Narrated & written by Ben Schenkman, My Boss is the Devil delivered a clever and humorous tale about a barista and a deal with the devil. Suspense, romance and a thought provoking narrative left me craving more.
by Ben Schenkman
Series: The Devil You Know #1
Narrator: Ben Schenkman
Length: 7 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.45x
What’s better than being a college dropout twenty-something working as a barista in New Haven, CT? Just about anything.
Nick would give anything to escape the dead-end life he’s made for himself. He gets the offer of a lifetime from Lucifer himself, to trade his apron for a suit. Should he really consider becoming an agent of the Devil? With the way things are going for Nick, of course he should.
Lucifer wants to give Nick a chance to do what he always wanted, to help people, wielding power and influence to make their dreams come true. He would have to sell his soul, but the Devil is a gambling man and lets Nick experience his new life before he has to sign on the dotted line. Can he use the Devil’s power for good, and make his mark on the world, or will he fall victim to his own desires and lose his humanity?
As if that wasn’t enough, the very friend that made the meeting with Lucifer possible turns on Nick, and he needs to do some quick thinking to come out on top. Maybe the ends justify the means, but there are no easy answers.
Finding the balance between good and evil is about to require a lot of coffee.
I was looking for something different to listen to when the author reached out to me, and I accepted a review copy of My Boss is the Devil. I was a little nervous about an audio narrated by the author, but it turns out Ben has a theater degree and the audiobook was well done.
Our story begins when we meet Nick, a twenty-something college dropout working as a barista in New Haven, CT. He enjoys the job even as he dreams of better things. He and his ornery cat, Odin, live alone. He likes a girl but has been too shy to make a move. Instead, he hangs out with her and a group of friends who believe themselves to be Satanist. Nick doesn’t, but he has fun mixing drinks for the group.
When the group plans to perform a ritual in the local cemetery, Nick comes along to make a traditional Absinthe drink with a spoon he has been dying to use. The night doesn’t go at all as planned and Nick ends up gets the offer of a lifetime from Lucifer. But everyone knows a deal with the devil is never a good idea. Right?
The tale that unfolds pulled me in as Lucifer presented his offer, complete with a probationary period where he got to try out his new job and life. Nick goes to the office and things aren’t as he expected, but he also doesn’t trust Luc. Nick wants to help people, he tries to do that even in this role. From the ticking clock on the wall to those angered that he got a deal, the suspense built even as Nick’s life improved, as did his romantic relationship.
The plot development was excellent and kept me engaged in the building danger and Nick’s upcoming decision. Will he accept Lucifer’s offer? Nick himself is funny but morally grounded. He is smart, awkward and overall a likeable character. Lucifer is a smooth salesman. Slick is a word I would use to describe him. The others in the office added interest, and Nick’s girlfriend made a great sounding board for his concerns.
I am curious to see where the trilogy takes us and look forward to the next audiobook. As I stated, the author has a theater background and did a good job with the narration. Sometimes Lucifer and Nick sounded similar, but the rest of the cast had distinct voices.
*kindleunlimited
About Ben Schenkman
Ben Schenkman likes many things in life: his 20-pound Maine coon cat, his family, his coffee, and his eclectic hobbies—not necessarily in that order. Ben also likes to play devil’s advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers’ conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas. As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he’s a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—you know, the basics. No big deal.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
That’s awesome that the author did such a great job narrating their own book! I always think that must be better if they can because they really know what parts to emphasize, etc. Great review!
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
This sounds interesting.
Mary Kirkland
Yes, I can imagine Lucifer being slick. This sounds good.
Laurel-Rain Snow
UPDATES
Lindsi
This one sounds interesting! I happy the audiobook didn’t disappoint. Like you said, it’s a little iffy when done by the author. It’s one reason I was worried about listening to Legends & Lattes. The cover is giving Daredevil vibes!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I always kind of like when the author narrates as it could be the best knowledge to emphasize the right things and emotions meant in the book.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
This sounds like a fun beginning to a series, Kimberly.
Nadene (TtllyAdd2Reading)
This sounds interesting. I am glad the narration was a hit.
ER LeVar
“I was a little nervous about an audio narrated by the author” — I don’t blame you! Author-narrated audiobooks can be so hit or miss (and often miss, at least for me). Love to hear that this worked out, because I’ve been looking for a new audiobook for an upcoming road trip! I just finished the one I was listening to yesterday.