Alexandra Bracken can't really write anything poorly, so I was looking forward to see how she tackled writing a middle-grade novel. The results? I enjoyed THE DESPERATE TALE OF PROSPER REDDING, but it wasn't quite what I expected. 
 First off, I feel like I have to warn people of the HUGE cliffhanger this book leaves off on. Knowing that this wasn't going to be a standalone might have changed my reading experience a little. Also, I'm biased because I have a really poor memory and usually wait until there are two books out in a series to start one. But I digress. 
 Like the blurb says, this novel is about a boy named Prosper who happened to get stuck with the brunt of his family's bad luck in the form of a demon named Alastor, who possesses him. 
 I expected Alastor, being a demon and all, would have been a lot more evil but he pretty much is all bark and no bite. I was fine with that, especially when you consider the interesting dynamic he has with Prosper, which was actually quite humorous. They bicker back and forth and most of their exchanges are pretty funny. I wish they had interacted more. 
 In terms of writing, Bracken delivers yet again. I do have to say that the pacing felt off though, it was slow at times, particularly when visiting the school the characters are attending. Also I think the book took place over a few days(?) which was somewhat odd. The last hundred pages were great though, I was definitely hooked on seeing what was going to happen, and there was heck of a twist. 
 I would recommend this book to any Alexandra Bracken or MG fans.