Horror News and Commentary

Barker's "Abarat" Grows to Five Books

I thought it was staggering enough to learn that Clive Barker--who has been saying in interviews for months that he's nearly finished with his Pinhead novel, "The Scarlet Gospels"--is back to another draft of the "Hellraiser" epic ... on page 1,209 of about 3,000, to be precise. But a new interview for his Revelations Web site additionally reveals that Clive has decided, and had approved by his publisher, to expand his "Abarat" series of books for young readers (of all ages, as the saying goes).

This is no small commitment from a man who still owes his fans a couple of adult novel sequels and numerous promised films. But I'm sure I speak for many admirers of Clive's work when I say that the "Abarat" saga has cast an unexpected spell, and that it's prominence in his creative life is well met by the enthusiasm and adoration of his reading public.

Now, what the hell's up with the $8 million deal he made with Disney some time ago for movie and theme park rights for the "Abarat" cycle? I don't have an answer for you, but something odd is in the air. Clive makes an oblique reference to the prospects of an "Abarat" film in an Authors on Tour podcast that can be downloaded here. I nervously await clarification.--Pete Mesling

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Posted by Pete on March 27, 2006 12:40 PM
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