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?

Review: Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black

Title: Red Glove

Series: Curse Workers #2

Previous book in this series: White Cat

Author: Holly Black

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: April 2011

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Source: Library Book

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Synopsis:

CURSES AND CONS.
MAGIC AND THE MOB.

In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always though 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: ★★★★☆
In this installment of the Curse Workers series, someone close to Cassel is murdered. The FBI offer him a deal if he helps them out with the case. But will Cass help the Feds, or will he keep the trust of his Curse Worker family?

Review: White Cat (Curse Workers #1) by Holly Black

Title: White Cat

Series: Curse Workers #1

Author: Holly Black

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: May 2010

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Source: Library Book

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Synopsis:

CASSEL COMES FROM A FAMILY OF CURSE WORKERS - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider; the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things to, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

My rating: ★★★★☆
I really liked White Cat! It had a very interesting world, very reminiscent of the X-Men world, which isn’t a bad thing ‘cause I love me some superheroes! Except in this world full of what’re called ‘Workers,’ our main character Cassel is a non-Worker. Even worse, a non-Worker in a family full of workers! He’s always felt left out, always wanted a power. But you know what they say, be careful what you wish for...

Random Read: Finish that Series! (May 2016)

Originally a meme by I'm Loving Books

Amidst my ridiculously out of control TBR pile I have a ton of series I have not finished and it's driving me insane! I can't seem to choose one to finish, so I have decided to leave that in the hands of random.org!