Book Review: The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken

The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding

by Alexandra Bracken

Published: September 5th, 2017

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 trick him into a contract. Yeah, Prosper will take his future without a side of eternal servitude, thanks.

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?

SPOILER FREE REVIEW:

I was sent an early copy of this for review from Disney Books and I must say, it was one of my top reads of the year!

I've always loved a good middle grade book and this did not disappoint. Alexandra has quite a way with words and kept me thoroughly entertained throughout this story. I can relate to Prosper on so many levels and those that struggle with impressing others and feeling seen will as well. This story takes place during Halloween and everything was described so vividly that I could picture it all. The other character in this book that was a shining star was Nell, a young witch who just wants her mother back at whatever cost...until she fully realizes that it's a cost she can't live with. Even with the revelations at the end of this book I feel we will be seeing a lot more of her in book two. This is going to be a hit series! To say that the end of this book threw me for a loop would be an understatement. I can't wait for the sequel and more of Alastor's antics!

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Book Review: The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night

The Crowns of Croswald
by D.E. Night

SYNOPSIS:

In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret… 

For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic––and her life––is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever. 

REVIEW:                                                  
D.E. Night sent me a copy of her debut novel The Crowns of Croswald for review and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. Prepare to start off this book with a lot of questions and leave it with many more. This book has a really great pace and I never got bored. I would recommend it to all ages. If you enjoy the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series this is the book for you!

The Crowns of Croswald is centered around an orphan teenager named Ivy Lovely who discovers she has magical powers. This is a beautiful rags to riches story full of whimsy. What I really enjoyed the most about this book is how vividly I could picture this enchanting world. D.E. has a very melodic writing style that had me falling into this world and not wanting to resurface. I truly care for the characters in this book, most especially Ivy, Fyn, and Rebecca. Croswald is quite different from other magical worlds. I would love to get into the minds of the Hairies and learn more about them. They are so intriguing! The Dark Queen and the Cloaked Brood were truly frightening and I can't wait to find out more about these mysterious villains. I also enjoyed the professors at the Halls of Ivy. Ivory Lucky was very interesting to try to imagine... I hope someone draws a picture of her soon. I feel a bit uneasy with the Selector and feel that she is still hiding many secrets. One character that always had me smiling was Winsome. He played such a pivotal role in Ivy's first year at The Halls of Ivy and was so much fun. Now back to the creatures... Humboldt the dragon was hilarious! I swear, that dragon was like a spoiled lap dog by the end of the book. I wanted to drag him out of the book and take him home to feed him pies. Another creature I adored was the Shorehorse. I really hope we get to see it in the next book because it was incredible. I just feel like we'll be seeing it again. As everything unfolded at the end and much was revealed, I was devastated when I realized I'd finished the story. I did not want this book to end! In conclusion, I give this book five stars! This is exactly my kind of story and I will be on the lookout for the second book. 

TRAILER:

You can get your copy of

The Crowns of Croswald on AMAZON now!