4/5 StarsWhite Cat by Holly Black
Publisher: McElderry Books
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Review:
This is my first Holly Black novel, after hearing such good things about both the Curse Workers series and her Tithe series I think my expectations were a bit too high. That is not to say I didn’t thoroughly enjoy White Cat it just wasn’t what I expected.
White Cat follows Cassel who
is the only non-worker in a family of Curse Workers. Curse work is basically a
kind of magic and each person can wield a certain type whether it be luck,
emotions, or even death. While his brothers are out hustling and working for a
crime boss Cassel attends a Boarding school
where he has his own little gambling operation. That is until he has a strange
nightmare and starts noticing that his brothers aren’t telling him the entire
truth.
I loved the entire idea of Curse Work and the alternate
reality that Black creates. It was very realistic and similar to what happened
during prohibition in the 1920’s. Curse work may be illegal but people still
seek out Curse Workers for good luck in marriages and are willing to deal in
organized crime. I loved how completely shady Cassel ’s
family is. They were all kinds of dysfunctional and total liars but I still liked
every one of them. I would have to say that after Cassel
(who is a terrific lead) his two brothers were my favorite characters. I don’t
think we are meant to care for them but I found myself liking them because they
are quintessential mob members doing what the boss says, lying, cheating, and
killing. The brothers really added some realism to the story.
The one downside I had with this book is that there is no
real love interest. I’m not saying that I don’t like books without romance but,
for me, it is like that little added bonus that really makes me love a book. Overall,
White Cat was an excellent read I originally rated this 3 stars but upon
further reflection and months after reading this book still thinking about it
decided to give it 4 stars. I’m hoping the sequel, Red Glove, is even better
then White Cat!
I loved this series. It was such a refreshing read in the YA world really good. I like the mob aspect of it and love the main character Cassel. Great review.
ReplyDeleteAw, no romance? That blows. >.< But I am still curious about this series so I'll still try it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review ^.^