Prosper’s Demon is the first story I’ve read by K.J. Parker. I’ve had my eye on several of his books for a while—just try telling me that a fantasy series centered around an engineer out for revenge doesn’t sound like the most amazing thing ever. But for some reason, I’d never read a book by K.J. Parker before now.
So what changed?
For one thing, the cover art captured my imagination. Who is this fellow with black smoke for a head, wearing rich silk clothing and generally looking like an aristocratic demon? Then I read the back cover copy, and couldn’t resist the idea of a morally questionable exorcist who’s just out to do the job and doesn’t care about the consequences. I was sold, and started reading the novella almost immediately.
The concept of demons and exorcists is far from a new one. Prosper’s Demon shines in its uniquely irreverent approach to the subject. Demons are immortal and cannot die, but They can suffer. The main character—whom I believe goes unnamed for the entire story—feels this is a fair trade, and hunts Them without care for what happens to their hosts.
As a man lacking in scruples, our friendly neighborhood exorcist treats his job almost like a game. Sure, there are serious consequences to his war against demons, but it’s not like it’s his fault if there’s collateral damage. This callous attitude turns what could be an emotionally devastating fight against inhuman horrors into a battle of wits.
Thus my credentials, and it’s a funny thing. People never seem to ask to see them before I operate; only afterwards, when they’re called upon to pay the bill.
Then there’s Prosper of Schanz, the foremost thinker, innovator, and philosopher of the age. When he’s entrusted to raise the world’s first philosopher-king, it seems as if a Golden Age is nigh. (I’m sure nothing could possibly go wrong with immortal body-jumping demons thrown into the mix.)
All of this makes for a fascinating setup. But where the story truly excels is in the balance of wit and black humor that makes up Parker’s compelling voice. Parker’s beautiful cynicism cuts through the comfortable lies we tell ourselves to the rotten core within. Bleak nihilism mixes with hope for a better future.
“…Therefore art is the greatest force for good in the whole world.” I nodded. Then I said, “Excuse me, but that’s bullshit.”
There’s an incredible scene in the novella that takes place on two levels. On the surface, we get to see the narrator engage in a philosophical debate with the renowned Prosper of Schanz. But something seems a little off. Once the conversation concludes, we get to rewind and see the real conversation that was going on. It recontextualizes the entire scene, and to put it eloquently, is really frickin’ cool.
My only real critique is that it felt like the story ended too abruptly. We’re introduced to an incredible world full of morally grey characters, given an intriguing story full of philosophical snark, and then it just… ends. I felt that this was not a primarily plot-driven story, so the sudden conclusion didn’t affect my overall enjoyment, but I can easily see this breaking the immersion for some readers.
So yes, this was my first experience with K.J. Parker’s work. I loved every moment of Prosper’s Demon, and the end left me wanting more. I will absolutely be picking up more of his stories soon, and if this one is an indicator of their quality, I’m in for one hell of a ride.
