The Curse Workers series by Holly Black

Holly Black’s Curse Worker series is too cool for school. Seriously, I felt like such a bad @$$ just reading about this dark fantasy world full of wicked cool super powers and mob bosses. “White Cat” and “Red Glove” by Holly Black are a refreshingly new twist on fantasy. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about mixing two things I love (murder mysteries and fantasy), but I really liked these books. The pacing is fast and furious, in a good way. You can’t put them down. They’re dark without being overly graphic or sexual. Seriously, even if you aren’t a big murder mystery fan (I usually prefer mine on TV), you’re gonna love this series. Holly Black’s writing takes no prisoners. Just trust me on this one.

Let’s talk about the story. I’ll try not to give too much away here to those who haven’t read “White Cat” yet. In the world of Holly Black’s Curse Worker series, some people are born with magical enhanced abilities. These people are called curse workers and throughout the years, due to people abusing their powers, curse working has become illegal so many have turned to the mob or work as con artists. Our hero, Cassel, is a lovable bad boy who wants nothing more than a normal life. Unfortunately, Cassel is from a family full of magical enhanced criminals. His mom is an emotional worker, meaning with just a skin to skin touch, she can influence a person’s feelings. His brothers are workers. Even his grandpa is a worker (a death worker!). Everyone, but him.. Despite being the normal kid in a messed up family, Cassel is haunted. He killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago and has been desperately trying to live behind lie after lie to be just another normal guy ever since. His world begins to crumble though when he starts sleep walking and he starts noticing his brothers acting strangely. Is he part of some larger con and doesn’t even know about it? And why is he being haunted by a White Cat in his dreams? Well, you’ll just have to read and find out.

Holly Black takes film noir and mixes in magic. It’s sexy, dark, and dangerous. If you like crime stories or are just looking for a fantasy that’s a little different, you should definitely check out the Curse Workers series.

I received an ARC of “Red Glove” from the publisher Simon & Schuster for review. The first book in the series, “White Cat” is already available. “Red Glove” will be released on April 5th. Ms. Black will be touring with Cassandra Clare to promote the book. You can find more information over at Ms. Black’s blog. I’ll be at the Mission Viejo event!