Worlds of Ink and Shadow

Worlds of Ink and Shadow: A Novel of the Brontës

by Lena Coakley

US Cover

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.

Canadian Cover

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

Awards and Nominations

—2017 White Pine Award Nomination

Other Honours

—OLA Best Bet

—Quill and Quire Best Books of the Year 2016

—CBC Best Books of the Year 2016

—CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection

Praise for Worlds of Ink and Shadow–

* Coakley has written an intricate, evocative and imaginative story that honours its subjects’ legacy while expertly building on the foundation of emotionally resonant storytelling at which they were so proficient.
—Quill and Quire (starred review, editor’s choice)
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Worlds of Ink and Shadow belongs on the classics shelf.
—National Reading Campaign
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A luscious, indulgent read about the addictive escapism of writing fiction, with Coakley making inventive and crafty use of her source material. This is part BBC miniseries and part literary Minecraft for the bookiest book lover.
—The Globe and Mail
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This sad but fascinating look into the tragically short lives of the famed siblings successfully mixes facts with a fantastical premise to create a gripping and innovative story. VERDICT A strong historical fantasy that will appeal to readers who are already fans of the Brontës’ novels and spark interest among those unfamiliar with their works and lives.

—School Library Journal

“THIS BOOK BLEW MY MIND.”
—The Guardian
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An ingenious premise and a richly drawn cast of characters make for an eerie and compelling read in this fantastical origin story of the Bronte siblings.
— Kenneth Oppel
Award-Winning Author of The Nest, Airborn and Silverwing