Reckless by Cornelia Funke - review

Jacob has a secret. He knows the mirror in his missing father’s study can lead him to another world, a world filled with magic, a world where he can lose himself amid witches and fairies, dwarves and trolls, shape-shifting foxes, and so much treasure.

And all it takes is one mistake, after all those years of caution. He is impatient; he doesn’t wait to make sure his brother, Will, is asleep. Will follows, of course, leaving Jacob guilt-ridden when Will is cursed and starts turning to stone. But this is no ordinary curse and Will seems to be turning into the Jade Goyle of legend. Can Jacob find a cure in time? The race is on.

I tumbled headlong into this adventure, emerging dazed and astounded, still caught in Funke’s delicious fairy tale world. I was caught in the dark, dark side of the Grimm legends, where nothing is as it seems, and all is dangerous. Here fairy tales have grown up and the stories are complex, rich, and like nothing you’ve read before. You have no idea where this story will take you – you just have to buckle up and enjoy the ride. I think this is Funke at her very best.