Synopsis: Miranda is a lonely child. For as long as she can remember, she and her father have lived in isolation in the abandoned Moorish palace. There are chickens and goats, and a terrible wailing spirit trapped in a pine tree, but the elusive wild boy who spies on her from the crumbling walls and leaves gifts on their doorstep is the isle’s only other human inhabitant. There are other memories, too: vague, dream-like memories of another time and another place. There are questions that Miranda dare not ask her stern and controlling father, who guards his secrets with zealous care: Who am I? Where did I come from? The wild boy Caliban is a lonely child, too; an orphan left to fend for himself at an early age, all language lost to him. When Caliban is summoned and bound into captivity by Miranda’s father as part of a grand experiment, he rages against his confinement; and yet he hungers for kindness and love.
Review: I really liked all the books written by Jacqueline Carey, whether it’s in the fantasy genre with Kushiel or the urban fantasy one with Agent of Hel. The author is indeed able to construct unique worlds that make us discover many surprises. We find her with Miranda and Caliban once again in a new fantasy universe and I confess that I was curious to see what she was going to present us.
We follow four characters in this novel and the narrative is shared between the two main protagonists Miranda and Caliban. We discover them very young, 6 years for Miranda and we watch them evolve little by little. This little girl lives with her father on a desert island that hides many secrets. Indeed, it seems that this severe and strict man has big plans for his daughter and these do not concern Caliban. But he would still like to educate this wild boy to make one of his servants. It is thus that we discover a little more about Caliban in some of the chapters, while he discovers the words and that he adapts to his new environment. Only children, they will grow together although a limit is quickly established between them, well maintained by Miranda’s father, without being able to prevent the feelings of being born.
It is touching to see these two children evolve, discover themselves and finally have a friend to confide in. It is a little sad to see how her father behaves with them, thinking only of what he could gain and not hesitating to bewitch or punish atrociously if he thinks he has the right to do so. Did I forget to mention the last character? Ariel … imprisoned by Caliban’s mother, he is released and enslaved, this powerful spirit that does not hesitate to torment our two young people.
It was an interesting and intriguing reading, although it rather lays the foundations of the story and leads to many questions that I hope will be solved in part in the second volume. I am curious to see where the author will lead us and see what Miranda and Caliban are going to do.
Sophia Rose
I love that this is a The Tempest retelling of sorts. You have me eager to try it now.
Silvia
Sounds like a touching story and quite an interesting read, I think I might enjoy this one!
Melliane
yes it was quite well done
blodeuedd
I still have not read the old Carey books
Melliane
you should! I need to finish Imriel I confess
kindlemom1
I love that this author writes well in all of the genre she’s tried, Sounds like one to try for sure!
LeKeisha
So glad you enjoyed this! This author is new to me, but I’ve been dying to read this book. I even preordered it, which is something I haven’t done in a long time. I’m pretty sure I’ll be picking up her backlist soon.
Melliane
you should try Kushiel. It’s quite impressive.
Heidi
I rather like series that start out at a young age and build and build. I am sure the relationship between the two MC is strong, and I like that.
Melliane
that’s true
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author but this sounds like a really interesting book.
Melliane
it was
Melissa (Books and Things)
I want to read more of her work. I haven’t read her more famous series yet! This one is going on my wishlist!
Lisa @TenaciousReader
I read Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood last year, which is another Tempest retelling like this. Am curious how the two compare.
Melliane
I didn’t know it was a retelling I confess
Braine
OMG I want to read this. The history between these two is rich and I love that we get to follow them from their early years.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I remember seeing something about this book before it was released and thought it sounded good. I am glad that you enjoyed it. Definitely interested in this book. Great review!
Melliane
thanks. It’s not released yet
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Sounds very character driven. Wow. Glad you liked the characters.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I’m going to be starting this one tonight, I can’t wait! I love Carey.
Melliane
me too
Carole Rae
Haha I knew I recognized that name. I read the first book of that Kushiel series. I must continue forward because I hear that series gets better. Hmmmm
**BTW – sorry for the duplicate posts….technology hates me todayyyyyyy**
Melliane
no don’t worry
LilyElement Book Reviews
Gonna need to grab this, it’s been forever since I’ve read a Jacqueline Carey book!!!