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And the Devil Will Drag You Under
Asmodeus Mogart was not a bad fellow, as demons go. Having gotten in trouble back in the home office, he had been assigned to duty on Earth. There he toiled, doing the kinds of things demons do and turning into something of a drunk.
Then a rogue asteroid threatened to crash into Earth and destroy all life on the planet -- demons included! There had to be a better way.
Mac Walters and Jill McCullough, holding a private wake for their world in a Reno bar, were more than startled when a strange-looking little drunk told them they could save the world.
All they had to do was enter five alternate universes and steal a demon-guarded jewel in each. Clearly, the man was crazy.
But they had nothing better to do than go along with the gag. Then they each found themselves, naked and alone, on a hostile alien world!
Then a rogue asteroid threatened to crash into Earth and destroy all life on the planet -- demons included! There had to be a better way.
Mac Walters and Jill McCullough, holding a private wake for their world in a Reno bar, were more than startled when a strange-looking little drunk told them they could save the world.
All they had to do was enter five alternate universes and steal a demon-guarded jewel in each. Clearly, the man was crazy.
But they had nothing better to do than go along with the gag. Then they each found themselves, naked and alone, on a hostile alien world!
273 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
10 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Jack L. Chalker
132 books354 followersBesides being a science fiction author, Jack Laurence Chalker was a Baltimore City Schools history teacher in Maryland for a time, a member of the Washington Science Fiction Association, and was involved in the founding of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Some of his books said that he was born in Norfolk, Virginia although he later claimed that was a mistake.
He attended all but one of the World Science Fiction Conventions from 1965 until 2004. He published an amateur SF journal, Mirage, from 1960 to 1971 (a Hugo nominee in 1963 for Best Fanzine).
Chalker was married in 1978 and had two sons.
His stated hobbies included esoteric audio, travel, and working on science-fiction convention committees. He had a great interest in ferryboats, and, at his wife's suggestion, their marriage was performed on the Roaring Bull Ferry.
Chalker's awards included the Daedalus Award (1983), The Gold Medal of the West Coast Review of Books (1984), Skylark Award (1985), Hamilton-Brackett Memorial Award (1979), as well as others of varying prestige. He was a nominee for the John W. Campbell Award twice and for the Hugo Award twice. He was posthumously awarded the Phoenix Award by the Southern Fandom Confederation on April 9, 2005.
On September 18, 2003, during Hurricane Isabel, Chalker passed out and was rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of a heart attack. He was later released, but was severely weakened. On December 6, 2004, he was again rushed to hospital with breathing problems and disorientation, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a collapsed lung. Chalker was hospitalized in critical condition, then upgraded to stable on December 9, though he didn't regain consciousness until December 15. After several more weeks in deteriorating condition and in a persistent vegetative state, with several transfers to different hospitals, he died on February 11, 2005 of kidney failure and sepsis in Bon Secours of Baltimore, Maryland.
Chalker is perhaps best known for his Well World series of novels, the first of which is Midnight at the Well of Souls (Well World, #1).
He attended all but one of the World Science Fiction Conventions from 1965 until 2004. He published an amateur SF journal, Mirage, from 1960 to 1971 (a Hugo nominee in 1963 for Best Fanzine).
Chalker was married in 1978 and had two sons.
His stated hobbies included esoteric audio, travel, and working on science-fiction convention committees. He had a great interest in ferryboats, and, at his wife's suggestion, their marriage was performed on the Roaring Bull Ferry.
Chalker's awards included the Daedalus Award (1983), The Gold Medal of the West Coast Review of Books (1984), Skylark Award (1985), Hamilton-Brackett Memorial Award (1979), as well as others of varying prestige. He was a nominee for the John W. Campbell Award twice and for the Hugo Award twice. He was posthumously awarded the Phoenix Award by the Southern Fandom Confederation on April 9, 2005.
On September 18, 2003, during Hurricane Isabel, Chalker passed out and was rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of a heart attack. He was later released, but was severely weakened. On December 6, 2004, he was again rushed to hospital with breathing problems and disorientation, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a collapsed lung. Chalker was hospitalized in critical condition, then upgraded to stable on December 9, though he didn't regain consciousness until December 15. After several more weeks in deteriorating condition and in a persistent vegetative state, with several transfers to different hospitals, he died on February 11, 2005 of kidney failure and sepsis in Bon Secours of Baltimore, Maryland.
Chalker is perhaps best known for his Well World series of novels, the first of which is Midnight at the Well of Souls (Well World, #1).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 5, 2023
I don’t write reviews.
And I don’t trust alcoholic exiled demons. Ones considered too out of it, too untamable, to participate productively in demon society. Especially once I’ve found out that my world and other worlds of men were created as experiments by a bunch of ivory tower academic demons. But here we are, a giant meteor will soon strike the earth and kill everyone unless two humans travel to other experimental worlds to find jewels of power for one slovenly, cloven-hoofed, three-sheets-to-the-wind demon, Asmodeus Mogart. Can he be trusted? Does he really only want to save this version of earth or does he have different plans in that horned head of his? A great ride of a story.
And I don’t trust alcoholic exiled demons. Ones considered too out of it, too untamable, to participate productively in demon society. Especially once I’ve found out that my world and other worlds of men were created as experiments by a bunch of ivory tower academic demons. But here we are, a giant meteor will soon strike the earth and kill everyone unless two humans travel to other experimental worlds to find jewels of power for one slovenly, cloven-hoofed, three-sheets-to-the-wind demon, Asmodeus Mogart. Can he be trusted? Does he really only want to save this version of earth or does he have different plans in that horned head of his? A great ride of a story.
July 25, 2014
This was a fun sci-fi/fantasy book.
A rouge asteroid is days away destroying Earth when Asmodeus Mogart, an alcoholic demon banished to Earth, offers two humans the chance to save the planet. Mogart sends the humans to alternate universes on a quest to steal 5 magical jewels from his fellow demons. With six jewels Mogart will have the power to save the world. With little to lose both humans agree to the bargain.
This was a typical Chalker book and concentrated on themes of power, religion, gender identity, morality, and human nature. The story itself was fast paced and fun. I liked the mix of action and humor. The main characters were likable enough and we encountered a host of interesting secondary characters as well. The demons in particular were a lot of fun to read about. The world building was decent and with the reality hopping we got to experience 5 different worlds.
The story ended with an interesting twist.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I'm glad Jack L. Chalker's books have finally made it to audio! This was was narrated very well by David Doersch
A rouge asteroid is days away destroying Earth when Asmodeus Mogart, an alcoholic demon banished to Earth, offers two humans the chance to save the planet. Mogart sends the humans to alternate universes on a quest to steal 5 magical jewels from his fellow demons. With six jewels Mogart will have the power to save the world. With little to lose both humans agree to the bargain.
This was a typical Chalker book and concentrated on themes of power, religion, gender identity, morality, and human nature. The story itself was fast paced and fun. I liked the mix of action and humor. The main characters were likable enough and we encountered a host of interesting secondary characters as well. The demons in particular were a lot of fun to read about. The world building was decent and with the reality hopping we got to experience 5 different worlds.
The story ended with an interesting twist.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I'm glad Jack L. Chalker's books have finally made it to audio! This was was narrated very well by David Doersch
October 9, 2025
This is my favorite of the Chalker novels I've read. It's nothing at all like his other books; it's a very amusing stand-alone comedy about a drunken demon named Asmodeus Mogart who can save the world from destruction by an approaching rogue asteroid, but only with the help of Mac Walters and Jill McCullough, who have to steal magical jewels from five alternate universes. The universes are quite familiar sounding and bear remarkable similarities to famous fantasy settings. It's a single-volume, self-contained story, probably a little dated now, but still fun stuff.
December 17, 2013
Chalker's name has come up on my recommendation lists so when I stumbled across this book at my library's annual book sale, I decided to give it a go. I'm glad that I did.
As you can surmise from the book's description, this is quest fiction: protagonists travel to distant lands (worlds) to obtain magic item(s) (jewels) that will save their home. Since time is of the essence, the protagonists (Mac and Jill) split up to accomplish their tasks quicker. I'll admit that the first stops on their respective journeys did little to interest me. Each one followed a formula: arrive at world, learn the rules, recon to figure out location of jewel, make a play for it. While each story contained a little something to reward my investment of time, the book was headed for a three star rating.
Although the last world started off as routine as the others, Mac and Jill joined forces to accomplish their penultimate task. Chalker really puts it in gear in the search for the last jewel and carries through to the story's conclusion. We have one Faustian bargain heaped upon another and I enjoyed reading how they played out. And in the conclusion, Chalker draws upon the lessons learned from the earlier worlds to settle this morality play.
So while the pacing was slow and the initial quests were not all that intriguing, characterization was strong. Chalker's protagonists are likable and reasonably bright and his antagonist is certainly interesting, albeit under used except for the beginning and end. Even the minor characters along the way are well developed considering their limited usage.
All in all, it's a slow burn with a familiar theme but a good read with a nice payoff at the end.
As you can surmise from the book's description, this is quest fiction: protagonists travel to distant lands (worlds) to obtain magic item(s) (jewels) that will save their home. Since time is of the essence, the protagonists (Mac and Jill) split up to accomplish their tasks quicker. I'll admit that the first stops on their respective journeys did little to interest me. Each one followed a formula: arrive at world, learn the rules, recon to figure out location of jewel, make a play for it. While each story contained a little something to reward my investment of time, the book was headed for a three star rating.
Although the last world started off as routine as the others, Mac and Jill joined forces to accomplish their penultimate task. Chalker really puts it in gear in the search for the last jewel and carries through to the story's conclusion. We have one Faustian bargain heaped upon another and I enjoyed reading how they played out. And in the conclusion, Chalker draws upon the lessons learned from the earlier worlds to settle this morality play.
So while the pacing was slow and the initial quests were not all that intriguing, characterization was strong. Chalker's protagonists are likable and reasonably bright and his antagonist is certainly interesting, albeit under used except for the beginning and end. Even the minor characters along the way are well developed considering their limited usage.
All in all, it's a slow burn with a familiar theme but a good read with a nice payoff at the end.
April 10, 2024
A man and woman must travel to several different fantasy-themed worlds and retrieve special gems in order to save Earth from total destruction. On the way they have to overcome gods, demons, wizards, vampires, ghosts, and other fantastical obstacles.
Despite the book mainly being about demons and the end of the world, this is actually a pretty lighthearted read.
Despite the book mainly being about demons and the end of the world, this is actually a pretty lighthearted read.
June 3, 2019
I have read many Chalker novels; this one is a rare stand alone as he usually wrote series. Many typical Chalker motifs-- mind transfer to other bodies and a quest for example. This is a fun read with again, a typical quirky ending.
January 7, 2015
I'm a sucker for framed tales, as well as for morrality in my fiction. This book contains plenty of both. It's thoughtful, yet easy to read, with an interesting[return]and fun plot and characters. The message, on power and society, is a powerful one. The point it makes isn't new, and I'm sure it's been made many times[return]before in fiction, but this is still an original take and worth the read.
Read
November 22, 2011Read this YEARS ago.
November 19, 2021
It was clear that a straightforward ending (collect all the jewels, save the planet) would not be a suitable finish for the story, but I really was not anticipating the twist Chalker gave it. Nor was I anticipating the end to Jill’s part of the final quest. I believed there was something she could do with the stone of power before returning to Earth that would have alleviated her sense of guilt, and made for a happier ending. But it’s probably better storytelling the way it’s written.
And BTW, I want to see a faithful movie adaptation of one of Chalker’s works. He always has some fit people spend large amounts of time naked.
And BTW, I want to see a faithful movie adaptation of one of Chalker’s works. He always has some fit people spend large amounts of time naked.
December 8, 2018
A book I Should Have Read Already. I have liked Chalker for 40 years but though I carried this one around for 20+, I never got to it before I lost it to fire in 2013.
I don’t spoil fiction reviews with plot details but I will allow myself a slight departure. Chalker was really good when he wove lots of worlds into one (Well World, duh). He does so here, but to lesser effect. Each of the challenge worlds (I leave it to readers to discover what that means) is too weakly developed with too thin a subplot to work. He was better at it in other series but this was too accelerated to be appreciated...shot gun, undeveloped. And his two sub-protagonists were cardboard and incongruous even in the odd framework of his crafted universe(s).
A twist at the end then another and an unsatisfying denouement...and three stars despite the hiccups?
It’s fun and I finally got around to it.
I don’t spoil fiction reviews with plot details but I will allow myself a slight departure. Chalker was really good when he wove lots of worlds into one (Well World, duh). He does so here, but to lesser effect. Each of the challenge worlds (I leave it to readers to discover what that means) is too weakly developed with too thin a subplot to work. He was better at it in other series but this was too accelerated to be appreciated...shot gun, undeveloped. And his two sub-protagonists were cardboard and incongruous even in the odd framework of his crafted universe(s).
A twist at the end then another and an unsatisfying denouement...and three stars despite the hiccups?
It’s fun and I finally got around to it.
September 27, 2022
I picked this book up on my dad’s recommendation. It’s a quick read. Nothing hugely exciting about the plot and the characters are thin, but the nature of the story lends to this. There’s a little twist at the end.
November 29, 2008
I would love to know if Joss Whedon read this book, probably about the same time I did. This is like a prequel for the Buffyverse. Great book.
February 9, 2022
Amazing book that touches on some philosophical themes all wrapped in a very engaging and interesting narrative, this one is a very strong recommendation.
October 6, 2023
This is a brilliant read. It's about an alcoholic demon called Asmodeus Mogart who, faced with extermination by a rogue asteroid heading towards Earth, and his favourite
Bar in Reno, decides to save the world. After luring two unsuspecting innocents to the bar, he enlists them to visit five alternative universes to obtain the jewels of other demons. Of course there is a catch, there always is. Several catches actually, firstly they have to do it before the asteroids hits. Secondly, both reluctant volunteers, Mac Walters and Jill McCullough had to visit these alternate universes completely naked. Read it and weep with laughter.
Bar in Reno, decides to save the world. After luring two unsuspecting innocents to the bar, he enlists them to visit five alternative universes to obtain the jewels of other demons. Of course there is a catch, there always is. Several catches actually, firstly they have to do it before the asteroids hits. Secondly, both reluctant volunteers, Mac Walters and Jill McCullough had to visit these alternate universes completely naked. Read it and weep with laughter.
November 13, 2017
I had high hopes for this one. It sat on my book list for a long time before I managed to pick up a copy and I think in all that time I was building it up in my head. Unfortunately, And the Devil just couldn't deliver. I expected so much more but in the end it was a quick and simple quest story that didn't actually deviate as far from the norm as I anticipated. That said, it was a fine tale, quickly read and easily enjoyable. Mister Chalker has much better on the market though.
April 25, 2024
When the end of the world was nigh, and you had exhausted all hope, you sat in a bar and listened to a drunken madman and took him seriously.
I haven’t read too much from this era of sci-fi, it kind of reminded me of a mashup of H. G. Wells and Philip K. Dick. I especially enjoyed the imaginative concept and the way the parallel worlds were set up, even if the side quests dragged a bit and the 70s-typical gender attitudes were… present.
I haven’t read too much from this era of sci-fi, it kind of reminded me of a mashup of H. G. Wells and Philip K. Dick. I especially enjoyed the imaginative concept and the way the parallel worlds were set up, even if the side quests dragged a bit and the 70s-typical gender attitudes were… present.
September 30, 2024
I found this book while cleaning out bookcases. I had read it 40 or so years ago and remembered that I liked it. My sons and my sister recognized it and it appears we had all read it. So I read it again. Was a bit disappointed. Still trying to figure out why we were so crazy about it 40+ years ago. If you like those genres, it is a fun science fiction/fantasy story. Perhaps one shouldn't reread books they loved many years ago!
April 4, 2023
This book is funny and serious. A real page turner you will not want to put down. I read this book in 1979 when it first came out. Took me one day because I read it all night. I've reread it before since then. It's been a really long time ( about 15 years) since I last read it. It did not disappoint. If you like saving the world and devils with human frailties, you will like this.
March 25, 2019
You will never in your life look at a dive bar the same again...ever ! Asmodius Mogart will stay in your subconscious for a very long time. If you are not prepared for this mind f*ck, then do not Read this material...
March 16, 2024
A twist on a deal with the devil tale. Jill and Mac take the deal and we see how it will all work out. It feels a little slow in the middle as the quests seem repetitive. It is very imaginative in the world building for how many pages are dedicated to each quest.
October 21, 2017
Loved Jack Chakers fantasy works!
January 5, 2022
Enjoyed this book quite a lot. More imaginative that a lot of best sellers.
Off to read more Chalker.
Off to read more Chalker.
Read
February 19, 2025DNF at 26%. Not feeling it
January 4, 2014
This sat on my shelf for a number of years after I picked it up in a used book store for fifty cents. I had enjoyed the first few installments in Chalker's Well of Souls series and thought I'd give something else a try. As with the Well of Souls series, Chalker sets up a premise that allows him to build worlds and play around in them. Once the premise was set and I experienced the first couple worlds, I became far less interested. I could see the climax building from a mile away and knew our heroes would succeed with their quests, so really no surprises here.
I would liken this book to a literary version of Super Mario Bros. in it's setup and execution. A fun read.
I would liken this book to a literary version of Super Mario Bros. in it's setup and execution. A fun read.
January 22, 2012
This book was very creative. The setting is Earth, but it is ending. A man and a woman are drawn to a bar where an old man tells them he is a demon. He says he can save this world if they go to other worlds and retrieve 5 magic gems from other powerful demons. He can't do it because A.they would recognize them; and B. he's too drunk to stand up. Each world is different and amazingly created. Some ideas are those of which few people would have ever thought of. I enjoyed this book very much and its twist at the end.
December 2, 2014
Absolutely loved it! I found this gem in a used bookstore (Source Bookstore in Davenport, IA, if I can throw in a plug...). The cover and title looked interesting, and after reading the synopsis I was intrigued enough to buy it. I'm very glad I did!. I read it, put it away in a box in storage, found it a couple years later, and read it again. I had recommended it to a number of people, told them I had it, and foolishly let one guy borrow it, never to see it again. If you can find this book, grab it!
February 5, 2015
I read this about five years ago, and it's one that I think of often.
I love the premise, and though it's a little kitschy at times, the pacing is good, the dialogue is strong and the descriptions are enveloping.
I thought the plot twists were well placed, unexpected and well written, though I was unsatisfied with the ending. Luckily the body makes up for it. :)
I love the premise, and though it's a little kitschy at times, the pacing is good, the dialogue is strong and the descriptions are enveloping.
I thought the plot twists were well placed, unexpected and well written, though I was unsatisfied with the ending. Luckily the body makes up for it. :)
July 21, 2009
I actually liked this one. An asteroid threatens Earth and Asmodeus Mogart, a demon condemned to Earth, will die with it unless he convinces humans to enter other dimensions, stealing things needed to save the planet.
February 20, 2013
Thoughts:
1. Read as recommended by Goodreads.
2. I understand the link to other novels/authors I've enjoyed; however, it shed the good parts that make such novels tolerable.
3. Very dry writing style, though the adventure was very creative.
4. Nerdy sci-fi. Weak though. Weak.
1. Read as recommended by Goodreads.
2. I understand the link to other novels/authors I've enjoyed; however, it shed the good parts that make such novels tolerable.
3. Very dry writing style, though the adventure was very creative.
4. Nerdy sci-fi. Weak though. Weak.
May 31, 2013
(Read in 5.7 hours @ 283 wpm)
Classical Chalker with the alternate-ruleset universes, body swapping and well-conceived plots. It's actually 6 mini-stories that are tied together. If you enjoyed the Well series, you'll probably like this.
Classical Chalker with the alternate-ruleset universes, body swapping and well-conceived plots. It's actually 6 mini-stories that are tied together. If you enjoyed the Well series, you'll probably like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews