, I thought that the book almost read itself. You are only required to turn the page every now and then. A word of warning though. I have run into some readers who are turned off by short stories or short novels and this book is certainly a short novel coming in at merely a 164 pages. If you prefer something longer this book may not be for you. Personally I preferred it with this story. While Barker is very descriptive he leaves much up to the imagination which in my opinion builds mystery. Less is truly more in this instance. After reading this Barker's Books of Blood, The Damnation Games and others are at the tops of my Wish List. br /

5 out of 5 stars

watched the movie then read the book, and the book is better! January 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

It is rare to watch a movie then read the book and claim the book is better. It seems which ever a person does first is their favorite. I had low expectations of reading this book considering how classic the movie is. To my shock this book was a total page turner. This book was my cure to boring fiction. There is not a dull moment, and this book truely deserves to be called a "page turner". My brother read it in a matter of hours, and then I did the same! If you want to enjoy a great book that makes me proud to be a horror fan read this book! IMHO this is the best horror fiction book I have ever read!

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