I listened to the audio version of this book, which is narrated by Brendan Fraser. Unexpectedly, I didn’t think his narration of this book was as good as when he read Dragon Rider, but I think that’s just because Dragon Rider had more non-human characters that gave him a greater opportunity for sound effects and voices. This is still a very good narration.

I felt that the first book in this series, Inkheart, was actually a better story. It was also much more self-contained, written in a way that makes me think a trilogy wasn’t originally planned (though the door was open). On contrast, Inkspell is clearly part of a series. You could probably ready it without reading Inkheart first, but at the end you are primed and ready for book 3 (which is not yet out). The end of Inkspell is more a pause than an ending.

Despite my complaints and comparisons, this is still a worthwhile read and I am hopeful that the final book in the trilogy will be a good one when it comes out.

I’m in the middle of listening to the audiobook of this and I am in love! When it started, I had doubts, but now, in the midst of it, I am pretty much just in awe of the language and the writing. I think, too, it has to do with Brendan Fraser’s performance, but whatever it is, I can’t even imagine reading this book instead of listening to it. Being a librarian, I love to read and only “found” my love of audiobooks a year ago. Since then, audiobooks have been my constant companion on my commutes and I can’t see myself living without them. However, if I’m listening to a great audiobook and then get home and want to read, I find myself wanting if I don’t have just as good a book that I am reading. So anyway, my point is that I am truly enjoying this audiobook and hopefully, when I finish, I’ll want to buy the book for the school library, though I’m sure I’ll wish I could get an audiobook collection growing and include it in there. :)