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timinbc's review
4.0
Shortish, clever, well-written. A good read when you are tired of six-volume thousand-pagers.
tregina's review
2.0
A philosophically interesting back and forth, but the alternating first-person POVs gave a disorienting sameness to the voices which I don't think was an intentional effect. As well, the only purpose for women seemed to be as victims or whores, which didn't sit well at all; they weren't even assumed to be included in such broad categories as 'artists'.
serru's review
4.0
Wow, K.J. Parker is truly a masterful writer. This is a book with compelling storytelling and beautiful prose, all packed within a rather thin volume. The main character Saloninus is the greatest philosopher of all humankind, and in his old age, he trades his soul to the devil for 20 years of youth to complete his life's work. Or so he says.
There's somewhat of a mystery element as the story slowly reveals what Saloninus is up to, and we are kept glued to the pages as we, along with the demon who is assigned to assist Saloninus, try to figure out his true motives. In the end, the ultimate reveal turned out to be a little predictable. Still, the journey to get there was executed well for the most part.
My only real complaint, which in no fault of the author's, is that I didn't realize this book was actually the 2nd of a series, and while it is completely understandable as a standalone, it does seem to make reference to events and characters from the first book. That, and the fact that it was hard to differentiate between the narration of Saloninus and his demonic assistant, which the book alternates between--I think their voices could have been made a little more distinctive from each other's, but it's really a minor quibble.
There's somewhat of a mystery element as the story slowly reveals what Saloninus is up to, and we are kept glued to the pages as we, along with the demon who is assigned to assist Saloninus, try to figure out his true motives. In the end, the ultimate reveal turned out to be a little predictable. Still, the journey to get there was executed well for the most part.
My only real complaint, which in no fault of the author's, is that I didn't realize this book was actually the 2nd of a series, and while it is completely understandable as a standalone, it does seem to make reference to events and characters from the first book. That, and the fact that it was hard to differentiate between the narration of Saloninus and his demonic assistant, which the book alternates between--I think their voices could have been made a little more distinctive from each other's, but it's really a minor quibble.
lisasibbett's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
suave's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
Book was great. Somehow the author manages to fit multiple twists, unexpected turns, and interesting existential questions in such a short read.
jesssalexander's review
4.0
This was a super quick read and really fascinating. I finished it in one sitting. It reminded me of the Screwtape Letters but with less religious purpose. The twist at the end is fabulous! It is well worth a read.
adru's review
Väga lahe. Kui eelmises ta loos jändas jumalanna inimestega, siis selles on deemonil raskusi n-ö bytsantsi Kaval-Antsuga.
janaaier's review
4.0
I love conversations with the devil as a novella pretext and this executes it quite well. I liked Saloninus and the devil he summoned. It was funny and philosophical, very clever and enjoyable.
zippz's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A short, fun folktale-esque story. It caused a lot of overthrowing.