A review by geethr75
My Boss is the Devil by Ben Schenkman

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I have been meaning to read this series for a while, and finally got around to it, helped by a migraine which prevented me from doing nearly anything else. 

Nick is a barista, and a college drop out. He hates his job, but loves the work, ie making coffee. He is a coffee addict as well as a foodie. The job pays his bills, rent, and all, but he feels himself stuck. He wants to help others, but he can’t even help himself on most days. 

Everything changes when he accompanies a few friends to a cemetery where they do a ritual to summon the devil. Nick is just a spectator, and is shocked when Lucifer appears before him, offering him a deal. 

In short, Nick gets the life he always dreamt of, gets to help people, but in return, he has to sell his soul to the Devil. Lucifer is a gambling devil, though, and allows Nick to try before he buys. 

To add to his woes, the leader of the satanists who Nick has accompanied to the cemetery is angry enough to kill Nick to take back what he feels is his own opportunity. 

I loved the premise of this, with a devil who’s not evil incarnate, but is more of a businessman than everything. Lu is my favourite, though I really really love Nick. The existential crisis he has after Lu’s visit and the way he spirals feel very believable. 

Working for the devil is not as bad as it’s made out to be, especially since Nick is helping people. Even so, he is constantly questioning himself and his choices, even as he justifies them. 

But the end in some cases do justify the means, and we don’t need to be working for the devil to rationalise our choices. Despite agreeing to the trial period, Nick does it for all the right reasons and remains a good man. 

The prose is full of humour, and I loved how confused Nick gets, and how he’s able to retain his own ethics and values. 

Highly recommended if you like a light hearted book that manages to make you think at the same time.