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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Finally getting around to "finishing" the series by redoing books 1 and 2 then starting 3.
Plus side: the beautiful illustrations!
Less of a plus: Everyone looks really similar behind the fantasy. I presume Barker gets better at painting.
Plus side: exciting story!
Minus side: lots of running. Lots and lots of running. Not my favorite plot element.
Plus side: the beautiful illustrations!
Less of a plus: Everyone looks really similar behind the fantasy. I presume Barker gets better at painting.
Plus side: exciting story!
Minus side: lots of running. Lots and lots of running. Not my favorite plot element.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the idea of Abarat but after listening to the audiobook, I have to say it wasn't for me. Glad I read it though. Probably won't continue on with the series
If you could imagine a Clive Barker world with all the strange and other-world imagery without the horror and scary stuff this is it. I loved it. It had a very surreal Alice in Wonderland vibe as the main character, Candy, explores this other world.
I picked this book in a free bin. I was drawn to the art work on the cover, saw it was a kids book by Clive Barker and that had me intrigued. I am not a horror fan per se but I did enjoy his book, Cabal.
Whats really extra cool is that all the illustrations are the oil paintings of Barker. At times I really liked it -the map of the world for example. At other times I was having personal conflicts with how I saw a character versus how he painted them. It basically was a 'me problem.' LOL
I picked this book in a free bin. I was drawn to the art work on the cover, saw it was a kids book by Clive Barker and that had me intrigued. I am not a horror fan per se but I did enjoy his book, Cabal.
Whats really extra cool is that all the illustrations are the oil paintings of Barker. At times I really liked it -the map of the world for example. At other times I was having personal conflicts with how I saw a character versus how he painted them. It basically was a 'me problem.' LOL
This is an interesting start to a series. The characters and places are pretty fantastic. It will be interesting to see where the series goes. I feel a lot of this book was laying the foundation for the series.
The first time I read this book, it was the paperback edition that didn't come with any of the illustrations that Clive Barker had drawn specifically for this book.
While the story was absolutely great, and bonkers, there was a feeling like something was missing.
Now that I've read this edition, with the illustrations I can honestly say that his is how the story must be read. The illustration add a sense of depth, and creative guidance to the fantastical realm of Abarat. It creates a landscape that helps you to understand just what exactly Barker is thinking. From just the words alone you'd think some things were just silly and not as great as they should sound. Add the illustrations and a whole new understanding is there. It really is a great ride.
While the story was absolutely great, and bonkers, there was a feeling like something was missing.
Now that I've read this edition, with the illustrations I can honestly say that his is how the story must be read. The illustration add a sense of depth, and creative guidance to the fantastical realm of Abarat. It creates a landscape that helps you to understand just what exactly Barker is thinking. From just the words alone you'd think some things were just silly and not as great as they should sound. Add the illustrations and a whole new understanding is there. It really is a great ride.
really should have read this back in high school when it was first recommended to me. it's good! it's just Too Much and yet again Not Enough for me in my old age. there's a lot of names that are gonna become echoes for me. "yebba dim day" is really fun to say and i'll probably say it a lot from now on.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If you could imagine a Clive Barker world with all the strange and other-world imagery without the horror and scary stuff this is it. I loved it. It had a very surreal Alice in Wonderland vibe as the main character, Candy, explores this other world.
I picked this book in a free bin. I was drawn to the art work on the cover, saw it was a kids book by Clive Barker and that had me intrigued. I am not a horror fan per se but I did enjoy his book, Cabal.
Whats really extra cool is that all the illustrations are the oil paintings of Barker. At times I really liked it -the map of the world for example. At other times I was having personal conflicts with how I saw a character versus how he painted them. It basically was a 'me problem.' LOL
I picked this book in a free bin. I was drawn to the art work on the cover, saw it was a kids book by Clive Barker and that had me intrigued. I am not a horror fan per se but I did enjoy his book, Cabal.
Whats really extra cool is that all the illustrations are the oil paintings of Barker. At times I really liked it -the map of the world for example. At other times I was having personal conflicts with how I saw a character versus how he painted them. It basically was a 'me problem.' LOL
not as good, interesting, or entertaining as i remember it
candy is a flat character who does nothing of her own volition and simply is pushed around by the tides of the plot
candy is a flat character who does nothing of her own volition and simply is pushed around by the tides of the plot