Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black

Title: Black Heart

Series: Curse Workers #3

Previous books in this series: White Cat (#1) |
Red Glove (#2)

Author: Holly Black

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: April 2012

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Source: Library Book

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Synopsis:

In a world where Magic is illegal.

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

My rating: ★★★★☆
In the finale to the series, since finding out about his awesome powers, the FBI have been working with Cassel. Cassel is actually thinking about going straight and joining the Feds officially. But something doesn’t feel right in this latest mission. The Feds have asked Cass to take out Patton, but he fears that the Feds are double crossing him. Is it possible that the good guys aren’t so good after all?

I don’t know whether to believe Barron or not. I don’t know if I’m being set up. I don’t know who the good guys are anymore.

I love Cass, I really, really do, but his constant fixation on Lila almost drove me insane! I’ve mentioned it since the series began and it still holds true: I just don’t like Lila. I don’t see what Cassel sees in her! Though, okay, I admit, I don’t dislike her as much as I did in the beginning. Probably because she seemed to not be in this as much? Cassel surely noticed, but it was nice for me. And even though she was absent quite a bit, she was not absent from Cassel’s mind. *sigh*

But when she was around--I just hate that Cassel drops his life just like that for her without thinking it through for a second.

Another character I hated was Cassel’s brother Barron. I was starting to like again, but then ugh! He started being his same old lying self again!

Why does he do this to his own family?! I don’t understand!

As for the other supporting characters, I absolutely loved them! Especially Daneca and Sam!

Overall, I thought Black Heart had a very action packed, intriguing story! I loved the way it developed and how freaking smart Cassel was at dealing with Patton! I really loved this world and will miss it alot! The very, very end though, it was... fine. I felt like he threw his life away. Like he could've done SO much better! But, in a way, I can understand, because this is his life. It just made me sad. But overall, I really enjoyed the journey Cassel has gone through. And I especially loved that it was in his POV because I rarely read book with a male POV. It was very refreshing!

Cassel, I will miss you.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :)