About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the heavy pressure of a family crisis or struggling with the weight of sibling responsibility. It is a sophisticated, dark fantasy that serves as a powerful metaphor for watching a loved one change due to illness or trauma. The story follows Jacob Reckless as he desperately seeks a cure for his brother, Will, whose skin is slowly turning into stone after an attack in a magical world behind a mirror. While the adventure is fast-paced and filled with reimagined Grimm fairy tale elements, the emotional core is about the lengths we go to for family and the guilt of being unable to protect them. Parents should be aware that the tone is grittier and more atmospheric than standard middle-grade fantasy, making it an excellent choice for 10 to 14-year-olds who appreciate a more mature, slightly darker narrative. It offers a safe space to discuss themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the complex bond between siblings during impossible times.
