Inkdeath (third in trilogy)

by: Cornelia Funke; Translated from the German by Anthea Bell

Published by: Chicken House (imprint of Scholastic Books)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Cornelia Funke is the author of one of my all-time favorite books, Inkheart. The second book in the trilogy is Inkspell; the finale is Inkdeath.

There are so many spoilers that could be revealed that it is difficult to write an adequate review; one in which you can summarize the story, but not give away important plot or character surprises.

Elinor (Meggie Folchart’s great aunt and avid book collector) is mourning the three-month absence of Meggie and her parents Mo and Resa. The family is in a world called Inkworld (a magical place that is entered when a book is read aloud) where the evil Adderhead has become immortal. His brutality extends to taking all the peasant children. It is Bluejay (a Robin Hood type character played by Mo) who must come to the rescue.

In Inkdeath Fenoglio is losing his ability to write. He’s taken to drink and allowed another to control his writings. Adderhead is ferocious and Inkworld is under siege, Meggie is alternating between loves and Mo doesn’t really want to return home.

The 663 pages of voluminous characters could make for a long review. Inkdeath is the darkest of the trilogy and the least rewarding.

Meggie, whom I love, was merely a cardboard character and backdrop in Inkdeath (as were many of the characters). Here she’s a girl in love who lost her way because of the focus on love. Mo was also disappointing. He didn’t want to leave Inkworld and really seemed distant, detached and uncaring at times. I could go on and on… .

The large cast of characters (and told from different perspectives) made me feel like the ball in a ping-pong game with my attention going back and forth in rapid fire. And yet the story is slow to start and rambles without focus for quite awhile.

Also of concern is that while Inkheart was written for the younger crowd (ages 9-12, Inkdeath is really directed at a much older audience (ages 14-18).

While my criticisms are numerous and Inkdeath is my least favorite book in the trilogy, it is worth reading. Note: I strongly recommend reading the books in order, the others first. You’ll love them. The cover (which I rarely note) is stunning and alone will sell Inkdeath.

Armchair Interviews says: A talented author who missed the mark. Inkheart was made into a movie release January 2009.

Author’s Web site: http://www.CorneliaFunkeFans.com