Step into the enchanting world of Abarat, where a magical archipelago of 25 islands, each tied to an hour of the day, awaits! Clive Barker’s Abarat series is a young adult fantasy masterpiece that whisks readers away with Candy Quackenbush, a Minnesota teen who stumbles into a realm of wonder, danger, and self-discovery. Blending vivid storytelling with Barker’s own haunting oil paintings, this series is a feast for the imagination.
With its unique setting, complex characters, and themes of identity and destiny, Abarat invites readers of all ages to explore a world where time is a place and adventure lurks around every corner. Ready to sail the Sea of Izabella? Let’s dive into the magic!
How Abarat Began
In the mid-1990s, Clive Barker, renowned for his horror novels like Hellraiser, began painting vibrant oil illustrations for what he envisioned as a 'Book of Hours.' These 300-plus artworks inspired a sprawling fantasy tale, too vast for one book. By 2002, Abarat was born, marking Barker’s bold leap into young adult fiction. His goal? To craft a Narnia-like saga that upended fairy-tale clichés, blending whimsy with dark, dreamlike intensity.
The Heart of Abarat
The series kicks off with Abarat (2002), where Candy Quackenbush, fed up with her dull life in Chickentown, Minnesota, encounters John Mischief, a creature with seven heads on his antlers. A magical wave sweeps her to the Abarat, a 25-island archipelago where each island embodies an hour, from the sunlit Three in the Afternoon to the eerie Midnight of Gorgossium. Here, Candy faces Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight, and uncovers her mysterious connection to this world.
Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (2004) deepens Candy’s journey as she teams up with Malingo, a slothlike creature, to evade bounty hunters and unravel the Abarat’s secrets. Absolute Midnight (2011) escalates the stakes, with Mater Motley plotting to plunge the islands into eternal darkness. The series, planned for five books, explores themes of identity, courage, and the balance of light and dark, all wrapped in Barker’s lyrical prose and surreal imagery.
The Abarat’s islands are a character in themselves, from the floral chaos of Obadiah to the labyrinthine Great Head. Barker’s oil paintings, over 100 per book, bring this world to life, earning comparisons to Van Gogh and Bosch. The series’ blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure creates a unique vibe—think Alice in Wonderland meets a fever dream.
Why Abarat Resonates
Abarat has carved a niche among fantasy fans, earning praise like the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults nod and a Bram Stoker Award nomination. Its vivid world-building and Barker’s illustrations captivate readers, while Candy’s relatable quest for purpose resonates with teens and adults alike. Though only three of the planned five books are out, fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit rave about its originality, calling it 'lyrically beautiful' and 'wildly imaginative.'
The series’ influence extends beyond books—Disney once snapped up film rights for $8 million, eyeing a Harry Potter rival, though plans stalled. Abarat’s enduring appeal lies in its fearless creativity, inviting readers to embrace the strange and discover their own magic.
- Publication Years: 2002, 2004, 2011 (three of five planned books).
- Books: Abarat, Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War, Absolute Midnight.
- Awards: Nominated for Bram Stoker Award (2002), 2nd in Locus Poll for Best Young Adult Novel (2003).
Grab Abarat and dive into Clive Barker’s spellbinding fantasy world! Whether you’re a teen seeking adventure or an adult craving a fresh escape, the islands of Abarat await with magic and mystery.