I’ve been meaning to read this book for quite some time now. And finally, when I did, I was truly glad. I recognized the title from William Shakespeare's Macbeth ("By the pricking of my thumbs / Something wicked this way comes.”). I had also heard the same phrase used in other popular media like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I just had to read it.

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a novel by Ray Bradbury. It follows the adventures of two 14-year-old boys, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway. One autumn night, they sneak out of their houses and see a mysterious carnival set up in town in the early hours of the morning. The carnival's leader is named "Mr. Dark," who has a tattoo for each person lured by the offer to live out their secret fantasies and has become bound in service to the carnival. Because of his tattoos, he is often called “The Illustrated Man.” Jim and Will secretly learn the fantastical secrets of the carnival and soon find themselves in danger of becoming the next victims for The Illustrated Man’s newest tattoos.

What I adored about this book is the seamless combination of fantasy and horror elements. It's not the bloody and disgusting kind of horror but rather a creeping and disturbing one, where you just know something is terribly wrong, and there seems no escape. From the very beginning of the novel, the anticipation is set that the boys' interaction with this carnival will lead to a loss of innocence, a feeling that things will never be as simple and carefree again. At the heart of the story, though, is a profound exploration of the conflicting natures of good and evil and how they manifest among the characters. Mr. Dark's malevolent presence is countered by that of Will's father, Charles Halloway, who figures out a way to protect Jim and Will from The Illustrated Man and his carnival. Against all odds, Charles Halloway discovers the hope and joy that enable him to face his own fears as well as the malevolence and evil of The Illustrated Man.

This is a very enjoyable and fast-paced read. I highly recommend it.

Edit: I forgot to mention that my copy also included the short story A Sound of Thunder.

This short story follows a man named Eckles who recently lost a bid to be President. As a consolation, he goes on a hunting safari through a company that promises the ultimate game - the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The safari company is extremely careful to choose only animals that die of natural causes to avoid upsetting the future by changing the past. As a result, the hunters are allowed to take pictures with their game but not bring it back to the future because even the decomposing bodies of the animals might play an important role in the future.

Despite the precautions, Eckles balks at killing the animal when he sees it in all its carnivorous glory. In his haste to get back to the time machine, he falls off the levitating trail and into the marshy ground. It isn't until the hunters and guides return that they realize something is amiss. The future is not as they left it. All because of a single butterfly that Eckles crushed on the sole of his boot while carelessly tramping through the marsh.

That's right, this is a story about the butterfly effect - even before the phrase was widely known!

I loved the simplicity and effectiveness of this story. It is concise and impactful, showing great brilliance in its brevity. It was a real treat to have this short story attached to the end of the novel.

At the hour of three in the morning, Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show stealthily slips into Green Town, Illinois. Will Halloway and his best friend, Jim Nightshade, have been awaiting its arrival with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.

Late October is an unusual time of year for a carnival to visit town. The next day, when they visit the carnival, they meet one of their seventh-grade teachers, Miss Foley. After entering the Mirror Maze, Miss Foley becomes disoriented. When she comes out, she's babbling about a little girl lost in the Maze, a little girl that she thinks is herself.

But the most uncanny thing occurs that night after the carnival crowd has departed. The boys witness a man riding backwards on the carousel and changing in a way that seems impossible. It is a strange and mysterious event that leaves them both intrigued and a little bit scared. What could this all mean? And what other strange things will they discover as they continue to explore the Pandemonium Shadow Show?

Great story! This book truly captivated me from start to finish. The plot was engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed and had unique personalities that made them easy to relate to. I found myself emotionally invested in their lives and rooting for them throughout the story. The writing style was also very enjoyable, with vivid descriptions that brought the settings and events to life. I could picture every scene in my mind as if I was actually there. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It's one that I will definitely be adding to my favorites list and will likely read again in the future.

I absolutely adored the way this story unfolded.

It was truly lyrical, captivating me from the very beginning.

The imagery employed was extremely creepy, sending shivers down my spine.

I recall watching the movie a long time ago and finding it rather lackluster.

But then again, what can one really expect when Disney takes on a truly freaky story?

Disney often has a tendency to sanitize and tone down the more intense and disturbing elements.

However, in the case of this story, the original text manages to maintain its eerie charm and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

It makes me wonder how much better the movie could have been if they had stayed truer to the source material.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate the beauty and creepiness of this story, regardless of the movie's shortcomings.

Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury, is a captivating and thought-provoking novel. The story begins with a simple exchange between Halloway and another character, hinting at the inner turmoil within Halloway. The description of the boys and the mysterious carnival owner adds an air of intrigue. Bradbury's unique ability to characterize is on full display, especially when it comes to the carnival arriving at 3 a.m. and setting up in the dark. The imagery of the wires catching clouds and the tent taking shape is truly magical. The library also plays an important role in the story, with Bradbury's love for books and libraries shining through. The passage about the library being a factory of spices from far countries and a place where anything can happen is simply beautiful. The novel explores themes such as the passage of time, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of being young at heart. The power that things and people have over us is a recurring theme, and the message is to live life with enthusiasm and an open heart. The audiobook version, read by Stefan Rudnicki, is also quite good, with Rudnicki's voice adding an extra layer of atmosphere to the story. Overall, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a classic novel that has stood the test of time and is well worth reading.

This is one of my all-time favorites.

It is a beautifully written story that delves into the lives of two best friends and explores what transpires when a carnival arrives in their small town. The narrative is filled with intense emotions, moving moments, and elements that send shivers down your spine. Ray Bradbury, the master storyteller, is truly at the top of his game in this work.

The way he crafts the characters and the setting is simply remarkable. You can almost feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as the carnival approaches. The relationship between the two friends is portrayed with such authenticity that it makes you root for them throughout the story.

As the events unfold, you are taken on a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Bradbury's vivid descriptions bring every scene to life, making it easy to imagine yourself in that small town, experiencing the magic and mystery of the carnival. This story is a true gem and a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.

The master of intelligent, witty and chilling stories is a remarkable figure in the literary world. This individual has a unique talent for crafting tales that engage the mind, tickle the funny bone, and send shivers down the spine all at the same time.

With a deft touch, the master weaves together complex plots and unforgettable characters. The intelligence shines through in the carefully constructed storylines, which often require the reader to think deeply and make connections. The wit adds a lighthearted and entertaining element, making the stories a joy to read.

But it is the chilling aspect that truly sets these stories apart. The master has a knack for creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat. Whether it's a supernatural thriller or a psychological mystery, the stories always manage to evoke a sense of unease.

In conclusion, the master of intelligent, witty and chilling stories is a true literary genius. Their work has the power to captivate and inspire readers, and will continue to do so for years to come.

The use of the English language in this piece is truly incredible.

The author's great story-telling skills allow you to vividly experience the events as if you were right there.

Every word is carefully chosen to paint a detailed picture in your mind.

The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost see the characters and feel their emotions.

The flow of the story is seamless, pulling you in from the very beginning and keeping you engaged until the end.

Whether it's the dialogue, the setting, or the actions, everything comes together to create a truly immersive experience.

This is a prime example of how the English language can be used to its fullest potential to tell a captivating story.

It makes you appreciate the power and beauty of the language and leaves you eager to read more.

Overall, it's an outstanding piece that showcases the art of story-telling in the English language.

It took me a while to fully immerse myself in the story. At first, I was a bit hesitant and it took some time for me to get into the flow.

However, once I was truly "in" the story, it rapidly became more and more interesting. The plot started to unfold in a captivating way, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages.

But as I read on, I did find myself hoping for "more". There were moments when I felt that the story could have been developed further, that there were untapped opportunities for more depth and complexity.

Nonetheless, I still LOVED the short story, "A Sound of Thunder". The author's use of language and the vivid imagery created in my mind made it a truly enjoyable read.

Despite its shortcomings, the story had a certain charm and appeal that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It was a memorable experience that left me with a desire to read more of the author's work.

I listened to the audiobook, and to be honest, I'm not really an audiobook person.

This experience was kind of rough for me. The story had elements that I think I would have been really into if I were reading it with my eyes instead of listening with my ears. However, it wasn't enough to make me want to go back and wait for the ebook or a physical copy to be available.

It's a supernatural/evil carnival tale about children who get caught in a web of temptation. It's clearly influenced by one of my favorite books, Johannes Cabal: Necromancer. I just wish that 1) I had been in the mood for that type of story (it might have been better as an autumn read instead of a summer one) and 2) I had been reading it with my eyes.

I would still recommend this audiobook, but only if you're really into spooky/demonic and unexplained forces, carnivals coming to town, and children dealing with growing pains.

I read the Kindle version which only contains Something Wicked. I never had the chance to read this when I was a kid, yet it frequently appeared on the best sci-fi or horror story lists. So, finally, I got around to reading it, hoping that I could recommend it to my non-reading son. This story has been around for over 50 years now, and it's not unfamiliar in modern fiction. Something truly terrible descends upon a small town and wreaks havoc on the flawed people there. However, the language used in the story is simply beautiful, lyrical, and captivating. The fears that are presented feel real. The carnival described is creepy as can be. And yes, I was scared. I'm a huge Stephen King fan, and you can clearly see the inspiration that led to Salem's Lot. It's an excellent book, unlike any other Bradbury book I've read. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good horror story with a touch of literary elegance.

My people, my book-loving people,

doesn't each and every one of you have a coveted author whose prose you want to just roll in? You read those words and wish you could physically sink down into them, draw them around yourself like you cling to your nice warm blankets right before your alarm clock goes off?

I want to sink into Ray Bradbury's writing and roll in it.

His writing is certainly stylized, which I usually don't go for. However, the language is so beautifully simple. He doesn't blind you with SAT words. Instead, he has this amazing way of taking simple, everyday ones like "cat" and "leather" and "hero" and putting them together in a haunting, poetic, and very distinctive way. And I never feel like he's doing it just to hear himself compose beautiful sentences. Every sentence is trying to convey a truth, the way he sees the world.

I was looking through the quotes section for an example, a sort of soundbite to illustrate how awesome this writing is. I find it so revealing that most of the quotes people love from this book aren't sentences, they are literally paragraphs. You can't just pluck one sentence from Bradbury and plop it down there and say "that's what I like about his writing." It's all the sentences in all the paragraphs, it's the lifeblood of the writing. You're caught between reading faster so that you can read more of those lovely words, and reading slower so you can properly savor the ones you've already seen.

I should not attempt to review authors I like this much.

Hey, did you know when you put a lot of words together, they make a book?

Something Wicked This Way Comes is downright creepy, though most of the creep factor comes from the descriptions rather than from the actual plot. In fact, the plot is why I just couldn't bring myself to tip Something Wicked... up to that fifth star. Gorgeous as the writing is throughout, the lingering descriptions give the action the tendency to drag too much even for me. I'm not a big fan of the rambling soliloquy, no matter how pretty the writing. I prefer descriptions that manage to say a lot in a few words. Bradbury has those aplenty. But he's also got some that say very little for a LONG time. Charles Halloway is probably the prime offender here, with his penchant for waxing eloquent about stuff forEVER. I understand his world-weary agedness as a counterpoint to the more bare and naive material from the boys, but it was a little excessive due to Charles' subject matter being at best tangentially related to the plot.

Still, it's top-notch Bradbury among Bradburies, haunting and poetic, rich but simple, young and old.

As for A Sound of Thunder, it felt more like an episode of The Twilight Zone (which I also adore) than a piece to be read on paper. Clipped plot, descriptions of the "in a nuthshell" variety, last-minute twist with the whole story revolving on a very simple detail. It was fine, but I probably would have preferred it in a different format.