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Abarat: The Abarat Trilogy, Book 1

(2004, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Clive Barker, Illustrated by Clive Barker)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Travelogue of the weird for kid fantasy fans.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Fantasy violence, but some quite bloody. References to Candy being abused by her father. Not really, but Barker's imagination leans to the grotesque. Candy is often in danger.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some drunkenness.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Abarat: The Abarat Trilogy, Book 1

Parents need to know that those with a taste for the creepy and bizarre this is a romp. For sensitive children, there's plenty here to induce nightmares. Either way, you may want to read and discuss the strange occurrences here together.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the thin plot. Is the descriptive adventure satisfying, or do you prefer stories with tighter plots? What would you hope to see in subsequent books in this series?

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Our Members Say

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See all 18 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    An Absolutly breath-taking novel!

    this is an amazing book! I read it about a week ago and i cant stop thinking about it. i can't wait to start the second one. Clive Barker truly has a wonderful imagination!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Fantastic imagery

    Humble beginnings offer the wildest possibilities. Wonderfully described, believable, true-to-life characters, some of them outrageously fictitious, make choices true to the story. Good guys surprise you by demonstrating maturity, honesty, loyalty and sacrifice. Bad guys fall prey to their character flaws. I read this with my daughters (10 and 12)and we all loved it. We eagerly await number three.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Great book for 10-11+

    This book is one of my favorite series yet. I loved the unique setting and the fantastically creative characters. Funny, interesting, and fun. Read it and the sequel; there is supposed to be a third book eventually...

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