Customer Reviews

Red Glove

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Red Glove continues shortly after the book White Cat. The Curse Workers are at it still. In a world much like ours, but where some people have the gift or the curse that their touch can influence people; some can bring or take luck, or memories, even life. Society dictates that all people wear gloves to prevent unintentional contact and thus being 'worked'. Cassel comes from a family of workers, and until recently he believed he did not have the touch.

Cassel is still being pulled by all sides - his mother wanting to use him in her next scheme, his brother wanting him for some scams, the government wanting him to catch everyone and the woman he loves hates his guts. Not exactly a simple life.

Holly Black writes wonderful books. I have yet to read anything by her that disappoints. In fact, all of her books I have read have ended up in my Top 10 for the quarter in which they were read. It's funny in that I read over 100 books a year and most I enjoy, a few I love, but even fewer still I wish I could visit. This is one of those books. I would be intrigued to wake up one day in this world. I k now that as I read these books they become so ingrained in my consciousness that I dream about them, the characters pop into my mind in meetings and during conversations. Holy Black is an addictive author. Once you sample her writing you will not want to stop. So check out this series, and let Black work her magic on you.

Cassel Sharpe's life is a chaotic one, even when matters have improved. And everything seems to be circling the drain in "Red Glove," which is even more taut and electrifying than Holly Black's first Curse Workers book. One part murder mystery, one part mob thriller, and one part tale of a good-hearted boy mired in a shadow world of deception.

Cassel's first day back at Wallingford is ruined by two things. One: Lila is now enrolled at his school, and she's still cursedly in love with him. Two: the FBI drags him in, revealing that his brother Philip has been murdered -- and since he had turned informant, they want his murderer. All they know is that it was a woman, and she was wearing red gloves.

Soon Cassel is trapped between the feds and the worker mobster Zacharov, both of whom want him to come work for them. And as he tries to keep his secret, keep his family from being arrested, and solve his brother's murder, Cassel begins to suspect that someone close to him murdered Philip -- and he's not sure what to do about it.

"Red Glove" is technically an urban fantasy, but it's really more like "supernatural suspense." We've got FBI agents, mobsters, teen love, lies, false memories and a young man walking the tightrope between right and wrong -- and even worse, between the amoral forces that want to use his powers for their own ends.

Black's story is tightly plotted, with lots of little hints and subplots that she ties off neatly, while still leaving the door open for the third book. She has sharply electric prose ("A glit ter ing chok er of dried blood") and dryly witty dialogue (""You're a pret ty cool customer, huh?" "I hide my inner pain un der my stoic visage").

And she takes some time out in the middle of the story to explore what a world with workers would be like: some people defend their rights, while others don't care about rights as long as they feel "safe" and the government is in control.

Cassel is still a "leopard pretending to be a housecat" -- a young man raised among criminals and grifters, but who still desperately wants to do the right thing, but keeps getting yanked back into MoralAmbiguityville. Black also fleshes out his conflicted, fiery love interest Lila, whose love for him may or may not be real, as well as his friends Sam and Daneca.

Holly Black might as well be a curse worker herself, because "Red Glove" is a spellbinding experience that wrenches your emotions and your gut.

**possible spoilers**

Holly Black's writing still continues to keep readers entertained with her sequel to White Cat. There's still twists and turns to go through, and Cassel is such a great anti hero there's nothing to not like about him. The reader can't help but feel for Cassel, he's gone through so much! and he's goes through a lot more in Red Glove.

The plot is just as good as it was with White Cat. Lots of guessing, plenty of revelations, and the cliffhanger ending made the book such a great read (although now I have to wait for a while for the third installment of this series). Cassel not only develops as a character, but his relationships with his other friends and Lila develop with him. Although Lila was 'worked' on, I couldn't help but love how her and Cassel felt right for each other. Their chemistry was just right without being overdone and cheesy but you still had that nagging truth in the back of your head; Lila has been worked on, so this love can't be real. But then you ask yourself, but the love sure feels real. I love this kind of writing! the author just initiates these doubts and thoughts to the reader which makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

As mentioned before, the twists and turns are just as good as the first book, and the new things Cassel has to deal with add more to the story. You'd have to feel sorry for the guy, it's as if he's meant to deal with a lot of crap day after day, and his family doesn't really help with that fact either (except for his Grandpa, which remains one of my quiet favorite characters in the novel). I loved how the revelations (both big and small) are revealed in this book, perhaps it was the way the author revealed them, or maybe because I was so engrossed in the book but each one was shocking as the previous one.

With the ending the way it was for this one, it's going to be hard to wait for the last book! Holly Black's writing just keeps getting better and better with each book she writes.

After reading White Cat I still had some doubts about it. I was still a tiny bit confused about the curses and cons and how it all worked but it wasn't until I read this book that I fell in love with the series.

It isn't you've finished the book and look back that you realize how clever Black's storytelling is. You might think you know what's going on but you really don't and that's what I love about it. There's clues given throughout the story about Philip's murder and once Cassel figures it out, he comes up with a con of his own. Cassel knows who the murderer is but as a reader we're still trying to piece it together. So it's all a mystery until the con is in place and everything is finally revealed.

Cassel's one of those characters that has the potential to go both ways--good or bad. He's getting pulled one way by Zacharov but now the Feds are on his case too. He's not only protecting himself but also has the interest of family and friends in mind too. You want to see him do the right thing and make the right choice but ultimately what is the right thing? And that makes it more interesting to see how his decisions in Red Glove will carry on into the next book.

I definitely recommend picking this up if you've read White Cat and getting thrown back into the world of the curse workers. It's a great series for those who like urban fantasy filled with danger, deceit and high stakes.

I strongly reccomend reading White Cat, the first in the Curseworkers series, before reading Red Glove. This is the second book, and it jumps right into the story, with few looks back at the first novel to really show a new reader what is going on.
Cassel now knows who he is, and the truth about what the rest of his family are really like. And that's what is driving this book - his relationship with his brothers, his mom, Lila and his friends, and finding out more about what he did when his brothers worked him.
This is a great book, and if you enjoyed White Cat you will love this book. It is a true Holly Black novel with lots of twists and unexpected turns. I can't wait for the next one!

Hmm. I am not real sure how to best convey my impression of this particular story. I received this ARC courtesy of Simon & Schuster Canada and while I had not yet had the chance to read White Cat, I thought why not? I've heard many a rave review and wanted to experience Holly Black's mastery for myself. Unfortunately, Red Glove was not my "Cup of Tea".

Now, just because I didn't enjoy the story, doesn't mean it's not a good one! Black is most definitely an extremely talented author who has created an epic dark fantasy with very intriguing characters, mysterious foes and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.

Cassel is an adorable character. He takes so much crap from those around him, it's a wonder he hasn't gone spastic! While he may just be a teen, Black manages to make Cassel an entirely believable protagonist who some how manages to keep it together and face each new situation with a surprisingly mature and level head. The trials that he must face are at times infuriating and at others heartbreaking.

I would advise readers to take a boo at White Cat first as Red Glove is definitely a continuation in which new readers could find themselves quite unprepared.

Cassel Sharpe really learnt the hard way the full extend of the maxim "Careful what you wish for". He used to think he was a normal kid in a family of workers, would've done anything to be an insider but what he didn't know would eventually catch up to him. His brothers have been using his talents for years and wiping his memory afterwards. He uncovered the whole scheme but more people are now lining up to use him as well. And no simple dude next door. The mob and the Feds are both trying to control him. Which one will succeed?

After everything that's happened in White Cat, Cassel's life was already pretty lame but everything goes from bad to worst when the Feds drag him from his fancy school to an interrogation room. His brother made a deal with them to mouth off everything - the murders, Cassel's secret, their mom's past times - but he was killed before he got the chance to reveal anything. Now the Feds are clear, Cassel will help them uncover the truth - including his brother's murderer - or else....

I LOVE the Curse Workers series! Holly Black did a fantastic job when she created this unique world, and once again, she delivered! Cassel is a downright awesome character. His personality is colorful from the outside, but he's so troubled on the inside. How to react when you discover your whole life is a lie? The whole time he is debating moral issues vs consequences and his path is outstanding. I'm in love with the guy! And the kid is so brilliant to. Always finding a way to get what he wants, finding the truth behind the lies and building lies of his own. All the while trying to protect his friends and messed-up family.

Holly did an amazing job of keeping us in the dark the whole time. You see Cassel do this or that, notice one thing over another, but you never know where it's gonna lead. I'm also a big fan of her writing. This isn't something I usually notice while reading, but she's got a very unique tempo and I really like it. Here's two spoilers free examples:

" "What are you doing here?" I ask, turning her roughly toward me, which is maybe not an okay way to behave, but I'm too astonished to think straight.
She looks like I slapped her.
Good job, me. I'm a real charmer."

" "Yes," she says sweetly. "I hope you'll think about coming on Sunday. How about I give you the address and you can think about it?"
I pretend to copy down the location of Patton's stupid brunch. Really I'm just pouring myself a cup of coffee."

The intrigue is simply perfect. And the con Cassel worked at the end? I tip my metaphorical hat to Holly. None of the puzzle pieces fit together until she lays it all out for you and walks you through it. I have to admit I had my doubts about who the killer really was but it was just a guess, because Holly doesn't let us in onto Cassel's reflections all the time. Which makes the whole plot that much more intriguing.

Our boy is also surrounded by a great bunch of friends and I really came to appreciate them. Especially his nerdy friend Sam. There's also a very funky love interest that leaves you no choice but to pray for a good outcome.

Red Glove will grab you by the throat and drag you in a world where everything is a con, everything is a lie and if you hope to survive, you better learn how to figure out the truth. Fast. Filled with action, suspense and treason, the second installment will leave you breathless. Thankfully, Holly treaded a fantastic hero who will make the tension bearable and even force a smile upon your face every now and then.

In conclusion. BUY. THIS. BOOK. You can thank me later =)

One of my favorite excerpt:

A discussion between Cassel and a Fed

""You got that information for me yet?" His breath smells like sour coffee and cigarettes.
"Not quite yet," I say.
"Have a good march?" he asks. "Get lots of exercise running from the law? Growing boy has got to get his exercise."
"Ha, ha," I say.
He grins like we really did just share a joke."

Please note, quotations are from the Advance Reader Copy and may differ from the final edition.