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Saloninus #2
The Devil You Know
The greatest philosopher of all time is offering to sell his soul to the Devil. All he wants is twenty more years to complete his life’s work. After that, he really doesn’t care.
But the assistant demon assigned to the case has his suspicions, because the philosopher is Saloninus–the greatest philosopher, yes, but also the greatest liar, trickster and cheat the world has yet known; the sort of man even the Father of Lies can’t trust.
He’s almost certainly up to something; but what?
"Parker generates a fair degree of suspense... an accomplished performance." -- Gary K. Wolfe (for Locus Magazine)
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
But the assistant demon assigned to the case has his suspicions, because the philosopher is Saloninus–the greatest philosopher, yes, but also the greatest liar, trickster and cheat the world has yet known; the sort of man even the Father of Lies can’t trust.
He’s almost certainly up to something; but what?
"Parker generates a fair degree of suspense... an accomplished performance." -- Gary K. Wolfe (for Locus Magazine)
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
42 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Parker
134 books1,692 followersK.J. Parker is a pseudonym for Tom Holt.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
April 11, 2020
I don't know how to put this novella into words. Really, I don't. Maybe the best one is “mindblowing,” because I legitimately feel like KJ Parker just took my mind and threw it into the sun. Or maybe into a blender. How was this only 120 pages. How was this somehow the cleverest thing I've read in my whole damn life.
I really don't know how to describe this. It's existentialist. KJ Parker asks plenty of questions about gods and men here. It's surprising. I honestly didn't expect much of what happened here. The characters are interesting, both morally grey and funny.
While it isn't the main strength of this novel, I'm also really intrigued by this story's worldbuilding. Right now, we've only gotten scattered details of Mysia and the surrounding kingdoms, but a part of me is really curious what else is happening in this world.
I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best, most intriguing, most mindblowing books I've ever read. I feel like I just read art. Please read this.
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I really don't know how to describe this. It's existentialist. KJ Parker asks plenty of questions about gods and men here. It's surprising. I honestly didn't expect much of what happened here. The characters are interesting, both morally grey and funny.
While it isn't the main strength of this novel, I'm also really intrigued by this story's worldbuilding. Right now, we've only gotten scattered details of Mysia and the surrounding kingdoms, but a part of me is really curious what else is happening in this world.
I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best, most intriguing, most mindblowing books I've ever read. I feel like I just read art. Please read this.
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December 11, 2017
This novella is the sequel to KJ Parker's earlier novella Blue and Gold and again features Saloninus, the great philosopher and alchemist, and possibly the most devious man who ever lived. Into his twilight years and fearing he is not long for life Saloninus does the unthinkable. He sells his soul to the devil for 20 years more life so he can complete his life's work. Saloninus is assigned a demon assistant (to grant his wishes and keep and eye on him!) but soon that demon assistant has cause to worry that he is up to something. Could Saloninus, admittedly the most devious human who ever lived, have a way to outwit the devil himself?
The whole story was very entertaining. The POV's were split between Saloninus and the Demon assistant. I thought both were fascinating and interesting characters. The battle of wits between the pair made for great reading. The whole story was clever and packed with just the right amount of humor to make it fun without it overwhelming the story itself (as it does in Holt's regular books).
All in all this was a great novella. I hope Saloninus returns for a third adventure at some future point. I'll definitely be checking out more of K.J.Parker's novellas in the future!
Rating: 4.5 stars.
Audio Note: This was narrated by Will Damron. He had a great voice for general narration and got the tone of the story but his slight flaw was his inability to clearly distinguish between character voices. The other issue this audio suffered was a production one. The POV's regularly switched between Saloninus and the Demon but there was never any pauses in the audio that would have made that a bit clearer to the listener!
The whole story was very entertaining. The POV's were split between Saloninus and the Demon assistant. I thought both were fascinating and interesting characters. The battle of wits between the pair made for great reading. The whole story was clever and packed with just the right amount of humor to make it fun without it overwhelming the story itself (as it does in Holt's regular books).
All in all this was a great novella. I hope Saloninus returns for a third adventure at some future point. I'll definitely be checking out more of K.J.Parker's novellas in the future!
Rating: 4.5 stars.
Audio Note: This was narrated by Will Damron. He had a great voice for general narration and got the tone of the story but his slight flaw was his inability to clearly distinguish between character voices. The other issue this audio suffered was a production one. The POV's regularly switched between Saloninus and the Demon but there was never any pauses in the audio that would have made that a bit clearer to the listener!
March 17, 2017
One of my Hugo Award nominees, novella, 2016.
____
In the grand Faustian tradition... 'The Devil You Know' takes a familiar tale and gives it a genuinely new twist... and a wonderfully wry dose of humor.
A brilliant and famed philosopher, entering his twilight years, decides to sell his soul to the devil. The particular devil who's sent to collect the contract (Hell is, apparently, quite the bureaucracy) happens to be a fan of the philosopher, who's known for his atheistic views and his arguments in favor of moral relativity. But, fan or no, knowing the man's history, which has involved not a few cons and schemes over the years, leads him to believe that there's some trick up his sleeve.
Why, after all, would someone, especially someone so intelligent, risk eternal damnation for just a few years of temporal power?
Is it possible to actually outwit the Infernal?
This novella deserves to end up on end-of-year awards lists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the opportunity to read. As always,my opinion is solely my own.
____
In the grand Faustian tradition... 'The Devil You Know' takes a familiar tale and gives it a genuinely new twist... and a wonderfully wry dose of humor.
A brilliant and famed philosopher, entering his twilight years, decides to sell his soul to the devil. The particular devil who's sent to collect the contract (Hell is, apparently, quite the bureaucracy) happens to be a fan of the philosopher, who's known for his atheistic views and his arguments in favor of moral relativity. But, fan or no, knowing the man's history, which has involved not a few cons and schemes over the years, leads him to believe that there's some trick up his sleeve.
Why, after all, would someone, especially someone so intelligent, risk eternal damnation for just a few years of temporal power?
Is it possible to actually outwit the Infernal?
This novella deserves to end up on end-of-year awards lists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the opportunity to read. As always,my opinion is solely my own.
March 15, 2017
Good read, inventive idea. A bit dry in patches and I would have liked a more dramatic ending.
May 17, 2022
Part of it feels more like his 'bureaucratic demon' books like Prosper, Inside Man, and Long Game, but what makes this book shine pure and simple is Saturninus. And though I prefer Basso, I'm not sure there's a more brilliant character in fiction.
February 22, 2016
Review from The Speculative Herald: http://www.speculativeherald.com/2016...
So, what happens when the greatest philosopher of all time and a representative (a demon) who works for the Devil strike a deal. Who do you think manages to get the better end of that deal? That is essentially what The Devil You Know explores.
The philosopher, Saloninus, is quite well versed at finding loopholes and using manipulation as a means to an end. He can find power in words (as well as power in the words that are missing) and he is not above deception. And by the nature of working for the devil, you assume that deceit is also a strength of the demon. So when the philosopher signs away his eternal soul in exchange for the demon granting his every whim for the remainder of his life, restoring his youth and guaranteeing he will live a couple more decades, the demon is a bit perplexed at the philosophers satisfaction with the contract.
Surely his eternal soul is worth more than some gold and revived youth that will eventually be lost. In the timeframe of eternity, this deal seems incredibly short sighted and offers the philosopher too little. This is the crux of the book. Trying to figure out who really got the better deal. Saloninus seems awfully pleased, perhaps a bit too sure of himself. It sets the demon on edge, wondering what he has missed and what the philosopher is really up to. It is a fun read, watching how Saloninus chooses to use his time and his power over the demon. Reading the demon’s reaction to this, his apprehension that perhaps Saloninus is up to something that he can’t quite figure out, is definitely intriguing and entertaining.
The book is told from these two POVs, both in first person. I will say that I at times felt myself stumble a bit as a reader trying to distinguish between the two POVs early in a section after a switch, wondering if it was just a switch in scene or a switch in POV. It wasn’t a major issue by any means, but left me feeling a bit unsteady at times while reading. This is really my only complaint with the story.
Overall I found The Devil You Know to be a fun and intriguing novella. I love speculating character motivations and trying to discern what they are actually up to and there is ample opportunity for that in this.
So, what happens when the greatest philosopher of all time and a representative (a demon) who works for the Devil strike a deal. Who do you think manages to get the better end of that deal? That is essentially what The Devil You Know explores.
The philosopher, Saloninus, is quite well versed at finding loopholes and using manipulation as a means to an end. He can find power in words (as well as power in the words that are missing) and he is not above deception. And by the nature of working for the devil, you assume that deceit is also a strength of the demon. So when the philosopher signs away his eternal soul in exchange for the demon granting his every whim for the remainder of his life, restoring his youth and guaranteeing he will live a couple more decades, the demon is a bit perplexed at the philosophers satisfaction with the contract.
Surely his eternal soul is worth more than some gold and revived youth that will eventually be lost. In the timeframe of eternity, this deal seems incredibly short sighted and offers the philosopher too little. This is the crux of the book. Trying to figure out who really got the better deal. Saloninus seems awfully pleased, perhaps a bit too sure of himself. It sets the demon on edge, wondering what he has missed and what the philosopher is really up to. It is a fun read, watching how Saloninus chooses to use his time and his power over the demon. Reading the demon’s reaction to this, his apprehension that perhaps Saloninus is up to something that he can’t quite figure out, is definitely intriguing and entertaining.
The book is told from these two POVs, both in first person. I will say that I at times felt myself stumble a bit as a reader trying to distinguish between the two POVs early in a section after a switch, wondering if it was just a switch in scene or a switch in POV. It wasn’t a major issue by any means, but left me feeling a bit unsteady at times while reading. This is really my only complaint with the story.
Overall I found The Devil You Know to be a fun and intriguing novella. I love speculating character motivations and trying to discern what they are actually up to and there is ample opportunity for that in this.
February 14, 2022
Very good story
March 2, 2016
The Devil you know is an intriguing novella about a clever man and his attempt at the scam of a lifetime. How to trick the ultimate trickster. I enjoyed how the world was set up, the idea of a manservant demon as part of your contract with the devil was pretty interesting.
There was also some pretty funny one liners in the book as well. Part of the twist at the end was a little predictable, but for the most part a lot of thought was put into the story. 3.5/5
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Borrow
Check out more of my reviews here
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
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September 17, 2024Imperator Caesar Publius Cornelius Licinius Saloninus Valerianus Pius Felix Invictus Augustus, known to History simply as Saloninus, was a Caesar for a brief period: 258–260 AD.
Why K J Parker named his main character after him I couldn't take from the text any clear idea or even a hint. I couldn't figure out if Parker wanted to insinuate anything when naming his main character after this Roman emperor.
As a historical person, he is uninteresting as a dung beetle. He did nothing positive for the Roman Empire or its citizens and was quickly dismissed permanently before he could do any harmful damage.
At least History has no records whatsoever of eventual achievements that I could find. He was appointed Caeser, inherited the Empire, and less than two years later, was assassinated as was traditional at the time. End of story.
This is a very short novel about a deal with the Devil. Not a pact, a "Deal"! Those are two different things; a deal tends to be an understanding between parts of a business exchange while a pact implies political alliances and has long-term consequences. And this is very, very important to understand the subliminal message in the text. Really? No, I'm just messing with you.
As a Faustian tale, the story is funny and entertaining; it doesn't have the depths of incisive social critique, despite the references and hints to Nietzsche's works.
It makes a light read, which I particularly needed in our current times of darkness and despair. After all when "illegal" migrants allegedly started eating dogs and cats from middle-class working families in the richest and "fattest" country in the world, that means the times are indeed Dark! The Four Horsemen were already released and apparently, we are going out with a loud BANG, after all.
Me, Myself and I... we, all of us, have been thinking... perhaps it would be better to do like the dolphins in that famous trilogy in five parts and get the hell out of here as fast as we can...
So, "The Devil You Know"! What do I make of it?
You’d think that at this point everyone knows that dealing with Satan isn’t going to work out the way expected. Sure, there are always exceptions to any rule, but chances (like 99.99%) are that entering into a bargain with the Great Beast is going to be... well you pick the most devastating adjective of your choice.
Usually one sets out to make a pact with the devil for wealth and power, an amount of more years of life, become a sex machine, blah, blah, blah...and, of course, to have a demon servant at your disposal, all that and more in return for one's soul after death. One thing we can say, we don't sell ourselves cheaply. This is a fairly common agreement, and to achieve that the responsible underground department has a standard contract ready for it, to be signed in blood at any crossroad anywhere in the World. Arriving at the deadline, in the End, you pay the "bill", and no complaints are accepted.
So, dealing with Lucifer is a bad idea, right? Wrong... This modern Saloninus made a deal that is a completely different story. In a very strange and funny way, we learn with this little novella that you can sell your soul to the Devil but you can also buy the Devil's Soul. That is, presuming you’ve found the right demon.
The story is told using a double perspective alternating the point of view with shifts between Saloninus and "his" personal demon, set to ensure the fulfilment of the contract, and curiously, a partner in business asked by the customer, by name. Like angels, the demons have specific names, how can someone ask for a particular one, designating it by name I have no idea how. Perhaps using Michelle Belanger’s Dictionary of Demons. The Yellow Pages from Hell.
A negative point to make, I believe, is the sexist viewing of women only as tools to an end. It almost brushes with Tertullian views. The one who is generally considered, the founder of Western theology and Trinity, who wrote about women: You are the Devil’s gateway; you are the unsealer of that tree; you are the first foresaker of the divine law...
Women in Parker's book are just background decoration; either prostitutes or displaying muses for artists, a little bit like the famous windows of Amsterdam. A pity, because as much as theologists believe in male perfection and female imperfection, like it or not, we all came out from a woman's womb.
It makes me think about that myth of creation where God made Man and only after the Woman. Have you ever wondered why He made Man first? Because God, like all great artists, before accomplishing His masterpieces always made some sketches...
Why K J Parker named his main character after him I couldn't take from the text any clear idea or even a hint. I couldn't figure out if Parker wanted to insinuate anything when naming his main character after this Roman emperor.
As a historical person, he is uninteresting as a dung beetle. He did nothing positive for the Roman Empire or its citizens and was quickly dismissed permanently before he could do any harmful damage.
At least History has no records whatsoever of eventual achievements that I could find. He was appointed Caeser, inherited the Empire, and less than two years later, was assassinated as was traditional at the time. End of story.
This is a very short novel about a deal with the Devil. Not a pact, a "Deal"! Those are two different things; a deal tends to be an understanding between parts of a business exchange while a pact implies political alliances and has long-term consequences. And this is very, very important to understand the subliminal message in the text. Really? No, I'm just messing with you.
As a Faustian tale, the story is funny and entertaining; it doesn't have the depths of incisive social critique, despite the references and hints to Nietzsche's works.
It makes a light read, which I particularly needed in our current times of darkness and despair. After all when "illegal" migrants allegedly started eating dogs and cats from middle-class working families in the richest and "fattest" country in the world, that means the times are indeed Dark! The Four Horsemen were already released and apparently, we are going out with a loud BANG, after all.
Me, Myself and I... we, all of us, have been thinking... perhaps it would be better to do like the dolphins in that famous trilogy in five parts and get the hell out of here as fast as we can...
So, "The Devil You Know"! What do I make of it?
You’d think that at this point everyone knows that dealing with Satan isn’t going to work out the way expected. Sure, there are always exceptions to any rule, but chances (like 99.99%) are that entering into a bargain with the Great Beast is going to be... well you pick the most devastating adjective of your choice.
Usually one sets out to make a pact with the devil for wealth and power, an amount of more years of life, become a sex machine, blah, blah, blah...and, of course, to have a demon servant at your disposal, all that and more in return for one's soul after death. One thing we can say, we don't sell ourselves cheaply. This is a fairly common agreement, and to achieve that the responsible underground department has a standard contract ready for it, to be signed in blood at any crossroad anywhere in the World. Arriving at the deadline, in the End, you pay the "bill", and no complaints are accepted.
So, dealing with Lucifer is a bad idea, right? Wrong... This modern Saloninus made a deal that is a completely different story. In a very strange and funny way, we learn with this little novella that you can sell your soul to the Devil but you can also buy the Devil's Soul. That is, presuming you’ve found the right demon.
The story is told using a double perspective alternating the point of view with shifts between Saloninus and "his" personal demon, set to ensure the fulfilment of the contract, and curiously, a partner in business asked by the customer, by name. Like angels, the demons have specific names, how can someone ask for a particular one, designating it by name I have no idea how. Perhaps using Michelle Belanger’s Dictionary of Demons. The Yellow Pages from Hell.
A negative point to make, I believe, is the sexist viewing of women only as tools to an end. It almost brushes with Tertullian views. The one who is generally considered, the founder of Western theology and Trinity, who wrote about women: You are the Devil’s gateway; you are the unsealer of that tree; you are the first foresaker of the divine law...
Women in Parker's book are just background decoration; either prostitutes or displaying muses for artists, a little bit like the famous windows of Amsterdam. A pity, because as much as theologists believe in male perfection and female imperfection, like it or not, we all came out from a woman's womb.
It makes me think about that myth of creation where God made Man and only after the Woman. Have you ever wondered why He made Man first? Because God, like all great artists, before accomplishing His masterpieces always made some sketches...
May 17, 2022
Ahhhh Saloninus is one of the best characters I’ve ever read! Such a richly developed character with a unique voice… I only wish we had more time with him. Another excellent read from Parker. This man can do no wrong.
May 8, 2020
This was pretty funny. Saloninus is a clever fellow, and his contracted demon assistant is a hoot.
This is the first story I’ve read by K.J. Parker, and won’t be my last.
This is the first story I’ve read by K.J. Parker, and won’t be my last.
September 23, 2016
On the strength of The Last Witness, I was ready to pick this up as soon as it came out; I really enjoyed pretty much every aspect of Parker’s other Tor.com novella, and definitely wanted to read more from him. The Devil You Know is significantly weaker, though; apparently, one of the main characters is from another book by Parker, Blue and Gold. I think knowing that, I’d have picked up Blue and Gold first, because while the background is easy enough to grasp in this book, it might’ve helped in understanding the character and what he wants.
The plot itself is basically Faustian, with one of the main characters (a philosopher) trying to trick the other (a devil, but in a bureaucratic delegation sort of way: he doesn’t have pointy horns and an evil nature) out of the whole selling-your-soul bargain. I thought the final solution to that was a bit obvious, both as a device in general and in the way it was executed here, and the devil surprisingly careless about that one aspect after reading and rereading all the rest. It felt a bit like convenient stupidity for plot reasons.
The writing is a bit difficult to follow; unfortunately, the two POVs switch frequently but not regularly, and you have to guess from context which character is speaking. There are a few points where it’s impossible for a paragraph or two to figure out who is even supposed to be speaking, making everything rather confusing — especially since I don’t think the devil character has a name, and is usually just referred to as ‘he’, ‘him’, etc.
That’s all pretty negative, though: I did enjoy the story, the careful set-up, the bureaucratic version of selling your soul and how all of that was handled. It just didn’t catch hold of me in the way that The Last Witness did.
Originally posted here.
The plot itself is basically Faustian, with one of the main characters (a philosopher) trying to trick the other (a devil, but in a bureaucratic delegation sort of way: he doesn’t have pointy horns and an evil nature) out of the whole selling-your-soul bargain. I thought the final solution to that was a bit obvious, both as a device in general and in the way it was executed here, and the devil surprisingly careless about that one aspect after reading and rereading all the rest. It felt a bit like convenient stupidity for plot reasons.
The writing is a bit difficult to follow; unfortunately, the two POVs switch frequently but not regularly, and you have to guess from context which character is speaking. There are a few points where it’s impossible for a paragraph or two to figure out who is even supposed to be speaking, making everything rather confusing — especially since I don’t think the devil character has a name, and is usually just referred to as ‘he’, ‘him’, etc.
That’s all pretty negative, though: I did enjoy the story, the careful set-up, the bureaucratic version of selling your soul and how all of that was handled. It just didn’t catch hold of me in the way that The Last Witness did.
Originally posted here.
February 25, 2016
with a premise (and its implications) that is hard to swallow being full of illogical holes and essentially absurd, the novella is still entertaining for the dialogue and characters (the demon and Saloninus), while also being a sort of sequel to Blue and Gold as the events of that short novel form the keystone of the main plot here, in so far such really exists; looking at this as a sarcastic and ironic take on beliefs, genius and what it mean to be human, the novella succeeds, looking at it as a piece of fantasy with some world building that exists independently of the two main characters, the novella utterly fails
not the author's best piece and one I would skip at least for now when there is so much more compelling work for him like the awesome ongoing serial Two of Swords or the novella The Last witness for a shorter but much better piece
not the author's best piece and one I would skip at least for now when there is so much more compelling work for him like the awesome ongoing serial Two of Swords or the novella The Last witness for a shorter but much better piece
February 6, 2017
4.5 stars
A Faustian tale about a man who sells his soul to the devil... but the devil is convinced the man is up to something.
I ended up rooting for the devil.
Highly recommended!
A Faustian tale about a man who sells his soul to the devil... but the devil is convinced the man is up to something.
I ended up rooting for the devil.
Highly recommended!
February 9, 2017
Some books just have an amazing idea that gets better as the book goes on. This is one of them.
Saloninus was a genius in many areas, but more specifically, in thievery, cons and such. He did make great scientific and philosophic discoveries, but almost always was running or making up for his messes. Then looks in the mirror and realizes now that he finally had success and peace of mind to purse his true desires... he's 67.
What to do? Sell your soul to the devil to rejuvenate back to 25. Twenty more years of life and guarantees you can't die or be killed in that period, no matter what, accompanied with your very ownGenie demon servant realizing whatever wish you ask.
But Saloninus is a master trickster. Evil the devil is a fan of his and his works. And even him is wary of Saloninus with so much power and what he could do with it.
At one point the devil asks why he's giving away his immortal soul. Saloninus pretty much answers: "I want more time to finish my work, to spin a tale of deception so big and influential that will change society and men forever, and in doing so, will also condemn anyone to hell."
Even the devil is dumbfound.
But is Saloninus telling the truth? The contract is signed, but even the devil reads and rereads it again and again to make sure Saloninus haven't seen a loophole somewhere.
And then slowly, Saloninus true objectives are revealed, if the initial con wasn't mind blowing enough.
I also like how Parker conveys the element of luck in his stories. The Folding Knife, The Last Witness and now The Devil You Know, at some point the character acknowledges the effects of luck, be it coincidence, being at the right time at the right place and so on. Or also bad luck, in a lot of cases.
Napoleon and many others also say things about luck. You simply can't control everything. And examples are everywhere.
It's just hard to pull off in a book, but Parker is probably the only one I found who manages to do it perfectly without sounding like a forced element to move the plot or deus ex machinisms.
There's also more themes like science vs religion, with alchemy being science, elegantly done, among other things.
Some of those things, specially some of Saloninus reflections are things I've also wondered at some point or thought that it could happen. Wonder how and when Parker thought about those things.
Truly memorable and just at the right length.
Saloninus was a genius in many areas, but more specifically, in thievery, cons and such. He did make great scientific and philosophic discoveries, but almost always was running or making up for his messes. Then looks in the mirror and realizes now that he finally had success and peace of mind to purse his true desires... he's 67.
What to do? Sell your soul to the devil to rejuvenate back to 25. Twenty more years of life and guarantees you can't die or be killed in that period, no matter what, accompanied with your very own
But Saloninus is a master trickster. Evil the devil is a fan of his and his works. And even him is wary of Saloninus with so much power and what he could do with it.
At one point the devil asks why he's giving away his immortal soul. Saloninus pretty much answers: "I want more time to finish my work, to spin a tale of deception so big and influential that will change society and men forever, and in doing so, will also condemn anyone to hell."
Even the devil is dumbfound.
But is Saloninus telling the truth? The contract is signed, but even the devil reads and rereads it again and again to make sure Saloninus haven't seen a loophole somewhere.
And then slowly, Saloninus true objectives are revealed, if the initial con wasn't mind blowing enough.
I also like how Parker conveys the element of luck in his stories. The Folding Knife, The Last Witness and now The Devil You Know, at some point the character acknowledges the effects of luck, be it coincidence, being at the right time at the right place and so on. Or also bad luck, in a lot of cases.
Napoleon and many others also say things about luck. You simply can't control everything. And examples are everywhere.
It's just hard to pull off in a book, but Parker is probably the only one I found who manages to do it perfectly without sounding like a forced element to move the plot or deus ex machinisms.
There's also more themes like science vs religion, with alchemy being science, elegantly done, among other things.
Some of those things, specially some of Saloninus reflections are things I've also wondered at some point or thought that it could happen. Wonder how and when Parker thought about those things.
Truly memorable and just at the right length.
April 13, 2020
Witty, clever and very amusing Faustian tale kind of turned on its head. Great, short read!
April 4, 2016
This was a novella about a philosopher named Saloninus that sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for 20 more years of life to pursue his intellectual pursuits. The demon that barters the deal is an actual fan of Saloninus' writing about morality and if there is actual good and evil. Saloninus gets his way and begins to build himself an empire because the demon can grant him whatever he wants. The demon in return is very hesitant of Saloninus because Saloninus never tells the demon what he is going to be up to in the next 20 years. Soon the demon gets paranoid and believes that Saloninus is trying to find a loophole out of the contract.
I found this to be an interesting novella and something interesting to read about what is evil and how to identify evil. I ended up actually being on the demon's side in the later parts of the novella because Saloninus is just so sneaky. It was funny to see the demon get all paranoid and try to figure out what Saloninus was up to. The pay off at the end was pretty apparent to me early on but the questions of morality were what kept me interested.
I enjoyed this novella, though I wasn't blown away by it. Parker's writing style was relaxing and fun to read, so I'm excited about getting into more of his work. I think this will be amazing for readers that like philosophy. There are definitely layers to this novella that I need to pick at for awhile in my brain and could be rereadable in the future.
3/5
I found this to be an interesting novella and something interesting to read about what is evil and how to identify evil. I ended up actually being on the demon's side in the later parts of the novella because Saloninus is just so sneaky. It was funny to see the demon get all paranoid and try to figure out what Saloninus was up to. The pay off at the end was pretty apparent to me early on but the questions of morality were what kept me interested.
I enjoyed this novella, though I wasn't blown away by it. Parker's writing style was relaxing and fun to read, so I'm excited about getting into more of his work. I think this will be amazing for readers that like philosophy. There are definitely layers to this novella that I need to pick at for awhile in my brain and could be rereadable in the future.
3/5
March 14, 2019
4.5/5
It turns out Salominus is more devious than the devil himself :)
Great humour, clever plotting, intelligent ideas. Longer review to come, but if you're not reading Parker you're seriously wrong and your life is empty.
It turns out Salominus is more devious than the devil himself :)
Great humour, clever plotting, intelligent ideas. Longer review to come, but if you're not reading Parker you're seriously wrong and your life is empty.
May 6, 2016
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG, TOTAL INABILITY TO CONNECT
The Devil You Know presents an interesting conundrum - in a world where you can sell your eternal soul to the devil, in return for a few years of service from a pseudo-god, how can you be sure it's worth it? How can you be sure who is getting the better half of the deal?
When the person making the deal is Saloninus, known to be manipulative, genius, subtle and crafty, as well as the greatest philosopher of all time, that question gets even more muddled. Saloninus enters into his contract with the demons almost too happily, none too concerned about damning his eternal soul in return for, relatively speaking, a minor increase in life's length, and the power and assistance of a demon who is all powerful, but also essentially a slave by contract. How could that be worth it?
Of course, the tricky philosopher lives up to his reputation, twisting words to his benefit, and taking advantage of his abilities to use forbidden and discouraged practices, such as alchemy, to meet his end goal, which turns out to be even more sinister than the demons and Devil are ready to address. What begins as a simple and somewhat-routine contract quickly turns into one with huge-scale repercussions, and the demons are scrambling to decide how to best address this in order to protect not just themselves and their reputation amongst the mortals, but also potentially the world itself.
This novella isn't as well written as The Last Witness in my opinion, especially the odd decision to switch POV at a few points in the story, which were a jarring and confusing switch, as there was little notification at the time, and you are suddenly left trying to figure out what exactly was happening. The characters, however, were bright and vivid, Salolinus every bit the genius and unsavory character he's made out to be, and manages to maintain control at almost all times, despite his precarious circumstances.
So, while not quite as good as The Last Witness, this is yet another quality piece from Parker, as well as Tor.com, who has impressed the hell out of me with their novellas. Some big names, and some really great work by those names, in gorgeous packaging and with fantastic cover arts. The ones that made it to audio are an even bigger bonus (I got through this one in part of a day), and the quality of the production is high as well. I look forward to more, and I feel like I should continue reading Parker's works, even after the disappointment from the Two of Swords series, which just did not quite hit the mark for me.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
The Devil You Know presents an interesting conundrum - in a world where you can sell your eternal soul to the devil, in return for a few years of service from a pseudo-god, how can you be sure it's worth it? How can you be sure who is getting the better half of the deal?
When the person making the deal is Saloninus, known to be manipulative, genius, subtle and crafty, as well as the greatest philosopher of all time, that question gets even more muddled. Saloninus enters into his contract with the demons almost too happily, none too concerned about damning his eternal soul in return for, relatively speaking, a minor increase in life's length, and the power and assistance of a demon who is all powerful, but also essentially a slave by contract. How could that be worth it?
Of course, the tricky philosopher lives up to his reputation, twisting words to his benefit, and taking advantage of his abilities to use forbidden and discouraged practices, such as alchemy, to meet his end goal, which turns out to be even more sinister than the demons and Devil are ready to address. What begins as a simple and somewhat-routine contract quickly turns into one with huge-scale repercussions, and the demons are scrambling to decide how to best address this in order to protect not just themselves and their reputation amongst the mortals, but also potentially the world itself.
This novella isn't as well written as The Last Witness in my opinion, especially the odd decision to switch POV at a few points in the story, which were a jarring and confusing switch, as there was little notification at the time, and you are suddenly left trying to figure out what exactly was happening. The characters, however, were bright and vivid, Salolinus every bit the genius and unsavory character he's made out to be, and manages to maintain control at almost all times, despite his precarious circumstances.
So, while not quite as good as The Last Witness, this is yet another quality piece from Parker, as well as Tor.com, who has impressed the hell out of me with their novellas. Some big names, and some really great work by those names, in gorgeous packaging and with fantastic cover arts. The ones that made it to audio are an even bigger bonus (I got through this one in part of a day), and the quality of the production is high as well. I look forward to more, and I feel like I should continue reading Parker's works, even after the disappointment from the Two of Swords series, which just did not quite hit the mark for me.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
December 14, 2016
K.J. Parker sigue manteniendo un nivel altísimo en sus novelas cortas tocando los temas que son comunes: el poder absoluto y sus consecuencias.
The Devil You Know es una divertidísima historia (como también lo es Downfall of the Gods y Things We Do For Love) en la que explora las consecuencias de firmar un contrato de compraventa con el diablo, ¡para el diablo mismo!
Como nos tiene acostumbrados, bajo una pátina de humor se encuentras reflexiones muy interesantes sobre la divinidad, las lagunas legales y el engaño en general. Por una vez los abogados no salimos perjudicados.
The Devil You Know es una divertidísima historia (como también lo es Downfall of the Gods y Things We Do For Love) en la que explora las consecuencias de firmar un contrato de compraventa con el diablo, ¡para el diablo mismo!
Como nos tiene acostumbrados, bajo una pátina de humor se encuentras reflexiones muy interesantes sobre la divinidad, las lagunas legales y el engaño en general. Por una vez los abogados no salimos perjudicados.
June 26, 2016
“Man is not something to be overcome. Man is something to be kept firmly in its place.”
Could devil be outsmarted by a mortal? In case Saloninus is involved, everything is possible, but not certain. And above all, nothing is reliable or to be trusted.
More to say about it but I’ll keep it short: great sequel of Blue and Gold; same witty style, same irony and hilarious situations – perfect reading for a weekend and not only.
Could devil be outsmarted by a mortal? In case Saloninus is involved, everything is possible, but not certain. And above all, nothing is reliable or to be trusted.
More to say about it but I’ll keep it short: great sequel of Blue and Gold; same witty style, same irony and hilarious situations – perfect reading for a weekend and not only.
April 16, 2024
3.5/5 stars
KJ Parker ur mind is so huge & I love it
KJ Parker ur mind is so huge & I love it
April 4, 2016
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'.
June 14, 2016
What happens when the greatest philosopher and conman of the time makes a deal for his soul? Some seriously awesome shit, that's what!
This was fun and funny and thoroughly entertaining right from the start. I'll definitely be seeking out more from this author
This was fun and funny and thoroughly entertaining right from the start. I'll definitely be seeking out more from this author
September 7, 2019
https://delivreenlivres.blogspot.com/...
Petite novella à twist très sympa à lire.
Saloninus, un des plus grands philosophes de son temps, passe un pacte avec un démon.
En échange de 20 ans de vie en plus et de tout ses souhaits exhaussés pendant cette période, il vend son âme. Son but initial est de terminer l’œuvre de sa vie à l’abri de tout besoin, et le démon est tout à fait enthousiaste à ce sujet, car il est un grand fan de tout ce qu'il a écrit.
Mais plus le temps passe plus il s'interroge sur les actes de Saloninis, qui semblent incompréhensibles. Il commence à se demander si finalement ce n'est pas lui qui c'est fait avoir car l'homme est très intelligent et un des plus grandes savants de son temps. Il se considère même comme étant un maitre dans l'escroquerie qu'il a pratiqué toute sa vie et il semble avoir trouvé "vide juridique" au contrat qu'on lui a fait signé pourtant éprouvé depuis des millénaires ...
Les discutions entre les deux personnages sont bien intéressantes au final et donnent un ton léger et accrocheur à l'ensemble. Je ne peux vraiment pas vous en dire plus, tout repose sur les échanges entre les personnages et le twist final.
L'ensemble est plein d'ironie, et se laisse lire tout seul.
L’intérêt principal de cette nouvelle au final est le questionnement du lecteur qui se demande qui est mauvais finalement entre les deux personnages. Est-ce le démon qui au final n'est qu'un homme d'affaire qui respecte ses contrats à la lettre même quand ça lui coute, qui aime les humains, leur diversité et est un grand lecteur et admirateur de leurs œuvres, ou est-ce le philosophe qui a triché sur tout toute sa vie, et qui avait tout de même réussi à faire en sorte que son âme n'atterrisse pas en enfer?
J'ai bien apprécié cette novella. On ne peux pas dire que j'ai été soufflée par la révélation finale mais je ne l'avais pas deviné pour autant. Au final c'est presque un anti-twist quand on y pense, je me suis totalement fait avoir !
16/20
Petite novella à twist très sympa à lire.
Saloninus, un des plus grands philosophes de son temps, passe un pacte avec un démon.
En échange de 20 ans de vie en plus et de tout ses souhaits exhaussés pendant cette période, il vend son âme. Son but initial est de terminer l’œuvre de sa vie à l’abri de tout besoin, et le démon est tout à fait enthousiaste à ce sujet, car il est un grand fan de tout ce qu'il a écrit.
Mais plus le temps passe plus il s'interroge sur les actes de Saloninis, qui semblent incompréhensibles. Il commence à se demander si finalement ce n'est pas lui qui c'est fait avoir car l'homme est très intelligent et un des plus grandes savants de son temps. Il se considère même comme étant un maitre dans l'escroquerie qu'il a pratiqué toute sa vie et il semble avoir trouvé "vide juridique" au contrat qu'on lui a fait signé pourtant éprouvé depuis des millénaires ...
Les discutions entre les deux personnages sont bien intéressantes au final et donnent un ton léger et accrocheur à l'ensemble. Je ne peux vraiment pas vous en dire plus, tout repose sur les échanges entre les personnages et le twist final.
L'ensemble est plein d'ironie, et se laisse lire tout seul.
L’intérêt principal de cette nouvelle au final est le questionnement du lecteur qui se demande qui est mauvais finalement entre les deux personnages. Est-ce le démon qui au final n'est qu'un homme d'affaire qui respecte ses contrats à la lettre même quand ça lui coute, qui aime les humains, leur diversité et est un grand lecteur et admirateur de leurs œuvres, ou est-ce le philosophe qui a triché sur tout toute sa vie, et qui avait tout de même réussi à faire en sorte que son âme n'atterrisse pas en enfer?
J'ai bien apprécié cette novella. On ne peux pas dire que j'ai été soufflée par la révélation finale mais je ne l'avais pas deviné pour autant. Au final c'est presque un anti-twist quand on y pense, je me suis totalement fait avoir !
16/20
February 8, 2025
“What could be better for an artist than to spin a fiction so convincing that it deceives the whole world?” “You’re up to something.” “Yes. And I’ve just shared it with you.
The Screwtape Letters does Doctor Faustus. Parker turns a classic fantasy setup inside out and upside down as the smartest man in the world tries to turn the tables on his not-quite-guardian demon. Hilarious. Readers must have the wits (and humor) firmly in hand to keep up with the twists and turns.
Our lot may be all-seeing and all-knowing, but that’s a long way removed from all-understanding.
Well-told tale as described by both primary characters, letting the reader in on the misdirection and misunderstanding of both actors. Had the discipline to cut the story when it ends, rather than stretch it to novel length. Enjoy.
The more you look for something, the likelier you are to find it, even if it isn’t actually there.
The Screwtape Letters does Doctor Faustus. Parker turns a classic fantasy setup inside out and upside down as the smartest man in the world tries to turn the tables on his not-quite-guardian demon. Hilarious. Readers must have the wits (and humor) firmly in hand to keep up with the twists and turns.
Our lot may be all-seeing and all-knowing, but that’s a long way removed from all-understanding.
Well-told tale as described by both primary characters, letting the reader in on the misdirection and misunderstanding of both actors. Had the discipline to cut the story when it ends, rather than stretch it to novel length. Enjoy.
The more you look for something, the likelier you are to find it, even if it isn’t actually there.
November 4, 2024
These wonderful stories age quite well. 5⭐️
January 4, 2024
DNF @57%
Cool concept but for a short book by a favourite author that I expected to read in a sitting... it dragged and dragged and I said, no thanks.
Cool concept but for a short book by a favourite author that I expected to read in a sitting... it dragged and dragged and I said, no thanks.
September 26, 2019
Alcune tra le storie più radicate e tramandate che abbiamo riguardano i patti col Diavolo: persone più o meno ricche e importanti che, di fronte a un problema (la costruzione di un ponte, l'età che avanza) stringono un patto col demonio: il suo aiuto in cambio della loro anima.
Da sempre ci sono tentativi di cavillare o di sfuggire al patto diabolico, a volte vanno a buon fine sfruttando cavilli nel contratto, spesso invece il diavolo è implacabile e si prende quanto gli spetta.
In questa storia, il più grande filosofo di tutti i tempi (nonché artista, truffatore e uomo di mondo alla costante ricerca di soldi e di nascondersi dalla legge) richiede un patto con un diavolo: ormai sta invecchiando, necessita di qualche decennio in più di vita e giovinezza per poter completare la sua opera, dopodiché alla sua morte la sua anima finirà all'inferno.
Semplice e lineare, no?
Ma il diavolo incaricato di occuparsi di questa cosa non ne è tanto sicuro: dopotutto si sta parlando del noto Saloninus, sicuramente starà tramando qualcosa.
Perché, sennò, avrebbe deciso di punto in bianco di conquistare un inutile staterello povero, confinante con tre grandi e potenti regni e da sempre conteso tra loro per la sua posizione strategica?
Perché si sarebbe messo a radunare un grande esercito, masse di delinquenti attirati dall'oro facile, artisti di fama mondiale e donne bellissime?
Perché ha preso a trafficare con l'alchimia, uno dei grandi peccati proibiti dal Cielo?
A cosa punta realmente Saloninus? E il povero diavolo costretto dal patto siglato a stare al suo fianco fino alla sua morte, esaudendo i suoi desideri e aiutandolo, riuscirà a scoprirlo in tempo per evitare di finirci di mezzo con i suoi superiori, nel caso si tratti di qualcosa in grado di metterlo in difficoltà?
Le interazioni tra i due sono grandiose, con accenni di filosofia sulla moralità e l'etica, e chiaramente abbiamo l'ironia di Parker ad accompagnarci per tutto il libro, dall'organizzazione infernale alle situazioni in cui si trova il nostro povero diavolo.
Interessante la scelta di alternare i punti di vista dei due personaggi, fornendoci così poco a poco un quadro sempre più chiaro (o più torbido, a seconda della necessità dell'autore) della situazione.
Resta però il dubbio sul perché il filosofo abbia richiesto quel diavolo in particolare, come indicato all'inizio della storia: alla fine questa cosa passa sotto traccia, come dimenticata.
Aveva scoperto che era il più "umano" tra tutti, e quindi più malleabile? E come aveva scoperto il suo nome, che ha sempre tenuto ben nascosto? Si intuisce qualcosa, ma mentre all'inizio sembrava un dettaglio di fondamentale importanza, la cosa poi non ritorna più lasciando un po' di perplessità.
Da sempre ci sono tentativi di cavillare o di sfuggire al patto diabolico, a volte vanno a buon fine sfruttando cavilli nel contratto, spesso invece il diavolo è implacabile e si prende quanto gli spetta.
In questa storia, il più grande filosofo di tutti i tempi (nonché artista, truffatore e uomo di mondo alla costante ricerca di soldi e di nascondersi dalla legge) richiede un patto con un diavolo: ormai sta invecchiando, necessita di qualche decennio in più di vita e giovinezza per poter completare la sua opera, dopodiché alla sua morte la sua anima finirà all'inferno.
Semplice e lineare, no?
Ma il diavolo incaricato di occuparsi di questa cosa non ne è tanto sicuro: dopotutto si sta parlando del noto Saloninus, sicuramente starà tramando qualcosa.
Perché, sennò, avrebbe deciso di punto in bianco di conquistare un inutile staterello povero, confinante con tre grandi e potenti regni e da sempre conteso tra loro per la sua posizione strategica?
Perché si sarebbe messo a radunare un grande esercito, masse di delinquenti attirati dall'oro facile, artisti di fama mondiale e donne bellissime?
Perché ha preso a trafficare con l'alchimia, uno dei grandi peccati proibiti dal Cielo?
A cosa punta realmente Saloninus? E il povero diavolo costretto dal patto siglato a stare al suo fianco fino alla sua morte, esaudendo i suoi desideri e aiutandolo, riuscirà a scoprirlo in tempo per evitare di finirci di mezzo con i suoi superiori, nel caso si tratti di qualcosa in grado di metterlo in difficoltà?
Le interazioni tra i due sono grandiose, con accenni di filosofia sulla moralità e l'etica, e chiaramente abbiamo l'ironia di Parker ad accompagnarci per tutto il libro, dall'organizzazione infernale alle situazioni in cui si trova il nostro povero diavolo.
Interessante la scelta di alternare i punti di vista dei due personaggi, fornendoci così poco a poco un quadro sempre più chiaro (o più torbido, a seconda della necessità dell'autore) della situazione.
Resta però il dubbio sul perché il filosofo abbia richiesto quel diavolo in particolare, come indicato all'inizio della storia: alla fine questa cosa passa sotto traccia, come dimenticata.
Aveva scoperto che era il più "umano" tra tutti, e quindi più malleabile? E come aveva scoperto il suo nome, che ha sempre tenuto ben nascosto? Si intuisce qualcosa, ma mentre all'inizio sembrava un dettaglio di fondamentale importanza, la cosa poi non ritorna più lasciando un po' di perplessità.
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