Book Review: Reckless

Title: Reckless

Author: Cornelia Funke

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Blurb: 

Ever since Jacob Reckless was a child, he has been escaping to a hidden world through a portal in his father's abandoned study. Over the years, he has made a name for himself as a finder of enchanted items and buried secrets. He's also made many enemies and allies--most important, Fox, a beautiful shape-shifting vixen whom Jacob cares for more than he lets on.

But life in this other world is about to change. Tragedy strikes when Jacob's younger brother, Will, follows him through the portal. Brutally attacked, Will is infected with a curse that is quickly transforming him into a Goyl—a ruthless killing machine, with skin made of stone.

Jacob is prepared to fight to save his brother, but in a land built on trickery and lies, Jacob will need all the wit, courage, and reckless spirit he can summon to reverse the dark spell—before it's too late.

Review:

Hello people! I'm back! What--you didn't think you could lose me so easily, did you? Anyways, after not posting for almost a whole week (oh my, has it really been that long?!) I'm back on the blog with another review: Reckless by Cornelia Funke.  If you haven't read her other books (ie. Inkheart), I suggest you do so.

While I enjoyed the Inkheart trilogy (which is perhaps the books Funke is most famous for) I loved Reckless much more.  Why? you ask. Simple: it's the narration and world building.  Okay, let me backtrack a bit. I absolutely adore her world building--it's so fairytale-esque.  The real  fairytales, mind you, the grim and dark ones. It's a world full of magic and danger--friendly vixens and vengeful fairies. 

But wow...the world building for Reckless was simply stunning--I loved how Funke combined things from well known fairytales (ie. Cinderella's glass slipper) with her own magical world, making sure the "borrowed" references don't overpower her own original fairytale world, aka the Mirrorworld.  

The story/plot was also nice and I thought the third person limited POV was quite well suited for this particular writing style and story. It wasn't the most original, but the amazing world building totally made up for that, plus I liked how it maintained the whole fairytale atmosphere.  I enjoyed the diverse characters, and adored the relationship between Fox and Jacob.  Fox who is sometimes actually a fox and sometimes a girl (depending on her mood) has such a strong bond with Jacob.  They're like siblings-bestfriends-and-maybe-girlfriend/boyfriend all rolled into one.

And gosh, the suspense! Why do you have to end with a cliff hanger?? Why? Well, I'm going to the library tomorrow to borrow Fearless, the second book of the series. And I might buy the Mirrorworld Anthology as well.  

Anyways, final thoughts: my favorite part of the book was definitely exploring this vivid world Funke has created. I would highly recommend this book if you like fairytales, fantasy or books with awesome, magical worlds.

Rating: