Reckless I: The Petrified Flesh, Mirrorworld Reading Group Guide

A DISCUSSION GUIDE TO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

© Thorsten Wulff

THE MIRRORWORLD SERIES

9781782691242 Vol. 1: The Petrified Flesh

9781782691259 Vol. 2: Living Shadows

COMING SOON IN THE MIRRORWORLD SERIES!

Cornelia Funke

is the highly acclaimed, award-winning and bestselling author of the Inkheart trilogy, Dragon Rider, The Thief Lord and numerous other children's novels and picture books. Born in 1958 in the German town of Dorsten, she worked as a social worker for a few years before turning first to illustration and then to writing. Her books have now sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into 37 languages.

9781782693345 Vol. 4: The Silver Tracks

Purchase the iPad App: 9781782691419 Vol. 3: The Golden Yarn

Follow the Adventures of Jacob Reckless behind the Mirror…

Audio and Ebook Also Available

Discussion Questions: Vol. 1: The Petrified Flesh

Discussion Questions: Vol. 2: Living Shadows

Discussion Questions: Vol. 3: The Golden Yarn

1. In the Reckless books, Cornelia Funke invites us into a world full of fantastically imagined characters, objects and powers.

What are your favourite details from the Mirrorworld?

1. Look at the map at the front of the book, and think about the different lands that Jacob and Fox travel through. Where in history do you think that Cornelia Funke is drawing inspiration from?

1. In this book, we learn that the John Reckless of Jacob and Will’s childhood may not have been who they thought he was. How does Cornelia Funke explore the theme of fatherhood in this book?

2. Before the Goyl rose to their current position of power, they were hunted and persecuted across the Mirrorworld. How much sympathy do you have for the Goyl, and for their leader Kami’en?

2. Has your opinion of the Goyl changed since the first book? What do you make of Nerron, the rival treasure-hunter?

2. A new point of view explored in this book is that of the Dark Fairy. Reading her thoughts and feelings, did your perspective of her change?

3. Can you compare Jacob and Will’s relationship to other family relationships in this book?

4. Of all of the treasures that Jacob has collected and hopes to collect, which would you find the most useful in your life?

5. How does Queen Therese compare to Kami’en as a ruler?

6. Why do you think that Jacob and Fox have such a close connection?

7. Do the Red Fairy’s actions make sense to you? How do you think her actions compare to those of her sister, the Dark Fairy?

3. When Jacob is reunited with Valiant, he finds him trying to enjoy all of his newfound wealth. Do you find Valiant to be a more or less sympathetic character in this book?

4. From Kami’en to Queen Therese to King Charles of Lotharaine, characters throughout this book are driven by a desire for total power. Does the desire for power affect all characters in the same ways?

5. How is Albion different from the other countries in the Mirrorworld?

6. What has changed about Jacob and Fox’s relationship in this book?

7. Which of the new creatures and magical objects encountered in this book is your favourite?

3. Can you compare how Will and Clara’s relationship has changed to how Jacob and Fox’s relationship has changed? How does the different characters’ experiences of the Mirrorworld affect their relationships?

4. Having encountered many different rulers throughout the Reckless books so far, who would you most like to see in charge?

5. Is love a blessing or a curse for the characters in The Golden Yarn?

Interior Chapter Head Illustrations by the Author Throughout