Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: April 3, 2012

Pages: 296

Source: For Review from Simon & Schuster Canada (Thank you!)

Rating: 5 Stars

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.

 
In short: Holly Black raises the stakes in Black Heart, the thrilling conclusion to the brilliant and ingenious Curse Workers Trilogy.

I was so excited to return to the dark world of curse workers and con men in Black Heart, the third and final book in the Curse Workers Trilogy. White Cat and Red Glove, the previous two books in the trilogy by Holly Black, were fast-paced and terribly clever, with brilliant characters and effortless writing. I was anxious to find out what would happen to our favourite characters in Black Heart and if Holly Black could best herself to come up with the perfect conclusion to an awesome series. I am happy to say I believe she does!

I am beyond impressed by the skill and proficiency with which Holly Black writes. Black Heart has three main, separate story lines and problems that Cassel finds himself having to deal with all at once. I am amazed that at such a small number of pages - less than 300! - Black Heart never feels cluttered or rushed. Instead, the multiple plot lines makes Black Heart not only the most intense of the three books in the series, but also makes it near impossible to put down.

Cassel is officially one of my most favourite male protagonists of all time. He is the suave and arrogant bad boy on the surface, hiding his true demeanor as a compassionate and often insecure teenager. He faces more pressure and trouble than ever in Black Heart as he is seemingly pulled in multiple different directions with no ideal outcome. And just when you're wondering how is he ever going to get himself out of all these predicaments, Cassel finds a way to cleverly avoid trouble and selflessly give support to those in need.

Black Heart is the prefect conclusion to an ingenious and original fantasy trilogy. The ending is left a bit open, but all major story lines are wrapped up nicely. I am a new and vocal fan of Holly Black's after reading this series and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

Previously, my review for White Cat and Red Glove.

Other Reviews:
Burning Impossibly Bright
The Bursting Bookshelf
Reading Teen

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