Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (original 2004; edition 2004)

The continuing adventures of one Candy Quackenbush making her way through the Abarat. She finds more friends and allies, continues having to evade the Lord of Midnight and Mater Motley, and connecting more and more to this world she had not even known existed scant weeks before. Why do these places seem to familiar? Why is it she knows such powerful magic? Will she ever return home?

I highly recommend finding a copy which includes Barker's artwork. They add a hefty dose of enchantment to an already mythic tale. ( )

In the second book of the Abarat series continues the adventures of the little girl Candy. What can I say? Barker's fantasy is simply fascinating... I can hardly wait the sequel. ( )

This is the second book in Clive Barker's Abarat series and I think he has created a wonderful and fantastical world in these stories. The world of Abarat is a vast archipelago where every island is a different hour of the day.

In the first book, we were introduced to Candy Quackenbush, a young girl from Chickentown, Minnesota who is swept away from Chickentown on a wave that takes her to the Abarat. In this second volume we find out more about Candy's links to the Abarat and the plans the forces of Night have for Absolute Midnight to descend on the islands.

My editions of these books are the hardcover, illustrated editions which each contain over a hundred paintings by Clive Barker of the islands and their inhabitants. I think the paperback editions of these books don't include these paintings and I would really recommend trying to get hold of a copy with the illustrations if possible because I think they add so much to the story.

These are children's books so although there are elements of horror and the grotesque in the stories it is toned down to an appropriate level for older children. The books don't have the fast pace of other popular young adult books like The Hunger Games series but I enjoyed being able to take the time to discover the Abarat and the wonderful world Clive Barker has created.

Sadly, book 2 was released in 2004 and there has been a long wait for the third book which still isn't released. But if you can cope with a wait for book 3 I would recommend this series. ( )

Like a REALLY trippy version of Alice in Wonderland with Clive Barker's flavoring. Excellent. ( )

Reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz Mirrormask Legend and other fantastic journeys Abarat is an exciting delightful read. ( )