I meant to comment on this, but didn't have time until now! Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the book, even if you also had some reservations. In fact it has been so long since I read this first book that I don't at all remember the plot of it...also I know nothing about the author's private life, and am not sure how much I want to know?

The prose is very nice, with a good eye for detail
Yes! Very much agree. I love his prose.

And I thought you'd like Stephen. : ) I don't ship him and Jack romantically or sexually, either, but I do very much like them as friends. Though I will read shippy fic about them when it's well-written, as I don't mind it, and that is what is mostly on offer in the fandom. I do have some good gen recs for you later on though, if you continue!