"White Cat" is book one of three in "The Curse Workers" trilogy.
Cassel Sharpe is a 17-year-old private school student who comes from a family of "workers." Everyone has the ability to influence others simply by touching them. Because of this segment of the population, everybody in the book, even non-magical people, wear gloves.
The book starts out with Cassel precariously perched on top of a roof, which gets him temporarily suspended from school. This short-term freedom gives him time to have an adventure that will show him that he is more that a private school student.

Readers who enjoy urban fantasy, YA, and also for those who like adventures.

The ending brings all plot points to a satisfactory conclusion. Although set up as a trilogy, it is entirely possible to read only "White Cat" and not be left wondering "what now?"

I had a hard time getting into the story because it is written in first person and present tense. The two types of narration that I don't enjoy. After forcing my way through the first eight or ten pages, the plot and characters had me sufficiently roped in that I enjoyed the story for what it is.

When I started reading the book, I wasn't aware that it is part of a trilogy. It turns out that I own the second book, so I will read it. I will also look through my bookshelf for the third book or purchase it since I enjoyed the first one.

The premise of the book is pure fantasy. At the end, I felt that I had spent a good time with it and the main character's final thoughts on his adventure made me feel a little sorry for him.

Holly Black writes a lot of YA and urban fantasy, usually heavy on fairy lore. This time, she created something entirely different and new. It was good to see her make something original, or based in fairy lore that is so little known that it feels original.

It was a fun, easy read. Although part of a trilogy, the book holds up on its own.

This book loosely falls into the YA genre, but it has to be said that the fantasy and adventure parts of the book are much more prominent. While there is mention of teen relationships, desires, and crushes, those are not at the center of the book. They add to the overall realism of the characters who are of high school and young college age, but their romance is not the driving factor for the plot. Even readers who would normally shy away from YA for that reason, but enjoy urban fantasy should give this book a try.

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Created Jan 30, 2022 at 3:36pm • Submit your own review...