Book Review for Devour: Inhuman Love by Howl Avery

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form. 

Devour: Inhuman Love, by Howl Avery, is a gay romance about the rather humorous exploits between an aspiring priest and the incubus who unwittingly falls in love with him. Eli is a 21 year old sheltered college student who decides to celebrate his birthday with his friends. He gets introduced a man named Rhory, who immediately latches onto Eli. Unwittingly, Eli promises himself to Rhory after a seemingly harmless joke, not understanding that he’d just pledged his soul to a demon if he’s not married by 35. So begins the wholesome courtship between a human and a demon, as the two attempt to navigate their growing feelings for one another and their desire to control each other. 

I laughed a lot more than I thought I would. I enjoyed Eli’s awkwardness whenever he was around Rhory, alongside his growing confidence in being able to manipulate him. I could appreciate his open-mindedness in being friends (and intimate) with a demon, even though he was planning to take a job in ministry. Additionally, stories with a demonic love interest tend to have the demon taking charge, so for Eli to take his corruption into his own hands was a rather welcome sight. The subtle BDSM elements Avery wove in illustrated the trust the two had with one another; despite the assumptions that Eli would force Rory’s hand, I was pleasantly surprised when Rhory became a willing sub, following Eli’s orders to a tee. Eli didn’t abuse his newfound status (much) and derived just as much pleasure from it as Rhory did. It’s the dynamic a loving couple should have, and one that everyone (aside from them) can see. Personally, I’m a fan of BDSM done right, and this was definitely done right. 

Moreover, the progression was slow, but I could see how Eli’s maturing and questioning could lead him away from the faith; although I myself am Christian, I can see how the answers Eli’s received from his boss would lead someone to leave the church. Historically speaking, it hasn’t been very inclusive, or kind, to anyone who wasn’t white or male or willing to call out flaws in the church. And while the institution as a whole has done good work, it doesn’t make up for the all the hate crimes it committed, or the psychological and emotional abuse it puts its members through. Although people are encouraged to ask questions, the judgement from leaders who you’re supposed to trust and peers you’re supposed to lean on can definitely suffocate someone. While I might not agree with the approach that Eli’s taken, I can definitely understand it. It begs the question what the church is doing wrong for a demon to have more empathy towards humans. 

As such, I would give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.