Fearless

Starred review from March 1, 2013
With time running out, aptly named treasure hunter Jacob Reckless returns to Mirrorworld, desperately seeking a way to prevent his own death in this riveting sequel to Reckless (2010). To save his brother's life, Jacob cut a deal with the Red Fairy, who cursed him by embedding a deadly moth in his chest, designed to destroy him within the year. Since then, Jacob has exhausted every remedy in Mirrorworld, including the All-Healing Apple, the Well of Eternal Youth and a northern Djinn's blood. As the reality of his impending death sinks in, Jacob remembers Guismond the Witch Slayer's crossbow, which, if shot into the heart, can kill many or heal one. With Fox, his devoted, shape-shifting female companion, Jacob embarks on what could be his final hunt through Mirrorworld, with Nerron, a ruthless Goyl treasure hunter in pursuit. As he tries to outmaneuver Nerron and outwit death, introspective Jacob gradually realizes he fears losing Fox more than his life, adding a poignant love note to the overall tone of despair. Adroitly building on layers of European fairy tale, Funke's original, rapid-fire narrative fearlessly transports Jacob and a bevy of ominous, multifaceted fantastical characters through a dark, decaying landscape in which death waits and honor is rare. Provocative, harrowing, engrossing. (map) (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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April 1, 2013

Gr 7-10-After saving his younger brother Will's life in Reckless (Little, Brown, 2010), Jacob Reckless now has to save his own. With only months to live after being cursed, he searches for the Witch Slayer's crossbow, rumored to give life instead of death when it's used out of love. He is competing for the crossbow against ruthless fellow treasure hunter Nerron; a stone onyx, Goyl, who's saddled with a spoiled prince; and other unwelcome companions on his quest. A map helps readers track Jacob and Fox, the lovely shape-shifting human/vixen who loves him, as they desperately search all around Mirrorworld while encountering such familiar fairy-tale characters as Bluebeard. The action lags a bit when it's interrupted by descriptions of this fantasy world's unique inhabitants and history, but it reads quickly because of its many short chapters. Jacob's and Fox's personalities remain a bit flat because the plot takes precedence, although more is revealed about Fox's background than in the previous book. Jacob's continued inability to express his love for her lends poignancy to their close relationship, which is in danger of being cut short. Recognizable fairy-tale lore such as poisoning by the "Snow White method" and intriguing characters like mysterious Norebo Earlking will keep readers waiting for the next book in the series. Recommended reading for fans of Reckless and for readers who like reimagined fairy tales set in a unique world.-Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2013
Grades 7-10 Urgency meets desperation in this fantasy adventure story, translated from the German, as Jacob and Fox seek the legendary crossbow that they hope will save Jacob's life. But they must find it before a fairy's curse takes its mortal toll, and only if Fox can summon the courage to shoot the magical artifact. In this sequel to Reckless (2010), Jacob and Fox race against time, death, and a rival band of treasure hunters who are equally determined to steal the crossbow. Along the way, shape-shifting Fox is trapped by a Bluebeard figure, while Jacob must deal with intense pain as his life is magically bitten away by unseen forces. Readers drawn to the first book by its nonstop adventure and fairy talebased elements will find more of the same here, while the main characters are somewhat more fully drawn and sympathetic. The ending leaves enough unresolved questions to ensure that another sequel will follow in the dark, enigmatic Mirrorworld series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)