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howdidiendhere's review against another edition
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
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!
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!
bookishworm2016's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mona's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ashleigh_nicole's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
juso's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
booagnes's review against another edition
4.0
This particular rating is for the audio book only, not the novel itself. I've previously read a print copy of this book and loved it, so I already know I love this story. As for the audio book, I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. Brendan Fraser has done an amazing job narrating. He was able to give each character their own voice and personality so well that at times I forgot it was one man reading it. A great book to listen to!
arrk33's review
2.0
I know I am not the target audience for this book but woof. The characters are all selfish and naive and thoroughly unlikable. While parts of the plot were interesting, most of it was boring. The book didn’t need to be this long and we didn’t need to spend so much time lamenting. I can’t stand Fenoglio at all. The way girls and women are portrayed is kinda gross, especially with Brianna and Cosimos amd Mo joking about betrothing Meggie at 13.
Hopefully finishing this book will break me out of reading slump. There is a part of me that wants to read the last book just to finish it, but I just don’t know that I can read something that long out of spite and slight curiosity.
Hopefully finishing this book will break me out of reading slump. There is a part of me that wants to read the last book just to finish it, but I just don’t know that I can read something that long out of spite and slight curiosity.