Working secretly for the Feds is complicating Cassel's life, since his romantic interest, Lila, the daughter of a mob boss, has joined the family business. Amidst family and romantic drama, the Feds ask Cassel to use his transformation skills on an out-of-control politician. But do they have his best interests at heart? A third cunning, fast-paced con-artist adventure. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The Curse Workers series (White Cat, 2010; Red Glove, 2011) continues with this third installment. In a world in which magic is illegal, Cassel's powerful ability to transform anything or anyone with a single touch is of interest to both the Feds and the Mob. Determining who the good and bad guys are is no easier this time around. His mother is being held captive and a valuable diamond is missing. In addition, Governor Patton is getting out of control, and Cassel is being called on to help. Is being an assassin for the Feds any better than serving the Mob? Lila and Cassel have not learned to trust each other, but the passion is irrefutable, and their relationship heats up to a sexual one (offstage and with mention of protection). Several other subplots add to the theme of power and corruption. While the story wraps up nicely, several threads are left hanging, and the series' many fans will be excited to learn that the fun isn't over with this volume. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With an aggressive marketing plan that ranges from in-theater video trailers to extensive online outreach and a dedicated website, this latest installment from best-selling author Black is sure to be on readers' radars long before publication.--Dobrez, Cindy Copyright 2010 Booklist

(Urban fantasy/thriller. 14 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this third installment of Black's popular series, 17-year-old Cassel Sharpe is a Curse Worker who can transform anyone and anything into another object-and in a world where magic is outlawed that makes him a wanted man. No matter how hard he tries to be normal, circumstances get in the way-even the object of his affection, Lila, is the daughter of the mob boss holding Cassel's mother hostage. And with the government out to harness his powers for evil, Cassel's life is about to get even more complicated. This audio edition benefits from the talents of narrator Jesse Eisenberg, whose youthful sounding voice and fast-paced delivery perfectly reflect the young protagonist whose self-confidence is developing in his very unstable world. Eisenberg-who narrated the two previous volumes in the series-delivers a strong performance that will captivate listeners and satisfy Curse Workers fans. Ages 12-up. A Gollancz paperback. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 9 Up-Cassel Sharpe's world is filled with intrigue. Things are rarely what they seem, but not because of magic. The teenager can transform any object, or person, into something else. Cassel wants to finish his senior year at Wallingford Prep while trying to find way to leave his con artist legacy behind. Unfortunately, he discovers that there's little difference between working for the Feds (with their "Licensed Minority Division," the only legal way for curse workers to use their powers) and working for Zacharov's mobsters. Cassel's love for Lila Zacharov seems doomed when he signs up with the government and Lila with her crime family. Both organizations want him to use his rare power of transformation to get rid of a powerful politician. Cassel comes up with a way to resolve his problems, stay true to himself, and benefit his family as well as all curse workers. Jesse Eisenberg convincingly voices Cassel's first person narrative in the final book (S&S/Margaret McElderry Bks., 2012) in Holly Black's trilogy. There's lots of violence, blood, angst, sexual tension, and political intrigue in Cassel's familiar but alternate society. All loose ends and subplots are tied up in the satisfying, effectively paced conclusion.-Maria Salvadore, formerly Washington DC Public Library (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.