Liquid Silver Books, $4.75, ISBN 978-1-59578-481-0
Fantasy Romance, 2008
Phineas Suckher – who is not gay in this story, contrary to popular belief – and his twin brother Philippe are demons. Yes, they have wings and tails and all, but thankfully, they can take on human forms for those who are genteel at heart. Phineas is randy but he recently can’t seem to find a woman who gets his motor running. No, he’s not gay. Why do you people keep saying that? Meanwhile, his brother Philippe will only seek sexual gratification from someone with good fashion sense. The best way to ward off Philippe’s demon dipstick is to wear flip-flops and cheap perfume. Or have a vagina, because Philippe’s the gay one. While these two can probably finish their sums faster than Harold and Kumar, they bumble their way into love with a bunch of American tourists, Savannah and Hugh, in Notre Dame. There is also a third brother, Phoenix, who gets the unfortunate nickname of Phee, but he will probably find love in a sequel.
Despite the author’s awkward attempts of humor when it comes to naming her demons, the rest of Death and the Demon is actually pretty funny. There is a nice mix of slapstick and verbal humor here. The characters are paper thin and the romance is… well, sort of there, but this story makes me laugh so I guess it’s okay. Some folks may want to take issue with the whole “monogamy is for good virtuous people while swingers are under the influence of demons” message that the story inadvertently gives out towards the end, but I personally believe that this story is best viewed and enjoyed as a frivolous comedy.
Read this for the comedy, not for the romance of the year.
