Have you ever wondered what it would be like if, while reading a book aloud, one of the characters suddenly appeared in front of you. True to life, living breathing character, suddenly thrust from their world – wherever that may be – straight into the21st century.
This is the premise for the ‘Inkheart’ series. Silvertongue, aptly named for his ability to read characters into life, has kept this secret from his daughter Meggie, but it isn’t kept secret for long as she has started noticing strange people around their house. There is a story within a story, with vivid characters brought to life from the book Inkheart, written by Fenoglio. And so starts the first book in this series.
What I enjoyed about these books was the idea of who is writing the story, which brings to mind the idea of who is writing ones own story. Do you write it, or has your life already been written for you and you are just following the script?
These are delightful books! And the best part about it is that there are three in the series: Inkheart, Inkspell and Inkdeath. I have recently just finished reading Inkdeath after having discovered the first one about 2 years ago and I was not disappointed. The final book is full of adventure and magic just like the other two and they are extremely readable books. If you like books with a little bit of magic and yet reality at the same time, these manage to hit the balance perfectly.
They are children’s books but I personally think that one of any age could read them and be spellbound. If you are looking for books as gifts, these are a very good choice. I introduced these to my niece who adored them, in fact, I borrowed Inkdeath from her!
Has anyone else read them? If so, what did you think?
I absolutely LOVED Inkheart – but could not really get into Inkspell. I have yet to read Inkdeath.
I do agree that these books are not just for children — and I was particularly enthralled with idea of characters from a novel coming to life. It is a brilliant idea!
Hi Molly, I think once you manage to get into Inkspell, it gets easier to read. (Though I have to admit to not having had a problem there… i was waiting to eagerly and expectantly for it)
and yes, I agree the idea was a brilliant one!
Dear Cornelia Funke,
I’m a really big fan of your book Inkheart. I read it in 5th grade and really liked it. I also have Inkspell and Inkdeath. Your book Inkheart is so good that every chapter I read I really saw the characters almost come to life. I also had dreams about Inkheart. Mostly about being in the Ink world. Also my favorite characters were Capricorn,Basta,Cockerel,and all of Capricorns men.You are a big insperation for me. I also want to be an auther. You rock Cornelia Funke.