I think 'The Damnation Game' is quite good. It has a dark and gritty atmosphere. The characters are in a battle of wills in a very menacing setting.
'Cabal' is great as well. It delves into the idea of a hidden society of monsters. The story is full of suspense and the exploration of the nature of these monsters is really fascinating. It makes you think about what it really means to be a monster, whether it's the physical ones in the story or the more metaphorical ones that exist in the human world.
Another great one is 'Imajica'. It's a complex and imaginative work that takes readers on a journey through multiple realms. The world - building in this novel is simply astounding. There are so many different characters and cultures to discover as you progress through the story.
Some of the best Clive Barker stories include 'The Hellbound Heart'. It's a dark and disturbing tale that introduced the Cenobites and the concept of the Lament Configuration. Another great one is 'Cabal', which has a really interesting take on werewolves and the idea of an underground society of outcasts.
In my opinion, 'The Hellbound Heart' is one of the best Clive Barker stories. It introduced the Cenobites in a really fascinating way. The concept of a puzzle box that unlocks a dimension of extreme pain and pleasure is both terrifying and thought - provoking.
I would say 'Valhalla Rising' is one of the best. It has a great mix of action and mystery. The story unfolds in a very engaging way, with Dirk Pitt facing many dangerous situations and trying to solve the mysteries behind Valhalla.
His writing style is often very descriptive. For example, in many of the stories, he uses detailed language to paint a vivid picture of the settings, whether it's a creepy old house or a desolate wasteland.
Another great one is 'In the Hills, the Cities'. This story is quite complex and thought - provoking. It uses Barker's unique imagination to explore some really strange and fascinating concepts. The vivid descriptions make it a standout among his works. It makes you question what is possible in the realm of horror and the surreal.
One of the highly regarded Clive Barker short stories is 'The Forbidden'. It's a chilling tale that delves into the dark and the unknown. Barker's vivid descriptions and unique take on horror make it stand out. The story has a sense of creeping dread that builds throughout, and the characters are well - drawn, making the reader feel as if they are truly in that eerie world Barker has created.
One of the well - known short stories by Clive Barker is 'In the Hills, the Cities'. While not explicitly 'gay' themed in a traditional sense, Barker's works often explore complex and diverse relationships. Another could be 'The Forbidden' which has elements that can be interpreted in various ways regarding human relationships. However, it's important to note that Clive Barker's works are known for their horror and the grotesque, and the exploration of 'gay' themes might be more in the subtext or in the way he portrays relationships that are outside the norm.
One of the best is 'The Midnight Meat Train'. It's a dark and disturbing tale that takes the reader on a journey through the seedy underbelly of a city's subway system, with a truly terrifying antagonist. Barker's vivid descriptions make it a standout.
I'm not entirely sure. Clive Barker has had a long and prolific career, but without following the latest news from his publishers or official channels, it's difficult to say for certain if there's a new novel on the way. He could be working on one in secrecy, as some authors do, or he might be taking a break from novel - writing.