A detective investigating a series of ritualistic murders stumbles upon a hidden world of monstrous beings known as the Nightbreed. Detective Aaron Boone is drawn into a conspiracy that blurs the lines between human and monster when he discovers that the victims are not entirely innocent and that a shadowy organization, the Scions of the Night, seeks to eradicate the Nightbreed. Boone himself becomes entangled in this conflict, finding his own humanity questioned as he uncovers the secrets of Midian, the last refuge of the Nightbreed, and the ancient prophecy that foretells their return.

Clive Barker's 'Cabal' is a seminal work in horror, lauded for its imaginative world-building and visceral descriptions. The novel is celebrated for its exploration of the monstrous and the human, challenging conventional notions of good and evil. Readers often praise Barker's ability to blend terror with a profound sense of myth and tragedy. The narrative's dark fantasy elements and its examination of societal prejudice against the 'other' resonate deeply with fans of the genre.