Book Review: Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black

Summary: 
Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Release Date: April 5, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Library

Review:
Having loved White Cat (Curse Workers #1)--read my review here--I was on pins and needles waiting for Red Glove to be released.  I loved the details, intense plot, and intricacies of White Cat, and I'm happy to say that Red Glove had those same qualities in abundance.

Poor Cassel.  Besides his funky name, his family is the most dysfunctional family I have ever read about.  And considering that I just read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, that's saying a lot.  Cassel is so in love with Lila, but he doesn't know if her feelings for him are real or not, since she has been cursed to love him---a lovely little gift from his emotion-worker mom.  Before Cassel can process the events in book one, his older brother is murdered, and Cassel has to help find out who did it.  He is forced to help the Feds, but at the same time, the Mob is after him too.  He tries to work a con and play both sides, at the risk of his own life and that of everyone he loves.

The Curse Worker series is so unique.  I can't wait for book three, Black Heart.  I think it will be the best yet!  Being new to Holly Black, I am impressed and plan to read her other books.



2 comments:

  1. Sounds excellent. I have the first one in audio and will be trying it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the blend of the crime noir with the dash of magic and urban fantasy in this series. I can never tell where the plot is going or who is trying to outwit whom. Super curious to see how it all ends.

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