Title: Prosper’s Demon
Author: K.J. Parker
First published January 28, 2020
101 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781250260512 (ISBN10: 1250260515)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
They say that in a botched demonic extraction, the demon feels the pain ten times worse than the possessed human. But what if the exorcist doesn’t care about the human’s fate?
Meet our unnamed narrator, a morally ambiguous exorcist who gets the job done by any means necessary. His latest assignment involves Prosper of Schanz, a man of science who’s obsessed with creating a philosopher-king raised on pure principles.
Unfortunately, Prosper is also possessed by a demon. As our narrator sets out to extract the demon, he’ll have to confront his own beliefs and morals.
Will he save Prosper, or leave him to suffer?
About the Author
Tom Holt writes under the pseudonym K.J. Parker. Parker has a diverse background, having worked in law, journalism, and numismatics.
Currently, Parker spends time writing and creating wooden and metal objects. Parker is married to a solicitor and resides in southern England.
Parker’s upbringing in rural Vermont has had a significant impact on their work, according to an autobiographical note.
Editoral Review
Prosper’s Demon by K.J. Parker is a captivating novel that introduces readers to an intriguing world of magic and mystery. Parker is a renowned author of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his controversial and thought-provoking works.
First published on January 28, 2020, Prosper’s Demon is a perfect example of Parker’s mastery of the genre. The book takes readers on a journey through a richly imagined world, where demons and humans coexist.
The novel’s protagonist, Prosper of Schanz, is a renowned exorcist who specializes in banishing demons from their human hosts. However, Prosper’s reputation is put to the test when he crosses paths with a mysterious demon whose powers he cannot defeat.
Prosper’s Demon is a beautifully crafted novel that blends humor, suspense, and intrigue. Parker’s writing style is both elegant and accessible, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story.
The world-building is impeccable, and the characters are well-drawn and memorable. One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of the nature of power and control.
Prosper is a man who wields great power over his clients, and the demon he encounters challenges his beliefs and assumptions about his abilities. Parker skillfully weaves together themes of morality, power, and identity, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.
However, there are some limitations to the book. Some readers may find the pacing slow, and the plot may feel uneventful at times.
Additionally, the ending may be unsatisfying for some readers who were looking for a more definitive conclusion. Despite these limitations, Prosper’s Demon is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written fantasy fiction.
It will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, and other authors who write fantasy with a philosophical edge.
Overall, the book is a worthy addition to Parker’s impressive body of work. In conclusion, I highly recommend Prosper’s Demon to anyone who loves beautifully written fantasy with a philosophical edge.
The book is a masterful exploration of power, control, and identity, wrapped up in a compelling and immersive narrative. Despite some limitations, it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking speculative fiction.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
