by Clive Barker
Kind of an existential journey… perhaps even Christian
This book started really strong. In fact, I originally recorded ⭐⭐⭐⭐ in my reading journal. However, the arc of the story dropped my review down to ⭐⭐⭐.
I started this for a reading challenge because I needed something that took place in my hometown/state OR something nautical. I’m going with the nautical element for this one, because it’s one of the most creative nautical books I’ve read. The writing in the beginning of this book hooked me hard, but that alone didn’t keep my interest.
No cliffhanger, but I’m wondering if there is a better story arc across all the novels.
Plot & Characters
Candy Quackenbush is a wonderful YA character going on her journey. Each episode in this book becomes symbolic of something she learns about herself. For that, and for young adults who love adventure with parents who want a story to provide some messages to their young readers, this will be a wonderful read.
The other characters were quirky and engaging throughout.
Favorite Quote(s)
There are many great lines in this book. Barker puts words together in a highly artistic fashion. These are only a few. I think the last one crystalizes the concept behind portal fantasy.
“You’ll learn, honey…Love can be the best thing in life. And it can be the worst. The absolute worst.”Clive Barker, p. 26
“Well, I guess all of us are waiting for our ships to come in, one way or another.Clive Barker, p. 29
“But coming here, entering this strange New World, was like being born again.”Clive Barker, p. 178
Romance Elements
Swoon-worthiness
None.
Heat
None.
Fantasy Elements
Worldbuilding
Amazing and totally original. If I were rating this alone, the book would have an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Magic & Magic Systems
None
Writing & Narration
The writing is some of the more creative I’ve read while still being easy to follow. There were some quirks that made me wonder if Barker was making a statement with the italics and capitalization.
Synopsis
A journey beyond imagination is about to unfold…
It begins in Chickentown, USA. There lives Candy Quackenbush, her heart bursting for some clue as to what her future might hold.
When the answer comes, it’s not one she expects.
Welcome to the Abarat, a vast archipelago where every island is a different hour of the day. Candy has a place in this extraordinary land: She is here to help save the Abarat from the dark forces that are stirring at its heart—forces older than Time itself, and more evil than anything Candy has ever encountered. She’s a strange heroine, she knows. But this is a strange world.
And in the Abarat, all things are possible.
Don’t miss this first book in Clive Barker’s New York Times bestselling Abarat series.
My Ratings
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About the Author
Clive Barker was born in Liverpool in 1952. His earlier books include The Books of Blood, Cabal, and The Hellbound Heart. In addition to his work as a novelist and playwright, he also illustrates, writes, directs and produces for stage and screen. His films include Hellraiser, Hellbound, Nightbreed and Candyman. Clive lives in Beverly Hills, California.