Elaine White's Life in Books

Book – A Study of Fiber and Demons
Author – Jasmine Gower
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 131
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, one character
Would I read it again – No
Genre – LGBT, Fantasy, MM, Poly, MMF, Asexual, Bisexual, MFM


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


It's a shame. I had high hopes for this one, but it just didn't live up to it.

First off, the blurb. Now, the blurb isn't at all what the story is about. The first paragraph pertains to events that have already taken place by the time the book starts, so really isn't all that relevant for the blurb to mention. The second is the only truth of the blurb and the last paragraph doesn't happen. “Alim is well-aware the University intends to sell demonweave to mages for a hefty profit” is not true. He goes into the research believing that it may be likely, but not with any proof and with no concept of what they might do with their finds. And, the last line that says “there's no telling how the demons will retaliate.” implies much more excitement and danger than there really is.

In my opinion, most of the book is misleading. The author is careful never to actually disclose Sylvestra's sexuality, probably because it's so misleading. She's written as an asexual but actually comes across as a mix of asexual and aromantic, while being more than willing to engage in sex, both of the self-given variety and group. As someone who is asexual, I feel able to say that I didn't relate to Sylvestra or believe that she truly was asexual in the least.

I also didn't buy the poly relationship, either. There was no chemistry, except a fleeting hint between Alim and Liam, while none of them liked or trusted each other. There was nothing between the three characters that inspired any sort of hope for a relationship, any belief in it, or any sort of friendship that could lead to a relationship. I didn't buy the “relationship” even a little. For a start, the characters spent 70% of the book hating and mistrusting each other, arguing at every turn, and holding legitimate grievances against each other for their academic crimes. But, suddenly, they're flirting and ignoring all of that to end up in bed together. Before that 70% mark, Alim was the only one who showed an attraction to Liam and Sylvestra – but that's hardly surprising, since he drooled over every single character he came across. It wasn't until Liam started flirting with him at 70% that there was even a hint of mutual attraction.

Alim is one of those bisexual characters who lives right up to the stereotypes of flirting with every male and female in sight, drooling over them and wanting them all. None of the characters were likeable – they were all liars, cheats and even murderers – all in the name of academia. And I really didn't understand this persistent notion that all mid-30-year-olds were grey haired, creaky boned and out of shape. I swear, every single main character was in their mid-30's and had “silver” or grey hair.

The chapter lengths were huge! I mean, chapter 1 alone was 28 pages, which equated to 22% of the book. And it felt like it. The book dragged on and on, for quite a while, in the middle.

The story covered the topics of academic theft, intellectual property theft, a fear of water and claustrophobia, as well as a highly suspicious unspecified asexuality. However, it couldn't save the uninspiring plot that had little intrigue and wasn't engaging enough to make me want to keep reading. I only finished it because I kept wondering when the relationship would begin to take place, because it seemed like it would never happen.

Overall, I gave it 3 stars merely for the originality of the plot. Though I find the demons to be more 'alien' than demon, the plot did try to be different to what else was out there. However, it left a lot to be desired. I probably won't be reading the author again. Their writing style doesn't work for me.