I started with Mister B Gone which is a good place to start. It’s sort of an oddball coming of age story about a demon. The Hellbound Heart is probably where I would recommend starting, though. It’s the novella that Hellraiser is based on. After that read The Scarlet Gospels, which is probably the most insane book I’ve ever read, and sort of a sequel to The Hellbound Heart. Barker wanted to put Hellraiser to bed for good, and The Scarlet Gospels certainly does that.
Sacrament is also a good starting point for people because it’s less disturbing than most. Coldheart Canyon is a ton of fun, but also possibly his goriest book. It’s also extremely readable and easy to get into.
I’ll happily second all this, except that my favorite is Imajica and second favorite is The Great and Secret Show.
And if you’re into shorter stories, the two Books of Blood omnibuses are WAY more hits than misses. Seven of the stories were turned into 12 films, TV movies, or episodes of horror anthology shows (though to be fair 4 of those are Candyman).
What books of his would you reccomend to start with?
I started with Mister B Gone which is a good place to start. It’s sort of an oddball coming of age story about a demon. The Hellbound Heart is probably where I would recommend starting, though. It’s the novella that Hellraiser is based on. After that read The Scarlet Gospels, which is probably the most insane book I’ve ever read, and sort of a sequel to The Hellbound Heart. Barker wanted to put Hellraiser to bed for good, and The Scarlet Gospels certainly does that.
Sacrament is also a good starting point for people because it’s less disturbing than most. Coldheart Canyon is a ton of fun, but also possibly his goriest book. It’s also extremely readable and easy to get into.
Thanks I’m gonna give Hellbound Heart a go.
Am not u/ObtuseDoorFrame, but I read most of them.
My favorite is The Great and Secret Show, which is more fantasy themed. Of his Horror titles, I think Imajica is his best.
I’ll happily second all this, except that my favorite is Imajica and second favorite is The Great and Secret Show.
And if you’re into shorter stories, the two Books of Blood omnibuses are WAY more hits than misses. Seven of the stories were turned into 12 films, TV movies, or episodes of horror anthology shows (though to be fair 4 of those are Candyman).
Make sure you read Everville afterwards. It’s the sequel to The Great and Secret Show and I found it to be an improvement upon the first book.
I haven’t read Imajica yet, but it’s sitting on my shelf and I’m excited to get into it.
Thanks appreciate the recs