Fearless

Fearless by Cornelia Funke (Chicken House)
PB RRP $17.99
ISBN 978-1-906427-26-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Treasure hunter Jacob Reckless has managed to save his brother, but now faces death because a fairy curse has been burnt into his heart. The only chance he has to save himself is to find a treasure no-one has ever before found. Up against him is the fiercest rival he could imagine and even with the help of Fox, his beautiful shape-shifting friend, Jacob knows he may not succeed.

And so begins a search like no other, a test so great Jacob must push himself to the limit, with the stakes high and the prize being his life. But will he lose Fox’s life in the process?

This is a story like no other I have read. I did find it confusing at first but this is probably because I had not read the first book in the series. The writing is rich and evocative, the atmosphere dark and grim, and the world amazing and imaginatively constructed. I loved that so many fairy tales drifted in and out, such a mix of creatures with roots in diverse cultures. Many lesser known myths and legends make appearances or serve as a base for the tales and adventures related.

The Mirrorworld series is a very rewarding read for lovers of fantasy from the age of 11 and up. Start with Reckless, then read Fearless.