The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding-The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding, Book 1 - by Alexandra Bracken (Paperback)

About the Book

A modern New England boy must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family's curse.

Book Synopsis

"I would say it's a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly, I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness...."
Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family history--that is, until he discovers the demon living inside him. Turns out Prosper's great-great-great-great-great-something grandfather made--and then broke--a contract with a malefactor, a demon who exchanges fortune for eternal servitude. And, weirdly enough, four-thousand-year-old Alastor isn't exactly the forgiving type. The fiend has reawakened with one purpose--to destroy the family whose success he ensured and who then betrayed him. With only days to break the curse and banish Alastor back to the demon realm, Prosper is playing unwilling host to the fiend, who delights in tormenting him with nasty insults and constant attempts to trick him into a contract. Yeah, Prosper will take his afterlife without a side of eternal servitude, thanks. But with the help of his long-lost uncle, Barnabas, and his daughter, Nell, a witch-in-training, it seems like Prosper has at least a fighting chance of ridding himself of Alastor before the demon escapes and wreaks havoc on his family.
Little does Prosper know, the malefactor's control over his body grows stronger with each passing night and there's a lot Alastor isn't telling his dim-witted (but admittedly strong-willed) human host...
From #1 New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken comes a tale of betrayal and revenge, of old hurts passed down from generation to generation. Can you ever fully right a wrong, ever truly escape your history? Or will Prosper and Alastor be doomed to repeat it?

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THE DARKEST MINDS

"The conclusion to the Darkest Minds series is as tense, emotional, and brutal as one would expect... The plotline has plenty of twists, up until the last page... It's safe to say fans will appreciate the well-thought-out conclusion."--Booklist Online

*"An infectious, entertaining series starter. Hapless, dry Prosper is at hilarious odds with his demanding, old-fashioned demon companion, and the thrilling plot twists will keep even the most savvy readers guessing. Clever, occasionally frightening, and always fun, this will hook plenty."--Booklist, starred review

*"The story's mysteries, which involve the fates of multiple dimensions of reality, unfold slowly enough to build anticipation but quickly enough to keep readers furiously flipping pages... Bracken's cast is drawn in loving detail, and her twisty pot will keep readers guessing."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Bracken delivers a funny, thrilling, and unexpected tale."--Robert Beatty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Serafina series

"Unique and humorous...The main characters, including the villain, are likable and flawed. The author's smooth transitions and delightful writing style will draw readers into the story with ease. This is a must-read for fans of Bracken and paranormal mysteries."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Alexandra Bracken is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Darkest Minds series. Born and raised in Arizona, she moved East to study history and English at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. After working in publishing for several years, Alex now writes full-time and can be found hard at work on her next novel in a charming little apartment that's perpetually overflowing with books. Visit her online at www.alexandrabracken.com and on Twitter @alexbracken.