Inkspell (Funke, Cornelia)

Of course, it's that sort of earnest, almost gushing veneration of books and book-loving that made the absorbing suspense-fantasy Inkheart so wonderful in the first place, with that lit-affection getting woven integrally into the plot (Inkheart being both Funke's first book in the series, and the fictitious book within that book, authored by the frustrated Fenoglio, now trapped within the book, er, within the book. Fenoglio, perhaps not surprisingly, self-referentially wishes in Inkspell that he had written a sequel to Inkheart.) Inkspell should serve as a special treat for fans of the first book, as characters from Inkheart who have found themselves in the "real world" (if there is such a thing) find themselves read back into their own mythic, word-spun world--along with some of our favorite "real-world" characters. As with the previous book, Funke's greatest accomplishment here is telling such a rich and involving (and fun!) story, while still managing sweet, subtle commentary on the nature of words and meaning. Expect a tantalizing finale, too--as Funke says, "No reader will forgive me the ending, though, without a part three." (Ages 8 and up) --Paul Hughes

Reader Reviews:

Better than Inkheart (0/0 people found this helpful)

I have to admit I found Inkheart tedious. Having got Inkspell for my daughter I was pleasantly surprised. Now in Dustfinger's world, we lose some of the duller characters and Cornelia Funke writes much better when in full fantasy mode, than when trying to recreate 'reality'. If like me you were half hearted about the first book, be brave, try this one. It's sooo much better. I'll certainly be reading book 3.

number 3 ? (0/0 people found this helpful)

Brilliant! Absolute genius! (0/0 people found this helpful)

I thought that inkheart was absolutely wonderful and I hoped that the next installment in the Inkheart Trilogy would live up to its standards! And it did!

This book hits you from the start, just like the first! This is a truly amazing book where you follow Meggie and Farid into the magical world of Inkheart, in Farid's search for his mentor, Dustfinger. Join them as they journey through Inkheart.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this remarkable book e.g when Meggie meets Fengilo, the orginal author of the book Inkheart, now immersed in his own story! But there are things going wrong in his story that he didn't write and never could have dreamed would come about, which he, with Meggie's help, intends to put right.
But I won't reveal too much!

All I can say is that this is another stunning, compelling book and I cant wait for Book 3! Brilliant!I just can't get enough!

What a Disappointment (3/11 people found this helpful)

After reading Inkheart, i was expecting this to be as good. Unfortunately, although the plot was quite good and the characters were well developed, it was very dragged out and could have been about a third of the size because barely any of it was action. Will not be bothering with book 3.

Great second book of the series (4/7 people found this helpful)

In her second book, Funke makes the story more complex than it was in Inkheart. The characters also grow in depth. Inkspel is at least as interesting as Inkheart was. I'd say it is truly engrossing. The mixture of suspense and fun is great and a hook to read. Another great series I recommend is "Why Some Cats are Rascals". I just read the first two books and they were awesome. I am looking forward to the third book...

Inkspell (Funke, Cornelia)

Cornelia Funke

Editorial Review: