How to Kill a Street Rat

by Jennifer M. Eaton

2020 Reader's Choice Finalist for the Romance Writers of America Carolyn Award!

The Princess Jasmine is mine, she just doesn’t know it yet.
I’m the most powerful sorcerer in the world and nothing will stop me from conjuring my way into her life and convincing the sultan that his daughter—and the throne of Bisnagar, belong to me.

So what if the princess has no intention of marrying anyone? Sorcery will fix that. If my spells don’t work on her, I’ll win her heart the old fashioned way, if she doesn’t win mine first.

When a handsome prince shows up with dancers, a monkey, and a blasted elephant, things become complicated. This prince isn’t a prince at all, but a street rat in disguise. How dare he weasel his way into the palace hoping to charm his way into the heart of my princess!

An ancient evil hovers over the kingdom, maybe one even more powerful than my own. As everything Aladdin touches falls into ruin, the truth becomes clear. To save the princess and the kingdom, I will have to fight Aladdin and his genie. This is a battle only one of us will walk away from.

For the first time, there is something in my life worth dying for, and oddly enough, it isn’t a crown.

Pick up How to Kill a Street Rat and battle the genie today!

Genres: Fantasy

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2019

About the author

Jennifer M. Eaton hails from the eastern shore of the North American Continent on planet Earth. Yes, regrettably, she is human, but please don’t hold that against her.

While not traipsing through the galaxy looking for specimens for her space moth collection, she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband and three energetic offspring. (And a poodle who runs the spaceport when she’s not around.)

During infrequent excursions to her home planet of Earth, Jennifer enjoys long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but great adventures are always a short shuttle ride away.

Who knows where we’ll end up next?

Reviews

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I have never really enjoyed Aladdin, but I really enjoyed this authors retelling! The writing was superb.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a huge fan of Aladdin oddly enough, but this take on the story had me gripped from the outset. The characters are completely different in this one, the traditional bad guy changes roles, Iago is hilarious. It's a more modern twist on the tale, and it works so well. I absolutely loved this one.

[SGetch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chanced upon this novel, retitled "Sorcerers Reign," while browsing on Kickstarter. The book's intriguing blurb and beautiful artwork immediately drew me in, and I'm pleased that I took a leap of faith and invested in this reimagined story of Aladdin.

The author, Jennifer M. Eaton, deserves immense credit for her skillful weaving of familiar characters and settings with fresh and innovative twists. The story is crafted with intricate detail and depth, making it an entertaining and charming adventure. The story's pace unfolds slowly but steadily, building momentum and creating a sense of anticipation that kept me riveted to the narrative.

I didn't realize, however, that Princess Badra, the MFC, was only 17 y.o., while the MMC, Jai'far Amir, was 25. Although the romance between the two characters was subtle, with hand-holding and occasional kisses, some occurrences were off-putting once I realized the princess's age. For example, Aladdin (the "villain") gifts Princess Badra enchanted jewelry to force her submission and gropes her bare breasts in the presence of others. I want to mention that I'm a fan of the dark romance genre, and taboo situations don't usually bother me. However, there was an innocence to this story that I wish had been preserved.

With that said, "Sorcerers Reign" is an enjoyable tale with an ideal blend of fantasy, adventure, intrigue, and romance. Jennifer M. Eaton's creativity and storytelling are sure to captivate readers.

👥 Dual POV
📚 Standalone
💋 Safe enough for me: no true OM drama. No OW drama.
⚠️ Content Spoilers: violence/murder, poverty, reference to animal cruelty, dupery/fraud, sorcery.

As a courtesy to those sensitive to certain content - like myself - I try to include possible triggers, but there is always a chance that I may miss some.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! When I got the book, I wasn't sure that I could roll with the idea of Aladdin and Jafar switch roles as I'm an old fan of the story. I mean, it just sounds absurd, doesn't it? But this story had me rooting for Jafar till the end. This definitely is my favourite Aladdin version, the story doesn't seem a mindless tale anymore.

[Lorieah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really surprised by how quickly I got pulled into this book — and stayed there. I actually thought I had already left a review, and feel bad (one of the perils of ARCs)!

A great re-imagining! I loved how the author took everything we thought we knew and turned it on its head and/or applied it to a different character. She even timed it so it came out the same weekend as the new Aladdin movie. The book was imaginative, fast-paced, and even kept me guessing at times.

Like I said, I received this book for free, but this is an honest review, and I would happily read another book by Jennifer.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesomely fabulous story. I like this so much better than the other story of Aladdin. I was hooked from the get go and read the book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were beautifully written and described it was as if I was there beside them. The world of Bisnagar was wonderfully described and you could smell the rotten food and hardship that the people lived in. It was truly a magical carpet ride though an adventure, that was worth updating. Highly recommend..

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amir had won my heart from the moment he mentioned the rescue of Xerses 🐎

[A_MOTUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying I stayed up all night (4 am) to read the book despite having to go to work the next day. Yes, it is that good. Well maybe the fact I needed to get some "handy" pictures out of my head before going to sleep also played a part in that because some description felt sooo real.
It is not my first book from this author and I really love how she set scenery, feelings and interactions. I literally see everything happens.
Of course, I enjoyed the characters company especially the sassy princess and Iago. And the way Amir became both timid and tease around those he started to hold dear was really adorable. Well not as adorable as his kid-friend. Finally I have to say I was impressed by the complexity that made each character’s possible reactions, according to their past and their aspiration. Especially the link that explained the gap between intentions, choices and actions. So interesting!
This your next read if you are looking for a book that you cannot put back before the end without cutting your hands. (What? Joke’s too accurate?)

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amir Haddad is an ambitious, greedy sorcerer who decides to take control of Binsagar, due to his hatred of Henry Smith. Henry Smith, who had left Amir to die in the middle of the ocean.

Amir managed to bespell the grand high vizier Jai'far and had himself introduced to the sultan as Jai'far 's apprentice. The sultan seemingly accepted him, but only in a 40-day trial basis. Princess Badroulbadour, however, wasn't so easily convinced. Strolling through the gardens, Amir attempts to bespell the princess as well. Imagine his shock when the princess isn't affected. Not only stunningly beautiful; the princess has a strong will AND a brain!

Princess Badroulbadour is intrigued but wary when she's introduced to Amir. Talk, dark and handsome, the princess finds herself drawn to Amir, despite herself. He continues to astound her with his compassion and self-deprecating manner. Oh, if only her FATHER could be more like Amir!

As the attraction grows between the princess and Amir, a third party arrives... Aladdin, a visiting "prince" determined to win the princess's hand... And Amir is determined that HE will win the princess for himself! But hidden machinations and trickery unknown hinder Amir's path to his true destiny... And the princess...

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Kill A Street Rat is an Aladdin Re-imagined tale. This is not the Aladdin we grew up with, it is 'topsey tervy'. In fact, I like this version much better as it is more true to life. Amir Jaifar Haddan (a street rat) is an ambitious, greedy sorcerer who wants the Princess Badra (Badroulbadour) and the Kingdom of Binsagar for himself. After meeting Princess Badra while she was strolling in the garden and trying to bespelling her, Jaifar finds he is unable to as Princess Badra is very strong willed and has 'A Brain'. As they spend more time together, they become closer and Jaifar's character begins to change and he begins to become a better person. However, along comes the Prince Aladdin with his monkey, elephant, and Jinni who wants Princess Badra and her kingdom for himself. As time passes, everything Aladdin touches falls to ruin and we find that the Jinni has corrupted Aladdin and he is not a good guy. Who will win the hand of Princess Badra and her kingdom? I highly recommend this Aladdin Re-imagining. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Kill a Street Rat - a review by Rosemary Kenny

A particularly clever re-write of the Aladdin fairytale by Jennifer M Eaton, How to Kill a Street Rat turns the Disney-esque cartoon and now 'real life' versions of Aladdin on its head, while keeping the secondary and fantasy elements and characters still making sense and making the story a moral, uplifting, what if...? entertaining and truly magical tale of how absolute power corrupts absolutely and that sometimes love really does conquer all...and that's just in the first few chapters of a story you never want to end, that is finished off 'properly' - i.e. after the HEA and honeymoon are over.
I enjoyed How to Kill a Street Rat (who's not who you expect him to be), immensely and totally engaging and satisfying while being completely unputdownable. A guaranteed success that deserves at least 10 stars out of 5 for ingenuity and imagination. More please, Ms Eaton!

[Stephanie Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I did any other Jennifer M. Eaton book I have read. Normally, I would be super excited to see her name on something, but I didn't really like this one as much as I did the others. I had a major problem with Badra. It said in the book that the strong-willed couldn't be controlled by magic as easily as the non-strong-willied people. But somehow, Aladdin, was able to control her with ease. Badra seemed like the kind of girl who would just get on my nerves if I knew her in real life. I did really like one particular quote, though:
"Amir stomped through the garden. The thought of Badra being forced to spend an entire dinner beside another pompous, arrogant, self-ambitious imp made his skin crawl and his magic tingle on the edge of release."

[Andra Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting retelling of the story of Aladdin with some very wild twists. I did not expect to like it because of all the new hype around the new Disney version of the story. However, this is not that and there is no comparing the two tales. The characters are well developed and even a bit complex, though Badra's character could have been a bit more finessed. It is a great journey as these characters find their true selves and true love. All in all a great suspenseful read with lots of magic and romance.

I was provided an advance copy of this book and am providing my honest review.

[Stuart Sear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed this book as an ARC and have left this review freely
When I first received this book I did not think I would want to read it but once I started to read wow was I glad I did the story of Aladdin is old but this modern twist that Jeniffer has given it is brilliant the plot is great the characters are different you can't wait to find out how it all ends but the read is worth it.If I had seen this book it would not have fitted into my genre but give it a go you won't be disappointed.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover drew me in. At first I was a bit worried because, wait, isn't he the bad guy in Aladdin? This retelling throws your mind around the Aladdin theme and is definitely not a Disney version. Amir has many layers to him and I loved taking that journey of him discovering his true self. Badra was interesting although I didn't see her as in depth as Amir. Story was fast paced and the characters (even the bad guys) were engaging. Only thing I wish for - more Iago time! Maybe I need to rub that lamp....or not.

[Suzanne G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aladdin as told from Jai'far's point of view.

What if Aladdin's Genie (or as in this book Jinni) was not a good one, what if Aladdin was corrupted by the power of the Jinni?
What if Jai'far was actually a good man who had a painful history but with the right incentives will return to being a good guy?

This book took me about a chapter to really get into but once I did I found it really hard to put down. The characters are well developed and the story moves along at a great pace. I thoroughly recommend this book for anyone looking for something new to read.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was going to rate this book a 4, but after a few chapters we start getting suspense and more. You don't want to put it down. Amir is a sorcerer who wants Bisnagar no matter what. He Meets Badra and his feelings start changing. Then Aladdin shows up for her hand in marriage. Who will win it? What will Aladdin do to get it? What will Amir do to get it? Do either really care about her? Who is the real evil one? I received a free copy for my honest review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg what a great read this turned out to be. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly. I was sucked in from the start with the characters strong connection to each other while still having room to deal with all the twists and turns life throws their way to survive.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did have a hard time getting into this book at first. Life was distracting at the time. I'm so glad I pushed through. Well worth reading. This story had more depth than I was expecting at first glance. The character arcs and development were especially fantastic. I'll be on the look out for more from this author.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved the book for free and voluntarily reviewed.

This was a new and slightly unexpected take on Aladdin, it was still entertaining. The storyline was enjoyable and it had action galore. I don't think I'll be able to watch Disney's version for a while.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never considered the possibilities of changing the roles of the good and bad guys. It was a very well plotted and written. The characters are realistic and easy to like or dislike as the case may be and the story shows that not everything is as it seems.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story that I have read. I very much enjoyed reading it. I recommend this stoyr to everyone who loves reading about sorcery.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading retellings and this was a great one!! The author did an awesome job on the story. It’s a hard book to put down. I highly recommend reading, it was a really, really great book! (I received this book as an arc and am leaving a voluntary honest review)

[Leigh Statham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic retelling of Aladdin with a twist. Eaton’s classic banter and solid plot skills are on full display in this great new book. You’ll definitely want to take it to the beach or the pool, but you won’t want to put it down! You have been warned!

P.S. Much better than the new movie.

[Amy McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will surprise and amaze you! If you ever wondered what would happen if the vizier were the (anti)hero in the tale of Aladdin, you have to pick this up! Romantic, adventurous, and magical.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was an interesting story and looking forward for more of your works.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

haha interesting retelling of the story of aladdin.. i enjoyed jafar and it was fun to read it from this pov.. i liked this one a lot

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally different take on Aladdin. I found it just perfect, a great grown up version.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful retelling of Aladdin.
I loved the characters.
Enjoyed reading this book...

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed that actually.