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Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley is so original and has a concept unlike any other. There are fictionalized descriptions based on the Brontë family that seem very accurate. This book does have a really slow plot at some points, however, that makes reading hard. I did enjoy the story, though, and consider it a must-read for fans of the Brontës.
Author: Lena Coakley
Publisher: Amulet Books
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Rating:
Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been close. After all, nothing can unite four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict, spartan upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Worlds of ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley
❀ One-of-a-Kind Concept
Worlds of Ink and Shadow has a one-of-a-kind concept that blew my mind! This book is based on the Brontë siblings’ childhoods, though it is all imagined. I have never read any book fictionalizing a famous person’s childhood, so this one really intrigued me. This book isn’t just about childhood, however. The sisters create worlds through their writing and slowly fade away from real life. This book really has it all! I loved how accurate this book seems with its historical details, and appreciate how much research the author must have done to create this book.
❀ Incredible Depictions
The depictions of the Brontë sisters in Worlds of Ink and Shadow are so incredible. Their personalities are so full of life that you can’t help but love them. My personal favourite is Charlotte, since she has the best ideas and plans in her stories. All the characters in this book were so well developed that the reader can empathize with them and become somewhat attached to the sisters. I absolutely love when you love a character so much that you don’t want to let them go!
❀ Very Slow-Paced
Though I enjoyed so many things about Worlds of Ink and Shadow, there was one thing that really bothered me. The plot is very slow at times and it was hard to motivate myself to keep reading. This was disappointing for me, since I loved all of the concepts of the book. I pushed through to the end because I felt the need to find out how everything would play out. I will say that the ending does pick up, so even though the plot can become quite slow, the ending makes it all worth it.
❀ Brontë fans will enjoy
Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley has such a creative and intriguing concept. The depictions of the Brontë family seem so accurate and are so entertaining to read. However, the plot becomes really slow at some points, but does eventually pick up. I would definitely recommend this to fans of the Brontë sisters’ works!
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.