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A review by steveatwaywords
The Devil You Know by K.J. Parker
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was my first Saloninus book, but it doesn't seem important to understanding this stand-alone story: the relevant backstory from Part 1 is offered here as needed.
A quick read, it was nonetheless a clever telling of a Faustian tale, replete with the requisite twists on the immortal contract (all of which were completely satisfying) along with some fun reflections and philosophical arguments upon economics, morality, corruption, and human behavior.
My only quibble with the work is that, since it does not aspire to more than clever tale, it does not rise to the storytelling level that the theme allows. So read it quickly and for pleasure, setting aside any expectations that we must dwell overlong on its implications.
A quick read, it was nonetheless a clever telling of a Faustian tale, replete with the requisite twists on the immortal contract (all of which were completely satisfying) along with some fun reflections and philosophical arguments upon economics, morality, corruption, and human behavior.
My only quibble with the work is that, since it does not aspire to more than clever tale, it does not rise to the storytelling level that the theme allows. So read it quickly and for pleasure, setting aside any expectations that we must dwell overlong on its implications.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence