Double Take - Red Glove by Holly Black

Published: April 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 320

Copy Provided by: Simon and Shuster Galley Grab

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

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.
 
Review:
Christinabean = blue
Curlpow = black
 
Curlypow and I were lucky enough to read Red Glove through the Simon and Shuster Galley Grab program.  I had a whole bunch of quotes saved but of course once the release date came along,  Adobe locked me out of my bookmarked favourite quotes.  (shaking fist at the screen....) Da** you Adobe!! 
 Double Da** from me.  I had several  quotes as well.  Note to self - start using the notebook again!  I just loved this installment in the series.

I am really enjoying this series.  I'm not sure if I can put my finger on just one thing though.  I have found that especially after meeting Holly in person and listening to how she formulates her ideas, I have a better appreciation for her writing.  I am finding so many novels recently are vampires, zombies, demons or dystopia.  Holly brings an interesting twist to YA by involving the mob and magic.  It's unique and it works.  My favourite part about Holly's writing is that it isn't all serious.  She has a wicked sense of humor (no wonder why Holly and Cassandra are writing partners) and has great one-liners. 
Christinabean, you are so right about this.  The humour in these books is amazing.  I have found myself snorting out loud on several occasions while reading this, which is fine when I'm on my own, but not so great when in public:)
 
OK, let's talk characters.  I really feel for Cassel.  He's alreday assumed to be the bad boy just from his lineage and he tries so desperately to do the right thing...but seldom receives credit for it.  I said it before and I'm going to say it again, Nick from The Demon's Lexicon and Cassel need to go on a man date.  In fact, throw in Jace from The Mortal Instruments and we'd have quite the conversation.  I know that Hollty Black, Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan are all close friends.  Can you imagine if their characters met?
 Can I pre -order a copy of this book if it ever gets made.  Such great characters, all trying so hard not to let people know that they really are good guys at heart.  I love them all.

Anywho, I digress.  Cassel, Cassel, Cassel, he's such a smart cookie but oh so smitten with Lila.  I hope these two lovebirds can get their act together.  Ms. Black she seems to have a gift for keeping Cassel 3 or 4 steps ahead of everyone else.  Even if he is in a panic, he always seems to be in control. 
Ok, here is where I differ in opinion - I'm not so sure about Lila.  Most of the time I like her, but I'm not convinced that she and Cassel are right for each other.  She seems to have some issues to me - of course, if I'd been a cat for as long as she was, maybe I'd have issues too?  Cassel really is a smart cookie, and I love that about him.  Even tho' he is a worker, he seems really grounded to me.  He makes mistakes, doesn't always do the right thing, but has a knack for making things right in the end.
 
Black Heart is book #3 in the Curse Workers series and is coming out in 2012.  Can't wait to read this.  Don't forget that Holly and Cassandra will be in Burnaby, BC Monday April 18th!  If you go, please let us know how much fun you had!
Just loved this book and can't wait to get my hands on number 3.