In White Cat readers are introduced to Cassel Sharpe, whose family are not only curse workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands - but grifters as well. His brothers both work for the Zhakarov crime family and his mother funds her lifestyle by conning and cursing wealthy men, all with a touch of her hand. Cassel meanwhile (who believes himself to be without any worker abilities), is mourning the death of his best friend Lila (daughter of said crime boss), attends a private high school, and runs a betting operation on the side for extra cash. He also has strange dreams about a white cat which soon leads to his discovery that he's been worked by his own brothers in the biggest con game ever.
Red Glove continues from where White Cat left off, with Cassel having discovered what really happened to Lila, as well as his own ability, which just happens to be the the most powerful and rare. He's back at school for his senior year but before he can settle in one of his brother's is killed, Zhakarov offers him a job, and the Feds grab him and try to blackmail him into helping them solve his brother's murder.
I loved Cassel and the way he manages to con everyone. I also loved the world Black creates, where everyone wears gloves, curse working is a crime, and no one - not even your own family - can be trusted. I highly recommend both books in this series and can't wait to read the third, Black Heart.
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Much thanks to The Cephalopod Coffeehouse for hosting this monthly event :)
What is it with brothers who can't get along?
ReplyDeleteBet this would make a good movie. Conning everyone - makes me think of American Hustle.
I think it would make a great movie.
DeleteCurse workers. That sounds like an interesting concept!
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting, especially the way she tied in curse working to crime/con families. Very cool.
DeleteThis series sounds very intriguing! Is the third book out yet? The color scheme is so playfully dark.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Veronica
I believe the third book is available. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteOoh, this sounds good. I'll have to see if my library has it in audio version. Right now I'm listening to another new book of hers, Coldest Girl In Coldtown. It's about vampires and very good.
ReplyDeleteI read that last winter I think.
DeleteFirst of all, I had trouble scrolling down to the review because the picture at the top was mesmerizing. What a fabulous view!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I want to read; I was unfamiliar with the author. So, a big thank you!!
My son definitely takes some good pics. That one was taken in Boothbay Harbor.
DeleteThis does sound good.
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteSounds like a twisty turny book. Good.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
You got it right, very twisty and turny :)
DeleteOooh. I want it. I want them. Thank you. Though my wallet doesn't.
ReplyDeleteI know, I have to pick and choose what I buy. I also go to the library, which is where I picked up the first book, White Cat.
DeleteI hadn't heard of these - and now I'm dying to read them! Thanks so much for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'd like them.
DeleteCool. I haven't read any Holly Black yet, but I know I should. Always hear good things about her stories.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Try White Cat, I'd love to hear what you think.
DeleteI like a protagonist you're not entirely sure you can trust. Henry Hill in Goodfellas comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteOh, that was a great movie, wasn't it?
DeleteDefinitely. So glad you're in for Mock Squid Soup this month, Marcy!
DeleteCurse workers. That's enough of a hook to make me curious...
ReplyDeleteto live on cursing wealthy people?.... such delight :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a really fun read.
DeleteIt has been a long, long time since I've read a crime story. I like the way this author seems to have woven crime, the paranormal and mystery all into one. Sounds like a great book, one I definitely would like to read. Thanks for the recommendation. The book club sounds great too. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved how Black wove it all together and made it work so well.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great series. Thanks for the introduction.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI've read these two, but not the third. I have it on my shelf now, but will have to re-read books 1 & 2 because it's been a while since my first read, and I've forgotten where I was at. I did very much enjoy them, though!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I discovered them!
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