It's official: Cornelia Funke is a genius! Ok, maybe not, but she is a fantastic writer. A lot of books have a good story and good writing, but sometimes you stumble upon books that have EXCELLENT plotlines and EXCEPTIONAL writing. Reading Inkheart and now Inkspell has been a true delight. Her words are like candy; I just gobble them up and always want more after the book is finished. Her descriptions and use of adjectives are perfect, and never get lost in themselves or too wordy like Tolkein and Jordan tend to do. Here is an excerpt from Inkspell; notice how the words bring a clear picture to mind: 
 "A broad, sandy beach edged the bay. Where it joined the trees a long wall and a tower rose, sand-colored and inconspicuous. There was not a soul to be seen on the beach, no boat was drawn up on the pale sand, only that building -- the low tower and the long, tiled rooftops hardly visible behind the wall. A path wound toward it like a viper's trail, but Dustfinger led them around to the back of the building under cover of the trees. He beckoned impatiently to them before disappearing into the shadow of the wall. The wood of the door outisde which he was waiting for them was weathered, and the bell hanging above it was rusty with the salty wind. Wildflowers grew near the door, faded blossoms and brown seed heads with a fairy nibbling at them. She had paler skin than her woodland sisters. It all seemed so peaceful. The buzz of a wasp reached Meggie's ear, mingling with the roaring of the sea..." 
 See? Amazing. 
 I loved Inkspell even more than I loved Inkheart. It was full of action, adventure, true love, suspense, mystery, heartbreak, and hope. I can't wait to read the next and final installment of the trilogy, Inkdeath. Cornelia Funke has solidified her place as one of my favorite authors of all time with this series.