Reviews

Although the story is fantastic and I did feel attached to several of the characters, I cannot rate this book as highly as I expected for several reasons. Firstly, for a book about language so beautiful that the characters spring from the pages, the actual flow and sophistication of the words is not that high. I can excuse this for two reasons: it is a children's book and therefore must be simplified; and it was translated from German and although the translator has done a marvelous job, alliteration and similar language devices have not been maintained for obvious reasons.

My second reason is the one that made the book increasingly hard to finish: I struggled to believe the emotions that the characters were feeling. Of the many and varied characters in this book, I only truly believed Dustfinger. Dustfinger is the kind of character who would die for the little marten he carries around with him. And the best bit about him is that he would never tell someone that he would rather die than allow his pet to be harmed. It is shown by the way he was written in the book he belongs to. It is shown despite the many times the marten bites him and the more times that he criticizes the creature, he still loves it.

Contrasted to that, the love between Meggie and Farid feels forced and ingenuine. One moment they were staring shyly at one another and the next, Farid is kissing Meggie softly and telling her that he loves her. It was foreshadowed by adults teasing the two children about the other, but all I could think as they declared their affections was that it was very convenient they did love each other as there seems to be no other children their age in the book. Though Dustfinger looks at Farid and remarks that he remembers all to well what it felt like to be in love for the first time, we as the readers are not allowed to see that.

As far as stories go, I liked it. And I will read the next book in the series, out of interest in what happens next. But it was a struggle to get to the end and I can't see myself recommending it to anyone else.

howdidiendhere's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

sheisinquisitive's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Ever since I watched "Inkheart" as a child, two things happened:
1. I fell more in love with Brendan Fraser (to whom she dedicated this book? Wow).
2. I was fascinated by the world Cornelia Funke created and her initial idea. I mean, someone possessing the gift to bring book characters and elements to life in our world? By reading about them aloud? What an enchanting and terrible gift to have.

I revisited the movie, showing it to my much younger cousin, who never heard of it. That's when I realized how desperately I wanted to continue reading the series. I vaguely recall reading Inkheart but not the rest of the books. And so I re-read the first, then started the second... and I'm so glad I've continued.

I believe I'm in the minority with this, but I love the detail Funke puts into creating a scene, specifying an emotion (especially fear) and her so-called "ramblings." The imagery is astounding! It pulls you in, and you can almost see the world around you. I'm seeing the magic, these fantastic creatures, unique and unheard of in many other tales before it, and the use of elements (especially fire by Dustfinger and Farid) leave me wanting more. My imagination would take hold of me, and I'd be elsewhere. Reading Funke's work connects me to my younger self, a version of me captivated with a childlike wonder. Albeit, sometimes there doesn't have to be all of those details, but I'll take it! I'd rather have too many descriptions than none at all (and I've experienced that... read my review for The Inheritance Games, and you'll know what I mean).

The story goes in what I find to be the best direction. Moving from our world to the Inkworld made for an incredible story. More of a light fantasy with dark elements and histories, the second book in the trilogy swallows you up in the same way the main ensemble is swept into Inkheart itself. You're in the middle of wars across three separate leaders but two kingdoms with an odd relationship. Everyone possesses some sort of skill, magical or ordinary, but equally relevant. And you see some horrific sights, enchanting scenery, and luxurious (though terrifying) castles. Funke's world-building was spot on!

Because of the new settings, characters and storylines developing, I must admit it took me a while to read the book. I had to take many breaks in between, but not too long or else I'd lose track of what was going on. Perhaps I would've taken out a few chapters, but looking at it now, it felt necessary to include them. Every character, even Elinor, Darius, and Orpheus, had to stay somewhere in my mind, and I think Funke did a great job in giving every POV enough book time.

My only real points of criticism are:
1. I don't find Farid and Meggie's romantic plot believable. It seems sudden and lacks foundation besides him finding her beautiful and her ability enchanting. I'm also unsure why she likes him... because he admires her? I don't know. They don't really have a relationship. I like them best as individuals. It seems like they were set up to be together from the beginning, so it felt forced.
2. There is a lot of ambiguity with Farid's past. I want to know more about him. As the only POC character (I think?), there is so much to unfold with his story and identity. I only hope that Funke explores more of this in the final book.
3. I'm unsure why most characters don't just say things to clear up the air. What's with all the silence and vague responses? I would be curious, too, if my partner/friend/enemy disappeared and returned out of the blue. Or even having a few strangers showing up in my town.
4. Although I like the new addition of characters, there are too many to follow. But Funke already thought of that (somewhat) and included a little legend at the front! Still... there are so many people to account for, and their presence doesn't add much to the story. Some of them are just kind of... there.
5. It was too long of a book. I would've preferred the books to be broken into five books instead.

That being said, I loved it. I loved it so much. It's a new world, and I've yet to see a tale like this. Mo continues to be a favourite, and I enjoy seeing how complex each character is as they develop or let go of their identities/labels. Mostly, these characters are consistent in their development, judgement, and decision-making.

Bonus points for always having a map of the fantasy land in her books! I hope we bring these back!