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TL;DR: Twelve years ago, Jacob Reckless discovered a mirror in his missing father's study that led to a dark fairy-tale world called the Mirrorworld. Now a grown treasure hunter there, he must save his younger brother Will, who followed him through the mirror and was cursed. Will is slowly turning into a Goyl, one of the stone-skinned warriors who are conquering the land.
Table of Contents
Reckless at a Glance
| Author | Cornelia Funke |
| First published | 2010 |
| Type | Fantasy |
| Best for | readers who want a dark, grown-up fairy-tale adventure |
Reckless: The Petrified Flesh is the first book in Cornelia Funke's Mirrorworld series, published in 2010. It reimagines classic fairy tales in a darker, more dangerous world. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes violence, curses, death and frightening creatures.
Main Characters
- Jacob Reckless: A treasure hunter in the Mirrorworld.
- Will Reckless: Jacob's younger brother, who is turning to stone.
- Fox: A shapeshifter who can become a vixen.
- Clara: Will's girlfriend.
- The Dark Fairy: A powerful, dangerous fairy.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The mirror
Jacob was twelve when he found a mirror in his father's study that led to another world. For years, he spent more and more time there, searching for his father and hunting magical treasures. Now Will has followed him and been attacked by a Goyl, a stone-skinned warrior. Jade is growing over his skin.
Fox
Jacob's closest friend in the Mirrorworld is Fox, a girl who can turn into a vixen. She helps him find a cure. The Goyl are at war with the human empire. Their king, Kami'en, believes a prophecy about a Goyl with jade skin who will make him unbeatable. Will may be that Goyl.
The journey
Jacob, Will, Clara and Fox travel through dangerous lands, facing witches, giants and other creatures from twisted fairy tales. Will grows colder and more Goyl-like. Clara stays loyal to him. Jacob is driven by guilt, because Will is in danger because of him.
The Dark Fairy
Jacob learns that the curse was placed by the Dark Fairy, who is in love with the Goyl king. To cure Will, Jacob must find the castle where Sleeping Beauty once slept, and use the power of a true love's kiss. The journey is full of danger, and the Goyl and their hunters pursue them.
The cure
At the castle, Clara kisses Will, and the curse is broken. But the Dark Fairy is furious. Jacob pays a terrible price for saving his brother: he is cursed in return, with a moth-shaped mark that will slowly kill him. Will is restored, but Jacob's own story, and the war between Goyl and humans, are far from over.
5 Key Takeaways
- Guilt can drive a person to great lengths.
- Fairy tales can be dark and dangerous.
- Love and loyalty can break curses.
- Every magic has a price.
- Family bonds are worth fighting for.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Running away can cost those you love.
- Not every hero is perfect.
- Courage means facing your mistakes.
Who Should Read Reckless?
Read Reckless if you enjoy dark fairy tales, adventure and stories about brothers. It suits teens and adults.
About Cornelia Funke
Cornelia Funke (born 1958) is a German author of children's and young adult fantasy. Her books include Inkheart, The Thief Lord and Dragon Rider. She worked as a social worker and illustrator before writing. The Mirrorworld series continues with Fearless, The Golden Yarn and The Silver Tracks. Her books have been translated into more than 35 languages.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Reckless:
- Why does Jacob feel guilty about Will?
- How does the Mirrorworld twist familiar fairy tales?
- What price does Jacob pay?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Reckless is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Reckless, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is atmospheric and imaginative, especially for fans of grim fairy tales.
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What to Read Next
- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke: characters escape from books
- The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke: runaway children in Venice
- The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman: magic objects from fairy tales
Related: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reckless about?
A man tries to save his brother from a curse in a dark fairy-tale world.
Who wrote it?
Cornelia Funke, in 2010.
What is the Mirrorworld?
A dark fairy-tale world reached through a mirror.
Who are the Goyl?
Stone-skinned warriors at war with humans.
Who is Fox?
A shapeshifter who can become a vixen.
How is Will cured?
By a kiss from Clara at Sleeping Beauty's castle.
Is it a series?
Yes, the Mirrorworld series.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 400 pages.
Is it darker than Inkheart?
Yes, it is darker and more mature.
Is there an audiobook?
Yes, it is widely available in audio.
What comes next?
Fearless.
Is Reckless suitable for younger fans of Inkheart?
It is darker and more violent, so it suits teens better than younger children.
Is Reckless worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a dark, grown-up fairy-tale adventure. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.