19 Feb Book Review: I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan

Some books are dark, some are witty, and some manage to be both at the same time—I, Lucifer is definitely one of those books. It takes an audacious premise (what if the Devil got a chance to live as a human for a while?) and runs with it in a way that is equal parts clever, philosophical, and totally depraved. I had no idea what I was in for when I started this, but let me tell you—it was a ride.

What’s it about?

The book is narrated by none other than Lucifer Morningstar himself, who has been offered an unusual proposition by God: a temporary stay of execution. If he can live in a human body for a while—without completely ruining things—he might just earn a shot at redemption.

Of course, being the Prince of Darkness, Lucifer has zero intention of playing by the rules. Instead, he gleefully jumps into the body of a washed-up, suicidal writer named Declan Gunn, who, ironically, was about to end his own life when Lucifer took over.

And thus begins Lucifer’s grand experiment in being human. He indulges in sex, drugs, alcohol, and all manner of debauchery, all while narrating his experiences with razor-sharp wit and a whole lot of snark. But this isn’t just a book about a demon partying it up in a mortal shell. Beneath the indulgence and nihilism, Lucifer spends a great deal of time reflecting on the nature of good and evil, free will, and the age-old battle between Heaven and Hell.

As he moves through the human world, dropping acidic commentary on everything from religion to pop culture, he also wrestles with his own role in history—was he really the villain everyone paints him as? Was his rebellion truly unjustified? And, more importantly, is there actually a part of him that still longs for grace?

The deeper he sinks into human life, the more messy, complicated, and utterly human he becomes. But of course, this is Lucifer—so even when he’s pondering the meaning of existence, he’s doing it with an insufferable smirk and a dirty joke in his back pocket.

What This Chick Thinks:

If there’s one thing I, Lucifer nails, it’s voice. Glen Duncan writes Lucifer as a narrator you can’t help but enjoy, even when he’s being a total nightmare (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time). His sarcasm is relentless, his observations brutal, and his storytelling wildly entertaining.

The prose is dense but electric, full of long, winding sentences that mimic Lucifer’s chaotic thought process. It’s the kind of book that feels like you’re having a conversation with the world’s most arrogant yet charismatic dinner guest, someone who knows all the secrets of the universe but is mostly just interested in making you laugh (or squirm).

Lucifer as a Character:

I mean, he’s hilariously awful—and that’s the point. He’s charming, seductive, and absolutely full of himself. But what makes this version of Lucifer fascinating is that he’s not just evil for the sake of it. He genuinely believes he got screwed over, that his fall from grace was a misunderstanding rather than an outright rebellion. And while he’s all about hedonism and destruction, there’s an undeniable undercurrent of sadness and bitterness beneath it all.

The Philosophical Depth:

This isn’t just a book about Lucifer wreaking havoc in a human body (though, trust me, there’s plenty of that). It’s also a book about what it means to be human at all.

Lucifer rants about free will, divine justice, morality, and the hypocrisy of both Heaven and Hell. He calls out human absurdity, poking fun at our weird, self-imposed rules while also acknowledging our capacity for beauty and love. The result? A book that’s as thought-provoking as it is crass.

The Downsides:

Now, while I loved a lot about I, Lucifer, I’ll admit—it’s not for everyone.

• The prose is relentless. It’s beautifully written, but Duncan loves long, winding, sometimes exhausting sentences. If you’re someone who prefers short, snappy storytelling, this might not be your jam.
• Lucifer is an absolute menace, and while that’s the whole point, some readers might find his non-stop sarcasm and nihilism a bit much.
• The plot is…loose. There’s not a ton of structure—this book is more about Lucifer’s voice and reflections than a tightly woven storyline. If you’re expecting a clear narrative arc, you might be disappointed.

Final Thoughts:

I, Lucifer is bold, unfiltered, and wickedly clever. It’s one of those books that will either thrill you or frustrate you, depending on your tolerance for philosophical ramblings, dark humor, and a deeply flawed narrator.

If you’re in the mood for something sharp, provocative, and totally unlike anything else you’ve read, this is absolutely worth picking up. Just be prepared for Lucifer’s running commentary on absolutely everything, and know that he’s probably judging you from the pages.

Rating: 8/10

Try it if you like:

• Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett – If you love a snarky take on Heaven and Hell, this one’s a perfect match.
• The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov – Another witty, satirical, and chaotic tale featuring the Devil himself.
• Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O’Neill – While not about Lucifer, this book’s raw, poetic, first-person narration gives similar energy.