Inkspell

by Cornelia Funke

I got a copy of inkheart a year or two ago, and unintentionally stayed up all night reading it. so I was disappointed when I heard that inkspell was a much less interesting story. however, I'd like to put in my two bits' worth and say that I'd place inkspell in my top 20 favorite books. (there really isn't a list like that, but someday I may make one.) I bought it to read the week before we got married, and I'm glad I had such a fantastic book to keep me occupied. it may be that some people think the story is too predictable; the fact that I, who seldom gives a thought to the obvious foreshadowing in novels, was able to figure the story out does lend some credibility to the argument. but I felt that it was altogether so well-written (and, particularly, so well-translated) that it is quite definitely worth reading. as a general rule I shy away from trilogies or series, especially in juvenile literature; I like a book to be self-contained and not force me to hunger after a second, third, fourth book to understand the story as a whole. and I was actually quite surprised to find an obvious opening for a third ink novel as the ending of inkspell. pleased, though, because I very much enjoy cornelia funke's writing. highly recommended to those who like juvenile fantasy.