The Tainted Poet's YA Book Review:

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

Red Glove by Holly Black


Rating: 4.75/5.0
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 336

Recommend? This is the second book in Holly Black's Curse Worker's series. Anyone who loves Holly Black will love this series!
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.

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 Thoughts:

Red Glove is the fantastic continuation in Holly Black's Curse Worker's series. Not only did I love Red Glove even more then I loved White Cat, but now I feel as though I have to go out and buy all of Holly Black's books!

Cassel and Lila's relationship is complicated even further in Red Glove-- Cassel tries his best to stay away from Lila (which is hard due to something that happened at the end of the last book) but can't seem to push her too far away. I think Cassel must be a bit of a masochist. Some of the things he does seem like they would only hurt him in the long run, but Cassel seems to live more in the moment then most people. I really feel for him-- he's stuck and there is really no right way to go when it comes to his relationship with Lila.

Cassel's mom cracked me up throughout the whole novel. However, by the end of Red Glove, I got the feeling she is a lot more into everything then I gave her credit for. Red Glove completely changed my opinion of her. Also, I am eager to see how Cassel's relationship with his brother Barren changes with all the new developments. Will they still tolerate each other or will they be pushed even further a part?

The mystery of the lady with the red gloves was an interesting component, though I felt as though the character development was more captivating and found myself more eager to follow the characters through the story rather then having to know who the woman was.

I cannot wait for the third installment of Holly Black's Curse Workers! If you haven't read the first book in the series, White Cat, you should definitely check it out!

**Reviewed Copy was an ARC**


Details:

Cover: 5.0
Plot: 4.5
Characters: 5.0
Writing: 4.5

Source: Received from Publisher for Review.

17 comments:

  1. I've never read anything by Holly Black... But EVEYONE gushes about her so I need to get on the truck! Lol

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  2. I've read Tithe and I thought it was amazing. I just haven't had time to pick up the other two in that series. But I'm a seriesholic so I can't wait to start this series too!

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  3. I have an ARC of this to read... better get on that!

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  4. I always anticipate the sequel more, just because that's a cornerstone for a trilogy. Glad you liked it!

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  5. I definitely am excited to read this one - I'm so jealous you got an ARC! I'm interested in what you said about Cassel's mother since, you know, she was mostly absent from the last one. Thanks for the awesome review!

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  6. I haven't read White Cat yet, but I'll have to read it soon. It sounds really good.

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  7. I've heard great things about this sequel. Looking forward to reading the first one to also read this.

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  8. It's good to know that you liked this book even more than the first one. I've read "White Cat" and really liked it and now I'm looking forward to reading "Red Glove".

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  9. I've been hearing great things about this book and like you so many are loving it more than the first. :) Thank you!

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  10. It's great to hear that this book surpassed its prequel! Not many books can achieve that.

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  11. I loved Red Glove even more than I loved White Cat. I agree, Cassel's mom is so funny! And Cassel himself is pretty funny too. Can't wait for more Cassel/Lila in the next book!

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  12. Great to hear that the character development was well done...that is always key for me!

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  13. This book sound more interesting than White Cat.

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  14. This sounds really good !
    I havent read white cat yet but i'll have to read it soon.
    love your blog!
    Check out mine
    www.bookobsessions.blogspot.com

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  15. i haven´t read anything by Holly ... hope I´ll fix it soon :) Everyone talks great about her writing...

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  16. OMGosh Im so excited especially since you said it was better than WC.

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  17. I haven't read White Cat, but this makes me want to read it. The second becomes seems as good as the first one, even better.

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