For as long as he can remember, Jude's life has consisted of new schools, frequent moves, the need to be able to read his father's moods, and drugs. When his father starts cutting the drugs he's dealing, Jude knows it'll only be a matter of time. He wasn't supposed to be home when they came to kill his father, but Jude caught the only break he'd ever had - the guy in charge decided to believe Jude when he said he wouldn't tell, and they left him alive.
The cops don't believe his story, but Jude sticks to it - even when one of them discovers his birth certificate. Jude's mother didn't leave them when he was born - his father, who used to be a cop himself, kidnapped Jude as an infant, and his mother's now the District Attorney. In an instant Jude's life changes - he goes from desperate poverty and violence to privilege and plenty. The only problem is bowing to pressure from the coolest group in school - he takes their leader back to the old neighbourhood to score. When Nick dies of an overdose, and the city begins baying for blood, Jude decides to sacrifice himself for his mother. It ends up being a bigger sacrifice than Jude counted on.
This is a powerful, vibrant and chilling novel of integrity, betrayal and lost redemption. Morgenroth not only portrays a strong sense of place, her characters jump off the page. The text is detailed but quick paced, the dialogue real, and the relationships complex. Although I suspect someone's motivations significantly earlier than Jude did, I had no idea how deeply betrayed Jude was, and would be. Complete in itself, I finished the novel (in near record time) feeling satisfied and replete, and eager for more of Ms Morgenroth's work - highly recommended. - Alex
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