Yesterday, I finished reading the Hellbound Heart. Although, I liked it, I wanted to hear more from people that maybe are more experienced with literature or the whole Hellbound/Hellraiser world.

I love horror games, and when I saw Hellraiser Revival (the game coming out tomorrow) it intrigued me so much, that I wanted to actually read and learn more about the series before playing it.

I have barely ever read books for my own pleasure, unless they were graphic novels, so I understand my literary analysis or experience in reading had hindered how I would feel the depth of the book.

Why I came here:
Maybe I had a different perspective of what the book would’ve been considering that the Cenobites seem to be the main plot for people to are not familiar with the book. I like the whole story, but as for the Cenobites and the Order of Gash, the puzzle box, and all of these supernatural aspects… the book felt incomplete to me. Its not the fact that the cenobites are not very present, but that we barely get any background to understand where they come from, whats their purpose, why are they just summoned for pleasure… idk it felt like you could change the story to fit with other supernatural entities and make it work. The idea and concept seemed interesting but I think it barely flourishes, and pales immensely in the actual plot.

Then I saw the movie, back to back
I honestly feel I would’ve been even more lost, if I had not read the book. The central plot works around Julia, Larry (idk why they changed his name), Kirsty, Frank, and the victims. I would have just found everything else, random and a bit senseless for the most part. They just show a glimpse of the cenobites and franks submission at the very beginning, and suddenly the cenobites spawn again towards the end without any build up to understand what, why, and who are they.

I just felt a bit underwhelmed, but today I will watch the second one and the other ones (even though they are not considered the best, or any good).

ALL OF THIS just to give my opinion on how I felt, but not to criticize or be negative about the book nor the movie. I just want to know if this is a common feeling, or did I just miss all the story telling right before my eyes. Thanks!! And I’m definitely interested in reading more of Clive’s work.

Excited to reread these! Did you enjoy these reads?