Where to begin. I was introduced to the first book in this trilogy, Inkheart, a couple years ago and was hooked practically from the first words. I read Inkspell as soon as I could get my hands on it and then I ran into a problem; this last installment wasn't due to come out for a while and I waited in suspense to resolve these characters to their fates. I wasn't disappointed.Cornelia Funke has a very engaging writing style and this series also illustrated a depth to her imagination, somewhat like standing in between two mirrors and seeing your reflection going on and on forever. The very idea that Inkdeath and its predecessors is built upon, that reality can be sucked into a work of fiction and become a new reality, is mind boggling. Her characters are very three-dimensional and I loved the fantastical creatures she created to inhabit the Inkworld.
I do wish that Meggie's part in this last book had been bigger and I kept wishing that she was older so that her slow romance could lead to a bigger end. Also, I was a bit irritated with Resa. Her character just rubs me the wrong way for some reason and I wanted her and Meggie to have a more natural relationship in the end. As for Mo, I was bothered at first by his dual personalities, but as his struggle to find Mo amidst the Bluebird and Silvertongue brought him through his misery it seemed more fitting as the whole picture fell into place.
The ending may have been a little anti-climatic. It seemed a little too easy. I did find it interesting to see the development of Jacapo and his relationship with his mother, though. Loose ends seemed to be well tied up at the conclusion, with just enough space left for a spin off, maybe. Dustfinger and Brianna, Meggie and Farid, the death of Mortola and the Piper; relationships and unresolved conflicts received their crossed Ts and dotted Is and the story ended happily.
Wonderful and well-written. I will add this to my bookshelf.
