The Abradizil
(1990)
`It all happened a very long time ago, in a very strange city, in a very distant land. You wouldn’t have wanted to live in this city. But Franz lived there’.
One day, Franz goes on an errand to the magician Grinwiss. Before long, he has made some very odd friends and joined in an attempt to overthrow the city’s ruler, Horg. Horg is a fearsome enemy, but Franz’s band must also deal with the sinister Count Ferencz.... Of course, it should all be easy enough, because Grinwiss makes an Abradizil, as other magicians made Abradizils, to be a very great hero. Unfortunately, this Abradizil doesn’t quite turn out as expected....
“Chris Riddell’s splendidly Gothic illustrations capture the flavour of this tale, set in a strange city in a distant land a long time ago. The style is as exciting and as funny as the plot of this refreshing novel.”
“Mere synopsis can’t possibly convey the full flavour of this brilliantly imagined and written book, ideal for 8-12’s.”
“Wonderful Gothic, an exciting quest, breathtaking adventures.”
“A great children’s book. Funny and original, it’s a brilliant, memorable read”
