Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 92 votes)
5 stars
37(40%)
4 stars
28(30%)
3 stars
27(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
92 reviews
July 15,2025
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The writing style of this piece is truly great. It is highly descriptive, which makes it extremely easy to follow. However, unfortunately, I just couldn't find this story to be all that interesting or entertaining. This is precisely the reason why I gave it a 2-star rating.

It seems that this book was likely geared more towards a younger crowd. Perhaps the content and themes would have been more engaging and captivating for them. But for me, as an adult reader, it simply didn't hold the same level of appeal.

Despite the excellent writing, the lack of a truly interesting and entertaining story is a significant drawback. It makes me wonder if the author could have done more to make the narrative more engaging for a wider range of readers.

Overall, while the writing style is commendable, the story itself falls short in terms of interest and entertainment value.
July 15,2025
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This is an absolutely fantastic read!

I have to admit, however, that this book isn't suitable for everyone.

There are numerous hidden meanings within the book that one needs to be conscious of.

It tells a great story about young Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade.

It showcases the friendship between the two of them and the complex relationship between Will and his father.

The author has done a remarkable job of creating a vivid and engaging world that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with depth and meaning.
July 15,2025
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This is only a review of Something Wicked This Way Comes. Please add one half star.


Bradbury's tale of adolescence and aging, curiosity and fear is both poetic and frightening, often simultaneously. Will and Jim, two teenagers, are intrigued when a circus arrives in their small town. They stealthily go out to explore it before the opening day. And they make a dreadful discovery that sets the story in motion.


As they uncover more mysteries and encounter more grotesque characters, the boys constantly walk a fine line between bravery and fear. Their relationship is so pure and ideal, strongly reminding me of the young men Stephen King sometimes portrays (specifically, I'm thinking of "The Body"). Bradbury captures them and what they represent flawlessly.


However, the more developed relationship is between Will and his father, who is the janitor of the town's library (naturally, there's a library; it's Bradbury, after all). Will gradually comes to rely on him more, and their father-son bond deepens over the course of the story. I do wish Bradbury hadn't neglected Jim and Will's friendship, as it was so well begun. I also felt that the hopelessness of youth—especially the often overlooked youth—could have been further explored to increase the tension and anxiety in the story.


Nonetheless, it's a creepy tale and perfect for inducing some of those pre-Halloween jitters.
July 15,2025
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The text seems to be a critique of a piece of writing. It points out that there are too many words, which disrupt the suspense.

Even the shorter story at the end has a rather long and repetitive rant.

The suggestion is to edit it down, as this would likely make it much better and spookier.

Perhaps the author could focus on removing unnecessary details and streamlining the narrative.

This would allow the suspense to build more effectively and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

By reducing the word count and eliminating the repetitiveness, the story could become a more engaging and thrilling read.

Overall, a bit of editing could go a long way in improving the quality and impact of the writing.

July 15,2025
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Interesting listen indeed. I had previously watched the movie and was filled with curiosity about what the book would be like. To my delight, I really enjoyed the narration. However, at times, some of the writing seemed a little too poetic for my personal taste. It's not a book that one would want to binge listen to in one go. Nevertheless, it is still a good book. The story has its own charm and the way it is told through the narration makes it engaging. Even though the overly poetic writing in certain parts might be a bit of a drawback for some, it doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the book. It offers a unique perspective and takes the listener on an interesting journey.

July 15,2025
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I truly love Bradbury's writing style.

His words have the power to transport readers to magical and imaginative worlds.

The way he describes settings and characters is so vivid that it feels as if you can step right into the story.

Bradbury's use of language is both poetic and engaging, making his stories a joy to read.

Whether it's a science fiction tale or a more fantastical adventure, his writing always manages to capture the essence of the human experience.

His stories often explore themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in life, which makes them all the more relatable.

Overall, Bradbury's writing style is one of a kind, and I can't get enough of it.
July 15,2025
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\\"A Sound of Thunder\\" was significantly more the kind of story that I could truly relish compared to \\"Something Wicked...\\". I have a profound love for time travel fiction, and Bradbury's remarkable talent for making words bring to life a vivid scene or evoke a powerful feeling is simply wonderful and poetic. It's as if he weaves a magical tapestry with his words.

I would毫不犹豫地 give the short story itself a rating of 4. However, I just didn't have any affection for the main title of this collection at all. It seems to lack the allure and charm that the individual story possesses.

Despite this minor drawback, the quality of the story \\"A Sound of Thunder\\" more than makes up for it. Bradbury's masterful writing continues to captivate readers and transport them to a world of imagination and wonder.

July 15,2025
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I read this book years ago, but unfortunately, I couldn't recall much about it. All I could remember was that it had left me with a really tickled feeling. However, this time around, I never recaptured that same experience.

I'm not entirely sure if it was because I'm older now or perhaps because I was listening to the book this time instead of reading it. Maybe as we age, our perspectives and sensibilities change, and what once brought us joy and amusement no longer has the same effect.

Or perhaps the act of listening to a book is fundamentally different from reading it. When we read, we have more control over the pace and can pause to reflect or reread certain passages. When we listen, we are at the mercy of the narrator's speed and interpretation.

In any case, it's a bit disappointing that I wasn't able to recapture that initial feeling of delight. But perhaps that's just the nature of life and experiences - they are constantly evolving and changing, and we have to learn to adapt and appreciate each new moment for what it is.
July 15,2025
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By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. This line sets the tone for a thrilling and mysterious tale. Three o'clock in the morning is a special time for young boys. Their parents are fast asleep, and it's a time for exploration and discovery of secret things. Thirteen-year-old William Holloway and Jim Nightshade are no different. One particular October night, during their early morning adventure, they encounter the Dark and Cooger Carnival. The carnival arrives on an ancient steam train, and the boys can't resist following it to an empty field outside town. The wind howls through the calliope, as if singing a siren song to their young ears.


On this night, they get their first look at the mysterious Mr. Dark, also known as the Illustrated Man due to his tattoos. Their curiosity piqued, they vow to explore the carnival further. Over the next few days and nights, they realize this is no ordinary carnival. The hall of mirrors, wax museum, and backward-running carousel all hold strange and dangerous secrets. Unfortunately, their late-night excursions have not gone unnoticed. Mr. Dark knows what they have seen and their names.


It is William's father, Charles Holloway, who begins to shed some light on the matter. As the head librarian, he uncovers old newspaper advertisements for the carnival dating back to 1846. Charles, a middle-aged man who often feels useless, especially compared to his young son, must now face his fears and enter the carnival to save Will and Jim. This experience brings father and son closer together, as they both deal with the new evil that has entered their lives.


The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes are two books that scream "Halloween!" to me. Bradbury masterfully captures the magic of childhood, especially in October. I love the relationship he crafted between Charles and Will. Stefan Rudnicki's narration adds a spooky flair to the story. While I'm not a huge fan of Bradbury's work in general, he really nailed this one. It's a beautifully written story about youth, age, facing fears, and bridging the generation gap. Something Wicked This Way Comes is a must-read for your Halloween reading list.
July 15,2025
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I read a physical copy of this book last year. The poetic language in it really gave me a hard time. It was extremely difficult for me to understand and made the reading process quite frustrating. "Just write what you mean!" I couldn't help but say out loud several times. At that moment, I even thought about giving the book just one star. However, I knew that Ray Bradbury and his highly acclaimed novel surely deserved more than that. So, I finally gave it three stars.


Several months later, I made a decision to listen to an audio version of the book to check if my perception of it would change. Oh boy, was I in for a big surprise! Stefan Rudnicki's reading of the book is simply fabulous. His wonderful narration allowed me to truly see (or rather hear) what a great story this actually is. Now, I would毫不犹豫地 give it five stars all the way!

July 15,2025
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Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradury is an extremely interesting tale. It revolves around a boy named Will Halloway and his friend Jim Nightshade. This book can fit into many genres, but I have specifically chosen to classify it under horror. The author employs a rich mix of metaphors and similes, which, along with the overall plot, make it a very confusing story. In fact, I had to read the book twice and also watch the movie adaptation before I could fully understand it. The story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious storm shows up in town. What exactly happens next? Well, you'll have to read the book and find out for yourself. It's a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

July 15,2025
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I think the first fifty pages of this work really should have undergone careful editing and significant cutting down.

The story commences at a rather sluggish pace. There are some sentences that are overly long and seem to just run on and on without a clear break or proper punctuation.

However, as the narrative progresses, it gradually kicks into gear. The plot thickens, and the characters start to come alive in a more vivid and engaging manner.

Later on, the story truly shines and becomes excellent, captivating the reader's attention and drawing them deeper into the fictional world that has been created.

It's a pity that the beginning part was not as tightly constructed as it could have been, as it might have deterred some readers from persevering through to the more exciting sections.

Nonetheless, once one gets past the initial hurdles, the story more than makes up for it with its interesting twists and turns and well-developed characters.

Overall, with a bit more polish and refinement in the early stages, this could have been an even more outstanding piece of work.
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