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Black London #2
Demon Bound
Thirteen years ago, Jack Winter lay dying in a graveyard. Jack called upon a demon and traded his soul for his life… and now the demon is back to collect its due. But Jack has finally found something to live for. Her name is Pete Caldecott, and because of her, Jack's not going to Hell without a fight.
Pete doesn't know about Jack's bargain, but she does know that something bigger and far more dangerous than Jack's demon is growing in the Black. Old gods are stirring and spirits are rising--and Jack doesn't stand a chance of stopping them without Pete's help.
Pete doesn't know about Jack's bargain, but she does know that something bigger and far more dangerous than Jack's demon is growing in the Black. Old gods are stirring and spirits are rising--and Jack doesn't stand a chance of stopping them without Pete's help.
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 18, 2009
29 people are currently reading
1479 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Kittredge
170 books1,122 followersCaitlin started writing novels at age 13. Her first was a Star Wars tie-in. Fortunately, she branched out from there and after a few years trying to be a screenwriter, a comic book writer and the author of copious amounts of fanfiction, she tried to write a novel again. Her epic dark fantasy (thankfully) never saw the light of day but while she was struggling with elves and sorcerers she got the idea of writing a story about a werewolf who fought crime.
Two years and many, many drafts later, she pitched Night Life to a bevy of agents and one of them, Rachel Vater, sold the series to St. Martin’s.
Caitlin collects comic books, print books, vintage clothes, and bad habits. She loves tea, loud music, the color black (especially mixed with the color pink) and ghost stories. She can drive a stick shift, play the violin and knows more English curses than American ones.
Caitlin lives in Olympia, WA with two pushy cats.
http://us.macmillan.com/bonegods/Cait...
Two years and many, many drafts later, she pitched Night Life to a bevy of agents and one of them, Rachel Vater, sold the series to St. Martin’s.
Caitlin collects comic books, print books, vintage clothes, and bad habits. She loves tea, loud music, the color black (especially mixed with the color pink) and ghost stories. She can drive a stick shift, play the violin and knows more English curses than American ones.
Caitlin lives in Olympia, WA with two pushy cats.
http://us.macmillan.com/bonegods/Cait...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 7, 2012
The story continues on from Street Magic the first book in the Black London series. Jack has been keeping secrets and this secret is about to come back on him after 13 years; his time is finally up and a demon has come to collect what is owed him. But Jack has found something to live for, someone who needs him and he won’t be dragged down to Hell without a fight.
I thought this book was brilliant, like the previous book it was dark and gritty with the magic of the Black like smog over the book. I really like how Kittredge portrays magic as dark, violent and treacherous, not a world you really want to get dragged into. The Black is like another character in the book, it hangs over everything and unless you can leash it, it leashes you, it felt like you were permanently walking over a tight rope just waiting for a malevolent gust of wind to knock you off. This is the sort of world that has shaped the main character of Jack Winter.
This book was told from Jacks POV so you get a closer look at his character and he is definitely a one. He is selfish, a liar, a murderer, a junkie, and a sarcastic sod with a foul mouth, but really you can’t help but like him as, although he is all those things he is also more complicated than that. His most redeemable feature being his protectiveness over Pete and the fact that you know he hasn’t fighting because he cares what happens to him, rather that he needs to stay alive so he can guard Pete and mentor her in the Black.
The story was fast paced and always left you on edge, you never knew quite what was going to happen and even to the very last page you weren’t assured a happily ever after, or even a happy-for-a–while-until-something-else-horrible–decides-to-kill-me. This was a dark urban-fantasy and I imagine that the next book Bone Gods will continue on in the same vein. But this book was again well written and in Kittredge’s distinctive style; very poetic and descriptive. She manages to get the feeling of an abstract concept/entity like the Black across very well and writes the characters and all their flaws and facets excellently.
I really like how this series this series is coming on and I can't wait to read the third book Bone Gods as the story of Jack and Pete continues.
I thought this book was brilliant, like the previous book it was dark and gritty with the magic of the Black like smog over the book. I really like how Kittredge portrays magic as dark, violent and treacherous, not a world you really want to get dragged into. The Black is like another character in the book, it hangs over everything and unless you can leash it, it leashes you, it felt like you were permanently walking over a tight rope just waiting for a malevolent gust of wind to knock you off. This is the sort of world that has shaped the main character of Jack Winter.
This book was told from Jacks POV so you get a closer look at his character and he is definitely a one. He is selfish, a liar, a murderer, a junkie, and a sarcastic sod with a foul mouth, but really you can’t help but like him as, although he is all those things he is also more complicated than that. His most redeemable feature being his protectiveness over Pete and the fact that you know he hasn’t fighting because he cares what happens to him, rather that he needs to stay alive so he can guard Pete and mentor her in the Black.
The story was fast paced and always left you on edge, you never knew quite what was going to happen and even to the very last page you weren’t assured a happily ever after, or even a happy-for-a–while-until-something-else-horrible–decides-to-kill-me. This was a dark urban-fantasy and I imagine that the next book Bone Gods will continue on in the same vein. But this book was again well written and in Kittredge’s distinctive style; very poetic and descriptive. She manages to get the feeling of an abstract concept/entity like the Black across very well and writes the characters and all their flaws and facets excellently.
I really like how this series this series is coming on and I can't wait to read the third book Bone Gods as the story of Jack and Pete continues.
October 4, 2016
I love the setting and the writing in this series from eerie London graveyards to the ethereal otherness of the Dartmoor and then occult Bangkok just to mix it up a little. Caitlin Kittredge nails it! And the bond between the bad boy mage Jack Winter and his Weir the more respectable Petunia "Pete" Caldicott deepens with each book.
Nearly a 4.5 star read.
Nearly a 4.5 star read.
April 18, 2011
The demon grinned at him. "Caught you with your knickers down, Winter." It held Jack's denim on the crook of its index finger.
"See something you like, mate?"
Loved it! I'm not particularly in the mood to write a full review for a change, so I'll make it short and sweet. ;)
I absolutely loved visiting the world through Jack's perspective. It was enlightening to discover what lies behind the mask that Jack so stubbornly clings to.
The progress that I patiently waited for with Pete and Jack's relationship is delivered and Jack manages to spoil it in that self-destructive way of his.
The story is as entertaining as the first, with a generous amount of demons, angry spirits, necromancers, and one pissed-off Pete.
"Bone Gods" should be on its way soon. Hoping for a speedy delivery. Don't let me down Amazon!
"Well." Seth tipped his head to the side. "Jack Winter asking for my help. I've had this dream before." He looked up and down the walkway.
Jack followed his glance. "What?"
"I'm waiting for Stephen Fry and the talking monkey to come in," Seth said. "That's the next bit."
"Fuck off."
"See something you like, mate?"
Loved it! I'm not particularly in the mood to write a full review for a change, so I'll make it short and sweet. ;)
I absolutely loved visiting the world through Jack's perspective. It was enlightening to discover what lies behind the mask that Jack so stubbornly clings to.
The progress that I patiently waited for with Pete and Jack's relationship is delivered and Jack manages to spoil it in that self-destructive way of his.
The story is as entertaining as the first, with a generous amount of demons, angry spirits, necromancers, and one pissed-off Pete.
"Bone Gods" should be on its way soon. Hoping for a speedy delivery. Don't let me down Amazon!
"Well." Seth tipped his head to the side. "Jack Winter asking for my help. I've had this dream before." He looked up and down the walkway.
Jack followed his glance. "What?"
"I'm waiting for Stephen Fry and the talking monkey to come in," Seth said. "That's the next bit."
"Fuck off."
November 26, 2020
I'm not quite ready to give up on this series, but I also couldn't really tell you what happened in this book.
February 24, 2010
There are a few things I enjoyed in the book. The gritty magic which Kittredge takes to the next level in this book with necromancers, fey, and death knocking on the door, then we have the banter and love/hate relationship between Jack and Pete. This couple is not for everyones taste (even the other characters in the books hate Jack), but I do love their sarcasm to cover some feelings and the brutal honesty toward each other on other feelings. Pete seems to be the one more honest and Jack seems to avoid the truth or tell lies until he has no other option.
This book seems to focus a little more on Jack and his past come back to bite him. When the book started Jack really came across to me as a royal *ss. And his royal treatment didn't seem to be aimed at one person but to everyone, even Pete whom he feels for and will protect her with his life. I even started to think Jack was like that mean little boy is school that loves to torment and pick on that one girl he really liked. As you see more into the depths of the characters through other emotions and situations you start to see there is more to them and see their growth. Pete, herself, has a tough rough exterior to her as well. She can dish out and take the punches, physically and verbally, with Jack and the best of them.
I was a little let down in I hoped this book would be geared more toward Pete learning to use her magic and growth, but it was set more for Jack. Which is a great story! I was just hoping for more Pete. I did get the feel this book has some of the second story or middle books syndrome. This book seemed to be the shifting book for the next story in plot and character setting. I do think with the way this book ended I will get more of Pete in the third one along with more on the Black and their guardians they work for.
This book seems to focus a little more on Jack and his past come back to bite him. When the book started Jack really came across to me as a royal *ss. And his royal treatment didn't seem to be aimed at one person but to everyone, even Pete whom he feels for and will protect her with his life. I even started to think Jack was like that mean little boy is school that loves to torment and pick on that one girl he really liked. As you see more into the depths of the characters through other emotions and situations you start to see there is more to them and see their growth. Pete, herself, has a tough rough exterior to her as well. She can dish out and take the punches, physically and verbally, with Jack and the best of them.
I was a little let down in I hoped this book would be geared more toward Pete learning to use her magic and growth, but it was set more for Jack. Which is a great story! I was just hoping for more Pete. I did get the feel this book has some of the second story or middle books syndrome. This book seemed to be the shifting book for the next story in plot and character setting. I do think with the way this book ended I will get more of Pete in the third one along with more on the Black and their guardians they work for.
July 4, 2012
3.5 stars
This book is a bit uneven for me.
On one hand, I LOVE Jack's voice -- better than Pete. Probably because there's an impending doom waiting for Jack by the end of the day, as his thirteen years time comes up, and demon is ready to take his soul to hell. There's a sense of angst from Jack, because this time he has a reason to stay alive. His Pete. The only one who is willing to stay (Pete even leaves her job as Detective Inspector) and fight with him. I love reading Jack's feeling for Pete -- how she becomes his savior. Breaks my heart when I read all of the things Jack prepares for Pete, because he might not be with her forever.
On the other hand, I feel like the story is a bit dragged -- as Jack trying to find a way to get out of the deal. The 11th hour attempt where Jack needs to retrieve a human and goes to Thailand doesn't feel as intense as the thriller in 1st book when Pete and Jack must found out who kidnapped the children. Therefore, I have to admit that I skim the story several times and takes me a longer time to finish.
However, the ending is still chilling ... and I'd love to see what happens next.
This book is a bit uneven for me.
On one hand, I LOVE Jack's voice -- better than Pete. Probably because there's an impending doom waiting for Jack by the end of the day, as his thirteen years time comes up, and demon is ready to take his soul to hell. There's a sense of angst from Jack, because this time he has a reason to stay alive. His Pete. The only one who is willing to stay (Pete even leaves her job as Detective Inspector) and fight with him. I love reading Jack's feeling for Pete -- how she becomes his savior. Breaks my heart when I read all of the things Jack prepares for Pete, because he might not be with her forever.
On the other hand, I feel like the story is a bit dragged -- as Jack trying to find a way to get out of the deal. The 11th hour attempt where Jack needs to retrieve a human and goes to Thailand doesn't feel as intense as the thriller in 1st book when Pete and Jack must found out who kidnapped the children. Therefore, I have to admit that I skim the story several times and takes me a longer time to finish.
However, the ending is still chilling ... and I'd love to see what happens next.
February 23, 2011
What an amazing sequel! The relationship between Jack and Pete continues and it just makes you want to read all the more faster to see what's going to happen next!
The ending of the book just leaves you begging for more!
I really enjoy Ms. Kittridge's writing, but more specifically the dialogue(I love the English slang). She's captured the Punk/Anarchist mentality..it's raw, it's real, and really quite offensive, and if you didn't have thick skin you would be 'shaking in your boots' or really 'pissed off' if someone talked to you like that.
The story, the characters and the writing are wonderful!
I highly recommend this series to all who like a good paranormal/urban fantasy read.
The ending of the book just leaves you begging for more!
I really enjoy Ms. Kittridge's writing, but more specifically the dialogue(I love the English slang). She's captured the Punk/Anarchist mentality..it's raw, it's real, and really quite offensive, and if you didn't have thick skin you would be 'shaking in your boots' or really 'pissed off' if someone talked to you like that.
The story, the characters and the writing are wonderful!
I highly recommend this series to all who like a good paranormal/urban fantasy read.
September 24, 2018
I'd hoped that the sequel to STREET MAGIC would be a large improvement, especially since it would give more insight into Jack as the story is told from his perspective, but I was a bit let down again.
The story itself is interesting, the magic is fun, and the dialogue and words are well constructed, but Jack is still the failing part for me. He still treats Pete like garbage and expects sympathy and even love when he does nothing but lie and go behind her back. I found myself eager to skim to the action just so I wouldn't have to deal with him anymore.
This is still not a bad book and I will keep giving it a chance, because I want to see what it will take for Pete to finally come to her senses and dump Jack for good.
The story itself is interesting, the magic is fun, and the dialogue and words are well constructed, but Jack is still the failing part for me. He still treats Pete like garbage and expects sympathy and even love when he does nothing but lie and go behind her back. I found myself eager to skim to the action just so I wouldn't have to deal with him anymore.
This is still not a bad book and I will keep giving it a chance, because I want to see what it will take for Pete to finally come to her senses and dump Jack for good.
April 23, 2012
Mon avis en français
My English review
J’attendais depuis un moment d’avoir la chance de me lancer dans ce second tome afin de voir comment Pete et Jack avaient évolué depuis le premier volume. J’étais vraiment curieuse de voir si leur relation avait progressé car il faut dire qu’on ressentait bien la tension entre nos deux protagonistes.
Pete est à présent complètement immergée dans ce monde dont elle ne connaissait rien. Elle fait même maintenant partie intégrante des ténèbres bien que Jack fasse tout son possible pour la protéger. Ah jack… Que dire ? La première chose serait : Mais bon dieu comment Pete fait-elle pour le supporter ??? Je suis d’accord, il a quelque chose en plus mais alors qu’est-ce qu’il est chiant et désagréable ! Je ne sais pas si j’aurais eu autant de sang-froid qu’elle, mais c’est aussi sa façon à lui de lui montrer qu’il l’apprécie. On remarque bien tous les changements et toutes les concessions qu’il a faites pour devenir un homme meilleur (si tant est que ce soit possible). Il se pose beaucoup de questions, essaie de faire au mieux et pourtant ce n’est jamais vraiment assez. Il est la caricature typique de l’anti-héro et en même temps on ne peut s’empêcher d’être assez admiratif quant à ses choix quand on sait réellement ce qu’il pense.
Pete le contrebalance complètement, elle est douce mais ferme quand il le faut. Elle sait le remettre dans le droit chemin et supporter ses sautes d’humeur, on ne peut donc qu’être impressionné par son caractère. C’est une jeune femme hors du commun qui, elle aussi fera tout pour protéger Jack, et ce n’est vraiment pas chose aisée. Ils forment ensemble un couple complètement atypique mais finalement parfaitement assorti de par leur complémentarité.
Ce tome annonce de grandes choses quant à la suite de l’histoire. Le premier volume nous avait fait découvrir le monde et les ténèbres dans lequel nos héros évoluaient, tout en découvrant qui ils étaient vraiment. Ce tome là nous prépare à de grands changements qui commenceront sûrement à transparaitre dans le troisième volume. Je suis d’ailleurs assez curieuse de voir ce qu’il va se passer.
Comme je l’attendais on peut assister à l’évolution de la relation entre Pete et Jack. C’était assez touchant de les voir évoluer ensemble, ne sachant pas vraiment considérer l’autre. Dans ce roman nos deux héros vont devoir faire face à une maison hantée et un démon qui a bien l’intention de réclamer son dû, c'est-à-dire l’âme de Jack.
Pete est un peu moins présente ici que dans le premier roman mais c’est très intrigant de suivre Jack et de rencontrer les gens qu’il connait, de voir comment il fait face à des situations périlleuses.
C’est donc un tome très intéressant qui me donne envie de continuer la série. J’espère avoir l’occasion de me lancer dans le troisième tome très vite.
My English review
J’attendais depuis un moment d’avoir la chance de me lancer dans ce second tome afin de voir comment Pete et Jack avaient évolué depuis le premier volume. J’étais vraiment curieuse de voir si leur relation avait progressé car il faut dire qu’on ressentait bien la tension entre nos deux protagonistes.
Pete est à présent complètement immergée dans ce monde dont elle ne connaissait rien. Elle fait même maintenant partie intégrante des ténèbres bien que Jack fasse tout son possible pour la protéger. Ah jack… Que dire ? La première chose serait : Mais bon dieu comment Pete fait-elle pour le supporter ??? Je suis d’accord, il a quelque chose en plus mais alors qu’est-ce qu’il est chiant et désagréable ! Je ne sais pas si j’aurais eu autant de sang-froid qu’elle, mais c’est aussi sa façon à lui de lui montrer qu’il l’apprécie. On remarque bien tous les changements et toutes les concessions qu’il a faites pour devenir un homme meilleur (si tant est que ce soit possible). Il se pose beaucoup de questions, essaie de faire au mieux et pourtant ce n’est jamais vraiment assez. Il est la caricature typique de l’anti-héro et en même temps on ne peut s’empêcher d’être assez admiratif quant à ses choix quand on sait réellement ce qu’il pense.
Pete le contrebalance complètement, elle est douce mais ferme quand il le faut. Elle sait le remettre dans le droit chemin et supporter ses sautes d’humeur, on ne peut donc qu’être impressionné par son caractère. C’est une jeune femme hors du commun qui, elle aussi fera tout pour protéger Jack, et ce n’est vraiment pas chose aisée. Ils forment ensemble un couple complètement atypique mais finalement parfaitement assorti de par leur complémentarité.
Ce tome annonce de grandes choses quant à la suite de l’histoire. Le premier volume nous avait fait découvrir le monde et les ténèbres dans lequel nos héros évoluaient, tout en découvrant qui ils étaient vraiment. Ce tome là nous prépare à de grands changements qui commenceront sûrement à transparaitre dans le troisième volume. Je suis d’ailleurs assez curieuse de voir ce qu’il va se passer.
Comme je l’attendais on peut assister à l’évolution de la relation entre Pete et Jack. C’était assez touchant de les voir évoluer ensemble, ne sachant pas vraiment considérer l’autre. Dans ce roman nos deux héros vont devoir faire face à une maison hantée et un démon qui a bien l’intention de réclamer son dû, c'est-à-dire l’âme de Jack.
Pete est un peu moins présente ici que dans le premier roman mais c’est très intrigant de suivre Jack et de rencontrer les gens qu’il connait, de voir comment il fait face à des situations périlleuses.
C’est donc un tome très intéressant qui me donne envie de continuer la série. J’espère avoir l’occasion de me lancer dans le troisième tome très vite.
November 23, 2018
First read: 2009
Re-read: May 2015
The plot: Demon Bound is told from Jack Winter's perspective (as opposed to Pete's in Street Magic). Here Pete has quit her job with the police force and the two of them are freelancing in magical work; raising ghosts and exorcizing them. Meanwhile Jack is hiding a big secret from Pete; he owes a demon his life, and the demon is coming to collect.
The good:
- Kittredge writes a vivid, bustling, multicultural London well.
- The book moves through a few different locations (London, Dartmoor, Bangkok); Pete and Jack get a case in Dartmoor leading to quite possibly my favourite Jack quote from the entire series, "I'm not bounding over the moor like sodding Heathcliff on some nonce's say-so."
- Kittredge's gorgeous description of the difference between the London black and the Dartmoor black: "There were layers in the city...the cool sting of iron railway tracks and bridges binding the wild power of the Thames. London breathed, it fluttered and shouted, wriggled and screamed. A million energies spread across the Black, slithering through smoke and stone...Here, the moor was simply alive...raw power from the Black trickled through Jack's consciousness, undiluted and primal. The Tors and pagan sites scattered across the landscape were like torches in a vast darkness, floating on a sea of raw power." (Pg 87)
- More of an insight into the way Jack thinks and how he really feels about Pete.
- Kittredge does a good job of portraying a dark, seedy side of Bangkok and magic that runs through it.
The bad:
- Jack's refusal to share what's going on with Pete was frustrating especially when she saved him last time.
- The way Jack just abandoned a job and left Pete alone in the Naughton house.
- The biggest issue for me was that this book felt like it should really have been two separate novels; Kittredge started writing a spooky haunted English manor story then seemingly changed her mind and all of a sudden Jack needs to abandon their case and fly to Bangkok. From that point the tone of the story changes completely. The story eventually finds its way back to the Naughton manor house where the mystery they have gone to solve is suddenly solved by Jack with zero detective or magical work whatsoever. Both stories deserved to have a full book each, and I'm sure (as I love gothic English manor house type stories) at least one of those books would have had a full five stars from me.
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4/5)
Re-read: May 2015
The plot: Demon Bound is told from Jack Winter's perspective (as opposed to Pete's in Street Magic). Here Pete has quit her job with the police force and the two of them are freelancing in magical work; raising ghosts and exorcizing them. Meanwhile Jack is hiding a big secret from Pete; he owes a demon his life, and the demon is coming to collect.
The good:
- Kittredge writes a vivid, bustling, multicultural London well.
- The book moves through a few different locations (London, Dartmoor, Bangkok); Pete and Jack get a case in Dartmoor leading to quite possibly my favourite Jack quote from the entire series, "I'm not bounding over the moor like sodding Heathcliff on some nonce's say-so."
- Kittredge's gorgeous description of the difference between the London black and the Dartmoor black: "There were layers in the city...the cool sting of iron railway tracks and bridges binding the wild power of the Thames. London breathed, it fluttered and shouted, wriggled and screamed. A million energies spread across the Black, slithering through smoke and stone...Here, the moor was simply alive...raw power from the Black trickled through Jack's consciousness, undiluted and primal. The Tors and pagan sites scattered across the landscape were like torches in a vast darkness, floating on a sea of raw power." (Pg 87)
- More of an insight into the way Jack thinks and how he really feels about Pete.
- Kittredge does a good job of portraying a dark, seedy side of Bangkok and magic that runs through it.
The bad:
- Jack's refusal to share what's going on with Pete was frustrating especially when she saved him last time.
- The way Jack just abandoned a job and left Pete alone in the Naughton house.
- The biggest issue for me was that this book felt like it should really have been two separate novels; Kittredge started writing a spooky haunted English manor story then seemingly changed her mind and all of a sudden Jack needs to abandon their case and fly to Bangkok. From that point the tone of the story changes completely. The story eventually finds its way back to the Naughton manor house where the mystery they have gone to solve is suddenly solved by Jack with zero detective or magical work whatsoever. Both stories deserved to have a full book each, and I'm sure (as I love gothic English manor house type stories) at least one of those books would have had a full five stars from me.
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4/5)
September 7, 2015
3 stars
It been 2 years after I read the first book Street Magic, but like usual Kittredge bring another good dark fantasy with unusual hero and heroine. While I love that this book told from Jack's POV-not 1st person tho-, I lost patience when he's too much wallowing in his self pity party, think that he didn't deserve Pete over and over and that lie to her. The lie about his life bound to demon nearly suffocate me and make me want to smack him to just get over it. Add it with too much cuss and harsh word, that for me is too much to bear.
The good thing maybe is the setting, London and Bangkok. Kittredge will bring reader to walk into the London street and Thailand country with her vivid, rich and lush descriptive. There are some errors in this book that I'm sure that both Kittredge and her editor missed. It's the currency of Thailand. Kittredge wrote "bhat", while the right term is "baht". Not just one, but many. This kinda irked me somehow because why the error happen over and over.
Of course the Black still there, try to bring Jack and Pete with them. After dealing with some ghosts in book 1, now Kittredge introduced reader to the demon, the Morrigan and the Hecate. Just the way I like it because I always fascinated with the three Goddess. Some monster in the myth like sluagh and cu sith also make appearance and readers will be introduced to the world of magic and necromancer.
Want romance in your book? Well, finally Jack and Pete step further into their relationship. If you ask, are there some sex? I will said yes, because Kittredge now how to write a steamy sex which is supriseing for me. Add it with dirty mind that Jack had for Pete and his dream about him and Pete did sex ritual make me almost fanning myself. Despite the web of lies that Jack thread to Pete, I know that it's a sign that he love her. Not romantic, because Jack didn't do romantic, but in her twisted, angst way, Kittredge show that two lost souls can found each other and learn to love. Jack finally find his reason to live, in Pete. And he will do anything for her, even it means he will cheat the Death.
Demon Bound is not supposed to be stand alone. You must read Street Magic first so you will get familiar with both Pete, Jack and the world where sinister creature lives, the Black. The story end with cliffhanger, make me want to read the next book that told in Pete's POV, Bone Gods. Fans of Constantine, Hell Boy, or any horror mix with fantasy lit must read Black London series.
It been 2 years after I read the first book Street Magic, but like usual Kittredge bring another good dark fantasy with unusual hero and heroine. While I love that this book told from Jack's POV-not 1st person tho-, I lost patience when he's too much wallowing in his self pity party, think that he didn't deserve Pete over and over and that lie to her. The lie about his life bound to demon nearly suffocate me and make me want to smack him to just get over it. Add it with too much cuss and harsh word, that for me is too much to bear.
The good thing maybe is the setting, London and Bangkok. Kittredge will bring reader to walk into the London street and Thailand country with her vivid, rich and lush descriptive. There are some errors in this book that I'm sure that both Kittredge and her editor missed. It's the currency of Thailand. Kittredge wrote "bhat", while the right term is "baht". Not just one, but many. This kinda irked me somehow because why the error happen over and over.
Of course the Black still there, try to bring Jack and Pete with them. After dealing with some ghosts in book 1, now Kittredge introduced reader to the demon, the Morrigan and the Hecate. Just the way I like it because I always fascinated with the three Goddess. Some monster in the myth like sluagh and cu sith also make appearance and readers will be introduced to the world of magic and necromancer.
Want romance in your book? Well, finally Jack and Pete step further into their relationship. If you ask, are there some sex? I will said yes, because Kittredge now how to write a steamy sex which is supriseing for me. Add it with dirty mind that Jack had for Pete and his dream about him and Pete did sex ritual make me almost fanning myself. Despite the web of lies that Jack thread to Pete, I know that it's a sign that he love her. Not romantic, because Jack didn't do romantic, but in her twisted, angst way, Kittredge show that two lost souls can found each other and learn to love. Jack finally find his reason to live, in Pete. And he will do anything for her, even it means he will cheat the Death.
Demon Bound is not supposed to be stand alone. You must read Street Magic first so you will get familiar with both Pete, Jack and the world where sinister creature lives, the Black. The story end with cliffhanger, make me want to read the next book that told in Pete's POV, Bone Gods. Fans of Constantine, Hell Boy, or any horror mix with fantasy lit must read Black London series.
March 15, 2017
Second in the Black London dark, dark fantasy series revolving around Pete Caldecott, former police inspector, and Jack Winter, crow-mage.
My Take
I really enjoy this series in spite of Jack's drug use…okay, I'm a prig…I love that Pete has forced Jack to kick the heroin habit, and that Jack truly is grateful for her support.
The two of them have such an adversarial relationship, and Kittredge has the jargon down so well — it sounds so real!
In this story, their brief sojourn in the country is quite funny with all the city amenities they moan about missing.
The Story
It seems that Pete and Jack have formed a paranormal investigative agency when we drop in on one of their cases where they have been booked to find out if the will Mummy and Daddy wrote up is the right one.
Seems the kids have been disinherited, and they're not happy. Which is rather too bad, as the case itself is way below Jack Winter's standards, and he doesn't hesitate to let everyone know.
The next case they investigate is much more interesting, since it's a preview of Jack's coming death-by-demon.
The Characters
Pete Caldecott first met Jack almost 13 years ago when he was dating her sister, and Jack enticed her to follow him to a crypt to see a bit of magic. A trip that backfired in so very many ways.
Jack Winter is a crow-mage who used to front for the Poor Dead Bastards — almost 13 years ago — before the events in the crypt.
The Cover and Title
The cover demonstrates that whoever designed it didn't read the book. Some git gave the artist a general description of Jack and whoever the woman is and this is what came up. The title, Demon Bound, is way too accurate, for Jack is indeed about to give it all up to a demon.
My Take
I really enjoy this series in spite of Jack's drug use…okay, I'm a prig…I love that Pete has forced Jack to kick the heroin habit, and that Jack truly is grateful for her support.
The two of them have such an adversarial relationship, and Kittredge has the jargon down so well — it sounds so real!
In this story, their brief sojourn in the country is quite funny with all the city amenities they moan about missing.
The Story
It seems that Pete and Jack have formed a paranormal investigative agency when we drop in on one of their cases where they have been booked to find out if the will Mummy and Daddy wrote up is the right one.
Seems the kids have been disinherited, and they're not happy. Which is rather too bad, as the case itself is way below Jack Winter's standards, and he doesn't hesitate to let everyone know.
The next case they investigate is much more interesting, since it's a preview of Jack's coming death-by-demon.
The Characters
Pete Caldecott first met Jack almost 13 years ago when he was dating her sister, and Jack enticed her to follow him to a crypt to see a bit of magic. A trip that backfired in so very many ways.
Jack Winter is a crow-mage who used to front for the Poor Dead Bastards — almost 13 years ago — before the events in the crypt.
The Cover and Title
The cover demonstrates that whoever designed it didn't read the book. Some git gave the artist a general description of Jack and whoever the woman is and this is what came up. The title, Demon Bound, is way too accurate, for Jack is indeed about to give it all up to a demon.
December 3, 2009
It's actually a 3.7 for me.
I've read the first book and was very excited for the next book in this series. Jack Winter is a bit of an ass but even though he denies it, there is a heart underneath his scarred and battered frame. That heart beats for Pete Caldecott, an ex-cop who is a source for magic and has her own shared past with Jack that leaves her in a strange place of love and exasperation.
This installment has Jack facing his demons - literally. He sold his soul to a demon the night that he lay dying - the last night that Pete was with him. He sold his soul and now he has to pay the reaper. However, it's a struggle between his Patron Goddess and the demon that has him, he is determined to 'clever' himself out of this. He travels from London to a place on the moor called the Naughton Estate to Bangkok. All the while his own magic is going haywire.
Pete is sort of left in the dust on this one and by the end of the book you realize that Pete's role is a big one as their is a war coming.
There were a few errors in this book - pages 83 and 239 most notably. See if you can find them.
Again, this book was a little confusing and didn't really clear up until the middle of the book. There was a lot of unnecessary emoting and redundancy at that. It just seemed like the book wasn't sure of where it wanted to go until toward the end. However, there were good parts which when they come together make for a pretty decent book.
I want to know what happens with this series so I'm going to keep reading, I just hope that the writing clears itself up a bit. The author did mention that she was in a bad place when she wrote this book and it shows. I'm hoping she feels better and the next book is on the same level as the first.
I've read the first book and was very excited for the next book in this series. Jack Winter is a bit of an ass but even though he denies it, there is a heart underneath his scarred and battered frame. That heart beats for Pete Caldecott, an ex-cop who is a source for magic and has her own shared past with Jack that leaves her in a strange place of love and exasperation.
This installment has Jack facing his demons - literally. He sold his soul to a demon the night that he lay dying - the last night that Pete was with him. He sold his soul and now he has to pay the reaper. However, it's a struggle between his Patron Goddess and the demon that has him, he is determined to 'clever' himself out of this. He travels from London to a place on the moor called the Naughton Estate to Bangkok. All the while his own magic is going haywire.
Pete is sort of left in the dust on this one and by the end of the book you realize that Pete's role is a big one as their is a war coming.
There were a few errors in this book - pages 83 and 239 most notably. See if you can find them.
Again, this book was a little confusing and didn't really clear up until the middle of the book. There was a lot of unnecessary emoting and redundancy at that. It just seemed like the book wasn't sure of where it wanted to go until toward the end. However, there were good parts which when they come together make for a pretty decent book.
I want to know what happens with this series so I'm going to keep reading, I just hope that the writing clears itself up a bit. The author did mention that she was in a bad place when she wrote this book and it shows. I'm hoping she feels better and the next book is on the same level as the first.
August 13, 2011
After really enjoying STREET MAGIC last week, I decided to get stuck into the second book in the Black London series right away.
The POV shifts to Jack Winter, and I had a blast getting an insight into Jack's head, as well as learning so much more about him. He likes to keep plenty of things hidden from Pete, so delving into his inner thoughts was a great way to understand exactly why he is how he is, and why he's done all the strange and weird things that make him seem like nothing more than a strung-out junkie.
Jack and Pete have been living in his flat in Whitechapel, also working together performing odd jobs by using Jack's many freaky mage talents. When they take on a job that sends them away from the city and into the English countryside, things get really complicated. Because, not only is the demon Jack made a deal with thirteen years ago back to collect, but there seem to be a few other 'people' after him as well.
I loved this book! I'm also really enjoying the series. This installment takes us on quite a gritty ride through the London streets, then into the countryside, as well as in Bangkok--which gives the Black a whole new level of darkness. Once again, I like how Jack's addiction is portrayed so honestly.
I'm also finding myself totally swept up in the impossible--yet touching--relationship between Jack and Pete. It's so fragile, yet strong. Impossible, yet meant to be. Oh, and I loved the way it ended. There were a few surprises I didn't expect.
Can't wait to find out what happens next. I ordered the third book last night, as well as preordered the fourth. Yep, I'm a fan! :)
The POV shifts to Jack Winter, and I had a blast getting an insight into Jack's head, as well as learning so much more about him. He likes to keep plenty of things hidden from Pete, so delving into his inner thoughts was a great way to understand exactly why he is how he is, and why he's done all the strange and weird things that make him seem like nothing more than a strung-out junkie.
Jack and Pete have been living in his flat in Whitechapel, also working together performing odd jobs by using Jack's many freaky mage talents. When they take on a job that sends them away from the city and into the English countryside, things get really complicated. Because, not only is the demon Jack made a deal with thirteen years ago back to collect, but there seem to be a few other 'people' after him as well.
I loved this book! I'm also really enjoying the series. This installment takes us on quite a gritty ride through the London streets, then into the countryside, as well as in Bangkok--which gives the Black a whole new level of darkness. Once again, I like how Jack's addiction is portrayed so honestly.
I'm also finding myself totally swept up in the impossible--yet touching--relationship between Jack and Pete. It's so fragile, yet strong. Impossible, yet meant to be. Oh, and I loved the way it ended. There were a few surprises I didn't expect.
Can't wait to find out what happens next. I ordered the third book last night, as well as preordered the fourth. Yep, I'm a fan! :)
April 16, 2012
Poor Jack, he made a deal, an unbreakable one to save his life. Now this deal will be the end of his life. He has a reason to live, Pete. His magic is not going to get him out of this. he'll make another deal. This deal, is not made with truths and fairness. His crow magic is drawing unwanted attention. Around him it draws two faced liars, demons, shadows and the black beady eyes. Nothing is easy or clear.
Pete has left the force, and works wit Jack as a ghost buster duo. Her magical developments just did not fit within her job description. She fights Jack, his demons and the outside world to keep some function of a life for them. Not and easy task when the demons are this monstrous. Her loyalty and resolve will be tested and tortured. Her heart beats for Jack no matter what the cost.
The journey goes from England to Bangkok from the bedroom to the blackness of the other. The story is heartwarming, heartbreaking and filled with dark. The world building complete and fascinating. The story flowed and was very enjoyable. I am thrilled because the first book in the series stumbled in the second half. A dark mystery urban fantasy with a touch of romance.
Pete has left the force, and works wit Jack as a ghost buster duo. Her magical developments just did not fit within her job description. She fights Jack, his demons and the outside world to keep some function of a life for them. Not and easy task when the demons are this monstrous. Her loyalty and resolve will be tested and tortured. Her heart beats for Jack no matter what the cost.
The journey goes from England to Bangkok from the bedroom to the blackness of the other. The story is heartwarming, heartbreaking and filled with dark. The world building complete and fascinating. The story flowed and was very enjoyable. I am thrilled because the first book in the series stumbled in the second half. A dark mystery urban fantasy with a touch of romance.
April 14, 2015
Black London is one of my favorite UF series. I love Jack and Pete. It was a big Thank You! moment when they finally admit their feelings and we are rewarded as much as them. I sigh everytime Jack says, "luv"... ahhhhhh. hehe ;)
"I don't want to be your mistake, Pete." "Too late for that ... I've told you you're in my blood, Jack ... You're in my blood like poison ... And I die because of you."
Jack is battling a 13-yr old pact with a demon for his soul. He's struggling to find a way out, before time runs out, and without Pete finding out. He's always trying to protect her from the Black, but can he protect her forever or is his time finally up?
LOVED the trip to Bangkok, since I've been there several times I could picture all the streets, go-go girl bars, lady-boys, etc and that just added to the excitement of the 2nd half of the story.
The ending was a surprise and, of course, left me wanting more ... so, back to waiting ... for Black London 3.
"I don't want to be your mistake, Pete." "Too late for that ... I've told you you're in my blood, Jack ... You're in my blood like poison ... And I die because of you."
Jack is battling a 13-yr old pact with a demon for his soul. He's struggling to find a way out, before time runs out, and without Pete finding out. He's always trying to protect her from the Black, but can he protect her forever or is his time finally up?
LOVED the trip to Bangkok, since I've been there several times I could picture all the streets, go-go girl bars, lady-boys, etc and that just added to the excitement of the 2nd half of the story.
The ending was a surprise and, of course, left me wanting more ... so, back to waiting ... for Black London 3.
February 21, 2010
The 2nd novel in the Black London series by Caitlin Kittredge is AWESEOME, I LOVED the whole book, it captured by attention (like her others as well) and the ending is a very clever cliffhanger, leaving readers wondering what is next for the 2 main characters and I am waiting for book three, not sure when it will be released yet.
Caitlin Kittredge sure can tell a damn good story from beginning until the ending/cliffhanger, I also love her Nocturne City novels, this year the 5th and final one will be released called 'Daemon's Mark'.
Recommened for those who enjoy a good Paranormal story with wonderful characters and strong storytelling.
Caitlin Kittredge sure can tell a damn good story from beginning until the ending/cliffhanger, I also love her Nocturne City novels, this year the 5th and final one will be released called 'Daemon's Mark'.
Recommened for those who enjoy a good Paranormal story with wonderful characters and strong storytelling.
January 4, 2016
Hmpf... a bit of a mess. The first/ main plot with the spooky English manor, just sort of fissled out halfway through ( don't know if fissled is a real word, but it just fit :-D ) It seems as though Kittredge changed her opinion about the story in the middle of the book. It felt as though the mystery just got solved by it self in two sentences in the end.
Actually I don't really know why I keep reading this series. I don't really connect with any of the protagonists and the story and world building is a bit confusing or maybe messed up. But I guess I like that neither Pete or Jack is strictly good or bad.
I also liked that this book was from Jack's POW.
Actually I don't really know why I keep reading this series. I don't really connect with any of the protagonists and the story and world building is a bit confusing or maybe messed up. But I guess I like that neither Pete or Jack is strictly good or bad.
I also liked that this book was from Jack's POW.
February 14, 2011
More like a 3.5. This is an improvement from the first but it still had trouble holding my attention. I would have chosen 4 stars to represent the 3.5 I'm feeling, but the cliff hanger ending pisses me off. I really hate cliff hanger endings.
On the good side - the installment is told more from Jack's perspective and he's a more interesting read than Pete is. He's gritty and hard to like, but somehow you still want to keep rooting for him.
The story is engaging, but it's unfolding slowly. The imagery is macabre and easy to plug in to.
Moving on to #3.
On the good side - the installment is told more from Jack's perspective and he's a more interesting read than Pete is. He's gritty and hard to like, but somehow you still want to keep rooting for him.
The story is engaging, but it's unfolding slowly. The imagery is macabre and easy to plug in to.
Moving on to #3.
September 1, 2013
I know writing characterization is hard, but this just seemed over the top in how it portrayed Jack Winter the Crow Mage. He really didnt need to flip off EVERYONE he met, or include 'wanker' in every sentence to get his british-punk stereotype across. Frankly it got old.
That being said, the buildup of showing the depth of his feelings for Pete was handled well. It was good to see his POV in this book, and although the beginning dragged for a long time due to Jack not wanting to express anything, it came together well in the last bit.
That being said, the buildup of showing the depth of his feelings for Pete was handled well. It was good to see his POV in this book, and although the beginning dragged for a long time due to Jack not wanting to express anything, it came together well in the last bit.
January 11, 2016
3.5 stars: I am admittedly not wild about the whole POV switch thing being on a book by book basis instead of chapter by chapter, but seeing Jack's POV was definitely an interesting switch. The middle of the story lagged a biiit too much for me & I wish there had been a bit more background on Pete leaving the police force at the beginning/resolution re: the Naughton plot, but I am surprisingly looking forward to having Pete's POV back for the next book? still do adore the world building and magic use though.
May 30, 2011
I got as far as page 38 and found I was waiting for Dick Van Dyke to arrive. The shame is Caitlin Kittredge writes a really good story but the forced London lingo is just too much for this reader brought up in London to live with. I shall be sticking with her Nocture city series.
January 1, 2010
I adore Jack and Pete.
March 13, 2013
this book was hard for me to get into. it just didn't flow like the first one did, until the end. now I really want to read the next book.
March 8, 2017
This book was awesome! The first 'Black London' novel was okay even though I got tired of all the angst, drama, and found some of it to be quite confusing. Demon Bound, however is completely different!
In this installment the story is told from Jack's point of view which is quite nice. We get to see the crow-mage's inner workings and how he deals with issues. The main one in this book being a demon who wants to collect Jack's soul. Jack being the stubborn man that he is, refuses to go down without a fight, even if it means a harsher punishment in the pit.
That is the meat and bread of the story with other side plots popping up here and there and I must say that they are interesting as well. Hauntings, spooks, creatures in the Black, shady characters, and then of course how Jack and Pete interact.
Normally I am a biased when it comes to books and prefer to read a story from the POV of a woman because when I have read books from the POV of a man they seem to get easily sidetracked by boobs which is irritating. Or they are more concerned with getting some chick in the sack then the task at hand. Kittredge didn't do that sort of thing which was quite nice and refreshing. Jack still has some pervy ways but I didn't feel like it was overbearing.
Fast paced and full of action, I can honestly say I was not bored while reading this and was always eager to continue from where I left off. There are some definite twists to the story that I just didn't see coming at all. There is a big twist in the last page or two of the story that really caught me off guard. I can honestly say I didn't see it coming and for heavens sake don't look at those pages if you haven't read the book! DON'T do it!
All of what was said in the book and the picture that was painted of what is to come sure makes me excited to keep on reading to see where the story of Black London will take me!
In this installment the story is told from Jack's point of view which is quite nice. We get to see the crow-mage's inner workings and how he deals with issues. The main one in this book being a demon who wants to collect Jack's soul. Jack being the stubborn man that he is, refuses to go down without a fight, even if it means a harsher punishment in the pit.
That is the meat and bread of the story with other side plots popping up here and there and I must say that they are interesting as well. Hauntings, spooks, creatures in the Black, shady characters, and then of course how Jack and Pete interact.
Normally I am a biased when it comes to books and prefer to read a story from the POV of a woman because when I have read books from the POV of a man they seem to get easily sidetracked by boobs which is irritating. Or they are more concerned with getting some chick in the sack then the task at hand. Kittredge didn't do that sort of thing which was quite nice and refreshing. Jack still has some pervy ways but I didn't feel like it was overbearing.
Fast paced and full of action, I can honestly say I was not bored while reading this and was always eager to continue from where I left off. There are some definite twists to the story that I just didn't see coming at all. There is a big twist in the last page or two of the story that really caught me off guard. I can honestly say I didn't see it coming and for heavens sake don't look at those pages if you haven't read the book! DON'T do it!
All of what was said in the book and the picture that was painted of what is to come sure makes me excited to keep on reading to see where the story of Black London will take me!
June 11, 2017
Almost thirteen years ago, Jack Winter made a deal with a demon, trading his soul to save his life - and now it's time to pay the bill, just when Jack has finally found something (or rather, someone) worth living for. Lucky for Jack, the demon is willing to re-negotiate: The demon will let him go if he delivers another mage who reneged on a deal with this same demon. Of course, bargaining with demons is never as straightforward as it seems, and Jack's newest bargain sends him on a dangerous wild goose chase all the way to Bangkok - and Pete, who quit her job to work with Jack and is severely pissed at being lied to and left behind in the middle of a case, promptly follows him halfway around the world and right into the line of fire.
I enjoyed this marginally more than the first book, probably because this time I knew to expect all the things that annoyed me, like the still grating faux Britishness of the dialogue and the fact that self-pitying asshole Jack and whiny bitchy Pete spend most of the book being terribly unpleasant in general and to each other. I do wonder if I'm ever going to find either of them the least bit likable. Nevertheless, I found the story engaging enough to keep going.
I enjoyed this marginally more than the first book, probably because this time I knew to expect all the things that annoyed me, like the still grating faux Britishness of the dialogue and the fact that self-pitying asshole Jack and whiny bitchy Pete spend most of the book being terribly unpleasant in general and to each other. I do wonder if I'm ever going to find either of them the least bit likable. Nevertheless, I found the story engaging enough to keep going.
March 10, 2023
The first book was interesting and promising. Not exiting but maybe take it slow. The second book, this one, was disappointing. To be fair, I only read a bit over 60% but it was too un-inspired and then there was this detailed sex-scene that took was too much.
If I wanted to read a trashy romance with sex scenes, I would not have chosen this "Urban Fantasy" book.
And the rest of the story was too "not my thing" that I don't want to waste my time further in with this series and that author.
If I wanted to read a trashy romance with sex scenes, I would not have chosen this "Urban Fantasy" book.
And the rest of the story was too "not my thing" that I don't want to waste my time further in with this series and that author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
I still liked this book even while I bashed my head over the stream of stupid decisions and toxic behavior by the main characters, digging themselves ever deeper. The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” of urban fantasy. In this book the POV switched from the woman(Pete) to the man (Jack) and somehow Pete was relegated to being a paper cutout after being a robust character in the first book. It was rife with sexism and homophobia that I hope was just the authors way of painting a rotten character. But I loved the magic systems, the necromantic adventures, and the goth prose, and am still invested in the characters although they’re on my last nerve.
Read
April 17, 2020Well this one has been sitting on my nightstand half-finished for a couple of months. It's not bad. I just don't really care. And that's a huge bummer for me, because I LOVED the first one. I've described it to many people as one of the best urban fantasies ever. So I'm really sad about the sequel. Maybe I'll try and pick it up again later.
December 15, 2018
Decent sophomore in the black london series. I liked Pete being the pov in the first a bitter better, but the story this time is just as robust, opening up the scope of the series by the end. Looking forward to working my way along.
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