Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

Jacob and Will Reckless have looked out for each other ever since their father disappeared, but when Jacob discovers a magical mirror that transports him to a warring world populated by witches, fairies, and dwarfs, he keeps it to himself until Will follows him one day, with dire consequences.

"Jacob Reckless journeys to the Mirrorworld to tell his shapeshifting friend Fox that a fairy curse--a deadly moth in his chest--means he has only one year to live. The journey in Mirrorworld turns into a search against time and against a Goyl treasure hunter for an enchanted crossbow, which is known to strike down any army it faces, and less well known for its healing power when shot by a loved one"-- Provided by publisher.