Synopsis
I wish I was away in Ingo, Far across the sea, Sailing over the deepest waters, Where love nor care can trouble me…
Sapphire’s father mysteriously vanishes into the waves off the Cornwall coast where her family has always lived. She misses him terribly, and she longs to hear his spellbinding tales about the Mer, who live in the underwater kingdom of Ingo. Perhaps that is why she imagines herself being pulled like a magnet toward the sea. But when her brother, Conor, starts disappearing for hours on end, Sapphy starts to believe she might not be the only one who hears the call of the ocean.
Review
Ingo was a special favourite of mine when I was younger. I recently reread it, wanting to recapture that spellbound feeling I had the first time I read it. Dunsmore’s novels have the power to transport the reader, to make them feel as though they’ve entered another world entirely.
“Ingo” immerses readers in a world of enchantment, blending the allure of the sea with a sense of mystery and magic. This spellbinding fantasy novel, crafted for young adult readers, explores themes of family, belonging, and the irresistible pull of the unknown.
The story revolves around Sapphire, a young girl living on the Cornish coast, who discovers a hidden underwater world called Ingo. As she becomes entangled in the secrets of this mystical realm, she must navigate the challenges of divided loyalties between her terrestrial family and her newfound aquatic kin. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity and the delicate balance between the tangible and the magical.
Dunsmore seamlessly weaves themes of curiosity, the power of nature, and the bonds that tie families together. The ocean, a character in its own right, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop to the narrative. The author’s descriptive prose vividly brings Ingo to life, making it a character as real and complex as the human protagonists. The story delves into the consequences of choices and the price of embracing the extraordinary.
The allure of “Ingo” lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where the boundary between reality and fantasy blurs. The author’s ability to capture the essence of the sea and its mysteries is both poetic and evocative. I found myself captivated by the world-building and the atmospheric writing, which felt as though it had transported you to Ingo itself.
While “Ingo” is a captivating read, there were instances where the pacing felt uneven, particularly in the middle of the narrative. Some character motivations might leave readers wanting more depth and exploration.
“Ingo” is highly recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and environmental themes. It’s a captivating journey for those who enjoy tales of hidden worlds, family bonds, and the allure of the unknown. Young adult readers, in particular, will find the protagonist’s journey relatable and thought-provoking.
Helen Dunsmore’s “Ingo” is a compelling dive into a world where magic meets reality, where the sea whispers secrets, and family ties are tested by the lure of the extraordinary. It’s a beautifully crafted tale that resonates with readers of all ages, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a longing for the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.
Rating: ★★★★☆
You can get your own copy from Amazon
The Ink Thief 