My Rating: 4.5 hearts
Thoughts
on the Novel: One of the reasons I didn’t read Kendare Blake’s Anna Dressed
in Blood until now is because I’m a scaredy-cat and generally avoid horror
movies and novels. I finally decided to muster up the courage to read it though
… and want to kick myself for not having read it sooner!
Blake’s descriptive writing makes it so
easy to imagine the ghosts that Cas kills. I was especially delighted by the
way that the reader meets Anna and the terrifyingly gruesome way that Cas’
father and certain other individuals are killed. I was equally horrified and disgusted,
and then had to quickly look around to make sure that there was no vengeful
ghost coming after me.
I haven’t read too many novels with
male narrators, but Cas came off like a teenage guy to me. I also enjoyed his
interactions with Thomas and Carmel.
Despite doing his best to isolate himself, I liked how their friendship sort of
snuck up on Cas.
I think my only complaint about Anna Dressed in Blood is the
romance. Although I understood Cas’ fascination with and pity for Anna, I
found the idea of him falling for a ghost a bit forced.
Anna Dressed in Blood was released in September
2011 by Tor Teen.
Comments
About the Cover: I love it! It’s bleak and haunting, and absolutely perfect
for the story!
*Sidenote: I love that the setting for Anna Dressed in Blood is Thunder Bay. Can more
authors set stories in Canada,
please?
I loved this book, too! :) I really have to re-read it some time.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you loved this, Z! I liked this one though there were some parts that I found way too unrealistic and contrived. I also love the part where Cas and Anna met for the first time! It creeped the hell out of me.
ReplyDeleteYay! So glad you made time to read this one, Z. I'm not a horror fan at all but I devoured this one. I loved Cas and his gang. Anna terrified me but loved her. Be sure to read book 2 too. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, I tend to stray away from male narrators because they usually are written kind of sexually for some reason but Cas was great. I really enjoyed this one too!
ReplyDeleteYAY Z!!!! I loved this book so much! I thought I wouldn't because normally anything scary or gory is a fail for me since I'm a wuss, but I loved how Anna came across both horrifying and vulnerable. I'm so glad you were a fan of this one too, I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the next one:)
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this book for the past two years and just haven't gotten to it yet, so my goal for 2014 is to finally pick this one up. I've heard only good things about it and am thrilled you enjoyed it too. Lovely review! :)
ReplyDeleteHooooray! One of my favorite horror YA books, I'm so glad you finally read and enjoyed it. And yeah, that cover is to die for.
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden