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Prospero's Daughter #3
Prospero Regained
Prospero, the sorcerer on whose island of exile William Shakespeare set his play, The Tempest, has endured these past many centuries. His daughter Miranda runs the family business, Prospero, Inc. so smoothly that the vast majority of humanity has no idea that the Prosperos’ magic has protected Earth from numerous disasters. But Prospero himself has been kidnapped by demons from Hell, and Miranda, aided by her siblings, has followed her father into Hell to save him from a certain doom at the hands of vengeful demons. Time is running out for Miranda, and for the great magician himself. Their battle against the most terrifying forces of the Pit is a great fantasy adventure.
476 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2011
9 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
L. Jagi Lamplighter
69 books120 followers
L. Jagi Lamplighter is a writer of fantasy and children's stories. When not writing, she reverts to her secret ID where she lives in fairytale happiness with her husband, writer John C. Wright, and their four delightful children Orville, Ping-Ping, the Cherubim, and Justinian the Elf King.
For more information, see:
Prospero Lost: A Writer's Odyssey -- an essay about how Prospero Lost came to be, the rigors of the writing life, negotiating the labyrinth of the publishing world, and the Great Agent Hunt.
All About The Wonder: Why I Write Fantasy -- an essay about wonder and the real magic of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 14, 2011
It's really more like 3.5 stars, but they only accept whole ones, so... This was a good book, and the ending was very satisfying. Lamplighter's integration of mythology, fantasy, religion, and literature was extremely interesting and original. I'm really glad I finished the series, and I'm glad I read it.
However, I was totally blindsided by the conservative values that popped up out of seemingly nowhere. (Or maybe I completely missed them before?) I don't know if it's because of what Lamplighter was trying to do with the story, or if it's because she was trying to convey her sense of morality, but I found myself taken aback. When she was acribing all the evils of society (promiscuity, adultery, greed, hate, etc) as being caused by demons and how abortion was the single greatest victory of the demons, I was really turned off. I may be oversensitive about it, but it took away from my enjoyment of the book. It's entirely possible that I was reading too much into it, and that was not the author's intention at all - it's hard to say. It's just something I felt.
All told, I enjoyed the book and the series. I thought it wrapped up the plot threads of the previous books very, very well.
However, I was totally blindsided by the conservative values that popped up out of seemingly nowhere. (Or maybe I completely missed them before?) I don't know if it's because of what Lamplighter was trying to do with the story, or if it's because she was trying to convey her sense of morality, but I found myself taken aback. When she was acribing all the evils of society (promiscuity, adultery, greed, hate, etc) as being caused by demons and how abortion was the single greatest victory of the demons, I was really turned off. I may be oversensitive about it, but it took away from my enjoyment of the book. It's entirely possible that I was reading too much into it, and that was not the author's intention at all - it's hard to say. It's just something I felt.
All told, I enjoyed the book and the series. I thought it wrapped up the plot threads of the previous books very, very well.
October 19, 2011
Original joint review posted on The Book Smugglers HERE
REVIEW
First Impressions:
Thea: This is going to be a tough review to write. I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. I loved the concept of Shakespeare’s Prospero and his children living among us, their different staffs and their very human flaws. I also loved the intricate universe of the series that embraced different creatures (including elemental spirits, demons, angels, elves, and so on) as well as disparate pantheons of belief, but filtered through the more traditional lens of a medieval Alighierian notion of heaven and hell. I dearly wanted and expected so much from this final chapter in the adventures of the absent Prospero and his bickering children, and, while I do think this is still a solid book that concludes the adventure with an epic flair, it did not live up to the promise of its predecessors. Furthermore, I was uncomfortable with the way certain elements played out…but more on that in a bit.
Ana: My thoughts pretty much echo Thea’s. Like her, I loved the first two books in the series for basically the same reasons. Although in all honesty, my love has been somewhat shaken and I was left with a little bit of wariness after certain events in the last book. Thus, I opened Prospero Regained with trepidation. And I am thankful that I found more of the awesome things that made me love this series so much in the first place: the creativeness of the world building and The Prosperos. However, certain…aspects of the novel did not go down that well and in the end, all things considered, I was left with a feeling that was closer to disappointment and uneasiness than satisfaction.
On the Plot:
Thea: Prospero Regained begins immediately where Prospero in Hell leaves off, after Miranda has accidentally summoned the Hell Winds with her staff, and she and her siblings have been scattered across the nine circles of Hell. Slowly, Miranda, her trusty right hand man Mab, and her brothers Gregor (recently recovered from his exile on Mars) and Erasmus (as venomously distrustful of Miranda as ever) traverse the circles from Purgatory to Lust, Gluttony to Greed and so on, ever downward to find their other siblings and save their father Prospero from execution at the hands of Lilith, the Queen of Air and Darkness.
Prospero Regained takes place almost entirely in Hell and follows Miranda, her brothers and sister as they overcome not only the myriad dangers of the inferno, but their own splintering resolve and dangerous suspicion and mistrust of each other. From a pure plotting and storytelling perspective, I was thrilled to see the Prospero clan finally moving together to achieve their onerous quest for their father, and I (at least initially) found the setting expertly researched and fascinating. The Prospero children encounter many great and terrible things on their trek to their father, crossing the fetid Swamp of Uncleanliness to rivers of lava, glacial wastelands of despair, and the rotted mockery that is Infernal Milan. Too, Ms. Lamplighter relies heavily on Dante’s vision of hell but imbues it with her own take on the demons and souls trapped there, creating a vivid and unique picture of what fate lies beyond the grave for the damned. And, from a general storytelling perspective, I loved the general direction of the plot and how all the conflicts of the past come to clash here in this dramatic finale. I don’t want to say anything more about these plot twists for fear of spoilers, but I do think that a number of complications from prior books are deftly handled and resolved in this third, ultimate novel.
HOWEVER. While the descriptions, visuals, general direction, and overall vision of the story are superb, there are some very significant issues that drastically detracted from my enjoyment of the novel.
First, there’s the problem of excess. Prospero Regained is a sizable book that, unfortunately, suffered from a bad case of repetition. While the scenery would change, the same key elements were on constant loop: Miranda would feel guilt about inadvertently calling up the Hell Winds, she’d wonder why Erasmus hates her so much, she’d lament about the mystery identity of her mother, and she’d cry about the loss of her Lady/loss of her love Astreus/loss of her remaining family. Then, she and Erasmus would get into some kind of fight, resulting in more tears and bitterness. This exact same process would be carried out in every location in Hell – in a boat on the Swamp of Uncleanliness. In the belly of a dinosaur. In the fiery pits of Rage. On the frigid glacier. You get the picture.
Then, there’s the problem of Massive Infodumping, a la The Matrix Reloaded. At the climax of the novel, when Miranda finally learns the truth of her heritage and why her father acted the way he did, all is revealed in a massive Q&A session. Literally. At one point, each of the children are permitted to ask one pressing question of their father, who, pointblank answers. While I appreciated the information revealed in these exchanges, it’s incredibly frustrating to have these details delivered via a not even well disguised infodump.
Finally, there’s the issue of subtext, metaphor, and interpretation. I do not like to be preached at in my fiction, nor am I a fan of the unquestionably Christian explanation for everything that happens in this book (and thus, the series). One of the things I loved the most about the Prospero’s Daughter trilogy was the fact that there were other pantheons and beliefs included in the universe that seem to have existed outside the reach of Judeo-Christian belief. In Prospero Regained, however, all things are incorporated to the Christian faith and while I think Ms. Lamplighter does a phenomenal job of doing that and providing an overarching Christian explanation that ingests paganism, elves, and other such values, it simply isn’t to my personal taste (I don’t hold this against the book – it just doesn’t appeal to me, personally).
What bothered me more – and I’m certain Ana will elaborate further – is how uncomfortable the conclusion of the book made me, especially in regards to the issue of enslavement. There is a very, very disturbing interpretation that can be made for the reasoning behind the enslavement of the Aerie Ones (without getting into spoilers that is, this notion that they were enslaved “for their own good”). I don’t think there was any metaphor intended by the author with the rationale behind the enslavement of the Aerie Ones, but that doesn’t change the potentially horrific subtextual interpretation of this rationale.
Again, though, this is a matter of personal opinion and interpretation, and your mileage may vary.
Ana: YES, to everything that Thea says. From a plotting perspective – and not only the plot in this book, but the overall, overarching plot of this series – the author brings everything together beautifully. One of the best things about this series is indeed the vision and the scope of the story, the roles that the Prosperos, and more importantly, Miranda, play in this world. That has always fascinated me, and it remains, to me, the best aspect of the series, and I think that everything has been deftly resolved within the constrictions of this particular world-building. This, I can not fault.
But just like Thea, I had huge problems with other aspects of the novel and they too, detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. The amount of info-dump is staggering. The problem of excess and the amount of repetition were almost mind-numbing especially when it came to Miranda’s inner monologue as she kept going about the same issues over and over again. Issues, mind you, that are not even new since they have been plaguing her for quite some time now: from the unknown identity of her mother to her brother Erasmus’ hate for her; from her relationship with the Lady to her fallen beloved Astreus. The problem though is not only with the repetitive nature of her monologue but also with the fact that Miranda’s voice is quite antiquated and ornate which does fit her character quite well and I have no problem with that but in excess? It turns out to be quite melodramatic.
The excess is also present in certain characters: no one represents excess quite like Lord Astreus: he is a demon AND an Archangel AND a Fey Lord AND a Wind God.
I am pleased to say though that some of my fears did not come to fruition. After I read Prospero in Hell, I feared that Miranda’s rape and subsequent loss of power would mean that she would forget everything that was important to her. I am glad to report that the repercussions of that rape were dealt with reasonably well in emotional terms and with regards to the relationship between Miranda and her Lady.
Which brings me to my biggest problem with the novel and this is a completely subjective and personal problem. As Thea so aptly describes: by the end of the novel every single thing about this series turns out to be unquestionably Christian. On the one hand, this was definitely less preachy than it could have been: I thought that the author was able to leave room for some interpretation with regards to certain aspects of this particular theology and to introduce interesting ideas about the nature of Hell and about Free Will. On the other hand, one of my favourite things about this novel is how this world-building was so vast and diverse: it played with historical characters as well as fictional ones and it had creatures from several different mythologies and cultures and everything was so grand and creative and full of potential. But when every single thing is then explained via Christian lenses ( I mean, even Greek gods have converted!) in my mind, it limits, it constricts this world that was once so….free.
Mind you, I know that nothing of this is particularly new in this series, as Christian beliefs were very much present in the Prosperos’ lives from the get go and I could accept that, because it fit the characters well. But in this book, it is no longer about the Prosperos’ view of the world – framed by their own personal experiences but about how the entire universe is squeezed to fit into this particular faith. That makes me really wary and somewhat disappointed but as I said before, this is a very personal reaction.
Lastly but not least, there is one final issue I would like to discuss. The enslavement of the Aerie Ones is one of the most important topics in this series. Miranda has often wondered about setting them free but the main idea was that the Prosperos have enslaved them in order to protect mankind from the terrible things they could do to the human race. It is terrible and horrible but within the series, it fit the history of this family and their mission in the world. However, in this book it is revealed that more than protecting humankind, Prospero had other intentions behind enslaving the Aerie Ones – he did so hoping they would grow a soul, after being in contact with humans for so long. Thus, their enslavement was for “their own good”. Again, had this been entirely from Prospero’s perspective only, his own terrible motivation without any textual corroboration, I wouldn’t have to wonder about anything else. However, Prospero is not only sanctioned by Heaven but when the time comes when they end up freeing the Aerie Ones (this is not really a spoiler, since it was obvious it would happen at some point), it turns out that the majority of them not only accept that their enslavement WAS for their own good but also continue to work for the Prosperos! This is something so potentially problematic and open for horrible interpretations that it makes me really uncomfortable and uneasy.
On the Characters:
Thea: While I felt there were sizable issues with regards to the plotting aspects of the novel, the characters of Prospero Regained are as brilliant and wonderfully flawed as ever. Our narrator and heroine, Miranda, has come so far over the course of this series, from the haughty ice queen of the first book to the empathetic woman of this final novel. While some of her inner monologue did tend to drag and become repetitive, her fears and self-doubts rang as unshakably genuine, and I love the growth and change she displays across her character arc. Beyond Miranda, though, I love, love, LOVE Mephisto and Mab of all the characters in this book. Mab has always been a favorite, with his rumpled Humphrey Bogart-esque inspired private eye persona and his keen eye. And Mephisto is simply wonderful – having drank the waters of the Lethe to forget something that could destroy him and his family, Mephisto oscillates between hilarity verging on madness and deep ruts of quiet. I love that for all the humor he brings to the plot, he also is the eldest brother of the Prospero clan and manages to find a way to look out for every one of his siblings. Plus, he has a cheer weasel (and no, I’m not going to elaborate and tell you what that is!).
I should also mention Erasmus, who goes through as dramatic and life-shattering an arc as his loathed sister Miranda does in this book. The hatred he feels for his sister is so frustrating, but his reasons are understandable. I love characters with dark, conflicted motivations, and Erasmus is as good as they come.
Ana: Aww the cheer weasel. Good times Thea, good times.
Although I had considerable problems with the novel as evidenced above, one of the saving graces of this series remains the Prospero family. I just…love them. Flaws and all. This last book focus on the Prosperos as a family and on their seemingly unsolvable gripes and feuds. But in order to save their father – and heck, save the world – they need to become a real family and work together. Thus was pretty cool and I loved seeing all of the bickering and all of the love they did have for each other. Although I still hate Erasmus (and no, I was not convinced by any of the “reasons” behind his hatred for Miranda) my love for Mephisto knows no bounds – and along with Miranda and her fabulous character arc, the highlight of this entire series.
Even though, in all honesty, I could have done without the Prosperos being the ultimate heroes they turned out to be given how messed up they were. But since since their paths mimics the paths that all souls must undergo within this particular theology- making mistakes, repenting – it actually works to some extent.
Final Thoughts, Observations & Rating:
Thea: Despite my misgivings concerning the writing, the theological departure from the more religion-agnostic aspects of the prior books, and the potentially problematic thematic connotations, I still truly enjoyed Prospero Regained. It did not live up to the brilliance of the novels before it, but it does effectively close out the trilogy. Recommended (because if you’ve come this far, you must know how it ends), with reservations.
Ana: Well, I think I feel less charitable. Although I loved certain parts of the novel and I still do love the characters (and might even miss them), my dissatisfaction and disappointment runs deep – to the point where it brings down the entire trilogy down a notch (or two). But as Thea says: if you’ve come this far, you have to know how it ends!
Rating:
Ana: 5, leaning toward 6
Thea: 6 – Good, recommended with reservations
REVIEW
First Impressions:
Thea: This is going to be a tough review to write. I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. I loved the concept of Shakespeare’s Prospero and his children living among us, their different staffs and their very human flaws. I also loved the intricate universe of the series that embraced different creatures (including elemental spirits, demons, angels, elves, and so on) as well as disparate pantheons of belief, but filtered through the more traditional lens of a medieval Alighierian notion of heaven and hell. I dearly wanted and expected so much from this final chapter in the adventures of the absent Prospero and his bickering children, and, while I do think this is still a solid book that concludes the adventure with an epic flair, it did not live up to the promise of its predecessors. Furthermore, I was uncomfortable with the way certain elements played out…but more on that in a bit.
Ana: My thoughts pretty much echo Thea’s. Like her, I loved the first two books in the series for basically the same reasons. Although in all honesty, my love has been somewhat shaken and I was left with a little bit of wariness after certain events in the last book. Thus, I opened Prospero Regained with trepidation. And I am thankful that I found more of the awesome things that made me love this series so much in the first place: the creativeness of the world building and The Prosperos. However, certain…aspects of the novel did not go down that well and in the end, all things considered, I was left with a feeling that was closer to disappointment and uneasiness than satisfaction.
On the Plot:
Thea: Prospero Regained begins immediately where Prospero in Hell leaves off, after Miranda has accidentally summoned the Hell Winds with her staff, and she and her siblings have been scattered across the nine circles of Hell. Slowly, Miranda, her trusty right hand man Mab, and her brothers Gregor (recently recovered from his exile on Mars) and Erasmus (as venomously distrustful of Miranda as ever) traverse the circles from Purgatory to Lust, Gluttony to Greed and so on, ever downward to find their other siblings and save their father Prospero from execution at the hands of Lilith, the Queen of Air and Darkness.
Prospero Regained takes place almost entirely in Hell and follows Miranda, her brothers and sister as they overcome not only the myriad dangers of the inferno, but their own splintering resolve and dangerous suspicion and mistrust of each other. From a pure plotting and storytelling perspective, I was thrilled to see the Prospero clan finally moving together to achieve their onerous quest for their father, and I (at least initially) found the setting expertly researched and fascinating. The Prospero children encounter many great and terrible things on their trek to their father, crossing the fetid Swamp of Uncleanliness to rivers of lava, glacial wastelands of despair, and the rotted mockery that is Infernal Milan. Too, Ms. Lamplighter relies heavily on Dante’s vision of hell but imbues it with her own take on the demons and souls trapped there, creating a vivid and unique picture of what fate lies beyond the grave for the damned. And, from a general storytelling perspective, I loved the general direction of the plot and how all the conflicts of the past come to clash here in this dramatic finale. I don’t want to say anything more about these plot twists for fear of spoilers, but I do think that a number of complications from prior books are deftly handled and resolved in this third, ultimate novel.
HOWEVER. While the descriptions, visuals, general direction, and overall vision of the story are superb, there are some very significant issues that drastically detracted from my enjoyment of the novel.
First, there’s the problem of excess. Prospero Regained is a sizable book that, unfortunately, suffered from a bad case of repetition. While the scenery would change, the same key elements were on constant loop: Miranda would feel guilt about inadvertently calling up the Hell Winds, she’d wonder why Erasmus hates her so much, she’d lament about the mystery identity of her mother, and she’d cry about the loss of her Lady/loss of her love Astreus/loss of her remaining family. Then, she and Erasmus would get into some kind of fight, resulting in more tears and bitterness. This exact same process would be carried out in every location in Hell – in a boat on the Swamp of Uncleanliness. In the belly of a dinosaur. In the fiery pits of Rage. On the frigid glacier. You get the picture.
Then, there’s the problem of Massive Infodumping, a la The Matrix Reloaded. At the climax of the novel, when Miranda finally learns the truth of her heritage and why her father acted the way he did, all is revealed in a massive Q&A session. Literally. At one point, each of the children are permitted to ask one pressing question of their father, who, pointblank answers. While I appreciated the information revealed in these exchanges, it’s incredibly frustrating to have these details delivered via a not even well disguised infodump.
Finally, there’s the issue of subtext, metaphor, and interpretation. I do not like to be preached at in my fiction, nor am I a fan of the unquestionably Christian explanation for everything that happens in this book (and thus, the series). One of the things I loved the most about the Prospero’s Daughter trilogy was the fact that there were other pantheons and beliefs included in the universe that seem to have existed outside the reach of Judeo-Christian belief. In Prospero Regained, however, all things are incorporated to the Christian faith and while I think Ms. Lamplighter does a phenomenal job of doing that and providing an overarching Christian explanation that ingests paganism, elves, and other such values, it simply isn’t to my personal taste (I don’t hold this against the book – it just doesn’t appeal to me, personally).
What bothered me more – and I’m certain Ana will elaborate further – is how uncomfortable the conclusion of the book made me, especially in regards to the issue of enslavement. There is a very, very disturbing interpretation that can be made for the reasoning behind the enslavement of the Aerie Ones (without getting into spoilers that is, this notion that they were enslaved “for their own good”). I don’t think there was any metaphor intended by the author with the rationale behind the enslavement of the Aerie Ones, but that doesn’t change the potentially horrific subtextual interpretation of this rationale.
Again, though, this is a matter of personal opinion and interpretation, and your mileage may vary.
Ana: YES, to everything that Thea says. From a plotting perspective – and not only the plot in this book, but the overall, overarching plot of this series – the author brings everything together beautifully. One of the best things about this series is indeed the vision and the scope of the story, the roles that the Prosperos, and more importantly, Miranda, play in this world. That has always fascinated me, and it remains, to me, the best aspect of the series, and I think that everything has been deftly resolved within the constrictions of this particular world-building. This, I can not fault.
But just like Thea, I had huge problems with other aspects of the novel and they too, detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. The amount of info-dump is staggering. The problem of excess and the amount of repetition were almost mind-numbing especially when it came to Miranda’s inner monologue as she kept going about the same issues over and over again. Issues, mind you, that are not even new since they have been plaguing her for quite some time now: from the unknown identity of her mother to her brother Erasmus’ hate for her; from her relationship with the Lady to her fallen beloved Astreus. The problem though is not only with the repetitive nature of her monologue but also with the fact that Miranda’s voice is quite antiquated and ornate which does fit her character quite well and I have no problem with that but in excess? It turns out to be quite melodramatic.
The excess is also present in certain characters: no one represents excess quite like Lord Astreus: he is a demon AND an Archangel AND a Fey Lord AND a Wind God.
I am pleased to say though that some of my fears did not come to fruition. After I read Prospero in Hell, I feared that Miranda’s rape and subsequent loss of power would mean that she would forget everything that was important to her. I am glad to report that the repercussions of that rape were dealt with reasonably well in emotional terms and with regards to the relationship between Miranda and her Lady.
Which brings me to my biggest problem with the novel and this is a completely subjective and personal problem. As Thea so aptly describes: by the end of the novel every single thing about this series turns out to be unquestionably Christian. On the one hand, this was definitely less preachy than it could have been: I thought that the author was able to leave room for some interpretation with regards to certain aspects of this particular theology and to introduce interesting ideas about the nature of Hell and about Free Will. On the other hand, one of my favourite things about this novel is how this world-building was so vast and diverse: it played with historical characters as well as fictional ones and it had creatures from several different mythologies and cultures and everything was so grand and creative and full of potential. But when every single thing is then explained via Christian lenses ( I mean, even Greek gods have converted!) in my mind, it limits, it constricts this world that was once so….free.
Mind you, I know that nothing of this is particularly new in this series, as Christian beliefs were very much present in the Prosperos’ lives from the get go and I could accept that, because it fit the characters well. But in this book, it is no longer about the Prosperos’ view of the world – framed by their own personal experiences but about how the entire universe is squeezed to fit into this particular faith. That makes me really wary and somewhat disappointed but as I said before, this is a very personal reaction.
Lastly but not least, there is one final issue I would like to discuss. The enslavement of the Aerie Ones is one of the most important topics in this series. Miranda has often wondered about setting them free but the main idea was that the Prosperos have enslaved them in order to protect mankind from the terrible things they could do to the human race. It is terrible and horrible but within the series, it fit the history of this family and their mission in the world. However, in this book it is revealed that more than protecting humankind, Prospero had other intentions behind enslaving the Aerie Ones – he did so hoping they would grow a soul, after being in contact with humans for so long. Thus, their enslavement was for “their own good”. Again, had this been entirely from Prospero’s perspective only, his own terrible motivation without any textual corroboration, I wouldn’t have to wonder about anything else. However, Prospero is not only sanctioned by Heaven but when the time comes when they end up freeing the Aerie Ones (this is not really a spoiler, since it was obvious it would happen at some point), it turns out that the majority of them not only accept that their enslavement WAS for their own good but also continue to work for the Prosperos! This is something so potentially problematic and open for horrible interpretations that it makes me really uncomfortable and uneasy.
On the Characters:
Thea: While I felt there were sizable issues with regards to the plotting aspects of the novel, the characters of Prospero Regained are as brilliant and wonderfully flawed as ever. Our narrator and heroine, Miranda, has come so far over the course of this series, from the haughty ice queen of the first book to the empathetic woman of this final novel. While some of her inner monologue did tend to drag and become repetitive, her fears and self-doubts rang as unshakably genuine, and I love the growth and change she displays across her character arc. Beyond Miranda, though, I love, love, LOVE Mephisto and Mab of all the characters in this book. Mab has always been a favorite, with his rumpled Humphrey Bogart-esque inspired private eye persona and his keen eye. And Mephisto is simply wonderful – having drank the waters of the Lethe to forget something that could destroy him and his family, Mephisto oscillates between hilarity verging on madness and deep ruts of quiet. I love that for all the humor he brings to the plot, he also is the eldest brother of the Prospero clan and manages to find a way to look out for every one of his siblings. Plus, he has a cheer weasel (and no, I’m not going to elaborate and tell you what that is!).
I should also mention Erasmus, who goes through as dramatic and life-shattering an arc as his loathed sister Miranda does in this book. The hatred he feels for his sister is so frustrating, but his reasons are understandable. I love characters with dark, conflicted motivations, and Erasmus is as good as they come.
Ana: Aww the cheer weasel. Good times Thea, good times.
Although I had considerable problems with the novel as evidenced above, one of the saving graces of this series remains the Prospero family. I just…love them. Flaws and all. This last book focus on the Prosperos as a family and on their seemingly unsolvable gripes and feuds. But in order to save their father – and heck, save the world – they need to become a real family and work together. Thus was pretty cool and I loved seeing all of the bickering and all of the love they did have for each other. Although I still hate Erasmus (and no, I was not convinced by any of the “reasons” behind his hatred for Miranda) my love for Mephisto knows no bounds – and along with Miranda and her fabulous character arc, the highlight of this entire series.
Even though, in all honesty, I could have done without the Prosperos being the ultimate heroes they turned out to be given how messed up they were. But since since their paths mimics the paths that all souls must undergo within this particular theology- making mistakes, repenting – it actually works to some extent.
Final Thoughts, Observations & Rating:
Thea: Despite my misgivings concerning the writing, the theological departure from the more religion-agnostic aspects of the prior books, and the potentially problematic thematic connotations, I still truly enjoyed Prospero Regained. It did not live up to the brilliance of the novels before it, but it does effectively close out the trilogy. Recommended (because if you’ve come this far, you must know how it ends), with reservations.
Ana: Well, I think I feel less charitable. Although I loved certain parts of the novel and I still do love the characters (and might even miss them), my dissatisfaction and disappointment runs deep – to the point where it brings down the entire trilogy down a notch (or two). But as Thea says: if you’ve come this far, you have to know how it ends!
Rating:
Ana: 5, leaning toward 6
Thea: 6 – Good, recommended with reservations
August 13, 2013
I wanted to like L Jagi Lamplighter's (aka Mrs John C Wright) "Prospero's Daughter" trilogy better, but it was not to be.
Mrs Wright's books are a fun fantasy romp loosely based on Shakespeare's The Tempest and Christian cosmology, expertly juggling a wide cast mainly composed of the large Prospero family, all of whom I enjoyed learning to know, and, along with the narrator, like. The plot and setting is well done.
Alas, I had three problems with the trilogy. First, when it comes to writing style, my inner English lit nerd remarks, "Needs work." Second, I found the romance (especially in the second book) problematic--can we stop already with the tormented-bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold thing?
Finally, fantasy that plays with Christian cosmology is always rife with pitfalls. This one does not so much flirt with heresies such as gnosticism and universalism, as preach them. This substantially dimmed my enjoyment of the whole trilogy and makes me very loath to recommend it to anyone else.
Still, I'm giving it a generous three stars because i) I loved the sibling team fun of the book and ii) the cheer weasel.
Mrs Wright's books are a fun fantasy romp loosely based on Shakespeare's The Tempest and Christian cosmology, expertly juggling a wide cast mainly composed of the large Prospero family, all of whom I enjoyed learning to know, and, along with the narrator, like. The plot and setting is well done.
Alas, I had three problems with the trilogy. First, when it comes to writing style, my inner English lit nerd remarks, "Needs work." Second, I found the romance (especially in the second book) problematic--can we stop already with the tormented-bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold thing?
Finally, fantasy that plays with Christian cosmology is always rife with pitfalls. This one does not so much flirt with heresies such as gnosticism and universalism, as preach them. This substantially dimmed my enjoyment of the whole trilogy and makes me very loath to recommend it to anyone else.
Still, I'm giving it a generous three stars because i) I loved the sibling team fun of the book and ii) the cheer weasel.
March 28, 2012
Being a dutiful and loyal fanboy of John C. Wright when I read that his wife had her own published books I was suitably enough impressed by the reviews to add them to my wish list. Being that my wish list is much like an infinite number set I finally just got around to reading the three books in the trilogy. In fact only the first book was released when I added it.
The books I am referring to are by L. Jagi Lamplighter and include Prospero Lost, Prospero in Hell, and Prospero Regained .
The books take their cue from Shakespeare's The Tempest and include the characters of the sorcerer Prospero, his daughter Miranda, the foul traitor Antonio along with some of the airy spirits. The events take place in more modern days and Prospero has gone on to have other children who because of the water of life live on to this day. While the outline of the events in The Tempest provide a grounding for the plot it goes onto include the blending of other myths into an intriguing outline that gives it a lot of scope. Some of these blending of myths was beautifully done and one intersection of this happening in the first book still makes me smile when I think of it.
As the titles suggest something has happened to their father the "dread magician" Prospero and Miranda must gather up the family forces to rescue him. The family though over the last century had started to go their own ways with competing interests and various sibling rivalries. The brothers and sisters range as a cast of characters and includes one similar to Circe , one who had been Pope twice, and another one who is rather scatterbrain, but quite fun. So while you have your basic quest story nowhere along the way do you feel you are following an already well-traveled path. There are plenty of mysteries and suppositions that get made throughout as the band of brothers and sisters and and characters discover they are not quite sure what their father was up to. The airy spirit that looks remarkably like Sam Spade acts as a detective and helps Miranda to find her brothers and sisters and the various clues of what happened to her father.
I really enjoyed the first book which had my full attention throughout and was happy to find that the following books got even better. I just so enjoyed the interplay of the characters and there was just so much to keep you guessing as to how everything is going to resolve. The world building with Elves, Fairies, Angels and Demons is quite consistent and much attention is also given to the moral quality of acts along with a theological worldview partly Christian with a Pagan tint to it. Like many books that as part of them involve the rescuing of someone in Hell their is a view that those in Hell can be redeemed. That view was involved here, but not in the ham-handed way it is usually done and involves an interesting solution reminiscent of Hans Urs von Balthasar with its own twist. I certainly don't expect fantasy novels to be theologically perfect, but this one within the confines of the plot has some Christian theological sensitivity. There are certainly some Catholic elements involved.
A very satisfying story from beginning to end and when she comes out with another book I am not going to add it to my wish list limbo, but acquire it right away.
The books I am referring to are by L. Jagi Lamplighter and include Prospero Lost, Prospero in Hell, and Prospero Regained .
The books take their cue from Shakespeare's The Tempest and include the characters of the sorcerer Prospero, his daughter Miranda, the foul traitor Antonio along with some of the airy spirits. The events take place in more modern days and Prospero has gone on to have other children who because of the water of life live on to this day. While the outline of the events in The Tempest provide a grounding for the plot it goes onto include the blending of other myths into an intriguing outline that gives it a lot of scope. Some of these blending of myths was beautifully done and one intersection of this happening in the first book still makes me smile when I think of it.
As the titles suggest something has happened to their father the "dread magician" Prospero and Miranda must gather up the family forces to rescue him. The family though over the last century had started to go their own ways with competing interests and various sibling rivalries. The brothers and sisters range as a cast of characters and includes one similar to Circe , one who had been Pope twice, and another one who is rather scatterbrain, but quite fun. So while you have your basic quest story nowhere along the way do you feel you are following an already well-traveled path. There are plenty of mysteries and suppositions that get made throughout as the band of brothers and sisters and and characters discover they are not quite sure what their father was up to. The airy spirit that looks remarkably like Sam Spade acts as a detective and helps Miranda to find her brothers and sisters and the various clues of what happened to her father.
I really enjoyed the first book which had my full attention throughout and was happy to find that the following books got even better. I just so enjoyed the interplay of the characters and there was just so much to keep you guessing as to how everything is going to resolve. The world building with Elves, Fairies, Angels and Demons is quite consistent and much attention is also given to the moral quality of acts along with a theological worldview partly Christian with a Pagan tint to it. Like many books that as part of them involve the rescuing of someone in Hell their is a view that those in Hell can be redeemed. That view was involved here, but not in the ham-handed way it is usually done and involves an interesting solution reminiscent of Hans Urs von Balthasar with its own twist. I certainly don't expect fantasy novels to be theologically perfect, but this one within the confines of the plot has some Christian theological sensitivity. There are certainly some Catholic elements involved.
A very satisfying story from beginning to end and when she comes out with another book I am not going to add it to my wish list limbo, but acquire it right away.
May 26, 2012
This is my review of the entire trilogy, since I read the three books back-to-back in one week, they blend together in my mind, and they form one long plot.
The strengths of this trilogy include:
1. The world is interesting. Set in the modern times, the world of Prospero also includes all manner of magical creatures, many of which I had never even heard of (oreads? peris? oni? bwca? ouphie?). A large chunk of the series takes place in Hell, and reads a little bit like Lewis' _The Great Divorce_.
2. The mystery elements of the book are well written, with enough hints given that you might be able to figure out what is going on, but not so many that it is obvious. Answers are are revealed slowly, and some raise more questions.
3. The plot is well mapped out, loose ends are tied up, and the ending is satisfying. It helps that Mab, the Aerie One turned detective, accompanies the characters throughout the book, noting outstanding questions and crossing them off the list when they get answered.
4. The Prospero siblings are interesting, and I liked all of them by the end. They are all distinct, and I liked seeing their interactions with each other, and how each character grew based on the challenges they faced.
The weaknesses include:
1. Immature writing style, although it definitely improves throughout the series. In the first book it was distracting, especially the scene transitions, but for the later books I was drawn into the plot enough that I didn't notice it as much.
2. Several theological problems, which I can't discuss in more detail without spoilers. :) The mythology is a strange combination of the occult, Christianity, and gnosticism. But it is fiction, so just take it with a grain of salt.
These books are worth reading, and the latter two were hard to put down. Thanks for the recommendation, Chrissy!
The strengths of this trilogy include:
1. The world is interesting. Set in the modern times, the world of Prospero also includes all manner of magical creatures, many of which I had never even heard of (oreads? peris? oni? bwca? ouphie?). A large chunk of the series takes place in Hell, and reads a little bit like Lewis' _The Great Divorce_.
2. The mystery elements of the book are well written, with enough hints given that you might be able to figure out what is going on, but not so many that it is obvious. Answers are are revealed slowly, and some raise more questions.
3. The plot is well mapped out, loose ends are tied up, and the ending is satisfying. It helps that Mab, the Aerie One turned detective, accompanies the characters throughout the book, noting outstanding questions and crossing them off the list when they get answered.
4. The Prospero siblings are interesting, and I liked all of them by the end. They are all distinct, and I liked seeing their interactions with each other, and how each character grew based on the challenges they faced.
The weaknesses include:
1. Immature writing style, although it definitely improves throughout the series. In the first book it was distracting, especially the scene transitions, but for the later books I was drawn into the plot enough that I didn't notice it as much.
2. Several theological problems, which I can't discuss in more detail without spoilers. :) The mythology is a strange combination of the occult, Christianity, and gnosticism. But it is fiction, so just take it with a grain of salt.
These books are worth reading, and the latter two were hard to put down. Thanks for the recommendation, Chrissy!
November 5, 2011
Prospero Regained is the final book in the Prospero's Daughter trilogy. The entire series is an impressive feat of fantasy writing that stands up to the accomplishments of such bestsellers as China Mieville, Philip Pullman and JRR Tolkein. This final volume was the best of all. The mysteries, the supernatural enemies and the purposes of the Prospero family introduced in the first two volumes are all fully explained and revealed. Each of Miranda's siblings and Miranda herself find the strength to rise above his or her flaws and overcome the demons who plague them. I give nothing away when I say this because Miranda's deepest desires and the future of Prospero Inc, not to mention the future of humanity are all at stake and the suspense is palpable.
To fully enjoy Prospero Regained you really must read the whole series in order. (See my reviews of Prospero Lost and Prospero in Hell.) This final volume takes place for the most part in Hell. Many of the earlier mythical creatures, friends and foes, make appearances and we finally meet Prospero himself. Miranda's love for the elf Astreus goes through surprising developments and we learn who her mother really was. After losing her connection to the Goddess Eurynome in the last book, Miranda gets another chance for redemption.
Underlying the suspense, adventure and mystery is a strong sense of hope for mankind and the world. Lamplighter draws from a deep well of mythological and centuries old religious wisdom meshing it together ingeniously. I finished these books with much of my faith in mankind and in the power of personal integrity restored; something I sorely needed at this time in my life.
To fully enjoy Prospero Regained you really must read the whole series in order. (See my reviews of Prospero Lost and Prospero in Hell.) This final volume takes place for the most part in Hell. Many of the earlier mythical creatures, friends and foes, make appearances and we finally meet Prospero himself. Miranda's love for the elf Astreus goes through surprising developments and we learn who her mother really was. After losing her connection to the Goddess Eurynome in the last book, Miranda gets another chance for redemption.
Underlying the suspense, adventure and mystery is a strong sense of hope for mankind and the world. Lamplighter draws from a deep well of mythological and centuries old religious wisdom meshing it together ingeniously. I finished these books with much of my faith in mankind and in the power of personal integrity restored; something I sorely needed at this time in my life.
September 30, 2011
Like the previous 2 books in the trilogy, Prospero Lost and Prospero in Hell, this is smart, literate SF/fantasy. The author draws on Shakespeare, history, myth and legend but not held hostage to them. The book benefits from a complicated heroine (and complicated foils), with some suspense and foreshadowing that does not feel overdone. The books roll right into one another with nary a gap in the action. Each one qualifies as a can't-put-it-down book. Well worth your time!
January 12, 2012
This was a painful book to read. I've been trudging through it for 8 weeks now. Had to endure a long journey through hell (literally) and Miranda's endless monologuing, which was at times equally hellish. I think there was a lot of sanctimonious, morally cheesy crap too, which I was sick and tired of by the end.
November 20, 2014
Excellent book wrapping up the series, with all of the siblings having to give up their hubris and other baggage in order to navigate hell and fight Lilith to save Prospero. Secrets are revealed.
August 14, 2018
3.5 stars
And so the story of Prospero's daughter comes to a close. Overall, I was happy with the conclusion of the story. The various mysteries that have been mounting are solved and there were a few twists I did not see coming. Mephisto definitely remains my favorite out of Miranda's brothers, and while Erasmus did get a little annoying at times, the resolution between him and Miranda was satisfying. Some might say that everything was wrapped up a little too neatly with a happy-ending bow, but I felt it was appropriate. Actually, I think the biggest disappointment in the book (and series) was Prospero himself. While we do see him referenced throughout the trilogy from Miranda's worshipful point of view, he still seems kind of... boring when they finally reach him. He doesn't seem to bring anything to the table, except to explain the mysteries away. (And I think Cornelius got the short end of the stick... I'm hoping for a follow-up short story or something to fix that.) But all in all, a very interesting and enjoyable series, especially for fans of mythology, literature, and urban fantasy with some amusing pop-culture references.
And so the story of Prospero's daughter comes to a close. Overall, I was happy with the conclusion of the story. The various mysteries that have been mounting are solved and there were a few twists I did not see coming. Mephisto definitely remains my favorite out of Miranda's brothers, and while Erasmus did get a little annoying at times, the resolution between him and Miranda was satisfying. Some might say that everything was wrapped up a little too neatly with a happy-ending bow, but I felt it was appropriate. Actually, I think the biggest disappointment in the book (and series) was Prospero himself. While we do see him referenced throughout the trilogy from Miranda's worshipful point of view, he still seems kind of... boring when they finally reach him. He doesn't seem to bring anything to the table, except to explain the mysteries away. (And I think Cornelius got the short end of the stick... I'm hoping for a follow-up short story or something to fix that.) But all in all, a very interesting and enjoyable series, especially for fans of mythology, literature, and urban fantasy with some amusing pop-culture references.
April 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this one, like the others. I found the unusual number of blatant typos, especially toward the end, very disconcerting in book put out by a major publisher. It was frustrating as missing letters changing on word into another that didn't belong made the mistakes especially jarring.
I also found a particular description of modern society that could've been cribbed from any fundamentalist Christian sermon to be a major surprise and turn off. Possibly given the context the author didn't mean to endorse that view of modern society, but that was not at all clear. 16th century morals really don't fit the rest of the trilogy or even the rest of the book.
Those are the reasons why it gets 4 stars instead of 5. That and...It seemed a little drawn out, like it could've been tightened up better. Maybe it just needed a better editor.
I also found a particular description of modern society that could've been cribbed from any fundamentalist Christian sermon to be a major surprise and turn off. Possibly given the context the author didn't mean to endorse that view of modern society, but that was not at all clear. 16th century morals really don't fit the rest of the trilogy or even the rest of the book.
Those are the reasons why it gets 4 stars instead of 5. That and...It seemed a little drawn out, like it could've been tightened up better. Maybe it just needed a better editor.
November 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this trilogy. Granted there are 2 things that make me not give this 5 stars. the first is that this book could have been probably 100 pages shorter. Second is that while I knew this book would get more into the religious aspects of the series (I mean the book takes place in Hell) it got a little too Conservative Christian for me but it was only a few small spots.
Otherwise this series is great.
Otherwise this series is great.
June 21, 2020
This was an amazing finale to a really interesting trilogy. I loved how it took classic Shakespearian characters, as well as mythological and legendary figures, and brought them into the modern times. A worthwhile read (the whole trilogy of course) for any fan of classical literature or fantasy!
January 8, 2015
This book has attracted some long reviews, and here's another.
APPLAUSE
OK, I didn't much like volumes 1 & 2 - but I did say I was sufficiently compelled to read #3. It paid off. #3 was worth reading, and revealed the enormously ambitious scope of the three-volume plot. I applaud Lamplighter's boldness. The overall plot was reasonable credible, even if many, many details weren't. Predictable and over-foreshadowed, sure, but that didn't really spoil it.
The author admits borrowing from her husband and from roleplaying games, with which I have no problem, but there must have been a huge load of research as well. Weaving it into Earth's history was well done and sometimes amusing.
Overall, it's entertaining. But there are some serious problems with the writing and with the plot. Let's look.
THE WRITING
Spelling is an issue. We see vender (vendor). We see Lilith most of the time, Lillith about six times. Once, we get Astreus of the High Counsel (Council). Somehow we got "with own his brother." Syntax/usage too: Lamplighter just doesn't get the rules for lie/lay/laid.
Names are again wrong so often it must be intentional: Morgan La Fay (Le Fay); Ridolfo Capa Ferro (Capo Ferro); Teilhard de Chardinon (Chardin); Allan Quartermain (Quatermain); the Revelations of Saint John (Revelation) - two occasions, including when Erasmus is claiming that he wrote it.
Authors don't have to be good at this stuff - but their editors and publishers ought to be.
Style is an issue, too, although this volume is noticeably cleaner than the others in that way.
There are many occurrences of "cruel knife" ... I hate that. It's right up there with "steaming mug" as something authors write automatically. Do we have agreement on what a cruel knife looks like? Is it like a happy sock, or a grieving spoon?
We're told of "the smell of burning cartilage;" Sure, we all know that smell.
p.298 - We're back where looking at the throne makes eyes bleed. Theo has goggles, Miranda has learned that quick glances are OK .. and "Logistilla stared ..."
p. 321 - Erasmus: "... to see if we've brought what we need .." Page 347" stuck without food or water. Have they forgotten the Bully Boys? Later on Ulysses turns into Gofer Boy. Either way, they could on many occasions have gone to get something useful, and didn't, because it would have become silly. Why not bring back machine guns or an assault helicopter? I think both of those plot pieces were a bad idea.
Eek! Ulysses disappears - so often that it becomes tiresome, as do his Britishisms, which mix class levels implausibly.
Speaking of repeating, if I had read once more that Mab was reaching for his trusty lead pipe, I'd have thrown the book across the room. AND ... a two-inch lead pipe of medium strength would weigh seven pounds per foot. Perhaps it wasn't too long, since it fit into one of Mab's 473 pockets along with the 30 pounds of salt that he must have carried. That was some trench coat.
THE PLOT
How has she gone so long without asking Erasmus what his problem is? I recall a couple of times she almost did but the author pulled the old interruption trick. Bah. And why did none of the others ask?
As they parade through Hell I thought, "this is turning into one of Piers Anthony's Xanth adventures."
Ulysses zips away and returns with a pistol -- and doughnuts. Sure. And, luckily, it's one of those movie pistols that can fire hundreds of shots without reloading.
p. 356-7 we get into conservative social philosophy, abortion is demon work, etc. - OTOH it is spoken by a Bad One so we don't know whether Lamplighter is turning into Dan Simmons.
On page 370 the action peaks and Miranda is . Two paragraphs later, she's philosophizing as if she's in class at a community college. I felt as if I'd missed a page.
SUMMARY
We've just read three volumes of Miranda being a sitcom character - the kind who analyzes each situation and gets it wrong EVERY time. By the middle of volume 2 I knew that anything she said couldn't happen would. Yep, it did.
Despite all those problems, it was still a decent read. The book is set on such a strong basic idea that it carries past the problems.
APPLAUSE
OK, I didn't much like volumes 1 & 2 - but I did say I was sufficiently compelled to read #3. It paid off. #3 was worth reading, and revealed the enormously ambitious scope of the three-volume plot. I applaud Lamplighter's boldness. The overall plot was reasonable credible, even if many, many details weren't. Predictable and over-foreshadowed, sure, but that didn't really spoil it.
The author admits borrowing from her husband and from roleplaying games, with which I have no problem, but there must have been a huge load of research as well. Weaving it into Earth's history was well done and sometimes amusing.
Overall, it's entertaining. But there are some serious problems with the writing and with the plot. Let's look.
THE WRITING
Spelling is an issue. We see vender (vendor). We see Lilith most of the time, Lillith about six times. Once, we get Astreus of the High Counsel (Council). Somehow we got "with own his brother." Syntax/usage too: Lamplighter just doesn't get the rules for lie/lay/laid.
Names are again wrong so often it must be intentional: Morgan La Fay (Le Fay); Ridolfo Capa Ferro (Capo Ferro); Teilhard de Chardinon (Chardin); Allan Quartermain (Quatermain); the Revelations of Saint John (Revelation) - two occasions, including when Erasmus is claiming that he wrote it.
Authors don't have to be good at this stuff - but their editors and publishers ought to be.
Style is an issue, too, although this volume is noticeably cleaner than the others in that way.
There are many occurrences of "cruel knife" ... I hate that. It's right up there with "steaming mug" as something authors write automatically. Do we have agreement on what a cruel knife looks like? Is it like a happy sock, or a grieving spoon?
We're told of "the smell of burning cartilage;" Sure, we all know that smell.
p.298 - We're back where looking at the throne makes eyes bleed. Theo has goggles, Miranda has learned that quick glances are OK .. and "Logistilla stared ..."
p. 321 - Erasmus: "... to see if we've brought what we need .." Page 347" stuck without food or water. Have they forgotten the Bully Boys? Later on Ulysses turns into Gofer Boy. Either way, they could on many occasions have gone to get something useful, and didn't, because it would have become silly. Why not bring back machine guns or an assault helicopter? I think both of those plot pieces were a bad idea.
Eek! Ulysses disappears - so often that it becomes tiresome, as do his Britishisms, which mix class levels implausibly.
Speaking of repeating, if I had read once more that Mab was reaching for his trusty lead pipe, I'd have thrown the book across the room. AND ... a two-inch lead pipe of medium strength would weigh seven pounds per foot. Perhaps it wasn't too long, since it fit into one of Mab's 473 pockets along with the 30 pounds of salt that he must have carried. That was some trench coat.
THE PLOT
How has she gone so long without asking Erasmus what his problem is? I recall a couple of times she almost did but the author pulled the old interruption trick. Bah. And why did none of the others ask?
As they parade through Hell I thought, "this is turning into one of Piers Anthony's Xanth adventures."
Ulysses zips away and returns with a pistol -- and doughnuts. Sure. And, luckily, it's one of those movie pistols that can fire hundreds of shots without reloading.
p. 356-7 we get into conservative social philosophy, abortion is demon work, etc. - OTOH it is spoken by a Bad One so we don't know whether Lamplighter is turning into Dan Simmons.
On page 370 the action peaks and Miranda is . Two paragraphs later, she's philosophizing as if she's in class at a community college. I felt as if I'd missed a page.
SUMMARY
We've just read three volumes of Miranda being a sitcom character - the kind who analyzes each situation and gets it wrong EVERY time. By the middle of volume 2 I knew that anything she said couldn't happen would. Yep, it did.
Despite all those problems, it was still a decent read. The book is set on such a strong basic idea that it carries past the problems.
January 31, 2016
Frankly, I'm pretty disappointed with how this series turned out. The premise is excellent: Prospero and Miranda from The Tempest come back from the Island, acquire the Water of Life, and build a vast commercial empire based on contracts with various other supernatural forces. Then, Prospero disappears. The premise was so good that I was willing to overlook a number of things in the first two books to see where the story went (Examples: (1) a main character whom I personally found pretty irritating; (2) big plot twists that were either telegraphed obviously chapters in advance or came from basically nowhere; (3) a tendency by the author to use words of extreme emotion rather than "said," so it appeared that her characters were having constant wild mood swings in the course of pretty basic conversations.)
Very limited spoilers below, but for those who don't want even that much, the short version: this book devolves into preachy message fiction without remedying any of the previously existing shortcomings in the story, and the ultimate resolution of the trilogy is disappointingly flat. I would have loved to see what could have come of this story if the author had been more invested in the plot than in the moral.
**HERE THERE BE SPOILERS (MINOR ONES)**
Unfortunately, the final book didn't reward my faith. The periodic moralizing that had popped up in the first two books devolved into full-fledged preaching with a strong Catholic varnish. The Prosperos journey through Hell in search of the pater familias, encountering any number of demons and demonic environments straight out of Dante (literally; Lamplighter has done an impressive and faithful job of bringing Dante's Hell to life). Over the course of the journey, the people/demons they encounter reveal how Hell has continued to influence the world in the centuries since Dante first described it - namely, through Hollywood, New York City, weakening the bonds of marriage, rock music, and abortion. Seriously. There's a whole speech about how abortion has been Hell's greatest invention since they pioneered temple prostitution.
On top of that, the Prosperos themselves indulge in a fair bit of thinly veiled personal reflection about how blind and wicked they have been and how awful it would be to end up in Hell and how if only people living on Earth could see and understand what awaits them they would be disgusted and reform their ways. Meanwhile, all of the non-Catholic/non-European supernatural influences just fall right out of the story, which is a shame, because one of the strengths of the first book was how well Lamplighter had integrated multiple myth traditions into her vision of the modern supernatural world.
Finally, a significant portion of the book is devoted to Miranda angsting about her own personal tragedies. Does the elf she has a crush on like her back, or is he a demon? Who is her mother? Why won't her brothers stop accusing her of betraying them? Why does everyone always want her to take their feelings into account? Some of these are serious questions that should inspire internal reflection. Some of them are annoying to read about when the character is a 15-year-old girl, and are downright infuriating when the character is 530 and should maybe have addressed some of these issues before now. Ultimately, the answers given to explain these many mysteries are simultaneous preachy and petty, and doesn't, in my view, excuse any of the internal self-justification that readers have been forced to endure. Not to mention that the final resolution of Miranda's problems (marriage before sex, obviously) is more appropriate to an 18th-century novel than a 21st century one.
Very limited spoilers below, but for those who don't want even that much, the short version: this book devolves into preachy message fiction without remedying any of the previously existing shortcomings in the story, and the ultimate resolution of the trilogy is disappointingly flat. I would have loved to see what could have come of this story if the author had been more invested in the plot than in the moral.
**HERE THERE BE SPOILERS (MINOR ONES)**
Unfortunately, the final book didn't reward my faith. The periodic moralizing that had popped up in the first two books devolved into full-fledged preaching with a strong Catholic varnish. The Prosperos journey through Hell in search of the pater familias, encountering any number of demons and demonic environments straight out of Dante (literally; Lamplighter has done an impressive and faithful job of bringing Dante's Hell to life). Over the course of the journey, the people/demons they encounter reveal how Hell has continued to influence the world in the centuries since Dante first described it - namely, through Hollywood, New York City, weakening the bonds of marriage, rock music, and abortion. Seriously. There's a whole speech about how abortion has been Hell's greatest invention since they pioneered temple prostitution.
On top of that, the Prosperos themselves indulge in a fair bit of thinly veiled personal reflection about how blind and wicked they have been and how awful it would be to end up in Hell and how if only people living on Earth could see and understand what awaits them they would be disgusted and reform their ways. Meanwhile, all of the non-Catholic/non-European supernatural influences just fall right out of the story, which is a shame, because one of the strengths of the first book was how well Lamplighter had integrated multiple myth traditions into her vision of the modern supernatural world.
Finally, a significant portion of the book is devoted to Miranda angsting about her own personal tragedies. Does the elf she has a crush on like her back, or is he a demon? Who is her mother? Why won't her brothers stop accusing her of betraying them? Why does everyone always want her to take their feelings into account? Some of these are serious questions that should inspire internal reflection. Some of them are annoying to read about when the character is a 15-year-old girl, and are downright infuriating when the character is 530 and should maybe have addressed some of these issues before now. Ultimately, the answers given to explain these many mysteries are simultaneous preachy and petty, and doesn't, in my view, excuse any of the internal self-justification that readers have been forced to endure. Not to mention that the final resolution of Miranda's problems (marriage before sex, obviously) is more appropriate to an 18th-century novel than a 21st century one.
October 25, 2011
I read the first book in this series because it was part of a book club I was following and it was okay. I read the second book because I was curious and the first book ended on a cliff hanger. I enjoyed the second book as the characters became more three dimensional and secrets were starting to be revealed. I read this book, the third in the series, because I had appreciated the second book and again it had ended on a cliff hanger. I did not enjoy this book very much. For one, I don't enjoy being preached at and I felt that this book was doing that in spades. True the book is set in Hell, but I felt like the author was putting a lot of personal beliefs and politics into it. Secondly, most of it was pretty boring. I can't really remember, but did the reader really have to listen to Miranda, the main character, think as much in the first two books? If so, I'm surprised I got this far into the series. Additionally, was there this much chauvinism in the other books? Miranda's giggling at the end of the book was just too much. Overall, for me, the more interesting story would have been the journey of Miranda is just beginning at the end of the novel. The other part that I disliked was at the end when, instead of having the reader figure everything out during the context of the story, the characters just sit around asking all the questions that weren't sorted out earlier. It's the Vanilla Sky ending and just feels like a cop out to me.
August 7, 2017
This is the third book of a trilogy a la The Lord of the Rings -- a book chopped into three parts. There will therefore will be SPOILERS ahead. (Which is important because this trilogy is about the unfolding of mysteries.)
It opens with a foursome of Eramus, Mab, Gregor, and Miranda herself tramping through a hellish swamp in search of the other siblings that the Hellwinds blew away, in hopes of collecting them all in time to rescue their father from the Queen of Air and Darkness, who intends to sacrifice him on Twelfth Night.
With Eramus, of course, blaming it all on Miranda.
They unexpectedly meet an old enemy who is not quite a damned soul any more, but trying to win free by helping others win free. He gives them some help in getting through hell, but they meet many more perils. And problems. And discoveries. The question of who is Miranda's mother gets more and more twisted. There are not so many revelations as in the first two, partly because in the course of descending through Hell, they have to work out the implications of the past revelations. And fix what can be fixed and stop what can be stopped. And learn more about the structure of the universe and what makes it run. And face many, many, many temptations.
A fine novel providing a rousing conclusion.
It opens with a foursome of Eramus, Mab, Gregor, and Miranda herself tramping through a hellish swamp in search of the other siblings that the Hellwinds blew away, in hopes of collecting them all in time to rescue their father from the Queen of Air and Darkness, who intends to sacrifice him on Twelfth Night.
With Eramus, of course, blaming it all on Miranda.
They unexpectedly meet an old enemy who is not quite a damned soul any more, but trying to win free by helping others win free. He gives them some help in getting through hell, but they meet many more perils. And problems. And discoveries. The question of who is Miranda's mother gets more and more twisted. There are not so many revelations as in the first two, partly because in the course of descending through Hell, they have to work out the implications of the past revelations. And fix what can be fixed and stop what can be stopped. And learn more about the structure of the universe and what makes it run. And face many, many, many temptations.
A fine novel providing a rousing conclusion.
December 16, 2015
I have pretty mixed feelings around this series. On the one hand, I finished it, which means that I either liked it enough or felt otherwise compelled to get through it. But, on the other hand, there were pages I wanted to skip altogether, and I found myself eye rolling quite a bit.
I think the thing that kept me sticking around and ultimately feeling some warm feelings towards this book (and the series as a whole) was the cast of characters. I genuinely cared about them and wanted to know what happened to them, even if I didn't find some of them likable or if I disagreed with their viewpoint. Lamplighter did a great job of constructing a (fantastical) realistic family, where you can't stand some members, you love others, and you really don't get some of them, but--for some reason--you're compelled to care.
What I found myself wanting to skip or roll my eyes at were the sometimes overwrought moral lectures, coming from the protagonists and the antagonists (two sides of the same coin). I also didn't love the way that sexual assault was handled in the book, and found it to be dealt with flippantly and without compassion.
Overall, I would recommend this book while making my reservations known.
I think the thing that kept me sticking around and ultimately feeling some warm feelings towards this book (and the series as a whole) was the cast of characters. I genuinely cared about them and wanted to know what happened to them, even if I didn't find some of them likable or if I disagreed with their viewpoint. Lamplighter did a great job of constructing a (fantastical) realistic family, where you can't stand some members, you love others, and you really don't get some of them, but--for some reason--you're compelled to care.
What I found myself wanting to skip or roll my eyes at were the sometimes overwrought moral lectures, coming from the protagonists and the antagonists (two sides of the same coin). I also didn't love the way that sexual assault was handled in the book, and found it to be dealt with flippantly and without compassion.
Overall, I would recommend this book while making my reservations known.
July 15, 2012
“Prospero Regained” (Tor, $25.99, 384 pages) wraps up a trilogy loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” Miranda, Prospero’s daughter, is the protagonist, but she now has siblings who are trying to rescue their father, who is trapped in hell. As with many such series, it’s almost imperative to read the first two books (“Prospero Lost” and “Prospero in Hell”) to have any sense of what’s happening, and even then it’s a strain, as J. Lagi Lamplighter’s method is to set up mysteries, often early in the series, and then reveal the solution at the end of “Prospero Regained.” The result is that some of the solved mysteries happened so long ago that only a very attentive reader will remember them, which tends to cut into the drama of the revealed solutions.
Still, the trilogy is reasonably good fun (though I got very tired of Hell, which is where most of this book is set) and there are some interesting theological issues raised by the Catholic notion of Hell that Lamplighter goes toe-to-toe with. The ending is somewhat pat, and thus a little bit of a letdown but at least Lamplighter lets her characters enjoy a few pages of reward after nearly three volumes of struggle.
Still, the trilogy is reasonably good fun (though I got very tired of Hell, which is where most of this book is set) and there are some interesting theological issues raised by the Catholic notion of Hell that Lamplighter goes toe-to-toe with. The ending is somewhat pat, and thus a little bit of a letdown but at least Lamplighter lets her characters enjoy a few pages of reward after nearly three volumes of struggle.
February 17, 2012
When I started reading the Prospero's Daughter books, I thought that I was getting clever light fantasy. The central cleverness came from the explanation of the nature of the scientific age, and the role of the Prosperos in its preservation. The dark undercurrent of the mechanism? Well, that can be overlooked... I treated it as a romp - don't look too closely, and enjoy the ride.
The concluding volume changed this. Lamplighter pulls off the turn masterfully, pivoting into serious philosophical and religious allegory without missing a beat. Her ideas on the nature of Hell, the accuracy of historical records, redemption, and the natures of angels are thought-provokingly plausible, and yet not obvious in the least. Lamplighter's work is more CS Lewis than Tolkien or Wright, but that is hardly a complaint.
The included Peter Atkins poem, Expectant Father to His Unborn Son, is a delightful surprise.
I enjoyed this series far more than I thought I would, and I highly recommend it.
The concluding volume changed this. Lamplighter pulls off the turn masterfully, pivoting into serious philosophical and religious allegory without missing a beat. Her ideas on the nature of Hell, the accuracy of historical records, redemption, and the natures of angels are thought-provokingly plausible, and yet not obvious in the least. Lamplighter's work is more CS Lewis than Tolkien or Wright, but that is hardly a complaint.
The included Peter Atkins poem, Expectant Father to His Unborn Son, is a delightful surprise.
I enjoyed this series far more than I thought I would, and I highly recommend it.
December 3, 2011
All of the Prospero siblings and supporting characters have really come into their own in this third and final book of the Prospero's Daughter series. Lamplighter masterfully manages to make each of them likeable in his or her unique way, even though each also has weaknesses and can be trouble for each other. I don't know of many people who would have the hubris to create a structured Hell after Dante's superb job centuries ago, but Lamplighter pulls it off magnificently.
April 12, 2012
Golly gosh, I wish I'd written this. Other reviewers have complained that this book got a little preachy, but I didn't see it that way. I thought it was maybe too literal at times, but the series has always involved incarnating things that we think of as amorphous or metaphoric. Mostly, I just loved how Lamplighter let the characters make choices, and then saw those choices through to their logical ends-- albeit ends influenced by magic and religion. A fun read as well as thought-provoking.
January 1, 2014
The conclusion of the series sees the Prospero siblings travel through hell and back to save their father, learning quite a bit about each other along the way. The story in this one was more interesting that the others but still not great. I wish I could pinpoint why this series just didn't come together for me.
December 21, 2011
Intriguing, but ultimately flawed, this trilogy is not the first promising narrative to succumb to the allure of a big, important (to the author) idea. This reader was left wanting a more authentic narrative, one that wasn't motivated by the writer's ideological musings.
November 22, 2011
Impressive world building and endearing quirky characters in a well thought story that Ms. Lamplighter brings to a satisfying conclusion in this last volume of the Prospero's Daughter trilogy.
You can read my full review at http://www.myshelf.com/scifi_fantasy/...
You can read my full review at http://www.myshelf.com/scifi_fantasy/...
June 1, 2012
I -still- found the writing very distracting. Also this one gets fairly syrupy and preachy. I still cared what happened to the characters, there was just a LOT of church, weird church in hell with unicorns. All wrapped up, though.
April 22, 2012
Definitely one of my favourite fantasy books in a while. Takes a strong bit of Dante's Inferno, along with some Shakespeare and all sorts of mysticism from many religions. It's set in Modern day, with a feeling of Warehouse 13 as well.
January 29, 2015
Finished this amazing trilogy-- questions answered, loose ends tied and Miranda's dreams came true. Very well written with vivid descriptions, great characters -- I am amazed at how Lamplighter created such a well- developed universe with bits of edgy modern humor blended in.
July 14, 2016
A fittingly epic conclusion to the best William Shakespeare/Dante Alighieri mashup urban fantasy the world is likely to see.
November 7, 2011
my 5 stars is for the complete trilogy
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