"It took quite a while before Jacob understood." Twelve year old Jacob Reckless is standing before a mirror in his father's study and the reflection he sees is not what he expects to see. Jacob has been looking at pain ever since his father disappeared. His mother is distraught and his younger brother, Will, is looking to him for reassurance and protection. Escape comes for Jacob as he passes through the mirror and finds himself in Mirrorworld, a land of fairytale creatures that bears a recognizable resemblance to several European countries. Jacob creates an alternate life for himself taking on the challenge of finding missing magical objects for the Empress with the help of a companion, Fox, who is a shapeshifter. These dual realities work for Jacob until the day his brother, Will, follows him into Mirrorworld and is wounded in an attack. The Dark Fairy then weaves her magic on Will and through the open wound, she begins a process that will turn him into the Jade Goyl, a stone man, someone she needs to protect her lover who is headed toward danger. Before Will follows Jacob, he falls in love with Clara and Clara will, in turn, find her way through the mirror and bring her healing gifts and love for Will along for the journey and the adventures. Readers will recognize the fairytale characters as they dot the scenery but the story has enough hint at passion and enough violence that it is intended for older readers. A walk through fairytale intrique for sure with unfinished business clearly leading to the next book in the series.
Ages 12 and up 394 pages
