Although I didn’t think *Inkheart * was especially well written, I’m compelled to read Inkspell in order to learn whether the last interaction with Basta was a crucial plot device or a complete deus ex machina. I haven’t been able to find a paperback copy, though it has a June 2006 publication date. Neither Borders nor Amazon lists it as directly available (though used copies are available). In fact, Amazon has the hardback on sale at less than the price of the 3rd party paperbacks. Of the paperbacks available, one is in German and three are from the UK. Was Inkspell such a massive bestseller that it sold out its first U.S. run? Or has the paperback publication or distribution been delayed in the U.S.?
A little more research–the ISBN and cover on Amazon and Amazon UK are the same, and appear to be the UK edition. I checked with a local bookstore and they said it’s not available in paperback from Ingram.
June 2007 sounds more likely. I’m a bookseller so…
Inkheart hardcover was Oct 2003, paperback June 2005. Inkspell just came out in hardcover Oct 2005 so I am going to take a guess and say June 2007 for that one.
pokey, interesting. But Amazon lists the pub date as “Chicken House Ltd (June 5, 2006).” One of the Amazon Marketplace sellers describes their copy as “Brand new Paperback - delivered from the UK in 7-10 days.” And Amazon UK lists it as in stock in paperback. Is it possible that the UK published it in paper rather than hardcover for its first run?
Sorry to double-post again. Amazon Canada has it in stock in paper (same ISBN) and in hardback.
Are you going by the ISBN 1904442838? Yes that’s a UK version. If you’re in the US, by the time you pay shipping I don’t think it will be worth it.
I don’t know if there was a UK hardcover but it’s not that unusual that they are on a different timetable.
Wierd. I have a dozen paperbacks or so at my work. This doesn’t help you any, I know, but I’m surprised that we have a book before, well, anywhere else. The hardback sold well (for a $30 childrens book) last Christmas. Is Inkheart a good read? The author sells well, and a girl I used to work with *loved * her, but I don’t think I’ve ever read her.
There was a UK hardback of Inkspell last October, but it’s now o/p. ISBN 1904442722, £12.99.
manx, are they the paperbacks with the UK ISBN?
I was hoping to pick it up in paperback in Heathrow, but with today’s political events I’m not sure whether that will be possible.
I found it a “meh” sort of read. If the plot point I mention in my spoiler is as I fear, I’ll have to downgrade from meh to rolly-eyes. I thought her characterization was pretty weak, and that she did a lot of telling rather than showing. I much preferred Stroud’s *The Amulet of Samarkand, * which has plot, action, characters who are consistent and make sense, and enjoyable description.
So please–if you’ve read both *Inkheart * and Inkspell, just answer the question in my spoiler box so I’ll know whether to bother with Inkspell!
Okay, I’ve now procured and read Inkspell. The answer is “deus ex machina.” How disappointing.
You can read my review here if you’re so inclined. Light spoilers, nothing too important.
I got my paperback of Inkheart through Scholastic Book clubs, as for Inkspell I had to buy hardback. Bobotheoptimist says April 07" it will be in paperback. I am currently re-reading Inkheart for fun, I don’t think I’ve gotten through Inkspell yet. I love the books! I like Fantasy type books a lot. 
I’m sure I’ve repeated stuff from other replies but oh well, I am stinkin’ tired and need to go to bed!