***If you havent read White Cat, DO NOT read any further. SPOILERS ahead****Red Glove picks up after Cassel finds out his whole life, and memories have been a lie constructed by his crooked brothers and well-meaning mother. Youd think that finding out youre the rarest form of Curse Workers would be wonderful but unfortunately, this just multiplies Cassels problems when both the mob and government want to get their hooks into him. When a family member is murdered, the feds put big-time pressure on Cassel to join them and spy on Lilas mob family. Lila isnt dead but the barrier between them is bigger than ever. Cassels mother working Lila to believe she loves Cassel makes it impossible to act on his feelings for her. Her feelings are a lie and manufactured. Yet, hes tempted because hes been in love with Lila for so long. The romance was filled with such longing, and I found myself wanting Cassel to just give in, dang it! Her skin is soft and scorchingly hot after the cool night air. Her leg twines around mine. It feels so good, I have to choke back a gasp. Its so easy. Wrong, but easy. Even more exciting and addictive than the first, I was captivated by Holly Blacks dark world of cons, mobsters, and murderers. This review along with a giveaway of one book from the Curse Workers series can be found at The Readers Den.

I have a new rule. In January I told myself that if the first book in a series is not good then I will not continue on with the rest but of course I didn't stick with that and I very glad that I didn't. So my new rule is give a series at least 2 books, then decided if it is worth it. I have ended up liking at least 4 series this way. The second book seems to seal the deal for me. This book is no exception it is so much better than the first imo. I don't know if it is because I knew what to expect from the get go or what but Holly Blacks writing is just amazing in this installment.The story is so complicated but the premise is still about Cassel trying to find a way to live with his "curse" and stay out of the mob. Cassell life takes a dramatic turn when his brother turns up dead and he has to make a decision to either work for the feds or the big bad mob boss. Add in a crazy con mother and brother, a lost love, and a whodunit mystery and you have a story!If you are looking for a happy ever after this is not the book for you it is filled with murder, blackmail, and hitmen. This is not my typical read either but I have to say that it is really interesting and I am looking forward to the next installment.

Ill state right off that I have a fondness for the way Holly Black writes and may be biased towards her books. I adored Tithe for many of the reasons people despise it. Blacks characters are not whiny ass pansies, they have dark edges and do questionable things, theyre never perfect and I find her books intoxicating because of it. Red Glove is the sequel to White Cat which you must read first if youre going to read the series. It picks up pretty much where White Cat left off and begins with more woe, worry and grief for our protagonist Cassel as he returns to boarding school. Because of his abilities (which Im not revealing because you need to read White Cat!) Cassel is once again drawn into a number of shady situations (to put it mildly) but this time hes aware of everything hes doing and he is torn up because of it. Cassel has an innate sense of decency despite the fact that hes grown up with mobsters and a mother who makes her living bilking sugar daddies out of their fortunes. But as Cassel says, Temptation is tempting. Because of his uniqueness he is being seduced by mobsters and the FBI and gets involved in a murder investigation all while dealing with his tumultuous love affair with his sweetheart Lila.I admire Cassel and his struggle with right and wrong and his ability to keep his sense of humor. Seriously, play out this little scenario, where his mom is demanding that he be an accomplice to her crime and tell me how well adjusted you would be if this was your idea of normal:Mom says: ... grab the plastic bag over by my suitcase. The bag contains pantyhose. I put them on her desk. Theyre for you.You want me to look homeless, desperate but also kind of fabulous?Over your head, she says Oh, poor, sweet Cassel!Honestly, why dont they adapt these for film?Red Glove has no schmaltz, no sickening gooiness, no self-involved, superficial brats like so much other YA and no weak females. Some may argue that Cassels mom is weak, unstable or crazy (and all of that may be a little true) but I see her as an opportunist, like the rest of her family members, using her powers to the fullest advantage for herself.I grew to love Cassels character even more in this book and though his relationship with Lila remains complicated none of it ever feels contrived and the things that happen fit in with the magical plot and the power plays. I cant wait for the next installment and hope more people check out this over looked series.

Not as good as book one but I enjoyed the narration. Cassel is still trying to deal with his magic and survive the fall out. At times this became a little too YA.

4.5 StarsAt the same time Cassel discovered he was one of the rarest and most powerful curse-workers, he also discovered his family had been deceiving him for many years. Now with his secret out both criminals and feds want him on their side. But choosing sides has to be put on hold until he can figure out who murdered his brother. Red Glove is a better book than the first in the series, White Cat. It flows much better and isn't nearly as cumbersome. Holly Black has found her stride in book two and I have great hopes for book three.