Review of Red Glove by Holly Black

Title: Red Glove (Curse Workers #2)

Author: Holly Black
Narrator: Jesse Eisenburg
Published by: Listening Library
Length: 8 hrs., 30 min
Source: Library
Format: audiobook
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: 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. 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.

Get ready for another adventure with the curse workers.  You never know what you're in for, but it's sure to be twisted, dark and more than a little terrifying.  I absolutely love the mob connections in this novels.  The mob is fascinating enough, but then add in the element of the curse workers who can control emotion, kill another, and transform others just by the touch of their hand.  What a crazy adventure! 

I'm a pretty down to earth person, but I was walking to my car after work and listening to this book on my ipod when I noticed all the people around me were wearing gloves.  I started to freak out a little since I was so enraptured in the story that it took me a minute to realize they were not curse workers...it's just winter in Wisconsin.  As my story shows Holly Black knows how to grip her audience and command their attention.  She created this world that enraptures you and takes you away for the reality of your everyday life.

In Red Glove Cassel has to solve who murdered his older brother.  I'm not really sure what I think about Cassel's family (the ones who are dead and alive).  I'm sure in their own twisted way they are trying to look out for each other, but they always seem to scheme and manipulate each other.  I'm sure glad they are not my family.  Cassel seems to be trying to be a better person/friend in this novel.  I love how his whole life doesn't revolve around curse work or the cons.  I have hope for him yet.

I wanted more from Lila in this novel though.  I understand she was cursed by an emotion worker, but she just felt really frail to me.  I like my heroines strong in mind and body.  She made some bad decision throughout the book and I feel like she didn't have to face any consequences for them.  By the end of the novel I had some more respect for her, and hopefully in the next novel she'll be more fierce and feisty.