Clive Barker, author of The Thief of Always, delivers an epic battle filled with fantasy and adventure that readers won't want to put down!
Candy Quackenbush, her allies, and her enemies are back in Abarat: Absolute Midnight, the third book in Clive Barker's New York Times bestselling Abarat series.
""The waiting is over. Tomorrow there will be no dawn. Only midnight, absolute and eternal."" Mater Motley, the Old Mother of Darkness herself—following the events of Abarat and Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War—has crafted a scheme that may destroy the Abarat, a vast archipelago where every hour is an island in one eternal day.
When Candy discovers Mater Motley's secret plot, she realizes that only she can bring an end to the destruction. Only she can stop the complete darkness threatening to abolish all hope and happiness from the Abarat.
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"The third in the Abarat series, this book starts out with Candy Quackenbush being interrogated. More information is given concerning Princess Boa, her relationship with Candy, Christopher Carrion, and Finnegan Hob. I loved the first two books and was eagerly awaiting the publication of this third book. Honestly, it left me a little disappointed. Malingo's character seems lacking somehow, not given the same personality as he has in the previous books. Story lines were started and then just left hanging with no resolution, as though they were just forgotten. The book was still good, just not up to the standard the previous two have led me to expect. I was also a little disappointed in the art work as much of it was just repeated from the previous books and in at least one place, there was no explanation that would lead one to easily identify the character."
— Tori (4 out of 5 stars)
“[Richard Ferrone] gives each character a distinctive voice and wrings every bit of humor and pathos out of the text in an astonishing performance.”
— School Library Journal“While the first books focused on introducing the abundant characters and settings, this plot moves ahead at full speed…Add in thematic plot strands about the cost of freedom, a budding romance, and hints of the next adventure to come, and readers will agree with Candy: “So much still to do: to explore, to solve, to feel.”
— Booklist“Fans will revel.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Utter garbage. HUGE disappointment in ending the series. I would rather have not had an ending at all for the series, for how poorly this one was written. "
— Kathy, 2/19/2014" Dissapointed. I waited for near on 8 years for this book and I couldnt get through it! Princess Boa is evil? A sudden new love interest? (I rather liked the Abarat series for its LACK of romance) And then during the part where Candy is on Motley's destructo-ship I lost interest. The imagery was confusing, details were melting together, and the book hadn't tied any loose ends together. And what was the point of bringing Carrion back? I'm really hoping the fourth book is the final one and that it answers all of my questions, otherwise I'll have wasted have my life on this series.... "
— Mika, 2/18/2014" That was a weak-ass ending. Like"Cashern" with its nonsensical beam of light. "
— lesleymac, 2/17/2014" I have no understanding of what happened in this book, except that the Hag's plan failed, but everyone is still alive. "
— Margaret, 2/7/2014" I read these books while waiting for the next installment in the Harry Potter series. Not nearly as satisfying. Entirely dreamlike -- bizarre and imaginative, but seemingly random and possibly meaningless. I will keep reading, to see if Barker ends up tying it all together. "
— Anica, 2/5/2014" have no idea why i bought the 2nd.. i don't really like the first one "
— vhey's, 2/3/2014" I love Clive Barker's "Abarat" series. A young girl named Candy Quackenbush (a name you have to love) from Chickentown, Minnesota is the heroine and the books detail her adventures in another world. The book is a fun read and has extraordinary art work done by Mr. Barker himself. "
— Erin, 2/1/2014" I had to stop reading it because of language issues in the first 5 chapters or so. Sad business. "
— Jen, 1/31/2014" I loved the first book of this series, liked the second, but the third "absolute midnight" was just gross. I didn't finish it. "
— Anna, 1/21/2014" More of the same: wonderful world, but a plot that isn't moving nor is terribly interesting. "
— John, 1/20/2014" Oh my Lordy Lou, this installment in the Abarat Quintet held me captive from the beginning. Even though it started on a somewhat slow and repetitive note, it soon swept me away into yet another amazing adventure. The characters became more realistic with each sentence, and the Abarat itself was revealed in such a way as to be terrifying yet beautiful all at once. I had a really hard time setting this aside for mundane necessities such as eating and sleeping and working, and the moment I turned the last page I felt that aching regret that comes with finishing a journey too too soon. I am BEYOND stoked for what comes next in this series. "
— Sarah, 1/18/2014" A heart-wrenching tale set in a wonderful world of fantasy! I loved every second of this, the second book of The Abarat! "
— Lauren, 1/17/2014" How I love this series! It's about a fantasy world with a young girl as the heroine. There are many fantastical characters and settings, lots of adventure. I can't wait to read the next one! "
— C-shaw, 1/17/2014" This sequel lost me a bit here and there, but I'm still very excited about the series. "
— Andrea, 1/9/2014" This is the continuing saga of Candy Quackenbush. The Narration is quite good. Christopher Carrion, Lord of Midnight, is determined to bring darkness to all of Abarat. Will he succeed? "
— Donald, 12/27/2013" Wow, this was just as amazing as the first two. I didn't know when I started if this was going to be the last of the series, but now that I know Barker plans on writing two more I am much happier. "
— Amelia, 12/25/2013" reread 2011. Not as good as #1. Love the drawings. "
— Lisa, 12/19/2013" Excellent sequel. Did not disappoint! Leaves me GASPING for more. Can't wait for the third to be out. "
— Anisia, 12/16/2013" Better than the first book, can't wait to read the third. "
— Rebekah, 12/7/2013" This series is very original and strange. I like it quite well, but its influencing my dreams. I also fear I will have to wait quite a long time for the 4th book. "
— Meritt, 11/24/2013" Oh my effin god! The craziest ending ever. Hope I dont have to wait another 7 years to read the last part. "
— M.E., 11/19/2013" I really love this world, and I'm really loving the way it's developed. This books was worth the wait, but I hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one! "
— Merythapy, 11/11/2013" Got a little bored with this third installment. "
— Jeannie, 11/4/2013" Unlike a lot of Clive's books, that I find start really strong and end really strong but have a tendency to bog down in the middle, this novel was a quick read all the way through. Strongly recommended. "
— Michael, 9/10/2013" This fantasy book takes place in a fascinating world where every hour has its own island. The main character is from our world, but has ended up in Abarat, a world where magic is very real. The book is exciting and keeps you listening to the very end. I can't wait to read the ending of this series. "
— Katastrofekat, 9/9/2013" Clive Barker is one of my favorite author. Oh and I love the Abarat. "
— Phyllis, 6/10/2013" I love these books. This last was really good though it did become a bit crazy and disconnected towards the end. Perhaps the next book will bring it back together again. "
— Tiffany, 3/7/2013" Action packed sequel! Lots of carnage and magic! I am looking forward to reading the third and final book of this epic tale. "
— Katie, 2/18/2013" It pains me to not give this book the full five stars. It was as mind-blowing and visionary as all books by Clive Barker, but it wasn't as good as the previous two Abarat books. I can't even explain why, I just know that I wasn't as sorrowful that it was over as I was after reading the other two.... "
— Midnight, 2/3/2013" I thought that the book was good because it was suspenseful, it had a lot of action and i am interested in the fantasy genre which this book would fall under. "
— Stephen, 11/23/2012" I think it slows down in the middle a bit, but not enough to lose a star. I love this series, especially with the fantastic illustrations, and the end of this volume really makes me want the next one. "
— Ehren, 10/26/2012" The instant love connection and the sudden change with Boa kept me from giving this five stars "
— Hacen, 8/16/2012" I was surprised by how slowly this book read, but it was, as usual, an amazing and interesting story! I can't for the fourth and fifth books! "
— Carolyn, 6/5/2012" The best writing was towards the end, but altogether predictable if you're paying attention. "
— Violetta, 5/18/2012" While book 1 was enjoyable, this improved on the concept and writing in many ways. "
— Perrin, 3/10/2012" I have read all 3 of the Abarat books.It's a great fantastical story,sometimes hard to follow,but a lot of fun! "
— Deedra, 2/13/2012" Frustratingly loose-threaded. Here's hoping the next volume won't take seven years to appear. "
— Bewarethefish, 1/16/2012" I like the whole theme in the Abarat series, but the book is a lot longer than it needs to be and really drags! "
— MacKenzie, 11/4/2011" too cool to miss it "
— Sandra, 10/16/2011" The second book just didn't meet my expectations. Sad. "
— Carolina, 8/9/2011" Not as engaging for me as the first one, but a few answers were given and there is enough going on of interest to make me want to read the third one when it comes out later this year. "
— Cheri, 6/11/2011" Excellent sequel. Did not disappoint! Leaves me GASPING for more. Can't wait for the third to be out. "
— Anisia, 6/9/2011" <3 his Abarat series. Harry Potter equivalent but has more imagination. "
— Charles, 6/3/2011" As good as the first one, just cant wait for the 3rd one to come out! Illustrations are amazing. "
— Sharon, 4/9/2011" This is one of the better young adult fantasy series I've read. Dark, dark, dark. But good. "
— Lisalit, 3/5/2011" A fantastic sequel in a fantastic series. "
— Gage, 12/26/2010" Darker, longer, not so standalone. Makes you wish it hadn't taken two extra years to get the next one. Loses a bit of wonder in favor of more plot, but should still have enough to go around. "
— Alexander, 12/14/2010" Not as brilliant as the first book, although it was a joy to read! "
— Amanda, 12/10/2010" this book was great i liked the first book more but this was also a great book. it is about a girl named candy whop is in abarat and is in real danger it is a vary exciting book i recomend reading first book first so that the book is clearer to you. "
— Jeremiah, 11/29/2010" I LOVE these Books can't wait for the third. "
— Tina, 11/27/2010Clive Barker is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the New York Times bestsellers Abarat; Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War; and The Thief of Always. He is also an acclaimed painter, film producer, and director. For twelve years, he has been working on a vast array of paintings to illuminate the text of The Books of Abarat. He lives in California and shares his house with seven dogs, three cockatiels, several undomesticated geckoes, an African gray parrot called Smokey, and a yellow-headed Amazon parrot called Malingo.
Richard Ferrone recorded over 150 audiobooks including thrillers, romances, science fiction, and inspirational novels. He won the prestigious Audie Award and was a finalist for four Audie Awards, including for Best Solo Male Narrator. He was named an AudioFile "Voice of the Last Century" and a "Rising and Shining Star." He earned many AudioFile Earphones Awards, including being named the 2011 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense as well as the 2009 Best Voice in Science Fiction and Fantasy. A science fiction fan, he narrated Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. He also narrated works by James Patterson, Walter Mosley, John Sandford, Eric Van Lustbader, and Stuart Woods.