Reckless: The Petrified Flesh by Cornelia Funke

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 336
Publisher: Pushkin Press
Released: 11th of October 2016 (first published November 2010)

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.

What I Have to Say 

Reading this, I can kind of see why this didn't take off the first time it was released. I know there were bits added that were meant to improve it, so I don't know how the original book was, but I have to say a lot of the start of it really bored me. 

It took so long to get into the main plot that I probably would have put it down if I didn't have to review it and it wasn't Cornelia Funke. It was beautiful writing and an interesting concept, but there was just nothing to grab me and pull me in to the story. Other than the fairy tale theme, which, to be honest, I didn't really take in until later on when I was more invested, it just felt like any other fantasy book on the market. 

It picked up as I got into it, but probably not enough for me to read on. If the next book is put up on Netgalley then I might read it and review it, but I can't see myself picking it up in a bookshop. 

My thanks go to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for providing me with this copy for review.