The Devil's Advisor

'The Devil's Advisor Lucy, the Devil, wants to retire. Brian, the Business Advisor, hates his job. When Brian’s jealous co-workers put him in Lucy’s cross-hairs, she makes him an offer he can’t refuse: work for her and increase the productivity in Hell by 50% or suffer the cruel fate planned by his peers. To sweeten the deal, Lucy offers Brian the chance to be her successor if he pulls it off. Brian reluctantly agrees and dives in with both feet to the bureaucratic nightmare of Hell. To make it out alive, Brian faces Death, God, and Lucy’s own twin children.’
In his satirical fantasy novel The Devil's Advisor, Brad Abdul presents a fascinating twist on our perception of Hell. He portrays it as a family firm with fluctuating resources, profits which must be balanced against losses and a truculent workforce. Legends about people selling their souls to the devil to satisfy their earthly desires take on a whole new meaning, as does the nature of damnation.
The humour in Abdul's tale arises from his comparison of the way Hell functions with the operational methods of an earthly business. In one hilarious chapter he is taken on a tour of the various departments of Hell, including sales and finance, to be introduced to his new colleagues. The character sketches are brilliant, especially Danika from marketing who is faced with the challenging task of making Hell sexy.
The Devil’s Advisor will be published this month by Flame Tree Press. I was given an advance review copy in return for an honest review. If I’m being honest, fantasy is not my favourite genre, but I enjoyed Abdul’s entertaining premise and dry humour. Fantasy enthusiasts will adore it.