Book Review: Black Heart by Holly Black

Black Heart
Curse Workers #3
Author: Holly Black
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Released: April 3rd 2012
Review Source: Simon & Schuster
Available: Amazon
Reviews: White Cat / Red Glove

Summary: (from goodreads) Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

I really enjoyed this book, and the series! I must admit that I haven't read the second one (yet), but plan to go back and listen to the audio book (I just got it from the library). I read White Cat a while ago and found it hard to get into at first, but started to really enjoy it and the characters. This book gave me renewed interest in this series and I will re-read them again to get the full picture (including the second one this time).

Love the cover of this book! Black background with purple swirls that make the shape two faces (sort of reminds me of the comedy and tragedy theatre masks) and white and black text. Very simple, yet bold and fun.

The main character, Cassel Sharpe, has such a great personality and I love his lines (both external and internal dialogue). His interactions with his friends and all of the other characters are so fun to read. He is in love with Lila, and always has been. I loved their interactions in this book, the good ones and the not-so-good ones. His relationship with his family is hilarious to read about-they are all so out there, especially his brother. I also love his friendships with Sam and Danica-it was great to read about how much his friends meant to him.

There were a few times in the book that I wondered exactly where the story was headed. One was a sub-plot that didn't actually have an ending-or not one that I could figure out anyway. Some of the characters didn't get the happy ending they might have hoped for.

And since you know that I enjoy books that leave me with a happy heart kind of feeling, you should know that I was not disappointed with the ending of this book. Cassel got an ending that was perfect for him, and I think after all he has been through, he deserves it!