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myclutteredbookshelf's review against another edition
3.5
I'm quite upset that I didn't get into Clive Barker's writing earlier, because I know my Labyrinth and MirrorMask obsessed teenage self would have devoured this series in less than a month.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Body horror, and Slavery
craftysnailtail's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Funny enough, I had no idea who Barker was before I read this eons ago. The cover caught my attention at the library and that was it- I read it and fell in love. My partner gifted me the set with the original art and that's really the best way to read it. His art is amazing and added so much to the experience.
This book is Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere and I adore it. Barker's world building is so trippy and fantastical that sometimes the plot seems to be completely lost in the oddities of his world, but not in a bad way. I REALLY hope he eventually finishes this series, but even if he doesn't, I'll continue to recommend them. There is a horror sort of undercurrent to them, but nothing like his adult works. I scare very easily, but this is more... disconcerting with mildly disturbing elements every once in a while. If the rest of the trippy fantasy vibes seem like your type of book, then definitely give it a try! It's truly in a class of its own.
This book is Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere and I adore it. Barker's world building is so trippy and fantastical that sometimes the plot seems to be completely lost in the oddities of his world, but not in a bad way. I REALLY hope he eventually finishes this series, but even if he doesn't, I'll continue to recommend them. There is a horror sort of undercurrent to them, but nothing like his adult works. I scare very easily, but this is more... disconcerting with mildly disturbing elements every once in a while. If the rest of the trippy fantasy vibes seem like your type of book, then definitely give it a try! It's truly in a class of its own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Bullying and Body horror
Minor: Child abuse and Toxic relationship
fanboyriot's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a lot more random than what I was expecting, with lots of adventures with almost an Alice in Wonderland vibe to it. Candy getting an escape from her abusive household and her traveling into the world of Abarat. It was a lot to take in, to be honest, lots of places and people to remember but it was entertaining and a good fantasy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Bullying
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Trafficking
Minor: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Confinement, Death, and Kidnapping
themardbard's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
There's really nothing else like this book. I'm so grateful to the Abarat series for fostering within me my wild creativity and love of adventure. I think about Candy Quackenbush and her adventures in the clever, vibrant, magical world of the Abarat all the time. One of my favorite books ever.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror
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