Review: Red Glove by Holly Black

Red Glove (Curse Workers, Book 2)-Holly Black
Publisher: McElderry Books
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Source: Purchased
Author website

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.

(Goodreads)

Mild spoilers if you haven't read White Cat!

Holly Black is one of those authors I admire. She's been published for quite awhile now, and is a proven success, but beyond that, I believe she's a master storyteller. Quite honestly, she's one of those writers that makes me put down her book in despair and wonder why the hell I'm attempting to write a novel at all.

The Curse Workers series is so imaginative. Without spoiling the first book in the series, White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1), I can't say too much, but I can say this. In Red Glove, Cassel's eyes have been opened and he realizes that everything he's known has been a lie. When you can't trust your family-who can you trust?

Everyone wants a piece of Cassel, from the Feds to his girlfriend Lila's crime boss father. He isn't quick to give into anyone. He's spent a lot of his life being lied to, and now he's keen to know all the answers before agreeing to anything.

Red Glove features romance, danger, even political intrigue. This is one of best young adult series out there, and if you haven't read it yet, then get to it as soon as possible!