Red Glove by Holly Black

Summary Provided by Goodreads:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought 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 Thoughts:
I was so excited when I got Red Glove from GalleyGrab that I did a little dance with my hands in front of my computer.  I loved White Cat so much and I heard that Red Glove was even better! This book totally exceeded my expectations! Holly Black is a fantastic writer and she has created a world full of suspense, excitement, and originality!

The story picked up a few months after the events of White Cat. Cassel has found out he is a transformation worker, and is trying to figure out how to use this new found “gift” and come to terms with the things he did, even if he doesn’t remember what those things are. He’s also figuring out how to deal with Lila, the girl he has been in love with forever, who now loves him back thanks to his mother, an emotion worker, working Lila into loving him. Not only that, but Cassel soon finds out that the FBI wants him to work for them on one side of the law, while mob boss, Zacharov, also wants Cassel under his payroll.  

I love Cassel. Love, love, love him! His one-liners completely crack me up. Cassel was born into a crime family, forced to work cons (and had his memories erased by his lovely brothers after doing so), and wants nothing more than to just be a normal boy with normal teenage problems. Cassel is in such a bad predicament and I felt for him through the entire story. I had no idea where Black was going to take him, but I loved where he ended up! I really felt that we learned a lot more about who Cassel is, maybe that is because Cassel is also learning who he is. He’s trying to be a better person and protect his family, but everyone is making this so hard for him. I really am surprised Cassel was able to stay calm and rational through the whole thing. I think I was freaking out more then he was! Out of the other characters, we see a lot more of Lila, Sam, and Daneca, with each one bringing more to the story!

There were so many different plot twists that whenever I thought I finally figured something out, it ended up going in a completely different direction! I loved that! My only issue with Red Glove was that it ended, which kept me wanting so much more!

I just want to share my favorite quote from the entire book. It’s from Chapter 1, so it isn’t spoiling anything.
            Cassel to his mom: “You want me to look homeless, desperate, but also kind of fabulous?”

Red Glove officially releases on April 5^th. I think everyone should go out and buy it! This is a book that is not to be missed!