Startup Hell

LoveReading Says

Morgan’s boss tried to make a deal with the Devil, now she’s left to clean up the mess. Working as a sales person / marketer at an ever-changing tech startup she is ruled by the whims of their tech bro CEO. Trying to find a niche for herself, out from the shadow of her kick-ass Wizard mom, Morgan is as adrift as Zabloom. When working late she discovers her boss dead at his desk and  Lucareoth (Luke), an attractive demon, trapped after being summoned to strike a deal. Making matters worse, her mother arrives to investigate rumours of a summoning and Luke’s boss corners her? into a bargain that puts her soul at risk. Will Morgan be able to condemn her colleagues in order to meet the quarterly quota and save herself?

Matters of angels and demons are given a corporate rebrand in this amusing contemporary fantasy. With a sharp comic twist, the familiar metaphors of the modern workplace are brought vividly to life - quite literally - as even the infernal realm is transformed into its own version of “corporate hell,” complete with all the trappings of office culture.

It was fun to be part of the “in crowd” as all the marketing lingo is bandied around. The quirky writing keeps the plot light, even as tech bro Brad tries to make it possible for people to sell their souls. At the centre of the chaos are Morgan and Luke, thrown together by circumstance but drawn together after. Who wouldn’t fall for an endearing, sexy demon capable of telepathically knowing your wants and desires (then acting on them)? The dynamic of two misfits from their respective worlds connecting with each other is sweet and wholesome and the closed door romance complements the levity of the rest of the story. Aside from our two main characters, special mentions must be made for side characters Rix and Giselle. A well crafted pet can always steal the spotlight and Rix, the sweet hellhound is a joyful inclusion. Morgan’s roommate Giselle brings a much-needed but subtle grounding to these supernatural hijinks which balances the story well. In Startup Hell, Caitlin Rozakis delivers a witty, charming contemporary fantasy, particularly perfect for readers wanting to see magic interwoven in everyday life and maybe looking for a tongue-in-cheek poke of fun at the corporate world. 

Charlotte Walker

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