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Carpet Diem
Good and Evil do not exist.
God and Satan are brother and sister, and the Big Bang was a giant cockup.
Now, over 13 billion years later, the most important item in all of creation is Simon Debovar's living room carpet. And someone just stole it.
Can Simon overcome his anti-social nature and recover his carpet before it costs him his life?
And, more importantly, should he?
Brace yourself for a witty, sexy, sweary romp through a world of angels, demons, witches, immortals and talking deer. Join Simon and his alcoholic, foul-mouthed Great Aunt Harriet as they stumble their way from one near disaster to the next, with the fate of the world at stake.
God and Satan are brother and sister, and the Big Bang was a giant cockup.
Now, over 13 billion years later, the most important item in all of creation is Simon Debovar's living room carpet. And someone just stole it.
Can Simon overcome his anti-social nature and recover his carpet before it costs him his life?
And, more importantly, should he?
Brace yourself for a witty, sexy, sweary romp through a world of angels, demons, witches, immortals and talking deer. Join Simon and his alcoholic, foul-mouthed Great Aunt Harriet as they stumble their way from one near disaster to the next, with the fate of the world at stake.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
538 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Justin Lee Anderson
6 books499 followersJustin spent 15 years as a professional writer and editor before his debut novel, Carpet Diem, was published in 2015. It became a best-seller and won a 2018 Audie award. His second book, The Lost War, was shortlisted in the 2019 Booknest Awards and won the 2020 SPFBO competition. A new release is coming from Orbit Books as the first in the four-book Eidyn Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
August 25, 2015
Both the cover and title of this book attracted me to it. Once I discovered it was not only called Carpet Diem, but actually involved a ‘carpet’ in the story, I knew this was a book I had to read. Carpet Diem is nothing like anything I’ve read before.
Carpet Diem is about Simon, a man who dislikes other people and has chosen to live the life of a hermit, whose life is very much changed when he is rudely interrupted by someone ringing his broken doorbell. Before he has time to crawl back into his hole, he seems to end up involved in a rather complex situation regarding his carpet, which he discovers is very much sought after by Lily the demon and Daniel the angel. As if that wasn’t weird enough, imagine his response when he discovers that his carpet has been stolen, but not by Lily or Daniel. So, this is where the adventure begins for Simon and his somewhat popular carpet!
This book is funny, unusual, imaginative, and sometimes completely ridiculous. It is filled with a wonderful mix of quirky characters, some of them, I know I would get on so well with. I’m not sure what that says about me, but if you consider yourself to be slightly weird and have a sense of humour, then I recommend you read this book.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club (TBC) on Facebook, in exchange for an honest review, and wish him great success with this book.
Carpet Diem is about Simon, a man who dislikes other people and has chosen to live the life of a hermit, whose life is very much changed when he is rudely interrupted by someone ringing his broken doorbell. Before he has time to crawl back into his hole, he seems to end up involved in a rather complex situation regarding his carpet, which he discovers is very much sought after by Lily the demon and Daniel the angel. As if that wasn’t weird enough, imagine his response when he discovers that his carpet has been stolen, but not by Lily or Daniel. So, this is where the adventure begins for Simon and his somewhat popular carpet!
This book is funny, unusual, imaginative, and sometimes completely ridiculous. It is filled with a wonderful mix of quirky characters, some of them, I know I would get on so well with. I’m not sure what that says about me, but if you consider yourself to be slightly weird and have a sense of humour, then I recommend you read this book.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club (TBC) on Facebook, in exchange for an honest review, and wish him great success with this book.
June 10, 2015
Oh my good giddy aunt. I haven't laughed so much when reading a book since I last leafed through a Tom Sharpe. This is not a book to read on the bus or tube or in fact anywhere in public where making snorting noises and gurning might make others back away from you...unless of course that rather appeals in which case be my guest.
Justin Lee Anderson has written a fabulous farcical novel which sees his hero Simon Debovar - people hater and painfully rich hermit - getting a visit from an bad attitude angel and a sexy demon who want to get their hands on a family heirloom - his carpet - to settle a bet between Father (God) and Mother (Devil). In the world of the supernatural there are rules and they can't just spirit it away and so he has to pick whom to give the carpet to. They give him a day to think about it and promise to come back the next day to make their offers but overnight the carpet is stolen. Simon needs to get it back and to make matters worse it quickly becomes clear the whole of humanity is at risk if Simon messes this up. Heaven help us all.
Simon is allowed to take one person with him to 'help' and settles on one of the few people he knows - dear old Aunt Harriet. His aunt is completely mad and permanently drunk but when you live life as a hermit your options of people to choose from who will have your back are fairly limited. Aunt Harriet is more likely to flail his back as she thinks he is an idiot but beggars can't be choosers. A force to be reckoned with Aunt Harriet is a wonderful character - if only she were 50 years younger she would be a menace to the male population.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book but I can tell you I am going to read it again this weekend when I get some precious 'me time' just for the sheer delight of it.
Justin Lee Anderson has written a fabulous farcical novel which sees his hero Simon Debovar - people hater and painfully rich hermit - getting a visit from an bad attitude angel and a sexy demon who want to get their hands on a family heirloom - his carpet - to settle a bet between Father (God) and Mother (Devil). In the world of the supernatural there are rules and they can't just spirit it away and so he has to pick whom to give the carpet to. They give him a day to think about it and promise to come back the next day to make their offers but overnight the carpet is stolen. Simon needs to get it back and to make matters worse it quickly becomes clear the whole of humanity is at risk if Simon messes this up. Heaven help us all.
Simon is allowed to take one person with him to 'help' and settles on one of the few people he knows - dear old Aunt Harriet. His aunt is completely mad and permanently drunk but when you live life as a hermit your options of people to choose from who will have your back are fairly limited. Aunt Harriet is more likely to flail his back as she thinks he is an idiot but beggars can't be choosers. A force to be reckoned with Aunt Harriet is a wonderful character - if only she were 50 years younger she would be a menace to the male population.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book but I can tell you I am going to read it again this weekend when I get some precious 'me time' just for the sheer delight of it.
August 6, 2024
Lots of adjectives to describe this book... fun, raunchy, adventurous, twisty-turvy, hilarious, ridiculous, and many more. I had a great time on this adventure along with the great cast of characters. Looking forward to more by this author.
September 28, 2015
As a general rule, I like to begin reviews with a brief summary of the story but to be honest, I’ve been sat here for a few moments now and I’m not quite sure where to start with this fast-paced and rather twisted plot. Simon Debovar, a typical rich hermit, awakes one day to hear his broken doorbell ringing and behind that door is a demon and an angel. They’ve come to retrieve his carpet, of course, and settle a bet. When Simon is asked to choose to whom he wants to give the carpet (that’s actually an ancient and intricate yet remarkably well-maintained rug), he is thrown into a wild adventure
The plot, as I mentioned, is fast-paced and full of so many twists and turns that it might as well be one of those twisty-turny brightly-coloured water slides you get at leisure centres and water parks. You know the ones – they make your head spin a little and you aren’t entirely sure where you are. Those ones. In fact, the plot is so complicated that I wonder whether Anderson himself can work it all out when he tries to think about it logically but – and here’s the big but that makes it all worth it – it works! It’s one of those typical farcical humours that throw you in so many directions and through so many doors that you don’t know whether you are coming or going but actually, in the end, it still all makes sense. Rather clever that, and definitely an enjoyably technique.
The characters, too, are fun. I enjoyed seeing the concepts of God and the Devil, Angels and Demons flipped on their head and the book provided a great take on these spiritual matters. It reminded me somewhat of Tom Holt and his godly characters, as well his quick wit and slightly twisted humour. It may cause offence to the deeply religious but to a self-confessed atheist such as myself, the satire was a hoot. As for the other characters: Harriet, Sean, Simon, Bob (and all the rest of them)…they were a bit of a mixed bag of nutcases (my favourite kind, of course). Simon, I found to be a little stock-characterish, reminding me somewhat of Hitchhiker’s Arthur Dent although not in any particularly memorable or fond way. Simon, in fact, is ultimately forgettable and entirely uninteresting. Faunt, on the other, was entirely believable (even given his propensity to become a deer – no, not dear, deer). In fact, I’d quite like a beer and a game of Yahtzee with him. Harriet too, is someone I’d love to go partying with.
One thing I did notice whilst reading (apart of the numerous formatting and typing errors that kept pulling me out of the story but yes – it’s a flaw we all have, and we and our editors are only human after all) – the one thing I did notice was that I didn’t really care. I enjoyed the book, I laughed out loud, I believed in the unbelievable characters, but I was never driven to get to the end to find out what happens and I didn’t care much for who died and who didn’t (although one death in particular did make me gasp). I never once thought “I’ve got to sit down and read some more” and it didn’t keep me up past my bedtime.
It’s rather a flat book actually – but almost in a good sense, if you know what I mean. There is little depth and I didn’t get emotionally involved and that has the potential to be a bad thing but sometimes, that’s what you want. My own books work on this idea that sometimes, people don’t want depth – they want something light and fun. In fact, that’s what most farce is, isn’t it? And this book definitely slots into the ‘farce’ category quite nicely. Besides, its one big saving grace is that it never proclaims to be anything but that. Right from the outset, you know this book is meant as a bit of fun and that is most definitely what it is.
One the thing I know for certain is that this book is not for everyone (although really, what book is?). If you’re looking for emotional depth, if you’re looking for hidden meanings, if perhaps you take religious satire offensively, then move on. If, however, you are looking for riotous humour and lots (and lots) of laughs, if you’re looking for bright and unusual characters with whom you’ll want to make friends, and if you’re looking for a trippy and twisty tale for a light and enjoyable read after a long day’s work, Carpet Diem is most definitely for you! From tiny giggles to full-frontal laughs, this book will have you guffawing all the way to bed – and that is never a bad thing!
The plot, as I mentioned, is fast-paced and full of so many twists and turns that it might as well be one of those twisty-turny brightly-coloured water slides you get at leisure centres and water parks. You know the ones – they make your head spin a little and you aren’t entirely sure where you are. Those ones. In fact, the plot is so complicated that I wonder whether Anderson himself can work it all out when he tries to think about it logically but – and here’s the big but that makes it all worth it – it works! It’s one of those typical farcical humours that throw you in so many directions and through so many doors that you don’t know whether you are coming or going but actually, in the end, it still all makes sense. Rather clever that, and definitely an enjoyably technique.
The characters, too, are fun. I enjoyed seeing the concepts of God and the Devil, Angels and Demons flipped on their head and the book provided a great take on these spiritual matters. It reminded me somewhat of Tom Holt and his godly characters, as well his quick wit and slightly twisted humour. It may cause offence to the deeply religious but to a self-confessed atheist such as myself, the satire was a hoot. As for the other characters: Harriet, Sean, Simon, Bob (and all the rest of them)…they were a bit of a mixed bag of nutcases (my favourite kind, of course). Simon, I found to be a little stock-characterish, reminding me somewhat of Hitchhiker’s Arthur Dent although not in any particularly memorable or fond way. Simon, in fact, is ultimately forgettable and entirely uninteresting. Faunt, on the other, was entirely believable (even given his propensity to become a deer – no, not dear, deer). In fact, I’d quite like a beer and a game of Yahtzee with him. Harriet too, is someone I’d love to go partying with.
One thing I did notice whilst reading (apart of the numerous formatting and typing errors that kept pulling me out of the story but yes – it’s a flaw we all have, and we and our editors are only human after all) – the one thing I did notice was that I didn’t really care. I enjoyed the book, I laughed out loud, I believed in the unbelievable characters, but I was never driven to get to the end to find out what happens and I didn’t care much for who died and who didn’t (although one death in particular did make me gasp). I never once thought “I’ve got to sit down and read some more” and it didn’t keep me up past my bedtime.
It’s rather a flat book actually – but almost in a good sense, if you know what I mean. There is little depth and I didn’t get emotionally involved and that has the potential to be a bad thing but sometimes, that’s what you want. My own books work on this idea that sometimes, people don’t want depth – they want something light and fun. In fact, that’s what most farce is, isn’t it? And this book definitely slots into the ‘farce’ category quite nicely. Besides, its one big saving grace is that it never proclaims to be anything but that. Right from the outset, you know this book is meant as a bit of fun and that is most definitely what it is.
One the thing I know for certain is that this book is not for everyone (although really, what book is?). If you’re looking for emotional depth, if you’re looking for hidden meanings, if perhaps you take religious satire offensively, then move on. If, however, you are looking for riotous humour and lots (and lots) of laughs, if you’re looking for bright and unusual characters with whom you’ll want to make friends, and if you’re looking for a trippy and twisty tale for a light and enjoyable read after a long day’s work, Carpet Diem is most definitely for you! From tiny giggles to full-frontal laughs, this book will have you guffawing all the way to bed – and that is never a bad thing!
July 22, 2015
[May contains spoilers (Not sure whether i give away to much or not), so sorry in advance]
What do you get when you mix Angels and Demons, Witches and magic, with a Hermit from Edinburgh? Well in my case it's meant a serious case of sore ribs and a book that I just couldn't put down.
The characters are fantastically written, and I love how the author has really thought about how they are portrayed. The story focuses mainly on Simon Debovar (the Hermit I mentioned above), when he's approached by an Angel (Daniel) and a Demon (Lily). Who have been sent to retrieve his living room carpet. This first meeting goes well if you don't count the line “It Bellowed again. “You've got nipples! You're not allows nipples!” which as expected caused a bit of a giggle from me.
As if the premise of an Angel and A Demon approaching a Scottish Hermit wasn't hilarious enough on it's own, the carpet is then stolen, and so starts the adventure of Simon's lifetime. He has to track said carpet down, because he has now entered into a contract with Lily and Daniel. So in comes Great Aunt Harriet, an acid tongued old woman, who likes a drink.
We then head to Priests island and are able to enjoy seeing how one bad idea follows another in the hands of our carpet thieves Luke and Gabby. This is where Witches come in and the story gets a little confusing, with the addition of a lot more characters.
Ultimately our unlikely Hero (Simon), saves the day and things turn out much better than expected, however not before the story takes a few darker turns.
I would say this is probably one of my favourite reads of the year so far, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a sense of humour. The characters are lovable and you can't help but wish you were actually friends with them.
What do you get when you mix Angels and Demons, Witches and magic, with a Hermit from Edinburgh? Well in my case it's meant a serious case of sore ribs and a book that I just couldn't put down.
The characters are fantastically written, and I love how the author has really thought about how they are portrayed. The story focuses mainly on Simon Debovar (the Hermit I mentioned above), when he's approached by an Angel (Daniel) and a Demon (Lily). Who have been sent to retrieve his living room carpet. This first meeting goes well if you don't count the line “It Bellowed again. “You've got nipples! You're not allows nipples!” which as expected caused a bit of a giggle from me.
As if the premise of an Angel and A Demon approaching a Scottish Hermit wasn't hilarious enough on it's own, the carpet is then stolen, and so starts the adventure of Simon's lifetime. He has to track said carpet down, because he has now entered into a contract with Lily and Daniel. So in comes Great Aunt Harriet, an acid tongued old woman, who likes a drink.
We then head to Priests island and are able to enjoy seeing how one bad idea follows another in the hands of our carpet thieves Luke and Gabby. This is where Witches come in and the story gets a little confusing, with the addition of a lot more characters.
Ultimately our unlikely Hero (Simon), saves the day and things turn out much better than expected, however not before the story takes a few darker turns.
I would say this is probably one of my favourite reads of the year so far, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a sense of humour. The characters are lovable and you can't help but wish you were actually friends with them.
August 8, 2021
I make it a point to finish every book I start reading. Only on rare occasions am I fed up, disinterested or otherwise unable to hold to my "finish what I started" principles. Justin Lee Anderson's 2015 book, entitled "Carpet Diem: Or How To Save The World By Accident," was such a book. Sheer willpower got me through to the end.
I can't fault Anderson's writing skills. He spins his yarn distinctly in the manner of Douglas Adams of The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy. If you've read that book - and who hasn't? - you'll know that this is quite a compliment. On Amazon the book is described as a humorous urban fantasy story, and it certainly is that.
Creativity is present, but only to a degree. An example: the book revolves around a battle for control of an ancient carpet that belongs to main character Simon Debover. A male angel who acts like a devil is after it, accompanied by a female devil who acts more like an angel. Two defrocked angels are also present. Male and female, this pair of angels are pretty inept overall. While Anderson provides a bit of the carpet's history, and we're told that the world's fate depends on who the next owner of the carpet is, we're left with a vacuum. No, I don't mean a vacuum to clean the carpet - I mean that the reason why ownership of this carpet has such ramifications goes totally unexplained.
By and large, the characters in the book fall into one of three categories. Some of them, including main ones, have such absurd personalities that our suspension of disbelief, which is essential to enjoyment of any book, is severely tested. Other characters lack substance. Others - females in particular - are presented as one-dimensional sex objects who happen to be witches, teleporters or family members. One major character actually fits all three of these categories.
The book does has positive aspects. In my opinion they are balanced out by the negatives. Try to read for enjoyment, that may help you overlook the flaws.
I can't fault Anderson's writing skills. He spins his yarn distinctly in the manner of Douglas Adams of The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy. If you've read that book - and who hasn't? - you'll know that this is quite a compliment. On Amazon the book is described as a humorous urban fantasy story, and it certainly is that.
Creativity is present, but only to a degree. An example: the book revolves around a battle for control of an ancient carpet that belongs to main character Simon Debover. A male angel who acts like a devil is after it, accompanied by a female devil who acts more like an angel. Two defrocked angels are also present. Male and female, this pair of angels are pretty inept overall. While Anderson provides a bit of the carpet's history, and we're told that the world's fate depends on who the next owner of the carpet is, we're left with a vacuum. No, I don't mean a vacuum to clean the carpet - I mean that the reason why ownership of this carpet has such ramifications goes totally unexplained.
By and large, the characters in the book fall into one of three categories. Some of them, including main ones, have such absurd personalities that our suspension of disbelief, which is essential to enjoyment of any book, is severely tested. Other characters lack substance. Others - females in particular - are presented as one-dimensional sex objects who happen to be witches, teleporters or family members. One major character actually fits all three of these categories.
The book does has positive aspects. In my opinion they are balanced out by the negatives. Try to read for enjoyment, that may help you overlook the flaws.
October 6, 2019
about to give up. Unfortunately, the "hook" (an angel and a demon competing for the soul of humanity), was reminiscent of " Good Omen", which I love, but ... am about to give up...
Finished. Sigh.
As much as I love irreverent humorous fantasy like Christopher Moore and, of course, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, along with Monty Python ec., I just could not enjoy this book. I found it tedious, unengaging and too long.
Some references to mythology and to Shakespeare (Island, Prospero) were way too vague to be enjoyable. The classic Angel vs Demon conflict - oh well, nothing new there either.
At the end, the cute title was the best part, IMO.
I am glad others laughed out loud and found this book so funny. I did not
Finished. Sigh.
As much as I love irreverent humorous fantasy like Christopher Moore and, of course, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, along with Monty Python ec., I just could not enjoy this book. I found it tedious, unengaging and too long.
Some references to mythology and to Shakespeare (Island, Prospero) were way too vague to be enjoyable. The classic Angel vs Demon conflict - oh well, nothing new there either.
At the end, the cute title was the best part, IMO.
I am glad others laughed out loud and found this book so funny. I did not
February 1, 2016
Not my usual kind of book, but what does that matter when it's as good as this one? Snappy writing, a great eye for a funny line, a rip-roaring plot that doesn't let up and constantly surprises, a host of engaging (and occasionally terrifying) characters - what's not to like?
Recommended to fans of comic fantasy, sci fi, or even those like me who aren't fans of either but just love a brilliantly-written and wickedly entertaining book.
Recommended to fans of comic fantasy, sci fi, or even those like me who aren't fans of either but just love a brilliantly-written and wickedly entertaining book.
January 7, 2025
A nice little comedic easy listen/read.
Nothing amazing but nothing awful.
A tale of a hermit who hates people and his carpet. Which coincidentally is the very item that will settle a millennia old bet between God and Satan. Go figure, huh.
Full of slapstick, crude humour, as well as a healthy portion of ridiculousness. I wouldn’t say there’s as much sexual innuendo as full frontal vulgarity in this, so be prepared for that.
There are quite a lot of underlying darker and more serious tones but it does feel like they’re frequently put on the back burner with comedic relief.
3.0/5.0
Nothing amazing but nothing awful.
A tale of a hermit who hates people and his carpet. Which coincidentally is the very item that will settle a millennia old bet between God and Satan. Go figure, huh.
Full of slapstick, crude humour, as well as a healthy portion of ridiculousness. I wouldn’t say there’s as much sexual innuendo as full frontal vulgarity in this, so be prepared for that.
There are quite a lot of underlying darker and more serious tones but it does feel like they’re frequently put on the back burner with comedic relief.
3.0/5.0
October 15, 2017
The title enticed me - it's one of the best I've come across for a while. And then the premise is intriguing. But where this book shines is in the deft way the author builds a universe of absurd but believable and distinct characters, and the way the story races along with twists and turns at every opportunity, constantly making you wonder who's going to do what next.
Thoroughly enjoyable - I can't wait till the sequel comes out.
Thoroughly enjoyable - I can't wait till the sequel comes out.
May 31, 2015
This entertaining story had me riveted for an entire weekend desperate to know what would become of the characters. Full of wee twists and turns to keep things interesting. Would highly recommend.
April 13, 2025
The cover states, "If you enjoyed Good Omens, you'll LOVE this book", and I can only agree with that statement.
This fast paced and hilariously funny novel - deeply rooted in British humour, and with a solid foot in various mythologies of this world (without being blunt about it) - has been an utterly enjoyable read that made me laugh out loud roughly every other page. Besides a lot of fun this book also has serious, philosophical undertones - yet those are very well-covered up, and not the of the right-in-your-face variety. You can engage with them if you wish to, you likely will not even notice them if that is not your cup of tea.
I loved everything about this and I dearly hope that Justin will write a sequel - soon...
Without any doubt one of my favourite books I've read in 2025.
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Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
This fast paced and hilariously funny novel - deeply rooted in British humour, and with a solid foot in various mythologies of this world (without being blunt about it) - has been an utterly enjoyable read that made me laugh out loud roughly every other page. Besides a lot of fun this book also has serious, philosophical undertones - yet those are very well-covered up, and not the of the right-in-your-face variety. You can engage with them if you wish to, you likely will not even notice them if that is not your cup of tea.
I loved everything about this and I dearly hope that Justin will write a sequel - soon...
Without any doubt one of my favourite books I've read in 2025.
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Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
February 27, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a “New to Me” genre challenge read for me. Certainly not my go to style and truth be told, my first real experience at any real works of satire, and yet, that didn’t seem to matter. I very much enjoyed the witty, sarcastic, and hilarious nature of this read. It did step over some boundaries I tend to put in place with my reads but I was able to look past those and enjoy the read.
The story was entertaining, the plot was hilariously gripping, and the characters were quite interesting. I was oddly engaged in the ridiculousness and found myself quite invested in the characters! This book will definitely lead me to pick up more satire from here on!
This was a “New to Me” genre challenge read for me. Certainly not my go to style and truth be told, my first real experience at any real works of satire, and yet, that didn’t seem to matter. I very much enjoyed the witty, sarcastic, and hilarious nature of this read. It did step over some boundaries I tend to put in place with my reads but I was able to look past those and enjoy the read.
The story was entertaining, the plot was hilariously gripping, and the characters were quite interesting. I was oddly engaged in the ridiculousness and found myself quite invested in the characters! This book will definitely lead me to pick up more satire from here on!
March 25, 2019
Very generous 3 stars, although 'liked it' feels like stretching things somewhat. Kind of the real-time reaction to writing LOL: I didn't laugh much and it certainly wasn't out loud.
Confession: I am not a huge fantasy fan. In fact, if you want me to avoid a book, mention dragons, angels, demons and/or witches, all the while mixing in 'wacky' spells and humans getting caught up in holy (note small 'h') shenanigans. However, I was drawn to this book with the loud chanting of 'oy, here be humour' and thought 'why not', particularly as I needed another Kindle Unlimited for the month. Oh golly, and did someone mention Pratchett in there? No, he didn't write fantasy, he wrote Pratchett.
Having swallowed the sales pitch hook, line and sinker, the book is not bad but I did feel that about 2/3s of it was just tired clichés wrapped around what may or may not pass for a somewhat original plot. The characters are of mixed sympathy and/or believability, although I wouldn't necessarily call Simon a hermit, he seemed more like a solid asshole to me. And no, that doesn't fade after 2 weeks of running around, even if you're given a new body and a huge schlong to use for your adventures. I will say that I have no interest in anymore 'angel vs. demon' tomes and that includes avoiding re-reading 'Good Omens' even though it's been nearly 30 years since I gave it a shot the first time (noting for me not to have re-read a Pratchett book is a pretty telling sign... hey, maybe I can blame Gaiman, I don't really care much for him... ).
Is the writing good? Yeah, sure, in an uncomplicated, passable in a polite "put it down as often as you like" kind of way. Is it funny? Meh. Put it this way (a) you can only take so many jokes based on being drunk, naked or combinations thereof before you just need a good scrub and (b) of all my Scottish friends - and there are a few - none of them have this lame of a sense of humour. And a lot of them are chemists, so I know of what I speaketh!! Considering the entire book is wrapped around a really moanful play on words and well...
There are also just too many open plot holes to finally make this a memorable book. Why do teleporters exist at all? Calderon and Priest... um, ok, necessary to make this plot work but who - and why - are they? So there's only one ghost to be found? Under the circumstances (read: look again at who did the dirty deed) you'd think there might be a few more out there. I get angrier the more I think about the time I spent and may come back and lower my rating, so I'd better go now while I'm feeling generous.
Final thought: I enjoyed 'Oddjobs' 1 & 2 more than this book and I wasn't deliriously crazy about either of those books. I will be trying at least one more book from the authors of said books, but doubtful I'll try another JL Anderson any time soon. Take from that what you will.
Confession: I am not a huge fantasy fan. In fact, if you want me to avoid a book, mention dragons, angels, demons and/or witches, all the while mixing in 'wacky' spells and humans getting caught up in holy (note small 'h') shenanigans. However, I was drawn to this book with the loud chanting of 'oy, here be humour' and thought 'why not', particularly as I needed another Kindle Unlimited for the month. Oh golly, and did someone mention Pratchett in there? No, he didn't write fantasy, he wrote Pratchett.
Having swallowed the sales pitch hook, line and sinker, the book is not bad but I did feel that about 2/3s of it was just tired clichés wrapped around what may or may not pass for a somewhat original plot. The characters are of mixed sympathy and/or believability, although I wouldn't necessarily call Simon a hermit, he seemed more like a solid asshole to me. And no, that doesn't fade after 2 weeks of running around, even if you're given a new body and a huge schlong to use for your adventures. I will say that I have no interest in anymore 'angel vs. demon' tomes and that includes avoiding re-reading 'Good Omens' even though it's been nearly 30 years since I gave it a shot the first time (noting for me not to have re-read a Pratchett book is a pretty telling sign... hey, maybe I can blame Gaiman, I don't really care much for him... ).
Is the writing good? Yeah, sure, in an uncomplicated, passable in a polite "put it down as often as you like" kind of way. Is it funny? Meh. Put it this way (a) you can only take so many jokes based on being drunk, naked or combinations thereof before you just need a good scrub and (b) of all my Scottish friends - and there are a few - none of them have this lame of a sense of humour. And a lot of them are chemists, so I know of what I speaketh!! Considering the entire book is wrapped around a really moanful play on words and well...
There are also just too many open plot holes to finally make this a memorable book. Why do teleporters exist at all? Calderon and Priest... um, ok, necessary to make this plot work but who - and why - are they? So there's only one ghost to be found? Under the circumstances (read: look again at who did the dirty deed) you'd think there might be a few more out there. I get angrier the more I think about the time I spent and may come back and lower my rating, so I'd better go now while I'm feeling generous.
Final thought: I enjoyed 'Oddjobs' 1 & 2 more than this book and I wasn't deliriously crazy about either of those books. I will be trying at least one more book from the authors of said books, but doubtful I'll try another JL Anderson any time soon. Take from that what you will.
June 15, 2018
I had really planned on giving this book 1 or 2 stars.... when I borrowed it from the library I didn’t realize it was a fantasy, and fantasy is NOT my genre. But, I was on the road for work, with no wifi, so I kept listening.
Honestly, for the first 40-60% of the book I didn’t know what the hell (get it? Haha, book is centered about an angel and demon) was going on. There were so many new characters, all with different back stories, and some strange abilities!
And then.... it sorta fell into place.... and I could follow along without an aneurism, and suddenly at 80% I was invested. I cared about the characters and wanted to know how the story would end.
So maybe it should be a 4 or 5 star rating, because a staunch “no fantasy” reader ended up enjoying it..... but I’m keeping it at a 3, because seriously.....
If you’re into fantasy, and a different spin on God and the Devil (brother and sister!), give this book (audio book was narrated beautifully) a try!
Honestly, for the first 40-60% of the book I didn’t know what the hell (get it? Haha, book is centered about an angel and demon) was going on. There were so many new characters, all with different back stories, and some strange abilities!
And then.... it sorta fell into place.... and I could follow along without an aneurism, and suddenly at 80% I was invested. I cared about the characters and wanted to know how the story would end.
So maybe it should be a 4 or 5 star rating, because a staunch “no fantasy” reader ended up enjoying it..... but I’m keeping it at a 3, because seriously.....
If you’re into fantasy, and a different spin on God and the Devil (brother and sister!), give this book (audio book was narrated beautifully) a try!
October 25, 2020
This is a fantastic funny and silly Urban Fantasy that had me giggling and laughing all the way through.
A shy hermit main character who hates company is visited by an angel and a demon who need his carpet for a bet between God and Satan (or rather brother and sister...)
And it only gets stranger from there... I loved the grumpy great aunt who has a "no fucks given" attitude and loves booze, as much as I like the wild mix of other characters... Talking deer, assassin, ninja, pirate, ghost, teleporter, witches, and whatnot - this book has it all, and had me perfectly well entertained!
Also really well narrated on audible :)
A shy hermit main character who hates company is visited by an angel and a demon who need his carpet for a bet between God and Satan (or rather brother and sister...)
And it only gets stranger from there... I loved the grumpy great aunt who has a "no fucks given" attitude and loves booze, as much as I like the wild mix of other characters... Talking deer, assassin, ninja, pirate, ghost, teleporter, witches, and whatnot - this book has it all, and had me perfectly well entertained!
Also really well narrated on audible :)
September 1, 2022
Loved it. I need to buy the audiobook, Then, I can listen to it 167 TIMES.
May 20, 2017
A quest to save the world with magic, silliness, whisky and swearing. Excellent fun reminiscent of Pratchett.
March 9, 2020
My initial thought was, and kind of still is, Good Omens. There is something inherently the same here. Maybe it is the theme: heaven and hell, angels and demons, and the world coming to an "end" combined with humor. Or it is the opening scene of how Lily, the demon, and Daniel, the angel, enter the story. This initial comparison made me like the book and a lot. Also, the fact that our hero is the unusual kind, pathetic, and this is putting it nicely. Don't worry, he, Simon, is likable as well.
The story in a nutshell without spoilers, is Simon growing up, having to decide the destiny of the mankind, and losing his carpet in the process. He gangs up with unusual characters who all are strong and unique, making the story fun to listen to. But at the same time, they are annoying. Towards the end, I grew tired of Simon's Aunt and her one-sided nature. She wasn't the only one who annoyed me with their humorous function with a lack of humanity or maturity; they felt childish more than often.
Another thing that annoyed me towards the end was the unbelievable saves throughout the story. Okay, now we have backed up into a corner and don't know what to do. Don't worry, there will be some out of the blue save, and all is well. They are permissible in stories. Especially in humorous ones. But too much makes everything seem unreal, breaking the illusion of the story. Yet, somehow those close calls and miraculous saves worked here enough for me to continue on.
The theme of the book is women vs. men, yin and yang. The book played with the stereotypes and broke them and strengthened them and a lot even when the women were strong and could hold their own and save the day. I liked the concept initially. But as jokes, characters, and the story progressed, it didn't hold my interest. It didn't make me laugh at the jokes at its expense. Okay, I didn't laugh at all. But I rarely laugh even with the books I find funny. Sometimes I smirk or have that aha moment, but rarely full-on laugh. But this book didn't make me smirk either. It made me think, jovial and funny, but thinking is not an emotion. So there was a disconnection between what I thought and felt.
I have complained and a lot. Because on some level, I loved the book and cherished it, but it didn't satisfy me completely, and that seemed to be its problem. Okay, my problem as I have heard, read, and seen that others have loved and laughed. I would say try it out. It might hit your funny bone. If it doesn't, be aware of Lily.
Thank you for reading! Have a devilish day.
P.S. Loved the play on words in the title!
The story in a nutshell without spoilers, is Simon growing up, having to decide the destiny of the mankind, and losing his carpet in the process. He gangs up with unusual characters who all are strong and unique, making the story fun to listen to. But at the same time, they are annoying. Towards the end, I grew tired of Simon's Aunt and her one-sided nature. She wasn't the only one who annoyed me with their humorous function with a lack of humanity or maturity; they felt childish more than often.
Another thing that annoyed me towards the end was the unbelievable saves throughout the story. Okay, now we have backed up into a corner and don't know what to do. Don't worry, there will be some out of the blue save, and all is well. They are permissible in stories. Especially in humorous ones. But too much makes everything seem unreal, breaking the illusion of the story. Yet, somehow those close calls and miraculous saves worked here enough for me to continue on.
The theme of the book is women vs. men, yin and yang. The book played with the stereotypes and broke them and strengthened them and a lot even when the women were strong and could hold their own and save the day. I liked the concept initially. But as jokes, characters, and the story progressed, it didn't hold my interest. It didn't make me laugh at the jokes at its expense. Okay, I didn't laugh at all. But I rarely laugh even with the books I find funny. Sometimes I smirk or have that aha moment, but rarely full-on laugh. But this book didn't make me smirk either. It made me think, jovial and funny, but thinking is not an emotion. So there was a disconnection between what I thought and felt.
I have complained and a lot. Because on some level, I loved the book and cherished it, but it didn't satisfy me completely, and that seemed to be its problem. Okay, my problem as I have heard, read, and seen that others have loved and laughed. I would say try it out. It might hit your funny bone. If it doesn't, be aware of Lily.
Thank you for reading! Have a devilish day.
P.S. Loved the play on words in the title!
May 3, 2020
You’ll have seen on the cover of this story the British Fantasy Society make the bold claim that if you enjoyed ‘Good Omens’, you’ll love this book!’
They are not wrong either!
I enjoyed it so much I’d go further, I enjoyed it MORE! That’s because it’s funnier. No exaggeration, I giggled all the way through it. Let’s face it, sustaining humour throughout an entire book is bloody difficult. You don’t see many ‘comic fantasy’ novels for this reason, it takes skill to write them. Justin Lee Anderson has that skill – big time.
I think the secret lies in his characterisation. Every person in the story (human and otherwise) is realistic within their own parameters. You believe in them, in their actions and in what they say. So when they do something funny, or make a comment that causes you to laugh, it’s because we’ve engaged with them and believe in that moment. In other words, it’s not contrived humour. You can’t sustain that.
There are so many wonderfully vivid characters in Carpet Diem. Each one brings a quality that adds to the comic mayhem but also the excitement, because this isn’t just a story to make you laugh. There are moments that keep you in suspense, have you guessing, make the story twist and turn in unexpected ways. The plot barrels along at a good pace, there’s never a moment to catch your breath.
Simon Debovar is a painfully shy and retiring hermit of a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself caught between the machinations of heaven and hell. He’s helped by a variety of characters who he encounters along the way as he tries to absolve himself of his responsibilities to an angel and a demon while aware that he holds the fate of the world in his grasp. There is his Aunt Harriet (I had an image of Ethel Merman in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World in my head!) who is hilarious and outrageous. The wonderfully inventive Faunt who helps Simon despite his tendency to turn cervinae (to avoid spoilers!) at times and a chorus of others who are driven by their own crazy agendas to thwart or help Simon. Each and everyone is crucial to the plot and eccentric enough to remain credible yet also funny.
That comparison with Good Omens got me thinking about why I thought it was better. (Certainly, an equal). A lot of it is down to the tiny, human observations of these characters, the minor details that prove important so often. (Such as the subtle ways Simon changes over time). But also the laconic phrasing of the storytelling, the wry commentary.
This is such a great story. You can’t help but laugh as the story propels you into mayhem!
They are not wrong either!
I enjoyed it so much I’d go further, I enjoyed it MORE! That’s because it’s funnier. No exaggeration, I giggled all the way through it. Let’s face it, sustaining humour throughout an entire book is bloody difficult. You don’t see many ‘comic fantasy’ novels for this reason, it takes skill to write them. Justin Lee Anderson has that skill – big time.
I think the secret lies in his characterisation. Every person in the story (human and otherwise) is realistic within their own parameters. You believe in them, in their actions and in what they say. So when they do something funny, or make a comment that causes you to laugh, it’s because we’ve engaged with them and believe in that moment. In other words, it’s not contrived humour. You can’t sustain that.
There are so many wonderfully vivid characters in Carpet Diem. Each one brings a quality that adds to the comic mayhem but also the excitement, because this isn’t just a story to make you laugh. There are moments that keep you in suspense, have you guessing, make the story twist and turn in unexpected ways. The plot barrels along at a good pace, there’s never a moment to catch your breath.
Simon Debovar is a painfully shy and retiring hermit of a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself caught between the machinations of heaven and hell. He’s helped by a variety of characters who he encounters along the way as he tries to absolve himself of his responsibilities to an angel and a demon while aware that he holds the fate of the world in his grasp. There is his Aunt Harriet (I had an image of Ethel Merman in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World in my head!) who is hilarious and outrageous. The wonderfully inventive Faunt who helps Simon despite his tendency to turn cervinae (to avoid spoilers!) at times and a chorus of others who are driven by their own crazy agendas to thwart or help Simon. Each and everyone is crucial to the plot and eccentric enough to remain credible yet also funny.
That comparison with Good Omens got me thinking about why I thought it was better. (Certainly, an equal). A lot of it is down to the tiny, human observations of these characters, the minor details that prove important so often. (Such as the subtle ways Simon changes over time). But also the laconic phrasing of the storytelling, the wry commentary.
This is such a great story. You can’t help but laugh as the story propels you into mayhem!
March 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Surprisingly I really enjoyed reading this! It was a humorous and fun read, though I was asking myself throughout much of the book what the actual hell was happening?
Whilst I did love Simon and Harriet’s characters and their development through the novel, I felt like the introduction to multiple characters and their backstories being thrown in slowed the story down. I also found it underwhelming and incomplete when some subplots were left open-ended or completely tossed under the rug when quickly resolved. Though I can understand why some of those plots could be interpreted from, others felt like they were left off due to their unimportance to the actual plot of the novel.
Surprisingly I really enjoyed reading this! It was a humorous and fun read, though I was asking myself throughout much of the book what the actual hell was happening?
Whilst I did love Simon and Harriet’s characters and their development through the novel, I felt like the introduction to multiple characters and their backstories being thrown in slowed the story down. I also found it underwhelming and incomplete when some subplots were left open-ended or completely tossed under the rug when quickly resolved. Though I can understand why some of those plots could be interpreted from, others felt like they were left off due to their unimportance to the actual plot of the novel.
July 6, 2018
I honestly really liked this book. It was a perfect combination of humor and excitement. It had witches, demons and angels, socially awkward boys, pirates and drunk aunts.
It had me sitting ‘on the edge of my seat’ the whole time.
It did confuse me a little at first, and made me question lots of things, but the more you get into the story, the more you get answers to the questions. Moreover, it is important to keep your mind attentive while reading so you know what all the characters do and how they behave throughout the book as it is important later on.
Would definitely read again.
It had me sitting ‘on the edge of my seat’ the whole time.
It did confuse me a little at first, and made me question lots of things, but the more you get into the story, the more you get answers to the questions. Moreover, it is important to keep your mind attentive while reading so you know what all the characters do and how they behave throughout the book as it is important later on.
Would definitely read again.
October 5, 2019
3.5 stars This had some really funny moments and the narrator was awesome, but it dragged on a bit too long.
December 17, 2019
A lot of fun. Some similarities to good omen have been made and I see why but this its own story in my opinion.
Quirky and fun and worthy of Gaiman and Pratchett comparisons, but the story telling is direct and less distracting than the asides of Pratchett can get.
Quirky and fun and worthy of Gaiman and Pratchett comparisons, but the story telling is direct and less distracting than the asides of Pratchett can get.
November 9, 2023
One of the funniest books I’ve ever read! Combines adventure, fantasy, demons, angels and (british) humor. I desperately would want to read a sequel. A very unique book!
May 13, 2025
Best book I have read this year. Such creative and wacky characters! What a hoot!
June 14, 2017
Fun story
Very clever and captivating. Well worth the read. It is a page turner. If you like fantasy you will like this.
Very clever and captivating. Well worth the read. It is a page turner. If you like fantasy you will like this.
July 7, 2019
Brilliant!
Loved this book and so flipping funny!!!! Also wish I had a great aunt like Harriet!
Loved this book and so flipping funny!!!! Also wish I had a great aunt like Harriet!
July 12, 2021
This book was recommended to me by a friend I will now question every future book recommendation of. She said since I liked Good Omens so much I should give this one a try, so I got the audio version from the library. Suffice to say, this is not like Good Omens, sure there is an angel and a devil and an apocalypse to stop, but Good Omens is you know good and this is not.
I actually went and looked up the author of this book, because I figured it had to have been written by either a 13 year old boy or an old man. Imagine my surprise when it was written by a middle aged man.
I feel like every opportunity to mention either boobs or penises was taken or forced into this book, thus me believing it was written by a 13 year old boy, there are also plenty of innuendo jokes. Quite literally one character spends most of the book flashing everyone saying, 'take a look at these', really? Yet, when characters are actually going to have sex the book fades and next scene. I don't need a sex scene and thank god there weren't any in this book just the idea of this author tackling a sex scene makes me cringe, however, this totally makes me think of a 13 year old boy, boobs and penises everywhere, but have the sex talk and they try to sneak out the door red faced.
On the other side I thought it could have been written by an old guy as some wish fulfillment. All the sex stuff could have been old dude being a pervy old dude, and the whole de-aging thing is wishful thinking. That's right folks, the older pudgy middle aged man can't save the world with his old wrinkly aunt, they have to be magic whammied into younger better bodies. Really? I guess it wouldn't have been as risque` if the old lady was flashing everyone in her original body?
I almost gave this book three stars, but then the last bit I found extra stupid on top of my previous complaints. It was mention that Priest is the 'exception' and can revive both his wife and daughter if they were to die. Then, the angel kidnaps the daughter and threatens to kill her, so the 'hero' of this mess must go 'sacrifice' himself to save her. Really? I'd say just kill her and let her dad bring her back, but no this mess of a book has the 'hero' give up his protection so the girl that could have been revived can be saved. Then, the 'hero' has to be saved so everyone can live happily ever after. Really?
And when you thought this mess couldn't get any worse it just won't stop. Priest was understandably upset about the angel going after his daughter, so he uses his powers as the 'exception to the rules' to kill the angel. You might think okay understandable, but to prove everything was more or less pointless the epilogue has to come along and shows the angel is in fact not dead, but now a human. Now I've read some good books and seen some decent tv shows where some kind a supper powered being is 'killed' to be made human so they can learn a lesson, so I know it can be done well. This mess, however, on top of an already mediocre book is just blah to me. It takes away any and all stakes, the only people that die and stay that way happen more or less off screen in the very beginning. Hell, the character besides the angel that gets killed through the story hangs around as a ghost.
Overall, not a fan of this book 2/5 stars.
I actually went and looked up the author of this book, because I figured it had to have been written by either a 13 year old boy or an old man. Imagine my surprise when it was written by a middle aged man.
I feel like every opportunity to mention either boobs or penises was taken or forced into this book, thus me believing it was written by a 13 year old boy, there are also plenty of innuendo jokes. Quite literally one character spends most of the book flashing everyone saying, 'take a look at these', really? Yet, when characters are actually going to have sex the book fades and next scene. I don't need a sex scene and thank god there weren't any in this book just the idea of this author tackling a sex scene makes me cringe, however, this totally makes me think of a 13 year old boy, boobs and penises everywhere, but have the sex talk and they try to sneak out the door red faced.
On the other side I thought it could have been written by an old guy as some wish fulfillment. All the sex stuff could have been old dude being a pervy old dude, and the whole de-aging thing is wishful thinking. That's right folks, the older pudgy middle aged man can't save the world with his old wrinkly aunt, they have to be magic whammied into younger better bodies. Really? I guess it wouldn't have been as risque` if the old lady was flashing everyone in her original body?
I almost gave this book three stars, but then the last bit I found extra stupid on top of my previous complaints. It was mention that Priest is the 'exception' and can revive both his wife and daughter if they were to die. Then, the angel kidnaps the daughter and threatens to kill her, so the 'hero' of this mess must go 'sacrifice' himself to save her. Really? I'd say just kill her and let her dad bring her back, but no this mess of a book has the 'hero' give up his protection so the girl that could have been revived can be saved. Then, the 'hero' has to be saved so everyone can live happily ever after. Really?
And when you thought this mess couldn't get any worse it just won't stop. Priest was understandably upset about the angel going after his daughter, so he uses his powers as the 'exception to the rules' to kill the angel. You might think okay understandable, but to prove everything was more or less pointless the epilogue has to come along and shows the angel is in fact not dead, but now a human. Now I've read some good books and seen some decent tv shows where some kind a supper powered being is 'killed' to be made human so they can learn a lesson, so I know it can be done well. This mess, however, on top of an already mediocre book is just blah to me. It takes away any and all stakes, the only people that die and stay that way happen more or less off screen in the very beginning. Hell, the character besides the angel that gets killed through the story hangs around as a ghost.
Overall, not a fan of this book 2/5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2015
Review of Justin Lee Anderson’s Carpet Diem
Imagine the big bang was a little mistake that rapidly spun out of control, the result of divine siblings messing around and being unable to stop it. Of course they roll with it, wagering on which species will evolve to dominate. But the game was rigged from the outset so that it isn’t supposed to end in a stalemate.
The title Carpet Diem is a play on the Latin for “Seize the Day”. In this case, Justin Lee Anderson’s novel might be called Carpe Vestis or Seize the Rug. A unique, ancient artifact that Simon Debovar inherits from his uncle, a renowned archeologist, is the source considerable divine interest. You see, what Simon has decided to keep as his living room carpet proves to be the thirteenth and final piece of the ages contest pitting angels against demons. It is all they need to resolve the eternal competition, but according to the Rules, they must have the present owner give it to one or the other sides.
The rug, along with the rest of Simon’s considerable inheritance, came into Simon’s possession thirteen years ago after nearly all of his relations die at a family reunion, the result of an apparent accident involving pudding. As the sole named heir he becomes instantly loaded. And he, an asocial sort retreats even further from society, holed up in an apartment as an antisocial hermit who generally hates people mainly because they smell bad. Simon has disabled his doorbell to prevent anyone from ringing it. But then, after more than a decade of silence, it sounds, waking him from his sleep. He doesn’t answer the door so much from the curiosity of who might be calling but instead to learn how, after all this time, it has managed to ring. Those responsible are an unlikely pair, an angel named Daniel and a demon named Lily who have come bearing propositions. They have long since thrown in together to find the last artifact and are about to make their tempting offers to Simon in exchange. Yes, this is that kind of story, stretching the limits of imagination in the process of advancing plot and having some laughs along the way.
Justin Lee Anderson writes in the tradition of heavyweights like Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams but with a style all his own. He provides a host of bizarre and seemingly unnavigable situations for his characters, which include just about everything supernatural from witches and wizards to teleporters, ghosts and, of all things, an all-knowing deer. There are even some beings that are undefined in the nature of the universe, with unlimited abilities – just to make things more interesting. With imagination unbridled Anderson writes an absurd adventure leaving the reader wondering where it might go next. And the answer is, just about anywhere.
Imagine the big bang was a little mistake that rapidly spun out of control, the result of divine siblings messing around and being unable to stop it. Of course they roll with it, wagering on which species will evolve to dominate. But the game was rigged from the outset so that it isn’t supposed to end in a stalemate.
The title Carpet Diem is a play on the Latin for “Seize the Day”. In this case, Justin Lee Anderson’s novel might be called Carpe Vestis or Seize the Rug. A unique, ancient artifact that Simon Debovar inherits from his uncle, a renowned archeologist, is the source considerable divine interest. You see, what Simon has decided to keep as his living room carpet proves to be the thirteenth and final piece of the ages contest pitting angels against demons. It is all they need to resolve the eternal competition, but according to the Rules, they must have the present owner give it to one or the other sides.
The rug, along with the rest of Simon’s considerable inheritance, came into Simon’s possession thirteen years ago after nearly all of his relations die at a family reunion, the result of an apparent accident involving pudding. As the sole named heir he becomes instantly loaded. And he, an asocial sort retreats even further from society, holed up in an apartment as an antisocial hermit who generally hates people mainly because they smell bad. Simon has disabled his doorbell to prevent anyone from ringing it. But then, after more than a decade of silence, it sounds, waking him from his sleep. He doesn’t answer the door so much from the curiosity of who might be calling but instead to learn how, after all this time, it has managed to ring. Those responsible are an unlikely pair, an angel named Daniel and a demon named Lily who have come bearing propositions. They have long since thrown in together to find the last artifact and are about to make their tempting offers to Simon in exchange. Yes, this is that kind of story, stretching the limits of imagination in the process of advancing plot and having some laughs along the way.
Justin Lee Anderson writes in the tradition of heavyweights like Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams but with a style all his own. He provides a host of bizarre and seemingly unnavigable situations for his characters, which include just about everything supernatural from witches and wizards to teleporters, ghosts and, of all things, an all-knowing deer. There are even some beings that are undefined in the nature of the universe, with unlimited abilities – just to make things more interesting. With imagination unbridled Anderson writes an absurd adventure leaving the reader wondering where it might go next. And the answer is, just about anywhere.
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