Despite the popularity of Cornelia Funke’s other titles such as The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, and Inkheart – this is the first of this author’s titles I have read.  And it was delightful.  (The other titles shall remain in my ‘to be read’ stack!) 

Igraine is a wonderful fantasy for young readers.  It contains satisfying adventures and all the magical elements you could wish for – yet it remains uncomplicated.  I challenge those who claim, “I don’t like Fantasy,” to try this title! 

Magical royal parents, a talking cat (when in the mood), and an enchanted castle are all classical elements, but Funke makes it all fresh!  Pimpernel Castle is guarded by gargoyles who make horrible faces at strangers and eat cannon balls and crunch burning arrows when necessary.  Stone lions guard as well; like fierce stone doorbells they roar and bare their teeth for strangers but purr like cats for family.  Giants, dragons, all make their appearances yet the story remains unique with imaginative and original elements such as the Singing Books of Magic. 

One of the strengths of science fiction and fantasy are the clear definitions of good and evil.  Funke introduces very satisfying villains in the persons of Osmund the Greedy and Rowan the Heartless.  Obviously our heroine Igraine is one of the good guys, but her help comes from a very unlikely hero, The Sorrowful Knight of the Mount of Tears (or Sir Urban of Wintergreen).  Goodness and fair play triumph, of course; yet another reason to recommend fantasy to young readers.  Fantasy and science fiction can explore many moral themes without seeming didactic.

Igraine the Brave is a top notch fantasy – fresh and funky!  or should that be Funke-y!