Red Glove by Holly Black (REVIEW)

Red Glove (Curse Workers #2)  by Holly Black

Genre: YA urban fantasy -- Publication date: April 5, 2011 -- Source: Library

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.com)

*BEWARE: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A LOT OF SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES, WHITE CAT.

If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be delectable. Red Glove was dark, mysterious, heart-breaking, and I could not get enough of it.

The plot, of course, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. Like the first book in the series, you never know what's truth and what's con. We don't know Lila's real feelings, we don't know the extent to what Cassel did when Barron erased his memory. We don't know how much Barron really remembered about the Zacharov scheme. We don't know how many people actually know that Cassel is a transformation worker.

But we find out. Boy, do we find out.

As per usual, Holly Black's writing sucked me in and never let go. I'll tell ya, that woman has a magical way with words. She created a dark and gloomy mood and I felt so connected to Cassel, I almost felt like a guy. Okay, not really, but I was really connected with him. I've never felt so sympathetic for a murderer. I just wanted to give him a ginormicus hug, poor thing. His brothers lied to him and betrayed him and as much as he didn't want to be like them, he could feel that he wasn't so different after all. He had so much depth and definitely carried an emotional punch.

All of the characters, though, were truly fantastic. Lila, Sam (one of my favorites!), Daneca, even his mother. Especially his mother.

Miss Black built a mysterious fantasy that'll have you shaking right along with the characters. The world is crafted beautifully and expertly and the complicated romance will tear you in two.

The Curse Workers is a delicious series that I would definitely advise you to read!

• The world. The world is complex, filled with lies and scams, filled with abused and dangerous magic, and filled with people that will take your breath away. I especially love how all of the real people know about the magic and how there are movements to put a stop to it.
• The magic. Most of it is used in horrible ways. Most of it is horrible. I love the blowbacks and limitations, I love it all. If we lived in a world where this stuff existed, I would be terrified.
• The mystery. I'm usually not a huge fan of mystery novels, but I love this one! Because the possibilities are endless. Right when you're sure who the murderer is, you're blown back and everything gets twisted and suddenly you're not so sure anymore.

If you liked...

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Then you'll LOVE Red Glove!