Reckless

August 16, 2010
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, Funke twists fairy lore into a dark incarnation. A prologue introduces Jacob Reckless, 12, heartsick over his father's disappearance. The story then jumps ahead 12 years; Jacob, having figured out how to follow his father through a mirror, has made a name as a finder of magical items—seven-league boots, locks of "Rapunzel-hair"—in war-torn Mirrorworld, ruled by fairies and "Goyl," humans whose skin has turned to stone. Jacob's brother, Will, however, is mauled by a Goyl, and his skin begins to turn to jade; the plot is a race for a cure. The rich re-imagining of familiar fairy tale details is the best part, as there is little character development. There are few child characters, and veiled sexual innuendo and violence make this edgier fare. The writing is beautiful on one page, clunky on another ("But there always comes a time when a man wants to sense the same mortality that dwells in his flesh also in the skin he caresses"). Planned sequels will give Funke a chance to fill in the missing back-story that makes this a frustrating read. Ages 10–up.

Twenty-something Jacob Reckless, the hero of Funke's latest fairy tale-inspired adventure, is on his greatest quest ever--saving his brother from turning into a goyl, a man made of stone. Narrating newcomer Elliot Hill provides a strong reading that is well suited to the characters of Mirrorworld, the alternate universe Reckless finds himself in after he puts his hand into the magical mirror in his father's study. Hill's acting expertise is clearly demonstrated as he gives voice to the characters of the fairy-tale world--from the oily voice of a double-crossing dwarf to the hushed tones of the fairies as they try to lull the listener into their spell. Hill's soothing cadence makes the adventure seem even more real. An enticing start to this new series. E.N. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine