I received Miranda and Caliban* by Jacqueline Carey as an e-book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is an unbiased and honest review. Carey’s wonderful retelling of The Tempest delves deeper into the characters most affected by Prospero’s plans. The view points are from both Miranda and Caliban and show the twisted love story the island really holds.
There were points where recognised characters names although I didn’t originally realise it was a retelling. It was a nice surprise to find that I had engaged with Shakespeare’s characters without knowing. Carey brings to life this moorish palace that Miranda has grown to believe is her home. At first thoughts, I was seeing a girl with a caring, albeit slightly lacking father but the Prospero became a cunning antagonist as the book drew on.
The tale of Miranda finding her first and only friend in Caliban is heart warming. Which only increases the heart ache when they are not destined to be together. Some have said you need to know The Tempest before reading, but I feel Miranda and Caliban can stand on it’s own.
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Might I recommend either Coral Bones by Foz Meadows (part of the Monstrous Little Voices anthology), or Caliban’s Hour by Tad Williams? Both pick up with what might have happened next 🙂
Ooh they sound really good thank you! I've actually been wanting to read something by Tad Williams as well! 😄