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series Reading Order

Abarat Books in Order

3 Books
2002 – 2011 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

To experience the magic of the Abarat archipelago, you must follow the chronological path of Candy Quackenbush. Because the story follows a single linear progression, reading the books in publication order is the only recommended path. There are no side novels, spin-offs, or co-authored works in this universe, making the reading order straightforward.

  1. Abarat (2002) – Also published as Abarat: The First Book of Hours, this introduces Candy Quackenbush, Chickentown, and her crossing over into the Sea of Izabella.
  2. Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (2004) – The second installment, where Candy's understanding of her destiny deepens as the forces of light and dark prepare for war.
  3. Abarat: Absolute Midnight (2011) – The third book, raising the stakes as Mater Motley attempts to plunge the entire archipelago into eternal darkness.

The Future of the Series

Clive Barker originally planned Abarat as a five-book saga. While the first three books are available, the final two parts of the quintet are currently in progress but remain unpublished. The planned titles are:

  • Book 4: Kry Rising (In progress / Unpublished)
  • Book 5: Abarat: Until the End of Time (Working title / Unpublished)

Reading Caveats and Illustrated Editions

The defining feature of the Abarat series is Barker's massive collection of oil paintings, which are deeply integrated into the narrative. If you are planning to read these books, it is highly recommended to seek out the physical, fully illustrated hardcover editions. The illustrations are not mere decorations; they are crucial to visualizing the bizarre creatures, landscapes, and hours of this unique universe. Additionally, readers should be prepared for a major cliffhanger at the end of the third book, as the fourth book has faced extensive delays due to Barker's health and the time-intensive process of creating hundreds of paintings for each volume.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct reading order for the Abarat books?

You should read the series in publication order: Abarat (2002), followed by Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (2004), and then Abarat: Absolute Midnight (2011).

QIs the Abarat series completed?

No, the series is not complete. Clive Barker planned Abarat as a 5-book series, but only the first three books have been published so far. The fourth book, Kry Rising, is still in progress.

QAre there any Abarat spin-offs, short stories, or co-authored books?

No, there are no spin-offs, short stories, or co-authored books. The Abarat series is written and illustrated solely by Clive Barker and follows a single main storyline.

QWhy has it taken so long for Book 4 (Kry Rising) to be released?

The delay is primarily due to the unique nature of the series. Clive Barker paints hundreds of custom oil illustrations for each book alongside writing the manuscript, a process that takes years, compounded by health challenges over the last decade.

QDo I need to read the illustrated version of Abarat?

While the text is the same, reading the fully illustrated versions is highly recommended. Barker's vivid oil paintings are an essential part of the world-building and significantly enhance the reading experience.

QWho is the main protagonist of the Abarat series?

The main protagonist is Candy Quackenbush, a teenager from the mundane Chickentown, Minnesota, who is swept away to the magical archipelago and discovers she has a deep connection to its history.