Reckless

Cornelia Funke's 'Reckless' is the thrilling first book in her MirrorWorld series, a dark fantasy adventure inspired by the Brothers Grimm. It follows Jacob Reckless, a young man who escapes to a magical world behind a mirror, where he lives a life of adventure. The story takes a serious turn when his younger brother, Will, follows him and is cursed, slowly turning to stone. Jacob, accompanied by a shapeshifting vixen named Fox, must race against time to find a cure, navigating treacherous landscapes, encountering witches, fairies, and monstrous Goyl. This book is best suited for young adult readers, approximately ages 12-16, due to its complex plot, intense peril, and darker themes including violence, torture, and character death, which are handled with a nuanced, often poignant tone. It's a rich, immersive read that explores profound themes of sibling love, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's choices.

Jacob Reckless is a treasure hunter in a world behind a mirror, a place of dangerous magic. There, accompanied by Fox, a shape-shifting girl, he's lived up to his name. But disaster strikes when his younger brother follows him through the glass. Unless Jacob can save him, his brother will turn to stone.