July 22, 2011

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake



Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: August 30th 2011 
Tor Teen

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

Anna Dressed in Blood was another one of those books I wanted to read just based on the cover. I remember seeing it and thinking "this is going to be a good read." And I wasn't wrong. Kendare Blake wasted no time jumping right into the story. Chapter one you're immediately introduced to Cas Lowood and his lifestyle. He is a ghost hunter who sends whatever ghost he encounters away. Everything to him is just a mission and moving from state to state is just part of the job.

Cas Lowood was a very entertaining character. He made me laugh out loud so many different times. Cas and his mother are very close and mostly count on each other. There aren't really any secrets between them and she supports him in whatever decision he makes. He makes sure to include his mother in things and I really liked that about this book. Maybe that's just the mommy in me.

There were so many great things about this book, but I can only talk about so many. One of the things I LOVED was Kendare's way of writing. She did not hold back when it came to describing the ghost or a fight scene. It was very raw and very believable. I actually got goosebumps at a couple of scenes because it was a little scary. I can easily see Anna Dressed in Blood as a TV series or a movie.

Even though I really enjoyed this book, there were some moments that I did not like. It's not really anything big, but I felt everything in the book was believable and Kendare did an amazing job creating this world and her characters, but what bothered me was that Cas friends were very quick to believe him and just go along with everything he said. There really wasn't anything shocking to them, nor did they really question anything. That was my only issue. And I do think that Carmel should get her own book.

Anna Dressed in Blood was everything and more. It had lots of twist in it, some predicted and some you never saw coming. And there is a lot more to Anna than meets the eye. I am glad I got the chance to read an early copy of Anna and Dressed in Blood and I hope there will be a sequel to it. A definite must buy!


4 out of 5 Stars!



Book Trailer:








20 comments:

  1. Loved your review! I loved Anna.I thought her pov was amazing!

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  2. Interesting review. It sounds like you really enjoyed it overall dispite the fact that you had some little problems with the characters. I'm actually really looking forward to this one. ^-^ It sounds a lot like something I'd enjoy.

    Thanks for the review!

    http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/

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  3. Good review. Why do you feel Carmel should get her own book? If anything I feel Thomas and his grandfather should have one, due to their ability and history. I'm intrigued, do tell.

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  4. I have been dying to read this book! Nice review, I like a good scary book but from what you said it also makes you laugh out loud, nice plus! I want it!! haha

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  5. great review! Thanks for including the fact that it's kinda scary, I love that! Gotta pick this one up!

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  6. I want to read this so bad!!! Great review! :)

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  7. This book is on my TBR list. I like books that throw in a couple of twists. I agree with what you said about the cover!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

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  8. Thank you for sharing your view. I have wanted to read Anna Dressed in Blood for a very long time:) I appreciate your opinion.

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  9. I've been looking at this book for months. The hype has just been out of this world. Thanks for your review. I'll check this out sooner than later.

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  10. I also love this book! Cas and Anna, loved their characters and their developing romance =) Awesome book, even though it kinda of creeped me out in places!

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  11. I bought this book right when it came out and still haven't read it. It keeps getting put off for one reason or another, but I am definitely going to get to it soon. Thanks for the great review.

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  12. Such a great review.I wanted to read it because of the cover too and then I found out there was a witch in it. Definitely a great read.

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  13. Love your review. This is one my favorite books.

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  14. The cover is amazing! Fantastic review. I've had this book in my wish-lists. I'm hoping I can pick it up soon. DeAnna Schultz

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  15. Thank you for sharing your view. I have this book on my desk and want to read it, but for some reason have difficulty picking it up. I will have to buckle down now and do it.

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  16. They name Carmel makes me want to eat some chocolates. I loved this book. It didn't bother me about his friends believing him. Especially since one of them is essentially one of the people that sent for him.

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  17. This book is so good *dances*. :D Glad you enjoyed it too.

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  18. I really liked this one too! It was really unique. Great review :)

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  19. Great review this book looks and sounds amazing! I heard great reviews about this awesome book thanks for sharing!

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  20. Have heard such great things about this book. Really want to read it. Just have no time! ACK!

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