Title: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)
Author: Holly Black
Release date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 296
Source: ALA

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.

Holly Black has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time.  Black Heart in no way disappointed me and Holly Black ended this trilogy on the perfect note.  Although I can’t help but hope there might be more books about Cassel and the Curse Workers.

Cassel is a very lost guy.  He does not know what he should do with his life and it’s getting to be that time.  He is strong but vulnerable. His emotions are pretty close to the surface and it’s hard for him to hide them.  He is such an easy guy to relate to.  Readers will love him even more in this final installment.

Sam, Daneca, Barron, and Lila all play pretty important roles in Black Heart. Sam is Cassel’s wingman.  He knows pretty much all his secrets and he is always there for him.  Daneca is a bit mysterious but she is still a good friend to Cassel.  Barron is a bit of a douche but he can’t really help himself.  He is better than he has been in the previous book though.  Lila is a big mystery most of the book.  She has two very different sides and they both come out in this book confusing both Cassel and the reader.  However it’s impossible not to love her because she is one kick ass female!

The plot takes off from the very first page and never once slows down.  There are multiple stories interwoven together in Black Heart but they never once get confusing.  Each story is so distinct but they all seem to tie together.  Holly Black has an amazing skill at keeping readers entertained from beginning to end.

As far as I know Black Heart is the final book in the Curse Workers series.  If it is, don’t worry, all the questions are answered.  Any new mysteries that are introduced in Black Heart are also tied up but Holly Black left enough of an opening that she could write more books about Cassel and the Curse Workers.

Overall, Black Heart is a stunning book from Holly Black.  The Curse Workers trilogy is a favorite of mine and I highly recommend it.  Also, this trilogy is probably is one of the best trilogies I would recommend for guy readers.

Looking for more reviews of Black Heart?
Inked Books’ Review
YA Litwit’s Review

Series:
White Cat (Curse Workers #1)
Red Glove (Curse Workers #2)
Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)