Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

Standalone
352 p.
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: 1/5/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict 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. 

Gorgeously written and based on the Brontës’ juvenilia, Worlds of Ink & Shadow brings to life one of history’s most celebrated literary families.

My thoughts:

One of my favorite stories is Jane Eyre. So, of course, this one caught my attention. Not only do I love the cover, but I loved the idea. I was not disappointed.

The world is a mash up of imagination, story, fae world and reality. We are drawn into each of these worlds by all 4 of the Brontë siblings. As the stories intwine so do the siblings. Each having their own personality but yet complimenting the other in reality and in the imaginative worlds. Their bonds will be tested in this adventure but all come to the same conclusion in the end. There is no cliffie and this is a self contained novel. Sometimes these things can be so refreshing.

My only real complaint was the father. There was something more to him and we only had hints of what he knew. Did he know the extent of what went on in the household or did he only guess. I would have loved to see more interaction with the father since he seemed like an important character and yet still lived on the fringe of the story.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed my time here and seeing how the characters of Jane Eyre developed in Charlotte's imagination. I think that is what I was looking for in this book and I received what I wanted. I recommend it to those that enjoy YA fantasy.