ABARAT

Clive Barker's first novel for teens follows Candy Quackenbush from Chickentown, Minnesota, to the Abarat, an archipelago of 25 islands--one for each hour of the day and the 25th hour, "the time out of time." Richard Ferrone has a strong, clear voice that lends credence to the story, but his narration does little to guide the listener through Barker's fantastic world. Ferrone's vocal characterizations are inconsistent, a problem in a story brimming with odd characters. But he does keep the action-packed narrative moving at a good pace, so this is a story well worth hearing. Most listeners will be ready to listen to the next installment in Barker's planned series. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]