requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 21, 2011 19:25:05 GMT -5
I don't know if anyone reads the Inheritance series, I sorta did when I was younger, but I noticed recently that they're doing a countdown to the last book. They make a discussion per week. Well, it's a little late for that for us, but I think I could do a mini one a day! Here goes!
[glow=red,2,300]Loose Ends #1 The Carrion's[/glow]
Let's get this out of the way. It was the number one loose end for years, and I would have saved it for last had new information not came out recently.
Is Christopher Carrion dead?
It was a question that plagued readers for years. Die hard fans noted that Clive Barker wouldn't kill off such a well-loved and deep character. Yet, at the end of Abarat 2 he writes him a wonderful death scene. He mentions topics like "a battle to the death" and the fact that Christopher looked quite dead on Candy's mother's bed.
Boa even says "He means to die with us."
However, readers that know Clive will know that he is a religious man. Is the wave that sweeps Candy, Christopher, and Letheo more a wave of ablution and less a "wash the bloated bodies out to sea" type of wave? It's possible. Clive also says the wave "carries" all three out. This is an important slip of tongue, possibly proving that Christopher's death was never concrete. Clive has also even compared himself to Christopher! Thus making it highly unlikely he could kill such a character.
Recently a preview of the book came out with a scene of Christopher regaining his life essence. This is concrete evidence that Christopher will go on plotting in Abarat 3 and most likely onwards. Thus, HE LIVES!
Zephario
Where is Zephario? All of Christopher's family is dead except for his father, who disappeared while Chris was still a babe. Where could this man have gone? Does it matter? Does he believe in love like Christopher, or is he mad with hatred like Motley?
There are very few clues pointing in any direction. Christopher himself described his father as a man who cared for his children, but also someone who grew passionate easily. Hence, he was furious enough to destroy an orchard when his daughter died.
Clive has said he is a powerful figure. And he must be, to have sired Christopher and been Lord of Midnight himself. To have included the story of the man and included his name in the Abarat books where every sentence costs a dime, we can only assume that he will eventually play a role in the series. When? Who knows, but he will be important.
Where is Zephario? Well, we know where he's not. He's not on Gorgossium, and he's not on Efreet. We can also doubt Pixler's island. That leaves three other night isles. Let's made a few guesses.
1am: Pyramids of Xuxux. Doubtful. Carrion's been there before, and the sacbrood are known to dominate the pyramids. Zephario would have chosen a pro-life place to live.
2am: Idjit. This is a likely island, though it holds little possibility as an interesting island for Clive to write about. Either you’re struck dead by lightning or live a life of euphoria and that’s about the extent of it. However, Zephario might have wanted this. His entire family was dead, he might have wanted to die with them or at least live happily without missing them. Plus, Idjit is a very close island to Gorgossium.
4am: Isle of the Black Egg. This is another possibility, as it is an island rich with backstory. It has also been mentioned as the home island of Geneva Peachtree. However, it could also be regarded as improbably because of the aforementioned reason.
5am: Speckle Frew is an island where Zephario was left pretty much alone. But isn’t it also the island Christopher did many of his experiments on?
10pm: Ninnyhammer. Since our very astute, yet slightly insane, little yellow friend lived many years here and never noticed him, we can most likely safely assume that Zephario does not reside here.
11pm: Jibbarish. This is an island of women who hate men. This makes it extremely doubtful that Zephario is here. But wouldn’t that be interesting if he was! Shipwrecked on an island of confusion and paradoxes, and living like a king with many ladies at his side! What a player.
So where is Zephario? I’d guess Idjit as the most likely. Or is he on a day island wearing a flowered Hawaiian shirt and sipping pina coladas? Or have I skipped an important fact about a night isle? What do you think?
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Post by Leeman Vol on Sept 22, 2011 1:40:25 GMT -5
I never really thought carrion was dead. But now I am 99.9% certain he is alive because of the new trailer. He has got to be one of my favorite abarat characters. Possibly one of my favorite book characters of all time. I just can't wait for the book to confirm this to all the abarat fans.
But what you say about Zephario, I am stumped.
P.S Great start to a new thread. ;D
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Post by lady on Sept 22, 2011 5:21:09 GMT -5
I think you will find your answer to the question abou carrion's father in this site :http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780060291716 where harpercollins has made available the fist 17 chapters including the PROLOGUE . I won't say anything else because i don't want to spoil it for anyone ....
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requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 22, 2011 20:21:00 GMT -5
ahhhh. spoilers! I'll wait for the book, otherwise I wouldn't be able to contain myself.
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Post by requiax on Sept 22, 2011 21:08:50 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]#2 Magic[/glow]
The magic users of Abarat have never seemed to follow many rules. Diamanda and Malingo both have used poems to put form to their magic, yet others like Letheo and Christopher have performed magic without a spoken word.
So, then, what exactly is Abarat magic? I’m going to try and come up with a few lines made by classic magic and see which ones the Abarat crosses.
1. Spellbooks have been crafted, and speaking the words perfectly allows you to use the spell.
Malingo has read Kaspar’s spellbooks and learned a few spells. He is quickly becoming quite the magician. We have seen Malingo make a glyph which requires specific actions and a specific incantation. If you don’t know the spell, you can’t create a glyph.
Yet we haven seen Diamanda make a spell up on the spot while she puts on of the Beasts of Efreet to sleep. This obviously does not require a specific order of words, though her poem is slightly lyrical. Does this mean that spoken spells must have an orderly framework to work through?
2. The power of the wielder effects the power of the spell.
John Mischief states that good magicians can make a glyph in moments, and for others it takes time. This must mean that the more skilled, and the more powerful, you are the better your spells.
Yet Candy has spoken a word of power that steadily increases in strength long after she’s released the magic from her. Is this just because Candy is just innately powerful? Or are some spells just more powerful than others?
3. Words of Power
As I’ve just said, Candy almost shook a boat to pieces with a word of power. This has been the only word we’ve heard of the ancient Abaratian dialect. Are all of their words this powerful? When will we hear more of the language? Why has it been lost? Or is it more common than we believe?
4. Only a few people are capable of magic.
To this I would have said yes, but after thinking through my argument I realized my answer was no. Malingo uses the entire group to help make a glyph. Letheo, who is quite illiterate at times, conjures up routes and speeds up boats.
Another important point is that Malingo taught himself magic through the use of Kaspar’s books. Is everyone capable? I’d say yes. But becoming powerful or even becoming good with small spells I think is very demanding, which is why we don’t see many people waving their hands about and creating things out of thin air.
5. There are a set of rules that relate magic to the physical world and state its weaknesses.
So far, though we can probably agree that the strength of the magic is a result of the user, we have not seen the magician tire from overuse of a spell. So we can assume that the innate energy of the magic isn’t coming from within the person.
Then what is the source of the magic? In other series magic stems from the energy of the user, an object, or is limited by what is “possible.” In the Abarat, magic is an energy, an unseen force, that is channeled by the user. I think it’s like opening a dam and hoping the water flows into the trench you dug for it. Yet, Christopher requires materials in order to magically create his moth.
Candy also “breathes” the magic back into herself. Which, in my opinion, is a very wonderful and unique way for the Abarat’s magic to work. We also see Candy and Malingo breathe the word “Rise” to get the glyph working again. Breath (even “Princess Breath” who breathes out the creatures of the Abarat) is very important to Abarat magic, but to what detail, we have yet no clues.
Note, however, the word “Abarataraba.” A nice little palindrome that will play a very important role in future installments. The Abarataraba is THE magical rule book of the Abarat, and it will surely be an interesting few pages to read.
From what I’ve gathered, Abaratian magic is either inconsistent, broad on a scope we can not yet understand, or is only barred by what you fail to imagine. I prefer the latter. Any thoughts?
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Post by Leeman Vol on Sept 23, 2011 1:41:39 GMT -5
I know this is going off of the subject but because magic popped up it reminded me straight away of Kasper Wolfswinkle, he also was one of my favorite Abaratrians. (My fav characters are't getting a lot of luck. Carrion and now Kasper) He dies on the Wormwood explaining in a shouting manner about how Boa is a part of her.
I can't remember where I saw it but it says about villains morphed and resurrected. This maybe a hint to Kasper coming back. But if he did he would have no powers because his hats are in the hands of Bill Quackenbush.
Do you think this could be a possibility??
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requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 24, 2011 22:16:46 GMT -5
I might have added this little part into the "mysterious baddies" segment I might have written, but ah well. ;D
Clive mentioned early on when discussing the second book that it would be more realistic. People would die. It would feel like something actually happened in the plot and that we weren't getting strung along. If one of your favorite characters died, it would make you feel fear for your others.
However, Clive seems to have trouble keeping characters dead. Officially we have 5 major characters that died in book 2, and 2 of them are still alive. Well, Diamanda lives on character-wise as a ghost, and Christopher seems to be back to havoc on an island. That leaves Tria, McBean, and Kaspar.
Then we have the resurgence of Kaspar's hats. I can understand why Clive cannot "live and let die" with Kaspar, he was the first Abaratian character painted after all. And he is a strange one at that! The idea of Kaspar being fully regenerated however doesn't sit well with me. He had a befitting death, and let's keep it that way.
On the topic of a morphing villain...what if Candy's terrible English teacher suddenly gained a bite just as bad as her bark? I think a resurrected villain in this sort of context is more probable.
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Post by Leeman Vol on Sept 25, 2011 6:21:57 GMT -5
I think it would be quite funny if Clive really did bring Candy's English teacher back into the story. I can just imagine her, hehehe.
The chapter in book one where Candy falls off of the moth and onto Ninnyhammer and where we meet the Terri cats, Malingo and Kasper for the first time is probably my most enjoyed chapter of the two books. I'm not saying that I dislike all the rest, he has written them beautifully.
Just out of curiosity Requiax, who is your favorite character and island? Actually this question is not just for Requiax. It can be for anyone so, same question to all.
Also, thank you Requiax for building this forum up again. It is obvious looking at the dates that the forum has died down a bit. (No offence to the Lady of Midnight, it is a wonderful forum) There has to be at least two people to keep a forum healthy. Every morning I go onto the forum before school and there is always something new. I know this is not relevant but you know.
Don't forget about the question to anyone who wants to reply. ;D
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requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 25, 2011 13:48:07 GMT -5
We are the only ones talking aren't we? hahaha well, I'm glad you're around too! Being able to say something and get a response keeps me excited for the book. My favorite character and island...there is so much that goes into picking a favorite character! I think the most unique and entertaining character is Mischief. My favorite villain is of course Christopher with how dark and brooding he is. And the nightmare tank is just fantastic haha. I still think Letheo might be my favorite though? XD I just like how he's sort of evil and sort of good. I like to be kept guessing. Or maybe I the girl in me just likes him for trying to save Candy from Kaspar. My favorite island is a much harder choice! I don't think I have one yet, actually. I just have so much fun hearing about all of them that I don't think I could choose yet. I'll get back to you after book 3, maybe I'll stop wavering!
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Post by Zirilla on Sept 25, 2011 14:51:35 GMT -5
I think that people are just too excited waiting for the new book. ;D My favourite character, hmmm. I do not know why but I always love reading about Jimothi Tarrie. Perhaps because he is related to cats and I love cats. But I have an impression after reading opening chapters of the new book ( I could not resist ) that my opinion about him may change. My favorite villain is Christopher Carrion. I really love this character. Favourite island... I prefer the Night but I do not want to have contact with the Beasts of Efreet or horrors of Gorgossium. I think that The Isle of Pyon before the fire and the creation of the Commexo City was a mysterious, quiet and peaceful place.
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Post by imajicaman on Sept 25, 2011 16:38:44 GMT -5
Favourite Abarat characters for me are, Mater Motley, Vol, Kasper, Carrion, klepp. I wonder if the Dragon Dutchess will feature in book 3 ? There is a painting of her by Clive somewhere on the official site? She looks very interesting. Any thoughts?
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requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 25, 2011 23:17:02 GMT -5
Dragon Dutchess? Sounds interesting. I have heard dragons will eventually be important, but I don't think in book 3. Jimothi, in a bad light?! I'm shocked. He'll twist anything!
Also, to celebrate the last day before the book arrives on my doorstep, I wrote three quick loose end pieces! Hopefully they catch everyone up on theories and such.
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Post by requiax on Sept 25, 2011 23:17:49 GMT -5
#3
The Sacbrood: Insects that have bred for many years inside of the Pyramids of Xuxux. They can be any shape and size, and can live for very long without sustenance. A few are also capable of rational thought and speech, one of which we know of. What’s their purpose for Absolute Midnight? To attack? To devour the islands? Or to blot out the sky?
The Requiax: Ah, my namesake. These dark creatures have barely been mentioned. They hide in the bottom of the sea in the darkest depths, unable to withstand light. They are terrifying, but that’s all we know of them. Will they be the ones to cause absolute midnight? Or are they the attackers? It’s hard to decide between these two species what their roles might be.
The Nephauree are known to hide between the stars and be vastly evil. They might even have a hand controlling Motley. They are probably the only beings born evil in all of the Abarat.
We know plenty about stitchlings and Mater Motley and Carrion, and we’ve even had time to gather an opinion of Rojo in the first book. He may seem like an evil character, but will his island become a beacon of light in the midnight to come?
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Post by requiax on Sept 25, 2011 23:18:40 GMT -5
#4 The one timers:
I felt that many characters have seemed like a character we wouldn’t see again, only to be surprised to find them again being used to a different purpose. Deaux-Deaux was the most prominent of these. There was also Henry Murkitt who appeared again to my surprise in the second book. It was wonderful how he and Diamanda saved the citizens of Chickentown. So this will be a talk about the one-timers we might have to pay attention to.
Rojo Pixler. Don’t forget his name. He is powerful in ways of technology instead of magic and probably knows a lot more then he lets on. He WILL factor in to the story at some point.
Jimothi: We’ve already met him twice actually, but I think his stint in the series is far from over.
Bill Quakenbush: His storyline has come full circle. Candy finally sees him for the child he is and her mother finally stands up to him. However, we know that we will see a resurgence of his character in a different light, but I’ll censure the details.
Letheo: His story has mostly been told as well. However, he was around enough in the second book to assume he still has unfinished business somewhere in the plotline.
All four of these characters share one special trait that stands out above other small time characters: they have had a portrait in the books. There are some other side characters that might become important in the future however, thought they are more speculation on my part.
Candy’s English teacher. I forget her name at the moment, but she was quite ferocious the first time we met her, and remains quite memorable. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her used in a different way.
Klepp: The Almenak is a famous piece of work. It is also his job to know important things. I don’t see why he wouldn’t start hanging around with Candy’s troupe.
The Brothers: They chase Candy off of the 25th Hour, and were frightening indeed. Since revisiting the hour is likely, we might see them again.
Motley’s seamstresses: I think we’ll get to know them better, so don’t forget that they exist.
Candy’s brothers and mother: We will definitely see her mother again, as Candy really does love her. This might be the first adventure fantasy I’ve ever read that includes a mother as a major character. Who we should look out for are her feisty brothers. Will they play a larger role? I actually think not. They are sort of static in my opinion.
The zethek Candy freed and rode on? Maybe? I think it’s a stretch, but it possible if not probable.
Inflixia Grueskin: Doubtful. But Clive has painted a very interesting portrait of her, and she was mentioned in the first book.
That about sums up everyone with any sort of influence. There will of course be many more characters to entice our minds. What do you think? Who’s more important than they’re letting on?
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requiax
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Post by requiax on Sept 25, 2011 23:19:17 GMT -5
#5 The 25th Hour
This is an important place. We’ve been there twice already, and we know it to be a place of no time, where the people there can see things they shouldn’t be able to, and of frightening creatures. Here’s a small summary of what I can gather:
Diamanda, Joephi and Mespa are not “leaders” of any sort on the 25th hour. They are magic users and might see the future or at least the goings on of the Abarat by watching the sky. They have an overlord who is very strict and frightening creatures which keep them at bay. This check on their power explains why they don’t run around the Abarat helping Candy all over the place.
Candy will visit the island again, and she will delve deeper. Perhaps others will go with her, and perhaps they will be driven mad. Maybe Candy will meet herself from the future. There’s no telling, but Clive has pointed it out as an important isle, and we would be lax not to pay close attention to it.
There is also a possibility of Candy being destined to replace Diamanda. The two are similarly adventurous and don’t care for the rules. It’s a powerful position and a fitting end to a main character. However, I don’t think Candy’s character fits a role of gleaning information from stars and sitting around some island. She might even want to go back to Chickentown. Her character might change into a disposition fit for the 25th, but it’s to early to tell. Just a small theory to have in the back of your mind.
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Post by Leeman Vol on Sept 27, 2011 1:30:57 GMT -5
All this talk makes me want to read the new book in one day. I wouldn't be surprised if someone did that. Today is the 27th and the Americans can go and buy there copies today. Now there can be no dawn, only MIDNIGHT ;D
Can't wait til I read it ;D
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