Monday, March 28, 2011

Red Glove by Holly Black

Red Glove (Curse Workers, Book 2)From Goodreads:
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.
Okay, I will make this as unspoilery as I can (yes, it's a word... I just invented it!). The first book I did enjoy, but not at first. I thought it was a bit slow. However, this book starts off with a bang. I think that is due to the fact that the world was already built and so it doesn't waste any time with Cassel. Because of that, I enjoyed this book even more than the first. And even though it has been a year since I visited Cassel and his friends, I slid back into that world easily.

Cassel finds himself back in trouble (when isn't he in trouble?) and several mysteries to be solved. Plus, he also finds himself in several binds in which it seems that no one answer is the perfect one. As with the first, Cassel worries about everyone, and is still our smart con man. He uses this to his advantage while he considers what his future will be if he survives senior year. All this and a few twists and turns make this book a fun ride. If you read the first one, you will enjoy this one. If you haven't read either, I suggest you read the first as it sets up the world in which Cassel inhabits.

I give this book 4 stars. It should be published April 5, 2011. I was given this eARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

12 comments:

  1. Love this series. I just finished reading it too and I love how it all came together in the end!!

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  2. Another series to be added to my list - thank you very much!

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  3. I think alot of first books do that: start slow, do a lot of introduction (especially if they know they have a series), and then the 2nd book really grabs you!

    Great Review!

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  4. What a great powere this would be - to be able to transform anything or anyone, wow.

    Thanks for a great review, I'm liking your unspoilery post.

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  5. I haven't read White Cat, but I'm so glad you think this book improves on that one since I've heard it's very entertaining. Nice that this second book starts with a bang, I always like when that happens. Definitely need to read these two!

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  6. You can't invent words without me!

    I've heard good things about Cassel. My sister is in love with him. And it is nice when you can slip back into a world easickly (easily and quickly, see I can do it too)!

    P.S. Why do I always feel the need to one up you when I clearly can't? LOL

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  7. The Oxford English Dictionary people are calling, Melissa, and they want to talk to you about "unspoilery."

    It's unusual to like the sequel better than the first - must be some book!

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  8. @Savanna... and yet, I don't think they are done yet. :)

    @anachronist... welcome!

    @Felicia... True. This one did that!

    @...Petty... *poof* I'm a bunny! ;)

    @Jenny... Hope you get them and love them

    @Missie-kins... Bwa ha ha! You just want to show off for Barrons, Eric and Bones. Don't you know I lock them away when you visit? No temptation for either of you! *evil grin*

    @Blodeuedd... Tanks! ;)

    @Stephanie... I know I answered. They gave me a cease and desist order. :P

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  9. I like unspoilery. :) I think I've made up a few words on my own too. lol.

    Hmmm, I still have the first one here to get into and now reading about the second! Oh, I need to get moving here. :) Thanks for the great review!

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  10. yay so happy u enjoyed it too =)

    great review!

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  11. I loved White Cat.. I also love Holly Black. She is one of the nicest Authors I have met.

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