A Diabolical Bargain

Pretty good story about a young wizard trying to make his way under very trying circumstances.
Young Nick's father is a really nasty piece of work. Through Dad's machinations Nick gets a very close encounter with a real-life demon. Then things get very interesting for him and a lot worse.
We get lots of magic, both good and bad (which is referred to as ‘diabolical magic'). We also get universities for studying magic, a somewhat overbearing church (apparently Catholic), a lady wizard who seeks out evil magic users, and a plague (timely that) which also seems to have a magical origin. Magic, magic everywhere!
The ending seemed a little flat to me. But hey, some really famous writers – Hemingway, Heinlein – had that problem. So, OK then?
I noticed a few typos, but not enough to take me out of the story.
3.5 stars rounded up.