When White Cat was first released, I didn't jump at the first chance to read it. It wasn't until Red Glove was soon coming out that I finally began reading the novels... and realized I'd made a huge mistake by not getting to them sooner! I've fallen completely in love with the Curse Workers series and if you're still hesitant to read them, I can only hope you take my advice and give them a try! I don't think I could choose a particular favourite novel within the series because each of the books have just been so equally well-written and engaging, but I'm quite sure I finished reading Black Heart the fastest. With the Feds trying to get Cassel to join their side and Lila now a member of her father's crime syndicate, Cassel is caught between two opposing worlds. The stakes are higher than ever before for Cassel as he tries to do the right thing, even though he's not all too sure what "right" really is anymore. I was anxious when I reached the final pages of Black Heart, partly because I didn't want to the book to ever end, and also since I still had no idea to expect! Just like the previous novels in the series, Black Heart kept me on my toes the entire time I was reading. Holly Black knows exactly how to keep readers enough in the dark that the suspense never fades away, throwing in twists and turns that keep your mind sharp as you try to figure out what's going to happen next. And once again, I was amazed by how all the little details fall into place to help solve Cassel's problems. You definitely won't be able to easily find another series like the Curse Workers one. Holly Black's clever writing style shines through her characters and gives the entire trilogy a completely original feel. While the ending of the book leaves the doors open for a possible return to the dark world of curse workers in the future, there's no denying that Black Heart is an absolutely fantastic finish to the trilogy. You can also read this review at: http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.ca/2012/04/black-heart-by-holly-black.html

The Good Stuff Fabulous ending to the trilogy (at least I think its a trilogy) as it leaves things open if she wants to write more, but will satisfy you if she doesn't Cassel is a very intriguing and likeable character and actually very life like Fantastic secondary characters - though would have liked more of Cassel's grandfather and Sam Very fast paced and plenty of twists and turns that keep you wondering who is conning who Actually my favorite of the series Wonderful humour and snappy dialogue Black is a excellent storyteller who has created an unusual world with a bit of an X men vibe thrown in Interesting observations on human nature, prejudice, forgiveness, nature of evil, right and wrong, etc Male protagonist that is written by a women but not so over the top emo like most YA males, -- really liked Cassel and would be proud to have him as a son. sex is handled tastefully One thing that really impressed me is that she has worked some character development into Cassel's family. In the first book they were pretty much a caricature - now they have been fleshed out and you can understand them a lot better Can we please have a book about the grandpa -- I love him -- oooh how about a prequel The Not So Good Stuff the cover on my arc is blah -- hopefully the cover on the final product is nicer A wee bit confusing at times as she jumps around a little Favorite Quotes/Passages " Barron's a sociopath. They're very convincing. Especially if you're one of those girls who thinks she can fix a boy." "Over the last few months I got every last thing I ever wanted - and then I threw it all away. Everything I thought I could never have was offered up on a silver platter- the girl, the power, a job at the right hand of, Zacharov, the most formidable man I know. It wouldn't have been that hard to work for him. It probably would have been fun. And if I didn't care who I hurt, it would still be all mine." "That's family for you. Can't live with them; can't murder them. Unless Barron rats me out to Yulikova. Then I really might." Who Should/Shouldn't Read If you haven't read the rest of the series I wouldn't recommend you read this without reading them Adults and YA will both enjoy (although most of the adults are dbags) 4.25 Dewey's I received from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review

*Copy provided by publisher pre-onsale date for review* In White Cat, the first novel in the Curse Workers trilogy, readers were introduced to Cassel Sharpe, a teen with a shady past and an equally shady magical family. Holly Black brought about a new world, one where curse workers exist; people who possess magical abilities and sometimes wind up using their gifts to con and kill people. Deep in Cassel's heart he believes that years ago he killed his best friend Lila, but when he begins to have strange dreams about a white cat and begins to sleep walk, he quickly discovers that his family has been hiding something from him and he's set on finding out what that might be. In Red Glove, Cassel Sharpe has finally discovered the truth behind his dreams and loss of memory. As it turns out, his brothers have been manipulating his memories, using him to do their dirty work and making him forget. The truth - Cassel Sharpe is a curse worker. Better yet, he's among the most powerful of them all. A simple touch of his hand can transform anything or anyone into something living or dead. With Lila back at his side, Cassel finds himself in a difficult situation. As it turns out, Cassel's mother has worked Lila into loving him. With the Feds trying to recruit him and the mob after him, Cassel begins to find it hard to trust anyone, even himself. In Black Heart, the final installment in the Curse Worker trilogy, Cassel begins to find himself at a dead end. Will working with the Feds be his biggest downfall? Words cannot describe how excited I was for the latest and final installment in Holly Black's incredibly exhilarating Curse Workers trilogy. Over the years I've grown to love Cassel Sharpe. With his wickedly sharp tongue, his intellect and charm, I always found myself rooting for him right to the end. Undoubtedly, Cassel has visibly grown since the first installment in the series, White Cat. In Black Heart Cassel finally has an overwhelming confidence in his abilities without the cockiness - I loved it! There's nothing better than a male protagonist who knows he can brave through even the toughest of situations. With that said, it isn't to say that I wasn't nervous, or rather afraid, that Black Heart would disappoint me. With the recent unveiling of the new look for the series, I was quite uneasy. Personally, I first picked up the series because of their incredibly eye catching and fitting covers that matched the mood of the Curse Workers trilogy so well. I loved the thought of having a cover with Cassel and Lila on it sitting up on my shelf, and with the recent release of the new look I was heart broken. Though, as it's been said before, never judge a book by it's cover because you just may miss out on an incredible read. Black Heart WAS incredible...and then some! With my worries set aside, the final installment of the Curse Workers trilogy did not disappoint. Holly Black, as always, was completely unpredictable, dark, and inspiring. She left no loop holes or dead ends in sight, and with that I found myself being exceptionally satisfied with the official end to the Curse Worker world. Calling all readers: If you love romance, suspense, fantasy, and magic, the Curse Workers trilogy by Holly Black is an absolute must read!