Review: Red Glove - Holly Black

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 5, 2011)

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.

Wow! I am speechless...I loved this book! I loved the first book White Cat, and hoped that this would be just as good and it did not disappoint. This series stands out for me, Holly Black created something new and original when she wrote those books. I can't get enough of Cassel, he is like the diamond in the rough of his family. Born into a situation that is dangerous and scary and Cassel seems to be able to maintain his goodness. I also enjoyed Sam and Daneca they are good loyal friends how jump right into the thick of things without asking too many questions first. Now this brings us to Lila...Love her! There is something about her that makes me say YAY lol, She knows who she is and where her future is going and excepts it with a brave face. I can't wait to see where the next book takes Cassel and Lila! I'm glad we got to see more of Cassel's mom in my opinion she is a great character. A few times I wanted to smack her but I still like her overall. Now I will tell you the plot of this book caused me to lose sleep I had to go "just one more chapter" to see what would happen next. There were so many twists and turns that it certainly kept me on my toes. I really can't wait to see where we go with the next book. This one gets 5 stars from me!