Review: The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding

The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding
by Alexandra Bracken
Age Range: 10-14
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Disney-Hyperion
9781484778173

“‘With stories like these, it’s best to start at the very beginning,’ Uncle Barnabas said. ‘Tell me, Prosperity, what do you know about the family curse?’”

Prosper Redding comes from power, his family existing as practical royalty in the town of Redhood. Everything notable to happen there can be traced back through the family line, and everyone in that line is absurdly gifted in some way. Unfortunately, Prosperity Oceanus Redding can boast none of this family talent. And to top it off, being the odd Redding out also means every person in Redhood knows it. Things take a seriously unexpected turn when Prosper is made privy to the demon living inside him, and suddenly, being unexceptional doesn’t seem so bad.

Alastor has spent nearly half of his eight hundred years dormant, just waiting for his chance to resurface. Oh, and when he does, those dreadful Reddings will pay. He gave them riches. Success. Good fortune. And they dared to betray him? Yes. Oh, yes, they would pay. For a demon is a kind of fiend, one of many kinds, but only demons specialize in making deals with humans.

Bracken’s (The Darkest Minds trilogy) first venture into Middle Grade is deliciously dark and addicting. Prosper has a snarky yet relatable voice, and he and Alastor play off each other beautifully. Alastor is learning how much the world has changed in his time away, but he is also a prince where he comes from, and so his ignorance quite often battles with his overconfidence. Prosper may be snarky, but the demon Alastor may as well be the Prince of Snark. Bracken’s characterization of the prince is truly brilliant, because despite being an evil demon craving revenge on our unwitting hero and his entire family, it is hard not to like Alastor.

Then there is Nell, Prosper’s long-lost cousin. Nell is a witch. A witch with attitude and a talent for keeping others at arm’s length. But Nell is also warm, loves those she is close to fiercely, and carries a strength about her that Prosper envies. The relationship that grows between the two outsiders is thoughtful and extremely rewarding. And her changeling, Toad (usually in the form of a kitten with bat wings when we see him), is simply the best.

In addition to a lovely cast of characters, the autumn setting is so fitting in the narrative and cozy as can be. So settle in on a rainy day, grab your blanket and hot beverage of your choice, and get ready for Halloween in Redhood. I can promise you laughs, demons, hobgoblins, and oodles of autumn goodness.

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