(This is not how I picture Jack and Pete in my head..just sayin’)
Street Magic – Caitlin Kittredge
June 2, 2009
Paperback, 352 pages
My Rating: 8
When Pete Caldecott was sixteen years old, she watched her sister’s boyfriend, Jack Winter, conjure up a demon and die at the hands of it.
Many years later, Jack comes back to life. Ok, he really didn’t die that fateful day, although that is what Pete has believed. Yes, Pete is a girl, her full name I am not going to tell you. I will give you a hint, her sister goes by MG, and her full name is Morning Glory.
Pete finds Jack in the slums of London high on heroine, a skeleton of what he used to be. Pete is now a detective with the police and she is investigating the disappearance of a young girl. Jack tells her exactly where and when the girl will be found. Not wanting to believe him partly because he is high on drugs and partly because she refuses to believe he actually used magic all those years ago she is reluctant to follow his advice. However, she is desperate to find the missing girl and to her surprise the girl is exactly where Jack says she will be.
More children go missing and Pete makes it her job to get Jack sober so he can help find the other children. Jack blames Pete for something that happened the day he disappeared and wants nothing to do with her. Pete is determined to save the children and will make him help her at any cost. What they end up discovering will bring them closer to death than she ever expected and the past will refuse to stay buried.
In this book, Jack Winter steals the show. He is such a cranky bad ass, and it totally works. He may be physically weak after years of drug abuse, but his mind is still incredibly sharp. The fact that he is now sober, and going through withdrawal definitely contributes to his cranky attitude but Pete deals with it with a deft hand. Their banter is filled with bad language and lots of bickering.
This sums up their relationship:
“How could you let them snatch me? I don’t like being the damsel in distress, Jack. It’s bloody demeaning.”“…relax Pete. You weren’t the damsel. You were bait.” Pete slapped him, so hard he rocked back on his heels. Jack rubbed his jaw. “Are you quite finished?” he asked.
“Now I am.” Pete nodded. “Do something like this again and I’ll rip your sodding balls off.”“Received loud and clear,” Jack agreed.
I love a good urban fantasy as long as there is a strong male lead and a little romantic tension. You heard me right – I am mature enough not to have the dirty dance in every book I read! You have to look close for the romantic tension in this book, but it is there. Especially the ending when Pete – oh wait, can’t spoil it for you. All I know is that the next in the series, Demon Bound, will be pre-ordered!
The Black London series includes:
Street Magic – June 2, 2009
Demon Bound – December 1, 2009
Visit Caitlin Kittredge’s Website HERE
Street Magic – June 2, 2009
Demon Bound – December 1, 2009
Visit Caitlin Kittredge’s Website HERE
SciFiGuy has a preview of Demon Bound’s cover!
Oh Man, I've really got to read this book!
I love a good UF, and have had my eye on this for a while.
Thanks Mandi
L
Great Review! I don't usually read this type of book, but it sound really good. I'm going to pick this up!
Lea and Randi – This was really, really good!!
Great review!
I was thinking about Jack for days after I finished Street Magic. A sign of a really good character!
Renee – Good point!! I have been thinking about him too:)
I have this book on my TBR list, after your review, I'm thinking I should move it up on the list. Thanks! I love a review that does this for me. ;)
FD – Thanks! I can't wait to hear your thoughts after you read it:)
I've been hearing good things about this book – it's now on my TBR list.
Bought this one the other day… I can not wait to read it!!!
Great review!!!
Hope you have a great day tomorrow!
I've been waiting for this book for ages! Amazon keeps delaying my shipment :(
Thanks for the great review! This book is added on my wish list :)