4 Stars: A Great Read
Series: Mirrorworld #1
Paperback: 400 Pages
Publication: September 5, 2011 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
For years, Jacob Reckless has been escaping to another world–a world behind the mirror, where witches haunt the forests and fairies and dwarfs roam. A world for treasure hunts and magnificent quests–but also a world locked in a deadly war.
Jacob’s secret seems safe, until one day his younger brother Will follows him, to disastrous consequence. Faced with a curse that is quickly turning Will to stone, the Reckless brothers are thrust into a race against time to find a cure before one of them is lost forever.
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, master storyteller Cornelia Funke introduces a lush, enchanting landscape of fairy tales and legends re-imagined as never before. Reckless is a thrilling adventure and a tale of heroism, filled with danger, mystery, and above all, magic.
Cornelia Funke has one incredible imagination. Ever since reading Inkheart, I’ve been a big fan of hers, so I was really excited to be given the opportunity to review Reckless. She didn’t disappoint. Overall, Reckless is a highly enjoyable read filled with a brilliant cast of characters that comes to life through the magic of Cornelia’s rich, vivid imagery, and the strong voices that she implants within them.
Reckless takes place in an enchanted world ruled by dark magic, inhabited by fantastical creatures, and saved by heroes’ sacrifices. While I would have enjoyed getting to know Jacob better, seeing how he’s the protagonist, Cornelia successfully integrated multiple perspectives into the story without confusing me at all. In the long run, I appreciated knowing what was going on where, as it added more suspense and foreshadowing to the story and allowed me to appreciate characters that I wouldn’t have liked much otherwise.
Being in his twenties, Jacob is an older protagonist for a YA book; however, it doesn’t take away from the ability of younger teens to relate to him should they decide to pick up Reckless. He knows love, despair, and anger. He possesses a strong will. And his friends are as loyal and courageous as he is. All of these make him the hero that we want to see.
Joining Jacob as he seeks the cure to save his brother’s life and protect a world from impending evil has been quite an adventure. I enjoyed meeting the Mirrorworld counterparts of many fairy tales that we heard growing up. Cornelia Funke is a master storyteller. I would definitely recommend reading Reckless if you enjoy darker fantasy stories and don’t mind an older protagonist. I can’t wait until its sequel comes out!
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An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
France says
These stories are not ment for kids they are meant for young adults they also are not meant for full grown adults they are meant for teens.I understand that you may not like these kinds of stories but its whats popular. If your daughter is mature enought and likes these kinds stories you sould let her read them its all a part of growing up.
Raimy-rawr says
I read Inkheart this week and LOVED it, I have this one but I think I want to read the other two in the Inkheart series before I start this one! It does sound ace though, great review
Giselle says
This sounds very original I've been debating if I should buy it or not but I think I will. Excellent review!
Giselle
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Natalie Aguirre says
I love Cornelia Funke too Kris. I totally agree with your review. I'm looking forward to the sequel.