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Black London #3
Bone Gods
Witch hunts are on the rise and supernatural turf wars are reaching a boiling point. Then, just when it seems life couldn't get any worse for Pete, Jack reappears—but he's no longer the man she's always known. Hell has changed him forever. And he's brought back with him a whole world of trouble…
A cabal of necromancers are using ancient, unspeakable magic to turn the tide of war in their favor. Then, as the city is about to sink into chaos, Pete receives a chilling directive: To end the war, you must kill the crow-mage. Beset from all sides, Pete finds herself turning to an unholy source for help…even if doing so could destroy Black London—and life as she knew it—once and for all.
A cabal of necromancers are using ancient, unspeakable magic to turn the tide of war in their favor. Then, as the city is about to sink into chaos, Pete receives a chilling directive: To end the war, you must kill the crow-mage. Beset from all sides, Pete finds herself turning to an unholy source for help…even if doing so could destroy Black London—and life as she knew it—once and for all.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 20, 2010
19 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Kittredge
170 books1,121 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 93 reviews
March 15, 2017
Third in the Black London dark, dark, dark urban fantasy with four lines of steampunk focused on Pete Caldecott, a former detective inspector with the Metropolitan Police Force in contemporary London.
My Take
Fascinating as always, but thoroughly confusing as well…I suspect I'd have to read it four or five times before I might be able to make sense of what is happening. We do finally find out why, sorta, Pete is no longer on the Force. Bit of a pity that, since with Jack gone, Pete could use some supportive colleagues.
The second murder scene has an instance where Pete finds a significant bit of hidden evidence, and I keep reading it over and over trying to understand just why it is that Pete thinks that the necromancer "had practically painted her name on the wall"?? Sure, she's heard the phrase painted in blood before from a book in Morningstar's possession, but how does that indicate it's directed at Pete?
The Story
DI Heath has asked civilian Pete to have a look at a body at the British Museum: the assistant curator's body has been completely carved up with magical symbols, and no one wants to get near it until Pete clears that being near the body is safe.
Slowly, slowly Pete uncovers the meaning and purpose of the symbols as she crosses London and assorted characters of the Black with a little help from a white magic witch.
Then Pete encounters the Order of Malleus. A group more interested in bringing magic users to Jesus.
Everyone wants Pete to give it up. When dead Jack turns up, they tell her to turn him away, to kill Jack. A Jack who is not the same. Well, hey, he just got back from Hell after making a deal with the Morrigan.
The Characters
Pete Caldecott is a Weir. A vessel who serves as a something of a battery backup for a mage. Jack's been dead for over a year now — taken by Belial as per Jack's contract — and Pete hasn't gotten over it yet. Although, I do think Pete is channeling Jack. She's gotten just as snarky, sarcastic, and quick to anger as Jack.
Jack Winter is the crow-mage and a heroin addict who was taken to Hell when his bargain with Belial was up ( Demon Bound , 2). He's both weak and strong, depending on a desperate sense of self-preservation and a warped sense of loyalty. Lawrence is a white magic witch who had been Jack's best friend.
Ollie Heath is Pete's former partner on the Force with a skeptical but open mind. Frederick McCorkle has recently been assigned to Ollie as his partner, replacing Pete. Boy's got some hidden "depths"…
Juniper Caldecott is Pete's mother. The one who walked out on her two daughters and husband ages ago. Now mum's hangin' with Ethan Morningstar who seems to head the Order of Malleus, a religious organization which tortures and kills magic users and anyone with a talent.
Ian Mosswood, a.k.a., Green Knight, a.k.a., Green Man, is a friend of Jack's and hangs at a pub in the Black called the Lament.
Nick Naughton ( Demon Bound ) reappears in Pete's life with some dire consequences and is an adherent of a dead god, Nergal.
Hecate is Pete's patron while the Morrigan, a.k.a., the Hag, fills a similar position for Jack.
The Cover and Title
The cover Jack is a bit more like the text Jack in that he has filled out from his former, too-skinny self except that according to Kittredge, Jack has lost his tattoos. The girl is the same that's been on the same three covers…and it sure ain't Pete.
The title is rather confusing as well. Bone Gods?? I don't get any sense of bones in this except that bones are what hold us up…?
My Take
Fascinating as always, but thoroughly confusing as well…I suspect I'd have to read it four or five times before I might be able to make sense of what is happening. We do finally find out why, sorta, Pete is no longer on the Force. Bit of a pity that, since with Jack gone, Pete could use some supportive colleagues.
The second murder scene has an instance where Pete finds a significant bit of hidden evidence, and I keep reading it over and over trying to understand just why it is that Pete thinks that the necromancer "had practically painted her name on the wall"?? Sure, she's heard the phrase painted in blood before from a book in Morningstar's possession, but how does that indicate it's directed at Pete?
The Story
DI Heath has asked civilian Pete to have a look at a body at the British Museum: the assistant curator's body has been completely carved up with magical symbols, and no one wants to get near it until Pete clears that being near the body is safe.
Slowly, slowly Pete uncovers the meaning and purpose of the symbols as she crosses London and assorted characters of the Black with a little help from a white magic witch.
Then Pete encounters the Order of Malleus. A group more interested in bringing magic users to Jesus.
Everyone wants Pete to give it up. When dead Jack turns up, they tell her to turn him away, to kill Jack. A Jack who is not the same. Well, hey, he just got back from Hell after making a deal with the Morrigan.
The Characters
Pete Caldecott is a Weir. A vessel who serves as a something of a battery backup for a mage. Jack's been dead for over a year now — taken by Belial as per Jack's contract — and Pete hasn't gotten over it yet. Although, I do think Pete is channeling Jack. She's gotten just as snarky, sarcastic, and quick to anger as Jack.
Jack Winter is the crow-mage and a heroin addict who was taken to Hell when his bargain with Belial was up ( Demon Bound , 2). He's both weak and strong, depending on a desperate sense of self-preservation and a warped sense of loyalty. Lawrence is a white magic witch who had been Jack's best friend.
Ollie Heath is Pete's former partner on the Force with a skeptical but open mind. Frederick McCorkle has recently been assigned to Ollie as his partner, replacing Pete. Boy's got some hidden "depths"…
Juniper Caldecott is Pete's mother. The one who walked out on her two daughters and husband ages ago. Now mum's hangin' with Ethan Morningstar who seems to head the Order of Malleus, a religious organization which tortures and kills magic users and anyone with a talent.
Ian Mosswood, a.k.a., Green Knight, a.k.a., Green Man, is a friend of Jack's and hangs at a pub in the Black called the Lament.
Nick Naughton ( Demon Bound ) reappears in Pete's life with some dire consequences and is an adherent of a dead god, Nergal.
Hecate is Pete's patron while the Morrigan, a.k.a., the Hag, fills a similar position for Jack.
The Cover and Title
The cover Jack is a bit more like the text Jack in that he has filled out from his former, too-skinny self except that according to Kittredge, Jack has lost his tattoos. The girl is the same that's been on the same three covers…and it sure ain't Pete.
The title is rather confusing as well. Bone Gods?? I don't get any sense of bones in this except that bones are what hold us up…?
February 15, 2011
#3 in the Black London series, Bone Gods is more of what I liked about #1 and #2....gritty black London descriptions, British slang insults and humor, an anti-hero you still can't ever stop hoping will do something nice for once, and a heroine who is tougher than all the other urban heroes out there because her potty mouth makes the bad situations she gets into worse....and she has no powers!
Well, actually, Pete Caldecott is a Weir, a kind of power receptacle for mages. But her mage, Jack Winter, pretty much went to hell, literally in the prior book, and now she's stuck with his crumbling apartment, knowledge of the Black, and a chip on her shoulder to prove she can make it without him bigger than London itself.
Her old police buddy calls her in on a gruesome murder at the British Museum, and it's danger after danger as Pete tries to simultaneously solve the murder and keep bad things from entering our world.
And she misses Jack quite fiercely.
So why did I give this one three stars when the others get four? I think it's just that the magic is gone. In this book, we get insult after insult from all the characters, and it got just a tad tiresome. When Jack and Pete are slinging bad British words at eachother it was bantery and funny, but when Pete's police buddy, all the bad guys, and Jack's only friend are all doing it...it just wore on me after a while.
While I liked the idea of Pete trying to soldier on without Jack, the reality of it wasn't as entertaining for me as the first two books.
I'ts still refreshingly gritty and funny and has at the heart two characters you can't shake, but the writing is a touch stale for me.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: The last third of a foamy latte made with Dark French Roast that was deliciously biting in the beginninig, but the bitter dregs at the bottom you consume for the sake of the money you spent, not out of shear pleasure.
Well, actually, Pete Caldecott is a Weir, a kind of power receptacle for mages. But her mage, Jack Winter, pretty much went to hell, literally in the prior book, and now she's stuck with his crumbling apartment, knowledge of the Black, and a chip on her shoulder to prove she can make it without him bigger than London itself.
Her old police buddy calls her in on a gruesome murder at the British Museum, and it's danger after danger as Pete tries to simultaneously solve the murder and keep bad things from entering our world.
And she misses Jack quite fiercely.
So why did I give this one three stars when the others get four? I think it's just that the magic is gone. In this book, we get insult after insult from all the characters, and it got just a tad tiresome. When Jack and Pete are slinging bad British words at eachother it was bantery and funny, but when Pete's police buddy, all the bad guys, and Jack's only friend are all doing it...it just wore on me after a while.
While I liked the idea of Pete trying to soldier on without Jack, the reality of it wasn't as entertaining for me as the first two books.
I'ts still refreshingly gritty and funny and has at the heart two characters you can't shake, but the writing is a touch stale for me.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: The last third of a foamy latte made with Dark French Roast that was deliciously biting in the beginninig, but the bitter dregs at the bottom you consume for the sake of the money you spent, not out of shear pleasure.
May 3, 2011
"You've officially dabbled in the deviant side of magic, Pete. Does it give you a naughty tingle?"
Loved it! I knew the cliffhanger was coming, but I never would have imagined that it would have been that. I was completely caught off guard. I'm so very unexpectedly pleased. As always, spending time with Jack, Pete, and the Black was such a nice change of pace.
Jack and Pete are not, and never will be, an ordinary couple who warms your heart with their classic romance. They are much more likely to share shots of whiskey, spit nasty insults at each other, and engage in raw, rough sex (which they needed more of).
Jack is absent for the first half of the story, but Pete holds her own. She manages to keep me entertained despite missing her better half. When reflecting on her unpleasant, combative attitude and the never-ending stream of vulgar sarcasm, she could carry the title of Mrs. Winter rather proudly.
When Jack reappears, their reunion is not ideal. The location is seedy, the feelings are hostile, and too many unanswered questions create a barrier between them. But let's be honest, if their reunion was romantic and consisted of two passionate lovers confessing their feelings of yearning and undying devotion . . . would this really be Black London? I think not.
Overall, the story was intense with numerous twists and turns. I recommend the Black London series to anyone who thinks they can handle it ;)
"You so much as look at her crossways or think about her during one of your little tent-revival wankfests, and I'm going to shove your own balls so far down your throat you'll think you've immaculately conceived the second coming of Jesus Christ Himself."
Loved it! I knew the cliffhanger was coming, but I never would have imagined that it would have been that. I was completely caught off guard. I'm so very unexpectedly pleased. As always, spending time with Jack, Pete, and the Black was such a nice change of pace.
Jack and Pete are not, and never will be, an ordinary couple who warms your heart with their classic romance. They are much more likely to share shots of whiskey, spit nasty insults at each other, and engage in raw, rough sex (which they needed more of).
Jack is absent for the first half of the story, but Pete holds her own. She manages to keep me entertained despite missing her better half. When reflecting on her unpleasant, combative attitude and the never-ending stream of vulgar sarcasm, she could carry the title of Mrs. Winter rather proudly.
When Jack reappears, their reunion is not ideal. The location is seedy, the feelings are hostile, and too many unanswered questions create a barrier between them. But let's be honest, if their reunion was romantic and consisted of two passionate lovers confessing their feelings of yearning and undying devotion . . . would this really be Black London? I think not.
Overall, the story was intense with numerous twists and turns. I recommend the Black London series to anyone who thinks they can handle it ;)
"You so much as look at her crossways or think about her during one of your little tent-revival wankfests, and I'm going to shove your own balls so far down your throat you'll think you've immaculately conceived the second coming of Jesus Christ Himself."
October 18, 2014
I keep on reading this series, and well it's really starting to get good. The apocolypse, the black creeping more and more into London. This world that has been created is magical (excuse the pun), it's original, and very creative. And an ending that will blow your mind. I was like WHAT!?!?!? What I don't like about these books, is Pete's attitude, her I'm a barney bad ass gets a lil old after a bit, but that doesn't deter me from the story oh no, I just roll my eyes at that, and yeah sometimes laugh cause come on, it's funny, and keep on reading.
Ms. Kittredge is a genious with the world she has created, this is a series I haven't ever came across before, the mix between fae, necromancers, mages, and the like is impressive, and keeps me wanting to read more. Which I will be because I'm dying to know what adventure and mayhem Pete and Jack will have next.
Ms. Kittredge is a genious with the world she has created, this is a series I haven't ever came across before, the mix between fae, necromancers, mages, and the like is impressive, and keeps me wanting to read more. Which I will be because I'm dying to know what adventure and mayhem Pete and Jack will have next.
March 7, 2016
This didn’t turn out how I dreaded it would. I’m relieved about Jack’s condition and glad that there will be at least one more book.
The plot was very complicated, and I was riveted to the end.
I do have to say, though, that Pete became one of the angriest characters I have ever seen, perhaps the angriest female character I’ve ever encountered. Like a guy, she converted all her (justifiable) pain and grief into anger and went stomping about with it. The story was more difficult to get through when Jack wasn’t around and Pete was raging through her loss and the tremendous amount of supernatural interference that got slung her way. But she was still ticked off when Jack did show up--understandably; but I wanted to cut him more slack than she did, because I know why he did what he did. Jack is still undeniably compelling.
I just hope it doesn’t take too long for the next book to come out.
The plot was very complicated, and I was riveted to the end.
I do have to say, though, that Pete became one of the angriest characters I have ever seen, perhaps the angriest female character I’ve ever encountered. Like a guy, she converted all her (justifiable) pain and grief into anger and went stomping about with it. The story was more difficult to get through when Jack wasn’t around and Pete was raging through her loss and the tremendous amount of supernatural interference that got slung her way. But she was still ticked off when Jack did show up--understandably; but I wanted to cut him more slack than she did, because I know why he did what he did. Jack is still undeniably compelling.
I just hope it doesn’t take too long for the next book to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2010
This series is getting better and better. I know that some people have issues with the love/hate relationship between Pete and Jack. But I like that there are many layers and they don't declare their undying love to each other...And I totally understand Pete.Sometimes I love Jack and sometimes I'd like to strangle him for the things he does...I think this is the best book of the series so far and I can't wait for the next one.
September 24, 2018
We'll give this one a 3.5! I was more than happy to spend time with Pete as she moves on with her life without Jack and continue to contend with her own powers and destiny. Things are once again sent into an upheaval with Jack's return. Now, at first, I was finding myself a little drawn to him. He was treating Pete better than he had been in the past, but things quickly collapsed with Jack's lies and actions. That's not to say the writing is bad and that the story isn't engaging––it truly is, and I love the complications that a "hero" brings to this particular story and twist, given what it led to. I just can't get past my one, major gripe, again.
Jack.
I know in my last couple reviews on this series I've been harping on Jack a lot, but he seriously bothers me and I'm getting tired of his actions, and inactions. Its's exhausting having him prance around and act like the greatest thing on earth, when there is little actual proof he's just a washed up addict.
I'm not entirely thrilled by the ending, but it should be interesting to see what happens to this duo next.
Jack.
I know in my last couple reviews on this series I've been harping on Jack a lot, but he seriously bothers me and I'm getting tired of his actions, and inactions. Its's exhausting having him prance around and act like the greatest thing on earth, when there is little actual proof he's just a washed up addict.
I'm not entirely thrilled by the ending, but it should be interesting to see what happens to this duo next.
May 10, 2012
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/05/...
Pete is still reeling from losing Jack to Hell, and now her old partner is seeking her help in a murder that has black magic written all over it. Literally. The corpse is covered in carved symbols and sigils indicating dark magic of the worst kind. When Pete heads into the Black to question some folks who might have seen this kind of magic before, she’s approached by a couple of toughs and a man that represents the Order of the Malleus, dedicated to bringing down magic users in the name of God. What Pete is certainly not prepared for is the sudden appearance of her mother, who left her when she was only 11, and who seems to be involved with the Order. Pete is even less prepared to deal with Jack’s sudden return, and he’s not the man he used to be…
Poor Pete. She really, really can’t catch a break. The events of Demon Bound were an emotional roller coaster for her, especially with losing Jack, but in Bone Gods, the stakes are much, much higher. A necromancer with plans to summon an ancient evil is on the loose, and the future of the Black, and all that inhabit it, is at peril. This is a lot for one girl to shoulder, and it’s not helping that Jack is certainly not acting like himself. Don’t get me wrong, Jack’s never been warm and fluffy. In fact, most of the time he’s a jerk, but he’s Pete’s jerk, he does love her in his way, and their bond has been a strong thread in this series. I’ve always given Jack a certain amount of leeway because of what he’s been through, and the nature of his immense power. If it weren’t for the drug and alcohol use, his power would have driven him completely insane a long time ago, and even with the help of the drugs, he’s just barely been able to keep his wits about him. Pete is caught between her love of Jack and her need to do the right thing, and the right thing may not be the best thing for Jack. When her former partner from her police days, Ollie, is kidnapped, Pete will have to call on a demon for help, and hope that she can stop the destruction of the dark and the Morrigan from taking Jack’s soul.
I do have to say, while I devoured Street Magic and Demon Bound, this one gets off to a bit of a slow start, but it does come into its own, and the co-dependent (and, er, rather dysfunctional) relationship between Pete and Jack is one of the strongest parts of the story for me. I love Caitlin Kittredge’s London, where around every corner you may slip into the Dark, where demons and mages (and other creatures-see The Antiquarian) lurk, and nothing is as it seems. This is one of my favorite series, and Bone Gods is a good addition; not as strong as the first two, but still good. The author keeps the emotional (and physical) stakes high, and Pete comes into her own more and more as the series progresses. There’s also a bit of a jaw-dropping moment in this one, but I won’t give that away. Just trust that it will make you want to move right on to Devil’s Business, the next in the series. The Black London series (and, well, anything by Caitlin Kittredge), is a must for any urban fantasy fan!
Pete is still reeling from losing Jack to Hell, and now her old partner is seeking her help in a murder that has black magic written all over it. Literally. The corpse is covered in carved symbols and sigils indicating dark magic of the worst kind. When Pete heads into the Black to question some folks who might have seen this kind of magic before, she’s approached by a couple of toughs and a man that represents the Order of the Malleus, dedicated to bringing down magic users in the name of God. What Pete is certainly not prepared for is the sudden appearance of her mother, who left her when she was only 11, and who seems to be involved with the Order. Pete is even less prepared to deal with Jack’s sudden return, and he’s not the man he used to be…
Poor Pete. She really, really can’t catch a break. The events of Demon Bound were an emotional roller coaster for her, especially with losing Jack, but in Bone Gods, the stakes are much, much higher. A necromancer with plans to summon an ancient evil is on the loose, and the future of the Black, and all that inhabit it, is at peril. This is a lot for one girl to shoulder, and it’s not helping that Jack is certainly not acting like himself. Don’t get me wrong, Jack’s never been warm and fluffy. In fact, most of the time he’s a jerk, but he’s Pete’s jerk, he does love her in his way, and their bond has been a strong thread in this series. I’ve always given Jack a certain amount of leeway because of what he’s been through, and the nature of his immense power. If it weren’t for the drug and alcohol use, his power would have driven him completely insane a long time ago, and even with the help of the drugs, he’s just barely been able to keep his wits about him. Pete is caught between her love of Jack and her need to do the right thing, and the right thing may not be the best thing for Jack. When her former partner from her police days, Ollie, is kidnapped, Pete will have to call on a demon for help, and hope that she can stop the destruction of the dark and the Morrigan from taking Jack’s soul.
I do have to say, while I devoured Street Magic and Demon Bound, this one gets off to a bit of a slow start, but it does come into its own, and the co-dependent (and, er, rather dysfunctional) relationship between Pete and Jack is one of the strongest parts of the story for me. I love Caitlin Kittredge’s London, where around every corner you may slip into the Dark, where demons and mages (and other creatures-see The Antiquarian) lurk, and nothing is as it seems. This is one of my favorite series, and Bone Gods is a good addition; not as strong as the first two, but still good. The author keeps the emotional (and physical) stakes high, and Pete comes into her own more and more as the series progresses. There’s also a bit of a jaw-dropping moment in this one, but I won’t give that away. Just trust that it will make you want to move right on to Devil’s Business, the next in the series. The Black London series (and, well, anything by Caitlin Kittredge), is a must for any urban fantasy fan!
January 3, 2011
*Warning: Please read the first two books before attempting to read this one. You will totally be lost if you decide to handle this one on your own.*
This is definitely a dark fantasy series, set in London. Black London consists of some scary beings; Demons, witches, necromancers, poltergeists, Fae, and zombies among others. Sorry, no vampires, or werewolves.
Bone Gods picks up six months after Demon Bound ended with Jack being dragged into hell by the Demon Belial. Of course, if you read the book, you know that he also was given a reprieve by Morrigan to lead her army of the dead.
Pete is trying to live without him and struggling to do so. Ollie, Pete's old partner, has asked her to come and check out a stiff at the British Museum. As soon as Pete sees the body, she knows there is rather dark magic involved. And all the spiral carving and scars over the dead mans chest and arms, just adds to the mystery along with something completely unrecognizable to her. Pete has a touch of talent to work with magic on her own, but doesn't know how to use it. Can Pete help Ollie? And who else is involved in this case? Pete must follow the leads for this case that she may not want to.
During her investigation, she runs into Ethan Morningstar who is part of a group of non magicians called the Order of the Malleus who hates Jack and anyone like him. She also runs into her mother Juniper, who disappeared (walked out the door) when she was a teenager. I liked Pete, with one exception, in this book. Yes, she is hurting, but she's also extremely fiesty and takes crap from nobody. She makes some difficult choices including
***SPOILER*** Stabbing Jack to stop a Morrigan and Nergal from destroying their world*
We also have the return of Nicholas Naughton, the necromancer who killed his own brother and flet before Jack could kill, or capture him. Nicholas is most definitely the villian of this book, but Morningstar isn't an angel either and his blackmailing techniques made me cringe. Another new character is Nasiri, the Medical Examiner who is not what she appears. She's an Ifrit, or soul sucker.
Pete is given an explicit order from Hecate, Kill the Crow Mage; Jack.
Jack returns at the end of the first part and ends up saving Pete from herself yet again. Jack's return triggers an appropriate response from Pete; she slugs him. Yet, for all the anger, what does Pete do? She allows Jack to have sex with her....and...Yes...she.....*SPOILER*
pregnant. Holy Crap. I mean really? Is the baby going to be a monster like his daddy? Is Morrigan going to find out about the baby and try to grab it? Will Hecate demand that Pete kill the baby? Hmm, lots of answers for the next book.
Devil’s Business releases August 30th 2011
This is definitely a dark fantasy series, set in London. Black London consists of some scary beings; Demons, witches, necromancers, poltergeists, Fae, and zombies among others. Sorry, no vampires, or werewolves.
Bone Gods picks up six months after Demon Bound ended with Jack being dragged into hell by the Demon Belial. Of course, if you read the book, you know that he also was given a reprieve by Morrigan to lead her army of the dead.
Pete is trying to live without him and struggling to do so. Ollie, Pete's old partner, has asked her to come and check out a stiff at the British Museum. As soon as Pete sees the body, she knows there is rather dark magic involved. And all the spiral carving and scars over the dead mans chest and arms, just adds to the mystery along with something completely unrecognizable to her. Pete has a touch of talent to work with magic on her own, but doesn't know how to use it. Can Pete help Ollie? And who else is involved in this case? Pete must follow the leads for this case that she may not want to.
During her investigation, she runs into Ethan Morningstar who is part of a group of non magicians called the Order of the Malleus who hates Jack and anyone like him. She also runs into her mother Juniper, who disappeared (walked out the door) when she was a teenager. I liked Pete, with one exception, in this book. Yes, she is hurting, but she's also extremely fiesty and takes crap from nobody. She makes some difficult choices including
***SPOILER*** Stabbing Jack to stop a Morrigan and Nergal from destroying their world*
We also have the return of Nicholas Naughton, the necromancer who killed his own brother and flet before Jack could kill, or capture him. Nicholas is most definitely the villian of this book, but Morningstar isn't an angel either and his blackmailing techniques made me cringe. Another new character is Nasiri, the Medical Examiner who is not what she appears. She's an Ifrit, or soul sucker.
Pete is given an explicit order from Hecate, Kill the Crow Mage; Jack.
Jack returns at the end of the first part and ends up saving Pete from herself yet again. Jack's return triggers an appropriate response from Pete; she slugs him. Yet, for all the anger, what does Pete do? She allows Jack to have sex with her....and...Yes...she.....*SPOILER*
pregnant. Holy Crap. I mean really? Is the baby going to be a monster like his daddy? Is Morrigan going to find out about the baby and try to grab it? Will Hecate demand that Pete kill the baby? Hmm, lots of answers for the next book.
Devil’s Business releases August 30th 2011
June 17, 2013
3.5 stars
Several months after Jack is being dragged to Hell by Belial (as part of his deal with the demon), Pete is going through motion of living without him. Then Ollie Heath (Pete's ex-partner from the Met) asks her favor to check a corpse found at British Museum. Which brings Pete to evil necromancers, Order of the Malleus, and plan to bring alive old god that can destroy London. Oh, and Jack is back ... except he might not be the 'old' Jack that Pete knows. Which leads to Hecate's warning to Pete ...
" ... Before the tide drowns all things, you must do what you were born to. Keep the seasons turning. The dead resting. The gateways impassable. If the gateways fall, the sea rushes in. This, you must never allow. What has always been your born task, Weir. Kill the crow-mage. Stop the Hag..."
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It has been a year since I read book #2, so I forget some of the details and I need time to familiarize myself with the "British tone" of this series. I don't know how authentic the British feel, since the author is an American (right?), but it does have those British terms. I have to admit that I don't like Pete very much in this. Since Jack disappeared, I feel like she becomes one of those angry and snarky females. Which reminds me how I also don't like Kittredge's other heroine, Luna, from her Nocturne City series. Maybe her heroines just don't appeal to me.
Having said that, I enjoy the main storyline. I like the idea of evil necromancers and old rituals -- it is also good to know HOW Jack manages to crawl out from Hell. . I think it makes sense -- and somehow makes Jack more human and relatable. He admits that he is weak and he cannot survive Hell; it destroys his soul and he cannot return to the tortures.
Interestingly, I find Belial to be quite charming, in that temporary alliance with Pete to stop the Morrigan. . I know that he is a demon, manipulative is his nature. But I don't know, I feel like he could be a good help for either Pete and Jack, despite the deal.
The ending is quite, uhm, surprising? It's not cliff-hanger per se, . I would love to read book #4 soon...
Several months after Jack is being dragged to Hell by Belial (as part of his deal with the demon), Pete is going through motion of living without him. Then Ollie Heath (Pete's ex-partner from the Met) asks her favor to check a corpse found at British Museum. Which brings Pete to evil necromancers, Order of the Malleus, and plan to bring alive old god that can destroy London. Oh, and Jack is back ... except he might not be the 'old' Jack that Pete knows. Which leads to Hecate's warning to Pete ...
" ... Before the tide drowns all things, you must do what you were born to. Keep the seasons turning. The dead resting. The gateways impassable. If the gateways fall, the sea rushes in. This, you must never allow. What has always been your born task, Weir. Kill the crow-mage. Stop the Hag..."
-------------
It has been a year since I read book #2, so I forget some of the details and I need time to familiarize myself with the "British tone" of this series. I don't know how authentic the British feel, since the author is an American (right?), but it does have those British terms. I have to admit that I don't like Pete very much in this. Since Jack disappeared, I feel like she becomes one of those angry and snarky females. Which reminds me how I also don't like Kittredge's other heroine, Luna, from her Nocturne City series. Maybe her heroines just don't appeal to me.
Having said that, I enjoy the main storyline. I like the idea of evil necromancers and old rituals -- it is also good to know HOW Jack manages to crawl out from Hell. . I think it makes sense -- and somehow makes Jack more human and relatable. He admits that he is weak and he cannot survive Hell; it destroys his soul and he cannot return to the tortures.
Interestingly, I find Belial to be quite charming, in that temporary alliance with Pete to stop the Morrigan. . I know that he is a demon, manipulative is his nature. But I don't know, I feel like he could be a good help for either Pete and Jack, despite the deal.
The ending is quite, uhm, surprising? It's not cliff-hanger per se, . I would love to read book #4 soon...
April 14, 2015
Bone Gods is book #3 in the Black London series, so there may be some series spoilers below. Please start with book #1: Street Magic.
In Bone Gods Pete is dealing with the loss of Jack Winter, her best friend, mentor and off/on lover. In Demon Bound, Jack finally gave himself to the demon that had been after him. Now, Pete is all alone.
But, there's a new killer on the loose and that's keeping her busy for the time being. She's no longer on the force, but gets called on cases which have hints of the supernatural. Her old partner, Ollie, has gotten a new partner and she's not sure how she feels about that.
Alone, Pete's Weir powers are still strong, but there are still things she doesn't know how to do without the help/addition of Jack's powers. She's still known on the streets to other supes as "Jack Winter's Woman". Emphasizing that she is nothing without him. "Just this, Petunia: You're quick and brave and all things a Weir should be, but when it comes right down to it, you're a receptacle for mages. Not even a magical pussy, or any sort of that feminist claptrap. And your mage is dead, and the Black isn't the place of heroes and cowboys any longer."
Several people come back into her life. People she thought were dead or as good as and they both bring trouble with them. Now, Pete must fight the evil that's threatening to bust the Black wide open, bringing it and all it's minions and darkness into London.
I enjoy this series. There were several surprises in this one that kept it interesting. I will be continuing on with the series.
In Bone Gods Pete is dealing with the loss of Jack Winter, her best friend, mentor and off/on lover. In Demon Bound, Jack finally gave himself to the demon that had been after him. Now, Pete is all alone.
But, there's a new killer on the loose and that's keeping her busy for the time being. She's no longer on the force, but gets called on cases which have hints of the supernatural. Her old partner, Ollie, has gotten a new partner and she's not sure how she feels about that.
Alone, Pete's Weir powers are still strong, but there are still things she doesn't know how to do without the help/addition of Jack's powers. She's still known on the streets to other supes as "Jack Winter's Woman". Emphasizing that she is nothing without him. "Just this, Petunia: You're quick and brave and all things a Weir should be, but when it comes right down to it, you're a receptacle for mages. Not even a magical pussy, or any sort of that feminist claptrap. And your mage is dead, and the Black isn't the place of heroes and cowboys any longer."
Several people come back into her life. People she thought were dead or as good as and they both bring trouble with them. Now, Pete must fight the evil that's threatening to bust the Black wide open, bringing it and all it's minions and darkness into London.
I enjoy this series. There were several surprises in this one that kept it interesting. I will be continuing on with the series.
January 2, 2011
If you've ever read my reviews for the other books in this series or any of my comments about them, then you are aware that I am a total Kittredge fan girl and have a seriously stalker like obsession with this series. I liked her Luna Wilder series but this series is just on another level altogether.
If you haven't read any of the Black London novels-DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE. There is too much backstory and you will be lost. Basically this story picks up with Pete trying piece her life together after the loss of Jack. She is just a shadow of her self and because she is a Weir with no active power of her own she is a target in the Black. Her old partner from the Scotland Yard, Ollie Heath, calls her in to look at a murder scene and give him some advice.
I really don't want to give too much away so I won't go into more of the plot. There is a lot that is going on plot wise in the book, it's definitely a turning point in the series. Since he is on the cover of the book and it has been posted elsewhere I will say that Jack does come back in this book but he is most decidedly not person he once was-he is both more and less. This book really shows what Pete is made of, she learns that she can stand on her own and that Jack might not be the person she always thought he was. This was a very emotional book and I even teared up at the end. It has a very bittersweet ending, and it does have a bit of a shocking development at the very end with a small cliffhanger. I really can't wait for the follow-up, Devil's Business. If you are a fan of the urban fantasy genre and you haven't read the Black London series, you definitely should.
If you haven't read any of the Black London novels-DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE. There is too much backstory and you will be lost. Basically this story picks up with Pete trying piece her life together after the loss of Jack. She is just a shadow of her self and because she is a Weir with no active power of her own she is a target in the Black. Her old partner from the Scotland Yard, Ollie Heath, calls her in to look at a murder scene and give him some advice.
I really don't want to give too much away so I won't go into more of the plot. There is a lot that is going on plot wise in the book, it's definitely a turning point in the series. Since he is on the cover of the book and it has been posted elsewhere I will say that Jack does come back in this book but he is most decidedly not person he once was-he is both more and less. This book really shows what Pete is made of, she learns that she can stand on her own and that Jack might not be the person she always thought he was. This was a very emotional book and I even teared up at the end. It has a very bittersweet ending, and it does have a bit of a shocking development at the very end with a small cliffhanger. I really can't wait for the follow-up, Devil's Business. If you are a fan of the urban fantasy genre and you haven't read the Black London series, you definitely should.
November 5, 2011
Unfortunately,in Bone Gods, Jack's been summoned to Hell and Pete is left alone in the dreary world of London to live without him. But living without Jack gets a little easier for Pete when a bizarre ritualistic killing has Pete's former partner calling her for help in the investigation.
This investigation takes her to an evil underworld dance club that leaves her on the floor about to be trampled to death in the middle of a mosh pit, when suddenly... Jack appears. Yep, he's back from Hell, and changed forever... and the poor guy doesn't even remember being released.
As they work together in another investigation, we learn about a turf war brewing in the supernatural underworld of the fey with necromancers threatening to take over and go to war with the demons. But the more Pete learns, the more dangerous things become, and the more she understands about her and Jack's role in how the war will end.
Wait. What was that? The more Pete learns, the more dangerous things become, and the more she understands about her and Jack's role in how the war will end. You see, Jack, the all-powerful crow-mage, has been chosen to lead the army of demons in this war. And Pete, well, she's been chosen to kill the crow-mage. At this point most people would probably throw up their hands in despair and pack their bags and run. Pete, however... follows the example of her lover and makes a deal with the demon Belial and saves Jack's soul. This deal turns out to be a good thing, because having Jack around will prove useful in just a few short months (totally a spoiler, btw). *wink wink*
This investigation takes her to an evil underworld dance club that leaves her on the floor about to be trampled to death in the middle of a mosh pit, when suddenly... Jack appears. Yep, he's back from Hell, and changed forever... and the poor guy doesn't even remember being released.
As they work together in another investigation, we learn about a turf war brewing in the supernatural underworld of the fey with necromancers threatening to take over and go to war with the demons. But the more Pete learns, the more dangerous things become, and the more she understands about her and Jack's role in how the war will end.
Wait. What was that? The more Pete learns, the more dangerous things become, and the more she understands about her and Jack's role in how the war will end. You see, Jack, the all-powerful crow-mage, has been chosen to lead the army of demons in this war. And Pete, well, she's been chosen to kill the crow-mage. At this point most people would probably throw up their hands in despair and pack their bags and run. Pete, however... follows the example of her lover and makes a deal with the demon Belial and saves Jack's soul. This deal turns out to be a good thing, because having Jack around will prove useful in just a few short months (totally a spoiler, btw). *wink wink*
August 13, 2016
Pete's got a whole lot on her hands and is essentially flying blind. She gets a call from her old partner who wants her to come and look at a murder victim - not just an ordinary murder victim, but one who has all sort of strange symbols carved into his body. Pete starts her investigation and all of the sudden so many people are interested in what she's finding out. Now everything takes on a new complication when Jack returns from Hell - with "no memory" of how he escaped. Pete's given a directive by The Hecate to kill Jack, but she needs to figure out what is going with the symbols carved into the dead man's flesh first. Will Pete realize how everything is interconnected before it's too late?
I just love the grittiness of this series. It's not sweetness and light, but dark, dank, and dirty - it's great!! I do feel for Pete and the dilemma that she's in now, but she's made her choices and she's got to figure out her own way to live with or deal with the consequences. And she's not above giving some nasty bloke a boot to the bollocks (and more) if they cross her. Do be warned - there is strong language in the book, so if that's not your thing, please keep that in mind. Otherwise, hop on a plane and take the tube down to Black London...at your own risk!
Black London Series: Street Magic (1), Demon Bound (2), Bone Gods (3), Devil's Business (4), The Curse of Four (4.5), Soul Trade (5)
I just love the grittiness of this series. It's not sweetness and light, but dark, dank, and dirty - it's great!! I do feel for Pete and the dilemma that she's in now, but she's made her choices and she's got to figure out her own way to live with or deal with the consequences. And she's not above giving some nasty bloke a boot to the bollocks (and more) if they cross her. Do be warned - there is strong language in the book, so if that's not your thing, please keep that in mind. Otherwise, hop on a plane and take the tube down to Black London...at your own risk!
Black London Series: Street Magic (1), Demon Bound (2), Bone Gods (3), Devil's Business (4), The Curse of Four (4.5), Soul Trade (5)
February 15, 2011
I heart Caitlin Kittredge, she isn’t afraid to go for it and just get dark and gritty. Bone Gods is the perfect example of this. In fact, the entire Black London series is a perfect example of her darkness. Pete and Jack are not your typical Urban Fantasy duo. They swear, they drink, Jack did drugs, they’re dark and twisty and not in the way that Meredith is on Grey’s Anatomy, but in a sinister, scary way that involves magic and demons and death.
In Bone Gods, there is danger everywhere and I like that the singular story arc of the book helps flush out the overall arc of the series. It isn’t just there to have a nice story to wrap up at the end, it provides a purpose. We are introduced to new characters, some of which I am hoping aren’t just one offs, but are characters we will learn more about in later books. We are also introduced to Pete’s mom, who abandoned her at a young age. They always had a rocky relationship back when her mom was around, but now it’s worse. Not only is Pete bitter about the abandonment, she also can’t believe who her mom is spending time with.
I recommend this series completely, especially to anyone who loves UF, but wants something a little different.
In Bone Gods, there is danger everywhere and I like that the singular story arc of the book helps flush out the overall arc of the series. It isn’t just there to have a nice story to wrap up at the end, it provides a purpose. We are introduced to new characters, some of which I am hoping aren’t just one offs, but are characters we will learn more about in later books. We are also introduced to Pete’s mom, who abandoned her at a young age. They always had a rocky relationship back when her mom was around, but now it’s worse. Not only is Pete bitter about the abandonment, she also can’t believe who her mom is spending time with.
I recommend this series completely, especially to anyone who loves UF, but wants something a little different.
February 17, 2011
I'm a fan of this series so this is automatically biased. I don't mind the British slang and accents, I like the constant cigarette smoking and I get a kick out of the very real and rough and tumble anti-heroes that Pete and Jack both are. especially Jack.
Much of this book is Pete alone as Jack is sort of well...indisposed. You get a sense of her grief and my one issue is that she's a bit of a ... well, you'll see.
Despite her reactions, it suited her character and really this is the first book in which we get a sense of her as a character . The other books are really Jack dominated, especially the last one and since we really have only Pete to go with on this one, it's definitely interesting. We get a view of the Black and of Jack in a way that we never did before.
I don't blame Jack for his choices and I did like that the usual "turning point" in a UF/PNR didn't occur and that Pete had to make the hard choice.
I can't wait until the next one. Especially to see how things develop
Much of this book is Pete alone as Jack is sort of well...indisposed. You get a sense of her grief and my one issue is that she's a bit of a ... well, you'll see.
Despite her reactions, it suited her character and really this is the first book in which we get a sense of her as a character . The other books are really Jack dominated, especially the last one and since we really have only Pete to go with on this one, it's definitely interesting. We get a view of the Black and of Jack in a way that we never did before.
I don't blame Jack for his choices and I did like that the usual "turning point" in a UF/PNR didn't occur and that Pete had to make the hard choice.
I can't wait until the next one. Especially to see how things develop
December 18, 2010
Why am I so addicted to this series? I think because it feels like an extension of Buffy the Vampire Slayer somehow. Anyway, I just got this book at B&N, the only people who actually had a copy in. It was embarrassing when I called around town trying to hunt down a copy, because the clerks who answered the phone were all suppressing a giggle at the title! Grow up, people!
---Okay, I found this book really boring. For one thing, Jack Winter isn't in it very much. But the main reason I found it boring was that the crisis of the novel was taht the world was going to end because hell was going to open up -- only there wasn't any evidence of that except a few characters stating it. Additionally, it read like 340 pages of witty threats and insults, with pretty much no action. And don't get me started on the twist at the end, which I decided was awful.
---Okay, I found this book really boring. For one thing, Jack Winter isn't in it very much. But the main reason I found it boring was that the crisis of the novel was taht the world was going to end because hell was going to open up -- only there wasn't any evidence of that except a few characters stating it. Additionally, it read like 340 pages of witty threats and insults, with pretty much no action. And don't get me started on the twist at the end, which I decided was awful.
February 28, 2011
BONE GODS by Caitlin Kittredge is a urban fantasy.It is written with deth and details. It is the third in the "A Black London Novel" series. but can be read as a stand alone.Although,having read first two would bring the characters together more.Book One "Street Magic, and Book Two "Demon Bound".It has witches,witch hunts,supernatural,necromancers,magic,conflict,treachery,mystery,world domination,and struggles between good and evil.For readers of urban fantasy this is a tense,toug fantasy with banter and dark magic. It is a journey for some of the characters to finding their own.If you enjoy dark urban fantasy you will enjoy this one also.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at St. Martins's Paperbacks, published by St. Martin's Press and My Book Addiction and More.
February 27, 2012
I enjoy this series. Sometimes the major action sequences are a bit confusing to me, but because they're actually ((magical)) action sequences, maybe it's just my poor imagination? I'm not sure. I think I may have 3 starred the last book, which doesn't mean I didn't like it-- but I'm certain now that I related better to Pete OR it's just easier to read about their world via Pete than it is via Jack. Jack seems to go on and on in surprisingly semi-poetic mental rants about the Black. The books via Pete seem to be more precise and she's still learning about magic and the Black and so am I, so perhaps it's easier to keep up? Anyhow, the first book, and this, the third we're with Pete. The second and I'm assuming the fourth, with Jack. On to the next!
February 11, 2012
for the most part, an impressive achievement by a young writer. but i have to confess, the frequent cussing by the protagonist, every 2-3 pages did put me off a bit; not only were they mostly inappropriate, they were unnecessary. real people just don't talk like that. there are other ways to deal with the pain-in-the-ass colleagues and industry peers. and the protagonist, tough as nails as she is, going around kneeing, bruising and beating up males... um. i love strong female anti-heroin types, but no, she needs more emotional range. she is, after all, mostly human with a bit of witchcraft knowledge. where does all that physical strength and testosterone-type aggression come from?
July 11, 2017
You know it has come to my notice that the reason I didn't get into this book is as much as the last is because it's told from Pete's PoV and I really have to say that she is just a bitch. For the first 150 pages all she did was saunter about being nasty/snooty to people while trying to figure stuff out.
The only reason that the book got any better was because Jack came into the picture. Pete is not a strong enough character to stand on her own. Her chronic attitude problem really rubs me the wrong way and I find myself not liking her for the most part.
Not only did Pete grate on my nerves but the rest of the story was just 'meh'. Nicholas Naughton is back wreaking havoc and trying to bring about the end of the world. I suppose that would be more exciting to me but that whole end of the world thing has been regurgitated so many times in urban fiction that it has lost it's pull.
So we have Necromancers and the Order fellows which are supposed religious zealots but I really have to wonder if Ethan Morningstar and his lackeys are that bad. Jack told Pete about their strict ways they deal with folks who use the Black but so far I can't say that there seem to be nice things in the Black so I am not seeing the problem with the Order at the moment.
Other than Lawrence and Ian I don't think I'd miss anyone from the Black at all. Not to mention the fact that I am not sure we can really take Jack's word for things. He isn't exactly squeaky clean so I can just imagine the company he use to keep. Probably not good. The only thing that makes me scratch my head about the Order is the fact that the leaders last name is 'Morningstar'. Umm..... So he chose the last name that refers to Satan or could he actually be the fallen angel?
I am interested to see where Kittredge takes that character. The last 30-45 pages is when the book really gets better but it still didn't have me bursting with excitement. Belial made it better as I find his character interesting but that was pretty much it. Quite a lackluster installment but I will still read the next one as I think it will be from Jack's PoV.
I think that is how the books go, Pete Jack Pete Jack Pete etc. If so then I think it will be infinitely more tolerable. Not to mention I want to know what will happen with them both considering that ending. I called it when I started reading it and then it was confirmed. All I can say is 'Oh boy!'. That sure throws a monkey wrench into things especially with all the folks that are always gunning for the duo.
Pete's big fat mouth sure won't help anything but seeing as it'll probably be a Jack book I am sure it would be oodles better than this one. I'll cross my fingers and hope for some true awesomeness in the next Black adventure.
The only reason that the book got any better was because Jack came into the picture. Pete is not a strong enough character to stand on her own. Her chronic attitude problem really rubs me the wrong way and I find myself not liking her for the most part.
Not only did Pete grate on my nerves but the rest of the story was just 'meh'. Nicholas Naughton is back wreaking havoc and trying to bring about the end of the world. I suppose that would be more exciting to me but that whole end of the world thing has been regurgitated so many times in urban fiction that it has lost it's pull.
So we have Necromancers and the Order fellows which are supposed religious zealots but I really have to wonder if Ethan Morningstar and his lackeys are that bad. Jack told Pete about their strict ways they deal with folks who use the Black but so far I can't say that there seem to be nice things in the Black so I am not seeing the problem with the Order at the moment.
Other than Lawrence and Ian I don't think I'd miss anyone from the Black at all. Not to mention the fact that I am not sure we can really take Jack's word for things. He isn't exactly squeaky clean so I can just imagine the company he use to keep. Probably not good. The only thing that makes me scratch my head about the Order is the fact that the leaders last name is 'Morningstar'. Umm..... So he chose the last name that refers to Satan or could he actually be the fallen angel?
I am interested to see where Kittredge takes that character. The last 30-45 pages is when the book really gets better but it still didn't have me bursting with excitement. Belial made it better as I find his character interesting but that was pretty much it. Quite a lackluster installment but I will still read the next one as I think it will be from Jack's PoV.
I think that is how the books go, Pete Jack Pete Jack Pete etc. If so then I think it will be infinitely more tolerable. Not to mention I want to know what will happen with them both considering that ending. I called it when I started reading it and then it was confirmed. All I can say is 'Oh boy!'. That sure throws a monkey wrench into things especially with all the folks that are always gunning for the duo.
Pete's big fat mouth sure won't help anything but seeing as it'll probably be a Jack book I am sure it would be oodles better than this one. I'll cross my fingers and hope for some true awesomeness in the next Black adventure.
June 21, 2017
After Jack gets dragged to hell, Pete is carrying on as best she can and when her former colleague Ollie Heath asks for her help with a vicious ritual murder, she promptly gets herself involved in all kinds of trouble involving necromancy, witchhunters, the unexpectant and unwelcome return of her mother, indications of the imminent destruction of Black London and other fun stuff. And because her plate isn't full enough with crap of all descriptions, Jack comes back from the dead - again. But his sojourn in hell has changed him, and on top of everything else a goddess insists that Pete kill him to stop the bloody chaos about to descend on the city.
For the first half of the book, while we're only following Pete on her investigation and Jack is off cooling (or warming, as the case may be) his heels in hell, I actually enjoyed this a whole lot more than the first two books in the series. I even found Pete's snarky attitude highly entertaining. As soon as Jack stepped back on the page and in Pete's life, however, the two of them immediately went back to bitching and whining at each other, irritating me to no end. Apparently it's mostly the two of them together that I can't stand and that's keeping me from really getting into the series. They're just a terrible couple who bring out the worst in each other and whose dysfunctional, mutually abusive relationship I don't enjoy reading about in the least. I'm definitely not a fan of the twist at the end. Really, do we have to go there? *sigh* On the upside, I like Belial a lot and hope we'll be seeing him around again soon.
For the first half of the book, while we're only following Pete on her investigation and Jack is off cooling (or warming, as the case may be) his heels in hell, I actually enjoyed this a whole lot more than the first two books in the series. I even found Pete's snarky attitude highly entertaining. As soon as Jack stepped back on the page and in Pete's life, however, the two of them immediately went back to bitching and whining at each other, irritating me to no end. Apparently it's mostly the two of them together that I can't stand and that's keeping me from really getting into the series. They're just a terrible couple who bring out the worst in each other and whose dysfunctional, mutually abusive relationship I don't enjoy reading about in the least. I'm definitely not a fan of the twist at the end. Really, do we have to go there? *sigh* On the upside, I like Belial a lot and hope we'll be seeing him around again soon.
November 7, 2023
I’m happy this book was in Pete’s POV. I’m a bit confused by the ending but I guess that’s a cliffhanger for you. Delightful magic and smarmy world full of demons, necromancers, and dance clubs. CW: lots of domestic violence in the name of love and the SA threats towards the one woman in this magic world continue in a steady stream.
December 19, 2018
Liked this one a bit more than the second book, maybe more than the first. Great characters and nice twists on some stock supernatural urban fantasy tropes. Really enjoying this series to end the year.
July 21, 2019
Solid urban fantasy.
June 25, 2012
Caitlin Kittredge's Black London series has so many elements which ought to work for me. Throw together edgy grit, contemporary magic in a twisted London setting, and plays on English culture and folklore. There are also tired, played out elements: female law-enforcement type, bad boy mage, rapidly escalating power scale. Done well, they sing. Done badly, they make a horrible mess for literary dinner. This series is a deflating souffle.
Books one and two hit good notes. Jack is really the star of the series, as the fabled, notorious "Crow Mage" usually up to his eyeballs in trouble. His girlfriend, the ex-cop Pete has to bail him out and gets her footing in the underworld of magic. When he makes a deal with a devil at the end of book 2, the consequences are sure to come around and bite him in the ass. Kittredge does not believe in bunnies and rainbows about that. Detail is paid specially to the labyrinthine unseen world, and the dangerous interactions between supernatural denizens. Jack's reputation is always charming to watch unfold and usually foretells stuff hitting the fan.
"Bone Gods" picks up where the last book left off: Jack recovering from harrowing trouble of the hellish variety (again), the relationship in tatters, and Pete pregnant. I'll admit I did not like the last development one bit. Pete and Jack are a quintessential dysfunctional couple with many added problems. More on that later. That she's expecting helps nothing with the narrative of the story. Her pregnancy feels like the series is getting a tad Merry Gentry, in a bad way, where the danger to the baby, the existence of the baby, the spazzout of the baby will take on an integral role. I'd prefer urban fantasy try to stray away from that angle without dipping hard into the romance pool and I'm not sure Kittredge will pull it off.
Enter the slog for Pete to deal with a body carved up like an English roast -- foretelling bad juju all around -- while being nauseous, missing Jack, hating Jack, resenting missing Jack, pumping the supernatural community for information, and trying to carve out some respect on her own instead of being 'his woman.' Add more resentment here. Pacing falls right off the rails. Events happen slowly interspersed between a lot of relationship angsting.
Here we enter what I've come to dislike very much: Pete gets more bitchy, shallow, and flippant with each passing chapter. The qualities I liked in the earlier books are evaporating faster than a puddle in Death Valley, leaving only undesirable dregs. The end result is a dislikable character with only the thinnest appeal to me as a reader. I'll put up with bastards, villains, losers, and characters with wildly opposing views from me if they're compelling. Pete isn't. I don't like reading about her, and I don't want her to open her mouth. Jack's imperfections at least make him relatable on a broader scale and he is genuinely more interesting at this point.
The weaknesses of Bone Gods' interactions left a very sour taste in my mouth. Pete and Jack go at it with cruder, more vicious, love-hate drama than before. As he starts growing up and seeks to do the right thing by his unborn baby, she transforms into a psychohosebeast or a frosty bitch by turns. There is -no- feasible reason these two would stay together in real life other than safety of the baby or mailing in support cheques (or Black London's equivalent). She treats him like utter crap on a downward spiral and he acts like a damned puppy dog begging for a treat from the scolding hand, or sometimes talks about leaving to keep the baby safe. Tension, casualties, and human consequences increase. I get that. What I don't care for is the role reversal which puts Pete in the aggressor's stance of an abusive relationship when she suffered plenty of garbage in her teen years from Jack (who is trying to reform, by this point), and has her sister as an example not to follow. I really felt like flinging the book at the wall on more than one occasion, not in the 'author got a good reaction' response, but out of sheer disgust.
Don't get me wrong; I don't want there to be instant super-love-karma connection. Successful novels have kept the protagonists in adversarial roles; Jim Butcher and Mike Shevdon are two fine authors who manage not to make their allies (Murphy and Dresden, for example) smoochy-face and drawing hearts all over one another. Shevdon includes the protagonist's daughter front and center in book two with a pregnant fae girlfriend on the side, and doesn't sink into these level of ridiculous hysterics. The bad relationship that fell out poisoned any love I could have for this novel.
Read 1 and 2, get the synopsis for 3, and hope 4 improves.
Books one and two hit good notes. Jack is really the star of the series, as the fabled, notorious "Crow Mage" usually up to his eyeballs in trouble. His girlfriend, the ex-cop Pete has to bail him out and gets her footing in the underworld of magic. When he makes a deal with a devil at the end of book 2, the consequences are sure to come around and bite him in the ass. Kittredge does not believe in bunnies and rainbows about that. Detail is paid specially to the labyrinthine unseen world, and the dangerous interactions between supernatural denizens. Jack's reputation is always charming to watch unfold and usually foretells stuff hitting the fan.
"Bone Gods" picks up where the last book left off: Jack recovering from harrowing trouble of the hellish variety (again), the relationship in tatters, and Pete pregnant. I'll admit I did not like the last development one bit. Pete and Jack are a quintessential dysfunctional couple with many added problems. More on that later. That she's expecting helps nothing with the narrative of the story. Her pregnancy feels like the series is getting a tad Merry Gentry, in a bad way, where the danger to the baby, the existence of the baby, the spazzout of the baby will take on an integral role. I'd prefer urban fantasy try to stray away from that angle without dipping hard into the romance pool and I'm not sure Kittredge will pull it off.
Enter the slog for Pete to deal with a body carved up like an English roast -- foretelling bad juju all around -- while being nauseous, missing Jack, hating Jack, resenting missing Jack, pumping the supernatural community for information, and trying to carve out some respect on her own instead of being 'his woman.' Add more resentment here. Pacing falls right off the rails. Events happen slowly interspersed between a lot of relationship angsting.
Here we enter what I've come to dislike very much: Pete gets more bitchy, shallow, and flippant with each passing chapter. The qualities I liked in the earlier books are evaporating faster than a puddle in Death Valley, leaving only undesirable dregs. The end result is a dislikable character with only the thinnest appeal to me as a reader. I'll put up with bastards, villains, losers, and characters with wildly opposing views from me if they're compelling. Pete isn't. I don't like reading about her, and I don't want her to open her mouth. Jack's imperfections at least make him relatable on a broader scale and he is genuinely more interesting at this point.
The weaknesses of Bone Gods' interactions left a very sour taste in my mouth. Pete and Jack go at it with cruder, more vicious, love-hate drama than before. As he starts growing up and seeks to do the right thing by his unborn baby, she transforms into a psychohosebeast or a frosty bitch by turns. There is -no- feasible reason these two would stay together in real life other than safety of the baby or mailing in support cheques (or Black London's equivalent). She treats him like utter crap on a downward spiral and he acts like a damned puppy dog begging for a treat from the scolding hand, or sometimes talks about leaving to keep the baby safe. Tension, casualties, and human consequences increase. I get that. What I don't care for is the role reversal which puts Pete in the aggressor's stance of an abusive relationship when she suffered plenty of garbage in her teen years from Jack (who is trying to reform, by this point), and has her sister as an example not to follow. I really felt like flinging the book at the wall on more than one occasion, not in the 'author got a good reaction' response, but out of sheer disgust.
Don't get me wrong; I don't want there to be instant super-love-karma connection. Successful novels have kept the protagonists in adversarial roles; Jim Butcher and Mike Shevdon are two fine authors who manage not to make their allies (Murphy and Dresden, for example) smoochy-face and drawing hearts all over one another. Shevdon includes the protagonist's daughter front and center in book two with a pregnant fae girlfriend on the side, and doesn't sink into these level of ridiculous hysterics. The bad relationship that fell out poisoned any love I could have for this novel.
Read 1 and 2, get the synopsis for 3, and hope 4 improves.
June 21, 2012
Bone Gods is a continuation from the last Black London book, Demon Bound, a noir urban fantasy series about an ex-rocker and junkie who is a powerful crow mage - servant to the bringer of death and an ex cop turned private eye who is a Weir, conduit to the crow mage's powers and servant to the guardian of the black gates. In Demon Bound, Jack was dragged to hell by Belial and with his death, Pete went through a mourning phase and life goes on without Jack which doesn't became any better for her either. She was called to a crime scene by her ex-partner, Ollie, at the British Museum in which a dead body was found with occult mark on his chest. Seeking for the meaning of the mark, she asked for help from the Black where she was accosted by a self-righteous radical group whose leader, Ethan Morningstar, had her missing mother on the leash. Apparently the dead guy stole something and Morningstar wanted it and threatened Pete with her lives and everyone she knew if she refuses. Hated being blackmailed like that, she sought for the help of a white witch, Lawrence lead her to supernatural version of The Librarian who gives vague information and explained to her the ripples in the black that threatened the city and something spooked the black from the death.
I could go on since the book is literally filled with plot progression in variety of form but I would end up spoiling the book for you. Despite the page numbers, the book is actually very lengthy and action packed within its multitude chapters. To be honest, I never enjoyed an urban fantasy book like this. I do like Nocturne City but I find the stark similarities with Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series that I called it quit. Black London are set in a contemporary world and filled with noir overtone and goes fluidly with its detective storylines. Despite that I've been drowning with detective fiction of any form, Kittredge surprised me with her style that is unconventional but never redundant. Like the first book, Bone Gods is narrated by Pete and so with Kittredge's style, reading the book had placed you into the shoes of the character and completely immersing yourself into the character. There are stark differences in Pete's personalities than Jack Winters in Demon Bound in written form that I don't think even YA writer Mari Mancusi can pull it off with her vampire books. The differences between Nocturne City and Iron Codex was the level of noir and maturity she pour within every richly descriptive story of a wretched, rusted world where mass death is nothing but a tea party. With the fifth book in two months time, I shall stop myself with this book instead of continuing with the fourth since I wouldn't like it to wait long for the fifth instalment.
Personally, I won't recommend the book to female paranormal romance readers who expect romantic storyline to fill the bulk of the book. I find the major grievance in some reviewers of the series is that they expect it to be a run down the mill story of a damsel in distress wearing leather jacket and a gun and a handsome crow-mage who save the world. To be honest, I love the serious tone of the story and I certainly don't want Miss Kittredge to emulate the countless other PNRs had done. Certainly, I would recommend this to all readers but only those would enjoy darker supernatural storylines with foul-mouthed layered characters and richly detailed backdrop of a city with its darkest horror secrets.
I could go on since the book is literally filled with plot progression in variety of form but I would end up spoiling the book for you. Despite the page numbers, the book is actually very lengthy and action packed within its multitude chapters. To be honest, I never enjoyed an urban fantasy book like this. I do like Nocturne City but I find the stark similarities with Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series that I called it quit. Black London are set in a contemporary world and filled with noir overtone and goes fluidly with its detective storylines. Despite that I've been drowning with detective fiction of any form, Kittredge surprised me with her style that is unconventional but never redundant. Like the first book, Bone Gods is narrated by Pete and so with Kittredge's style, reading the book had placed you into the shoes of the character and completely immersing yourself into the character. There are stark differences in Pete's personalities than Jack Winters in Demon Bound in written form that I don't think even YA writer Mari Mancusi can pull it off with her vampire books. The differences between Nocturne City and Iron Codex was the level of noir and maturity she pour within every richly descriptive story of a wretched, rusted world where mass death is nothing but a tea party. With the fifth book in two months time, I shall stop myself with this book instead of continuing with the fourth since I wouldn't like it to wait long for the fifth instalment.
Personally, I won't recommend the book to female paranormal romance readers who expect romantic storyline to fill the bulk of the book. I find the major grievance in some reviewers of the series is that they expect it to be a run down the mill story of a damsel in distress wearing leather jacket and a gun and a handsome crow-mage who save the world. To be honest, I love the serious tone of the story and I certainly don't want Miss Kittredge to emulate the countless other PNRs had done. Certainly, I would recommend this to all readers but only those would enjoy darker supernatural storylines with foul-mouthed layered characters and richly detailed backdrop of a city with its darkest horror secrets.
December 13, 2010
Caitlin Kittredge's third book in the Black London series, Bone Gods, wasn't too bad of a read. It wasn't the greatest in my opinion, but it still had its moments. What set me off at first was that the BOC mentions Jack returning, but Jack didn't end up returning for nearly 160 pages. It was a little less than that but not by much. It was hard to get into what Pete was doing, knowing that Jack was supposed to turn up at some point. I guess if that wasn't acknowledged I could've enjoyed the first chunk more, but then I would wonder why Jack was on the cover in the first place. So really there's nothing to be done about that.
Another reason why it was hard for me to get into the story was, one I got a cold about midway and it made reading a little difficult along with comprehending. But it was just something about the story that made me confused with what was happening at certain points. And again, I didn't read over the weekend so maybe that two day break along with my head cold made it harder to remember certain things.
There was still some romance in the book. One very steamy scene between Pete and Jack. Pete and Jack have a very odd relationship which is refreshing, for at times I wonder if they still want one another with the actions they take. There seems to be a confliction between them at times as well. One minute Pete is happy with Jack and content and then a chapter later, she's ticked at him. Of course Jack is a complicated guy, so who could blame her?
The action was still pretty well paced as well.Pete has to take drastic actions to solve this case and it will have leftover results that haunt her. Overall a decent read, but not the absolute best. The ending had quite a bit of a shocker. Two really, but then I figured one out, sort of, but the real shocker was at the end, in the last 3-4 pages or so. Totally didn't see this coming which is odd since the first part happens all the time. Won't go any further that that!
Overall I give the book a 3.5/5 stars. Like I said a decent read that was entertaining at times. Because of the short break I took while reading and getting sick might have muddled my opinion a bit, but it was still a good read if not a great one.
Another reason why it was hard for me to get into the story was, one I got a cold about midway and it made reading a little difficult along with comprehending. But it was just something about the story that made me confused with what was happening at certain points. And again, I didn't read over the weekend so maybe that two day break along with my head cold made it harder to remember certain things.
There was still some romance in the book. One very steamy scene between Pete and Jack. Pete and Jack have a very odd relationship which is refreshing, for at times I wonder if they still want one another with the actions they take. There seems to be a confliction between them at times as well. One minute Pete is happy with Jack and content and then a chapter later, she's ticked at him. Of course Jack is a complicated guy, so who could blame her?
The action was still pretty well paced as well.Pete has to take drastic actions to solve this case and it will have leftover results that haunt her. Overall a decent read, but not the absolute best. The ending had quite a bit of a shocker. Two really, but then I figured one out, sort of, but the real shocker was at the end, in the last 3-4 pages or so. Totally didn't see this coming which is odd since the first part happens all the time. Won't go any further that that!
Overall I give the book a 3.5/5 stars. Like I said a decent read that was entertaining at times. Because of the short break I took while reading and getting sick might have muddled my opinion a bit, but it was still a good read if not a great one.
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