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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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: Body horror, Bullying
Minor: Child abuse, Toxic relationship
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"Abarat" is Clive Barker in full Oz/Wonderland fantasy mode, which is honestly my favorite kind of mode for Barker's oeuvre/fiction! It is honestly fascinating that Barker has even written fiction for children/young adults given his much better known mature fiction he has written!
An absolute delight for the most part!
An absolute delight for the most part!
I never seem to be able to read the book through, but the pictures are amazing, the worldbuilding intriguing, and the writing solid enough. My sister who died loved this book, so it gets extra points
This book gave me hope and strength in a time of desperate need. It is possible to pull your way through the mud! Beautiful artwork that inspires your imagination and hels you to truly ingest the strength and power of these characters.
Loved it. The main character is great. Kinda 'to kill a mockingbird' style :)
I honestly didnt expect a fantasy sci fi with a detailed and original universe from Clive Barker. Having read more horror books from him, here he completely changes his style but leaves some of his traits, such as condensed sentences full of adverbs to get his point across.
Will definitely add to my reading list this next book.
I honestly didnt expect a fantasy sci fi with a detailed and original universe from Clive Barker. Having read more horror books from him, here he completely changes his style but leaves some of his traits, such as condensed sentences full of adverbs to get his point across.
Will definitely add to my reading list this next book.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I am rereading this book, which I have read many times before from ages 10 to now age 30, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. It is so imaginative, the characters are all creatively fleshed out, and every reread is as enjoyable as the previous.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
I feel as though I need to read the other books in order to truly voice an opinion of Abarat. I just couldn't get the feel of the story, couldn't immerse myself in the world. I got the sense that if the pace had been slowed down somewhat and Barker had actually taken time to expand upon the supporting characters and the various islands that I might have enjoyed it more.
one of my longstanding favorites! i absolutely adore Abarat, from its whimsical world-building, to its amazing art. its fantastical and wonderful but it’s also just so cozy!! the story is so unique and so much fun to read. i loved each and every single character barker introduced. it’s weird in the best way!
Candy in Abarat > Alice in Wonderland every single time!!!!
Candy in Abarat > Alice in Wonderland every single time!!!!