Red Glove
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Pages: 336
Source:Simon & Schuster’s Galley Grab newsletter
About the Book: After rescuing his brothers from Zacharov’s retribution and finding out that Lila, the girl he has loved his whole life, will never, ever be his now that his mother has worked her, Cassel is trying to reestablish some kind of normalcy in his life. That was never going to be easy for someone from a worker family tied to one of the big crime families and a mother whose cons get more reckless by the day. But Cassel is also coming to terms with what it means to be a transformation worker and figuring out how to have friends.
But normal doesn’t last very long–soon Cassel is being courted by both sides of the law and is forced to confront his past. A past he remembers only in scattered fragments and one that could destroy his family and his future. Cassel will have to decide whose side he wants to be on because neutrality is not an option. And then he will have to pull off his biggest con ever to survive.
Red Glove picks up shortly after White Cat ended. Cassel has spent the summer working minor cons in Atlantic City with his mother. Try as he might he cannot forget or get past his feelings for Lila. Thankfully the school year is just around the corner so he can get away from his family and memories of her… or not. When Lila turns up at Cassel’s school he knows the year is going to be nothing like he anticipated… but what else is new? 😉
I. LOVE. The. Curse. Workers. Like, a lot. Holly Black has created this amazing alternate reality where magic/curse working is a known factor. I love learning about it. I think the fact that everyone wears gloves and bare hands are taboo is my favorite part! Well, aside from the mafia-esque crime families! Combine the two and you have a huge win!! I imagine it to be something like this card from Anne Taintor Vintage Revisited:
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| That is SO Cassel’s mom!! |
White Cat was my absolute favorite from last year so Red Glove had a lot to live up to. The tagline, “The cons get twistier and the stakes get higher” is spot on. Cassel (***sigh***) is still his witty, sarcastic self. We see his wry sense of humor from the get go. I can’t even begin to express how much I love this! We also get to see Cassel open up a bit more and let people in. We see him struggle with the decisions he has to make. He really has to decide who he wants to be. My heart just broke for him as he tried so hard to figure out what he should do and how he could become a person he could live with. The situation between him and Lila also tugs at the ole’ heartstrings. Their circumstances just make everything so much more difficult! I NEED Black Heart ASAP so I can see where they go next!
This series is addictive and oh so clever. Holly Black is a master story crafter and her writing will have you hooked from the start! I HIGHLY recommend these books.
Check out the Curse Workers website for cool extras!
The Story Queen
Is it awful that I’ve yet to start this series? WHITE CAT is sitting there on my shelf, too… My TBR list is out of control! Nonetheless, your enthusiasm for the series has encouraged me to move it up on my list so hopefully, I’ll be getting to it soon. Great review!
bibliophile brouhaha
Oh I am SO excited to read White Cat now that I’ve read this. I just won a copy and had to pick between that and another book – I think I made the right choice! Thanks for the amazing review, Heidi – I bet I’ll the White Cat and this one after reading your review – the Anne Taintor pick sold me! MUHAHAHAHA!
Kristi The Book Faery
Isn’t Holly awesome! I loved your review! I haven’t read anything by her that I didn’t absolutely devour!
I see you’re waiting for Aprilynne Pike’s Illusions! Me, too! I love The Laurel Series. It seems like forever until it comes out!
I love your site! It’s so friendly, cheerful and informative!
I’m a new follower! Stop by and see me!
Kristi-The Book Faery
Savannah
Read this book and OMG! Totally blown away! Great review 🙂