Item: Red Glove
Rating: 3.00
Author: amshofner

by Holly Black

CURSES AND CONS.
MAGIC AND THE MOB.

In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always though 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.

3.5

Definitely liked the second installment more than the previous. Cassel's life is starting to get messy. And the messier it gets, the more fascinating it gets. I like that Cassel is both good and not good, and that he is brilliant at the con -- for the most part. I like that Cassel actually has friends now, as I think this shows how his character is changing.

As with the previous book, I do love how seamlessly curse work has been woven into mob culture. I think this is one aspect about this series that I really, truly enjoy. Will definitely pick up the next in the series, but not the audiobook this time.

Red Glove (Curse Workers, #2)

by Holly Black

Reviewed by Amanda on Jul 10, 2012

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