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Worm in a Jar: A Novella
Witch-in-training Malee hadn’t intended to summon a shadowy, shapeshifting demon into her apartment, and she certainly never wanted to bind herself to such a creature in her blood.
But it’s too late now to reverse the magic she’s done, and the demon, who she calls Worm, appears harmless and helpless anyway. Malee agrees to send them back to their home, a task that she soon realizes might lie outside of her range of magical abilities. On top of that, she isn’t quite ready to trust Worm completely, and harboring a demon is a dangerous secret for a witch to keep...
But it’s too late now to reverse the magic she’s done, and the demon, who she calls Worm, appears harmless and helpless anyway. Malee agrees to send them back to their home, a task that she soon realizes might lie outside of her range of magical abilities. On top of that, she isn’t quite ready to trust Worm completely, and harboring a demon is a dangerous secret for a witch to keep...
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
B. Pigeon
8 books24 followersLGBTQ fantasy writer ~ 1/2 of Estraven Homosexual Literature Society
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 15, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Worm in a Jar. It's short and sweet. Worm is so lovable and such a trans icon! I loved hanging out with the characters and thinking about what if there was just a little worm demon in a jar???
June 7, 2021
After finishing this Novella, I'm left with only one question:
Where's the sequel?
Because this was a really amazing read! I hope you're ready for my personal interpretation and my personal and subjective way of reading the words on paper. Because the theme and message I picked up from this, might not be the theme and message the author was going for.
The writing itself was good. I enjoyed the MC's voice and the authors style.
Same goes for the characters. There are only 4 that really matter and my favourit was - without question - Worm. I kinda liked, that they never got another name. Because it showcased that stuff we deem important for personhood, such as ones name, gender or appearance, doesn't really make us human - or to use a better word - it doesn't make us an indivudual. Noone would ever question wheather a humanoid looking being is a person, like fae, vampires or mermaids. But the second beings stopp looking humanoid, we start calling them it. Just because we don't understand something, doesn't mean its any less valid and real. When we first meet Worm, we don't give them a real name, because they are just a demon. Why even bother? They are just a worm. So why even care.
But they are not just a worm. They are Worm - with capital W.
Ok, let's change the subject before this gets out of hand.
I love how diverse and yet subtle the book handels representation. It's obviously there, but it's just one small aspect of the person. It's not their only and main characteristice.
The plot itself is gold and only made better by the sassy mischievous being, that is Worm.
Their relationship is changing and developing in such a cute and engaging way, that I was sad, when we reached the end.
The worldbuilding was really interesting and I loved what we were given.
I can't say more without spoiling it, so you better go and get this amazing story yourself.
Where's the sequel?
Because this was a really amazing read! I hope you're ready for my personal interpretation and my personal and subjective way of reading the words on paper. Because the theme and message I picked up from this, might not be the theme and message the author was going for.
The writing itself was good. I enjoyed the MC's voice and the authors style.
Same goes for the characters. There are only 4 that really matter and my favourit was - without question - Worm. I kinda liked, that they never got another name. Because it showcased that stuff we deem important for personhood, such as ones name, gender or appearance, doesn't really make us human - or to use a better word - it doesn't make us an indivudual. Noone would ever question wheather a humanoid looking being is a person, like fae, vampires or mermaids. But the second beings stopp looking humanoid, we start calling them it. Just because we don't understand something, doesn't mean its any less valid and real. When we first meet Worm, we don't give them a real name, because they are just a demon. Why even bother? They are just a worm. So why even care.
But they are not just a worm. They are Worm - with capital W.
Ok, let's change the subject before this gets out of hand.
I love how diverse and yet subtle the book handels representation. It's obviously there, but it's just one small aspect of the person. It's not their only and main characteristice.
The plot itself is gold and only made better by the sassy mischievous being, that is Worm.
Their relationship is changing and developing in such a cute and engaging way, that I was sad, when we reached the end.
The worldbuilding was really interesting and I loved what we were given.
I can't say more without spoiling it, so you better go and get this amazing story yourself.
October 3, 2021
This was a great recommendation, and I’m so glad I took it.
The first chapter was definitely a hook. Malee and Worm were such lovable characters. Especially Worm. I found them very endearing—their cluelessness about humanity, their tactless honesty, everything about them—and I didn’t want the book to end because of that! And they are a demon, yes? Because demons aren’t like that. Or at least that’s what I’ve been taught! And that’s what I believe! While I continued to read, I found myself like Ezra, because I felt like they were lying about what they’re capable of and their intentions. I was overanalyzing everything, apparently.
Honestly, I was ready to give this book a four-star rating at the end of Chapter 6, but then Chapter 7 happened. And it riled me up. That scene potentially happening didn’t cross my mind, somehow. I was really preparing myself for some sort of betrayal after that. And then this and that happened. (This is my attempt not to spoil, okay?) Everything that followed came so naturally. And I loved it.
In the near end, I found myself praying, hoping, for a sequel.
Everyone interested in reading books about LGBTQ+ characters, with magic, witches, and demons, (that would also like/prefer a light, quick, and sweet read) should add this book to their reading lists. Or maybe read it now! Y’all should read it now.
The first chapter was definitely a hook. Malee and Worm were such lovable characters. Especially Worm. I found them very endearing—their cluelessness about humanity, their tactless honesty, everything about them—and I didn’t want the book to end because of that! And they are a demon, yes? Because demons aren’t like that. Or at least that’s what I’ve been taught! And that’s what I believe! While I continued to read, I found myself like Ezra, because I felt like they were lying about what they’re capable of and their intentions. I was overanalyzing everything, apparently.
Honestly, I was ready to give this book a four-star rating at the end of Chapter 6, but then Chapter 7 happened. And it riled me up. That scene potentially happening didn’t cross my mind, somehow. I was really preparing myself for some sort of betrayal after that. And then this and that happened. (This is my attempt not to spoil, okay?) Everything that followed came so naturally. And I loved it.
In the near end, I found myself praying, hoping, for a sequel.
Everyone interested in reading books about LGBTQ+ characters, with magic, witches, and demons, (that would also like/prefer a light, quick, and sweet read) should add this book to their reading lists. Or maybe read it now! Y’all should read it now.
June 3, 2021
I loved this book from start to finish!!! I was hooked from the beginning ("oh crap I accidentally summoned a demon"—what's not to love?!) The attention to detail in the prose was top notch, and the story really sweeps you along and feels like it could actually happen!!! The characters were well developed despite the short length of the book, (especially Worm, I loved Worm!) and the magic system was grounded and easy to understand.
Overall a great ownvoices read to kick off Pride month, I highly recommend it and will be reading more from this author!
Overall a great ownvoices read to kick off Pride month, I highly recommend it and will be reading more from this author!
August 21, 2021
This is a cute novella with a lot of promise. It feels like the story just sort of cuts off, rather than ending- that is, this feels more like the beginning of a novel rather than a self-contained novella. But if that were so, I would be interested in reading the rest of it... The premise is that a young magic wielder, in attempting to summon a demon, succeeds--but not exactly as she expected to. She is left face to face with a fascinating new character- a non-binary entity that becomes more human every day. Hope to see more of this story in the future...
May 5, 2022
A demon appears most seductive in the form of relative need and innocence.
Does a young, talented witch really understand or underestimate the dangers?
Or is she more susceptible as a talented young woman on the fringes of their society?
As she puts distance between herself and others who might otherwise help her or provide aid or guidance, beyond seduction, what happens next? Victim? active supporter of the demon?
intense emotional intrigue and drama
Does a young, talented witch really understand or underestimate the dangers?
Or is she more susceptible as a talented young woman on the fringes of their society?
As she puts distance between herself and others who might otherwise help her or provide aid or guidance, beyond seduction, what happens next? Victim? active supporter of the demon?
intense emotional intrigue and drama
August 27, 2021
I went into this book without knowing what it was about, after hearing about it on Tumblr. I fell in love not just with the characters, but with the writing style of the author. It was a fun book, and one that I'll probably read again in the future!
June 30, 2022
CUTE!!
It was so sweet! And gay! And cute😆! Worm was so soft and such a cutie! Ah! !Spoilers!
I loved that they ended if together and all kiss-kiss and stuff! As a fellow queer this is the representation I want!
It was so sweet! And gay! And cute😆! Worm was so soft and such a cutie! Ah! !Spoilers!
I loved that they ended if together and all kiss-kiss and stuff! As a fellow queer this is the representation I want!
January 13, 2023
What a nice, quick read. It almost feels like a little teaser, and it could be expanded with another issue. Loved the characters, especially Worm, who was really fun to get to know as the story progressed. Definitely made me want to read more by B. Pigeon.
January 18, 2024
It was short, sweet and funny like what I wanted at the moment. It did leave me wondering what Ezra did after he hung up the phone and it left me wanting more of the story. Overall though, it was a very pleasant read.
February 18, 2021
The perfect scoop of a story! Very gay and cute, gotta love a transgender worm demon and grumpy witch... Pick it up :)
March 15, 2023
A woman conjures up a demon, but it manifests as a worm. She captures it in a jar and tries to figure out what to do next
January 11, 2024
3.5 stars. Cute, but anticlimactic and left me with unanswered questions
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews