The Colour of Revenge
For five years, Mortimer Folchart, the bookbinder, and his daughter, Meggie, have enjoyed living in peace with their family and friends, leaving past events behind them. However, Orpheus Gemelli is determined to wreak revenge on those he believes betrayed him. With the help of an artist, he traps them all in a grey book, making them disappear into ink and paper. But things do not go quite according to plan and Dustfinger, his stepson Jehan, and a young girl called Lilia must save them all.
Anyone who has read the ‘Inkheart’ trilogy knows what an incredibly complex, richly detailed and absorbing world filled with unforgettable characters Cornelia Funke created. ‘The Colour of Revenge’ takes readers back to the Inkworld - and it was such a joy to return.
For those who have not read the previous books, a summary is given at the beginning of the book along with a list of characters to help them orientate themselves. The summary is written by Orpheus, allowing the reader to understand his motivation and desire for revenge, cleverly setting the scene and instantly piquing interest. However, although this story can be read as a stand alone, I cannot believe anyone will be able to resist reading the others!
Cornelia Funke is a powerful writer, depicting all sides of human nature, and does not shy away from portraying darker emotions, violent deeds and their consequences. The dark power of words, the all encompassing destruction of the desire for revenge, the ease with which some slide form one evil deed to another is all here- and yet so is the power of love, the strength of the bonds of family and friendship, the colours of affection.
‘The Colour of Revenge’ is an absolutely compelling and engrossing read. Although pitched at 9+, I personally would recommend it to older children- those in Y6, 7 and above- to immerse themselves fully in this world and its characters.
Will there be another Inkheart book? I hope so. I thought there would be no possibility of a return after ‘Inkdeath’ and I was obviously very mistaken…so here’s hoping!
The Colour of Revenge
Cornelia Funke, translated by Anna Schmitt Funke
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696184