Fearless (Mirrorworld)
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, Trentonα(c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.