And the Devil Will Drag You Under

It was okay, fun even at times. But after reading so much Chalker in the past, it really did feel derivative. Oh, it's completely science fiction, yep. All the magic is actually sufficiently advanced technology. And the demons? Just denizens of another universe, of course. Right.

It was just a few pages in before people started possessing other people's bodies. And the expected Chalker standard magical gender transformation never happened, but one character DID get SRS by way of a flint knife after losing a primitive duel. Because one of the terms of the duel was that he would become "no man no more". And there was plenty of magical mind control. It's all so very Chalker...

I probably would have really enjoyed this book a decade or two ago. But as it stands now, I think giving it three stars is maybe being a little generous. ( )

This was a fun book with a lot of the typical insights into human nature and belief systems that Chalker can be known for in his sci fi novels. ( )

A variation on the classic temptation by the devil theme, but with Chalker's usual unique perspective. This time the 'prize' is saving the world, and two normal people must survive several challenges, each harder than the last, to claim the reward at the end. Good stuff! ( )

A flawed, sometimes silly novel, but enjoyable nonetheless. The writing is not fabulous, but the story is fun and original. The author's enthusiasm for a good story rescues the novel from tedium. Reads more like an outline (or screenplay) than a finished novel, but the outline is a good (and quick) read. ( )

I'm a sucker for framed tales, as well as for morrality in my fiction. This book contains plenty of both. It's thoughtful, yet easy to read, with an interesting
and fun plot and characters. The message, on power and society, is a powerful one. The point it makes isn't new, and I'm sure it's been made many times
before in fiction, but this is still an original take and worth the read. ( )