The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken is my fourth (of ten) Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee reads. Needless to say, I need to get going on these!
The story follows Prosper and the fiend/demon Alastor who lives in him, and is slowly gaining control of him. Long ago, Prosper’s family made a contract with Alastor to ensure their own success. Years later, the contract was broken and Alastor is looking for revenge. He is on the brink of getting such revenge as Prosper’s thirteenth birthday draws closer.
Prosper is taken by an uncle and cousin who appear invested in helping him properly rid himself of Alastor without losing his own life. His cousin, Cornelia, is an aspiring witch. She puts a glamour spell on Prosper so that he can attend school with her as a means of protection. This is a new start for Prosper, who is used to not fitting in at school.
Meanwhile, Alastor is working to find out which member of his own family betrayed him. In the end, there are not too many trustworthy characters.
This story will appeal to kids who love tales of other worlds, creatures, witchcraft and adventure. I enjoyed the book, but was bummed that I will have to read Book 2 to find out what happens next.
Read, Review, Repeat 