Red Glove by Holly Black

Major spoilers for White Cat in summary!

Red Glove by Holly Black

(Goodreads profile)

Source: Purchased
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 325

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.

I love the Curse Workers series: it's clever and compelling with plenty of action and a spectacular new world. Holly Black ups the ante in Red Glove with a plot as quick and twisty as ever.

I've mentioned this before but I am completely enamoured with the concept of this world. It's fascinating and dangerous, and I never know what's going to come next. Holly Black keeps the tightly-woven plot moving with new revelations scattered at every turn.

All of this is done with one of my favourite male characters, Cassel, as narrator. Cassel is the black sheep in a family of criminals and while he's certainly no angel himself, he does have a good heart. I've loved watching Cassel develop as a character through these two books because there are some changes that are evident in him and I always like to see character growth.

I honestly didn't know if Red Glove could out-do its predecessor but it definitely did. The mystery is back and as intense as ever, and I can't wait to see where some particular threads go in Black Heart. The ending of this book is definitely a shock, but it was nowhere near as huge for me as the first book. That being said, it still leaves me anxious Book 3 - I can't get enough of these books!

A fantastic sequel.

Cover Comments: How creepy is that red smoke coming off the glove? I love it! I think it's great that this cover continues the same pattern as the first and I like Lila's (it is her, isn't it?) expression - someone looks spooked!