Title: Red Glove
Author: Holly Black
Published: April 5, 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry.
Pages: 320
Series: Curse Workers #2
Source: Simon & Schuster's GalleyGrab
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis: 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. (Goodreads)
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?
Initial Thoughts: I was obviously very excited for this book, having anticipated it as soon as I read the last sentence in White Cat (which was fantastic, I might add).
Review: This did not fall short of my expectations. I was a little surprised that Holly Black was able to top her first book, but she did. The plot was just the right amount of engaging; extremely interesting, but it didn't make me want contemplate suicide when I had to put it away for mundane things like sleeping and education.
Possibly the best thing about this book is the character interaction. Cassel's witty remarks are the best. As long as a character says clever things, I can look past a lot of character traits that I usually hate. (There are, of course, exceptions. For instance, having six boyfriends and being completely stupid are things I cannot ignore.) One of the things that I love most about Holly Black's books are her very realistic characters. The things they said were things that I could see my friends saying in everyday conversation.
The story line in these books is very interesting. I love his interaction with the crime families and the federal agents. Most of all, I love his situation with Lila. You know that everything is going to blow up in his face, but you don't know when. The suspense was the best part for me, despite my hatred for suspenseful situations.
Overall, this was a tremendous read. If you haven't read White Cat, go out and get it. Pretty soon I intend to go out and get Black's other series, Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside. I don't know what they're about, but as long as she wrote them, I know they'll be great.
Quick Review: The story was exciting, with an underground society of criminal workers that only got more interesting. The character interaction (as well as the characters themselves) were great. I only wish that it had been a little longer. I highly recommend this book to people who like clever characters and plots. Be sure to check out the first book, White Cat.
