Prosperity

Prosperity (2018) Alexis Hall (Prosperity)

Set in Prosperity in 1863.

I’ve had this book for a bit, but wasn’t sure I was in the mood for a fantasy, but when a discussion of Our Flag Means Death. Which I haven’t seen, but sounds utterly marvelous. So since I’m not going to be watching Our Flag Means Death, I could read Prosperity.

First off, I love Piccadilly’s voice.

I reckon living itself is a filched business.

He thoughts on life and the world–although it isn’t our world–often strikes to the heart of things.

I been getting through life taking whatever I needed and whatever I wanted, but words, they ain’t for filching. I know cos I’ve tried. Somebody has to give them to you, and nobody ever thought to do it for me. And the not having just made me want ’em even more.

He’s presented as a scoundrel with a heart of gold, but insists he isn’t.

He might not be, but he is an angel compared to Milord.

“How in the name o’ the profane canst thou shoot someone in the shoulder, and say ’tis a dilberrying accident?”

His eyes met mine, clink clink like twin bullets finding their mark. “I was aiming for your heart.”

This story isn’t about Milord’s redemption, and it also isn’t a romance, as much as Piccadilly would like it to be. Just make sure you have the clear before starting.

The biggest thing about the story is, it is hugely and unapologetically queer.

Every single character is queer, and it’s the way things are. That’s not to say the entire world in which Prosperity exists is queer, but the floating town of Prosperity simply accepted everyone, as they present themselves.

I didn’t like Milord (any more than Piccadilly did) and I didn’t understand Ruben, but the story wasn’t about them (as much as it was in many ways a romance seen from the outside). The story was about how Piccadilly came to Prosperity and aboard the Shadowless.

Rating: 8/10

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