I have often mused to myself about what it would be like to find myself in the world of some story or other. I've rarely carried the thought experiment out to its logical conclusions, however - daydreams are generally more satisfying if you don't have to sort out how you'd go about brewing lice repellent with medieval-era materials, or worry about any of those deliciously horrifying villains stumbling upon you when they're out villaining, and you without the protection of the Power of Plot.
Of course, as Inkdeath - and the two preceding volumes - are themselves stories, the protagonists do indeed have the Power of Plot on their side as they continue their journey through Fenoglio's world (initially depicted in Inkheart), but for quite a few of the dips and twists of the story contained herein, it is quite possible to forget that - not to mention, when one does remember it, one often does find oneself wondering if maybe it's actually that kind of story after all...
A gripping tale, all in all, and highly recommended to anyone who enjoys exploring the concept of story (including metafictional ideas), or indeed who enjoys good-quality storytelling for its own sake.
