"The Curse Workers" is a series of urban fantasy novels written by Holly Black. The story is set in a world where magic exists, but it is illegal and dangerous. The main characters are individuals known as curse workers, who have the ability to manipulate emotions, memories, and even physical traits through touch. The series follows the life of Cassel Sharpe, a young man from a family of curse workers. As he navigates his complicated family dynamics and the criminal underworld, he grapples with his own abilities and the moral implications of using them. The books explore themes of power, identity, and the consequences of one's choices.