Abarat, by Clive Barker

[codjh9]

If someone has mentioned the Abarat books here before, then I apologize. If you like fantasy, but are tired of the same ol' same ol' goblins, dragons, elves, Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter type of stuff (not that those aren't all great), try these... I enjoyed the heck out of them earlier this year. There are 2 books so far, with a projected 5 total, but Barker is evidently so busy with screenplays, other novels, and painting that he's slow in finishing any more of these. Although the 3rd book MAY be coming out this fall - I'm not sure. And speaking of his paintings, the trade-paperback versions of these 2 books have the wildest art, not just on the covers but within the book as well. Unfortunately my copy of the first one is only the mass market paperback version, without all of the great illustrations.

OK... I'm remembering there IS a dragon in these books, but still, they're quite original and different. The heroine is one Cindy Quackenbush of Chickentown, MN, who's ... 13? ... and that's all I'm going to tell you. :^)

[n2doc]

1. Barker is slooooooow

Been waiting for a number of his sequels to come out, and wonder if he ever will do them. Imajica was a work of art, though.