Review: Red Glove by Holly Black

Hardcover, 320 pages

Release date: April 5, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

ISBN13: 9781442403390

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.

My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

This book is full of win! If you read my White Cat review, you will understand how excited I was to read this. White Cat's world building took to long and my attention waned until the last third of the book, but wowzers what an ending!

Cassel is a con man...one you'll love. In Red Glove, he is dealing with issues that stem from family and love. His mom, an emotion worker, is out of jail and itching to work. His oldest brother Phillip, is found murdered. His other brother Barron, the memory worker, acts like the past didn't happen and is eager to move on. But more importantly, two Feds and a mob boss are trying to recruit Cassel. Meanwhile Lila, the love of his life, can't stay away from him and his self-control is being put to the test. Armed with notes from the Fed, and only a picture of a female wearing red gloves, Cassel is on the hunt for Phillip's killer. He was brought up in a con family, family loyalty no mater what, blood is thicker than water...but is it? As Cassel searched for answers, he questions where his family's loyalty lies and the future of his.

In Cassel, Holly Black has created the ultimate con man and has worked her magic to balance his character. Let's face it, he's a killer con man (although not 100% aware of it at the time), a self described jerk, the school bookie and the con is only life he's ever known. But Holly has also given him a soul and in Red Glove we witness his internal struggle. Add in a little snarkiness, the appearance of confidence and you can't get enough of this bad boy. Red Glove is one of those books that break out of the gate and just keep going strong. Like a game of Clue, Holly keeps you guessing.

Black Heart, the next book, is set for release next April. Lila is next the character I can't wait to break out.