The Thief of Always

By: Clive Barker

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mr. Hood's Holiday House has stood for 1,000 years, welcoming countless children into its embrace. It is a place of miracles and blissful rounds 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….

©1992 Clive Barker (P)2013 David N. Wilson

I love this book!

I love the story, the narrator was not boring at all. I was able to finish the book in one day! I highly recommend this book for ages 10 years and up!

Great story

Loved it! My 4 year old daughter also enjoys me reading this to her at bedtime. Great for Adults and kids

every time!

I have read this book probably 10 times, and I love it more and more every time!

Good children's story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Thief of Always to be better than the print version?

I read the book first, and heard this years later. The performances weren't the same as I heard in my head, but it's not really fair to assume everyone knows what's in my head. Half of the time I don't even know what's in my head.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr. Hood is awesome. You can hear the sharp teeth.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

...In a world...

Any additional comments?

Good, short, fun, story. The only thing I didn't like about it, was that I wanted it longer.

it was just ok.

I spent ten dollars on this book instead of using my monthly credit and either way I feel like I lost.

Passing on a childhood favorite

I read this as a kid, and it’s been a favorite for years. As a teacher I’d use it as a read aloud for my middle school students, and as a parent I loved sharing it with my 13 and 8 year old. It’s got just the right amount of scare, suspense, and hope. It’s just such a gem of a book.

Best Book Ever

The narrator was excellent and so was the book. I will remember it for a long time.

"Enough love for a thousand Christmas " C.B.

for the child's imagination in all of us young and old alike thank you for giving us a hero.

Great story!

I read this when I was young and finally found it again really great story!

This book is a great book, and I 💘 the 👦 who it.

I love this book because it made me feel like i was in the sky and I just love the messages the main ones but I just feel more better about myself.

Wonderful Clive Barker Story Suitable for All Ages

The Thief of Always is one of Clive Barker's rare journeys into children's fiction - with the excellent Abarat series being his only other notable work in that category.
It's a wonderful, timeless tale about a young boy who visits a magical house. As with all of Barker's work, it is beautifully written and contains many odd characters.
This was my first time listening to an audiobook narrated by Adam Verner, and I have to say his work was absolutely perfect for this material. It was a pleasure to listen to.
Another winner from Crossroad Press.
Highly recommended.

Loved it.

My husband is a big Clive Barker fan and always expresses his love of this story. Loved it. Not sure if they have done a full cast version but if they did I’d love it.

Brings back memories!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Thief of Always to be better than the print version?

No. One of my primary school teachers read this to our class years ago, I must have been 7 years old. The content was just as good, but the voices of the characters, (especally Wendell), were very annoying! I prefer the way my teacher read it!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Thief of Always?

It was all about reminiscing. I loved the Halloween parts, they remind me of Halloween as a child.

What didn’t you like about Adam Verner’s performance?

Annoying voices, Wendell reminded me of Patrick Star from Spongebob

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really.