Something Wicked This Way Comes Audiobook, by Ray Bradbury Play Audiobook Sample

Something Wicked This Way Comes Audiobook

Something Wicked This Way Comes Audiobook, by Ray Bradbury Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Kevin Foley Publisher: Tantor Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: June 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781400188253

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

56

Longest Chapter Length:

28:02 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

08 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

08:56 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

47

Other Audiobooks Written by Ray Bradbury: > View All...

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Publisher Description

By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.

The carnival rolls in sometime after the midnight hour of a chill Midwestern October eve. Ushering in Halloween a week before its time, a calliope's shrill siren song beckons to all with a seductive promise of dreams and youth regained. Young boyhood companions James Nightshade and Will Halloway are the first to heed its call. From a place of safety, they watch a midway come to spectral life, their emotions a riot of eagerness, trepidation, bravado, and uncertainty. For they can sense the change that's in the air; that this is the Autumn in which innocence must vanish in the harsh, acrid smoke of disillusionment...and horror.

Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois, to destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. And two inquisitive boys standing precariously on the brink of adulthood will soon discover the secret of the satanic raree-show's mazes and mirrors, as they learn all too well the heavy cost of wishes and the stuff of nightmares.

All those who still dream and remember—and those who have heard the whispering but have yet to experience its dark, poetic power—you are welcome. A shadow show like none other is about to begin...again.

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"Simultaneous the creepiest and the best creepy book I've ever read. It's like horror without the vampires or blood or violence, just purely, psychologically scary. It felt like it should have been YA, but maybe that was because it was superficially about two thirteen-year-old boys. Upon retrospection, however, one wonders if the book was not actually about one of the boys' fifty-year-old father, or perhaps just about the nature of evil. Also, while this book is about a carnival, fear not, because there are no clowns."

— Erin (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • Bradbury's classic 1962 novel is here masterfully read by voice artist Kevin Foley, whose deep tones are well suited to the story's dark characters.

    — Library Journal Starred Audio Review

Something Wicked This Way Comes Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.96153846153846 out of 53.96153846153846 out of 53.96153846153846 out of 53.96153846153846 out of 53.96153846153846 out of 5 (3.96)
5 Stars: 21
4 Stars: 18
3 Stars: 7
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 4
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I really did not care for this one at all. Not only does it recycle old ideas, but it just isn't good. "

    — Joe, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Yeah...weird. Kind of debated between 2 or 3 stars. I liked all the philosophical talk about death & how the carnival uses the fear of it against people. Other than that, it was just ok. "

    — Christy, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " it took a few chapters for this to grow on me but once it did, i couldn't put it down. i'm late to the ray bradbury party but glad to be here now. "

    — meredith, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The only thing I regret about this book, is that I haven't read it when I was younger. Would have loved this one as a kid. "

    — Erythrina, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was wonderful. How did he know he could put those combinations of words together to make you feel such things. I loved it. This was also one of my first "books on tape". The reader was fantastic, and really brought the book to life. I missed reading Ray Bradbury for some reason so I will be making up for lost time! "

    — Barbie, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is much denser than I remember it being. And more Melville-esque, for better and for worse "

    — Tim, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another of those wonderful childhood reads to revisit near Halloween! "

    — Kimberly, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I cant say much without spoiling the plot, but I went into the book expecting one thing, but then I got something much better. "

    — Mr., 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This one made me remember what it was like to be a kid in a small town, back when there was no internet and cellphones were only owned by presidents and multimillionaire businessmen. Always a pleasure to read Bradbury. "

    — JM, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Always an enjoyable read. not too scary, not bland .... just right. "

    — Stormy, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Its been 20 years since I read this. Looking forward to enjoying it again. This is an awesome book. "

    — Dianne, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Ray Bradbury writes with a richness that lacks in most modern science fiction/horror novels. This book is full of delightfully wicked scenes that are described so intensely...truly worth the read. "

    — Ryan, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a great book, really creepy and suspenseful. "

    — David, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Re-read this classic in a day and half. but lost the review I wrote at the time. Shoot. One of the best midwestern horror novels. "

    — David, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Twice I've tried to get into this book but I've all always struggled with it for some reason. I suppose I just don't like Bradbury's style of writing. "

    — Katrina, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book, the writing was breathtaking. Several times while reading I had to pause and soak in what I just read. A PERFECT Halloween book club pick! "

    — Elizabeth, 12/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The movie Big ripped off pieces of this book. Watch the movie and the read this. You'll see. "

    — Michael, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A fantastical coming of age tale... More plodding than Bradbury's masterpiece of adolescence "Dandelion Wine", but still a solid read for fantasy buffs or Bradbury purists. "

    — Jason, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this as a boy and loved it. I don't remember the storyline all that well now but I loved the book. It was really creepy. I'm a Ray Bradbury fan and would read pretty much anything by him. "

    — Nightlite, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read this book with my children. I liked it but it did seem a bit wordy and too descriptive toward the middle. After reading, we watched the movie and all agreed that the book was definitely better. "

    — Linda, 10/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this book!!! I still remember reading it in high school and being unable to put it down. I re-read it a few months ago and it is still a compelling story. Gives you a chill and keeps you engaged though out the whole story. "

    — Pam, 8/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic book! The diction and syntax Bradbury uses is very unique and closely follows the mind set and thoughts of people. The characters were incredibly real and the story line very original and interesting. "

    — Kayla, 5/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is much denser than I remember it being. And more Melville-esque, for better and for worse "

    — Tim, 3/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Bradbury creates the REAL night circus. Beautifully and awfully, as always. "

    — Anne, 3/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " You know what I like best about this story? That laughter & happiness are the ultimate weapons. A story that's just spooky enough with plenty of meanings between the lines. "

    — Barb, 2/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is rated in the top 100 for modern fiction. I thought the characters were memorable - down to earth, relate-able. However, there was something hokie about the ending. I'd love to hear what others think. "

    — Toni, 12/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Humans are flawed. However, at the cross roads of evil and light a choice can always be made. And life, while it's all we've got, needs to be laughed at, oftener than not. We need more Charles and Will Halloways as well as Jim Nightshades in the world. Thank goodness for Ray Bradbury too! "

    — Nora, 9/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I hadn't read this since my college days -- ahem -- many years ago. Was it coincidence that I started rereading it the day that Ray Bradbury died? I think not -- there are NO coincidences. "

    — Cheryl, 3/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " one of my all time favorite books by my all time favorite author "

    — 704Anna, 2/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This reminded me of The Night Circus and I am looking forward to watching the movie. "

    — Erica, 12/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a good classic. It is a little dark but has a good net moral. I wish I could get one of those merry-go-rounds. "

    — Grant, 11/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Love, love Live Bradbury's inventive us of language. A true gem of a book - dark fantasy written with literary finesse. "

    — Whitney, 11/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this years ago with my seventh and eighth graders. Reading it again for my daughter's book club. I'm enjoying it all over again. Ray Bradbury can cast a spell. "

    — Carol, 8/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I would never read this book again, even if my life depended on it..... "

    — Maddy, 8/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was so well written, but it was a tough read. I liked the overall story-line, but it did end up being atad simplistic in resolving itself. I'm glad I read it, but it will be a long time before I read something so heavily written again. "

    — Kyle, 7/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " No offense to all the people who love this book. I get that it is a classic blah blah blah. This book really doesn't do it for me. I really don't understand all the hooplah about it. "

    — Kris, 7/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Boring. Too much description. Hated it. Didn't even finish it. "

    — Meha, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Probably my 15th time or more to read this book. It is a staple in my classroom - the only book I taught this year. "

    — Deborah, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Boring. Too much description. Hated it. Didn't even finish it. "

    — Meha, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Probably my 15th time or more to read this book. It is a staple in my classroom - the only book I taught this year. "

    — Deborah, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book of all time. "

    — Rebecca, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book of all time. "

    — Rebecca, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book scared the hell out of me as a kid, and I think it's the reason I've never really trusted those carnivals that seem to spring up overnight in the parking lots of shopping malls... "

    — Caryn, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book scared the hell out of me as a kid, and I think it's the reason I've never really trusted those carnivals that seem to spring up overnight in the parking lots of shopping malls... "

    — Caryn, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An eerie carnival rolls into town after midnight, a small town is mesmerised by the stories. Not a book to be read alone on a dark and stormy night. Bradbury is a master of the short story. "

    — Cathy, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An eerie carnival rolls into town after midnight, a small town is mesmerised by the stories. Not a book to be read alone on a dark and stormy night. Bradbury is a master of the short story. "

    — Cathy, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Ray Bradbury is a genius. Sometimes I would read a sentence in this book and re-read it five times because it was so well-written. He chooses words so carefully and describes his characters and emotions in the book better than any author I've read. "

    — Michelle, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Ray Bradbury is a genius. Sometimes I would read a sentence in this book and re-read it five times because it was so well-written. He chooses words so carefully and describes his characters and emotions in the book better than any author I've read. "

    — Michelle, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this in 8th or 9th grade and absolutely LOVED it (I only rate it four stars, because I haven't read it recently). It was one of the first dark stories that captured my attention and held me until the last page. "

    — Lyn, 4/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this in 8th or 9th grade and absolutely LOVED it (I only rate it four stars, because I haven't read it recently). It was one of the first dark stories that captured my attention and held me until the last page. "

    — Lyn, 4/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Quite the horrifying gruesome story. Best read around Halloween ;) "

    — Pingdi, 4/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Quite the horrifying gruesome story. Best read around Halloween ;) "

    — Pingdi, 4/24/2011

About Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury (1920–2012), one of the most popular science fiction writers in the world, wrote more than five hundred short stories, novels, plays, and poems. He won many awards, including the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the O. Henry Memorial Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the PEN Center USA West Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2000, he was the recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

About Kevin Foley

Kevin Foley, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has more than thirty years of experience in radio and television broadcasting, commercial voice-overs, and audiobook narration. He has recorded more than 150 audiobooks, including River Thunder by Gary McCarthy, for which he earned a Spur Award for Best Audiobook from the Western Writers of America.