by Kendare Blake
genre: Paranormal, Horror, Ghosts
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 dives right into the action and rarely slows down. The fight scenes are exciting, and Kendare Blake doesn't hold back on the gory details - not over-the-top but just enough to give you a terrific visual.
Male protagonists are always a nice change of pace and Cas is a great guy. Hardworking ghost hunter, loving son, and loyal friend. A bit tortured because of his dad's brutal death. Cas' mom is a witch that helps with his work and tries to not be overly protective, but it's tough line to walk. How delightfully refreshing to see a healthy, loving, and authentic parent/child rapport.
My biggest surprise was that I adored Anna. Yes, she's a nasty killer but she's a...complicated ghost. I couldn't wait to uncover the mystery surrounding her death - shocking and horrible stuff, by the way - and it was brilliant how she became a sympathetic and beloved character despite her homicidal tendencies. She's somehow both villain and savior.
The plot hums along, tension mounts and mysteries unfold with plenty of twists and surprising turns. It's horror with a bit of love story, intriguing characters, and nasty bad guys coming out of nowhere to wreak havoc.
There's enough language and violence to suggest that it might be best for older teens. Despite the graphic nature, I wasn't overly creeped out - or grossed out, for that matter - but I was definitely entertained. We'll call it horror-light. Fans of the TV show, Supernatural, will love this excellent ghost story!
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21 comments:
Thanks for the giveaway!
I also loved this book and was able to read an ARC so I passed on my copy to a fellow blogger... would LOVE to have a copy of my own. Great review and thanks for the giveaway!!!
Steph S.
This sounds really good! Thanks for the giveaway! ^_^
ha! She's nasty but nice?! Yeah, I think I'd really like her too. And I've been hearing nothing but great things about Cas. I'm half in love with him already! :)
I loved the first few seasons of Supernatural (though I've fallen behind as of late), and I love changing things up with a male protagonist, so I think this is one that I should definitely check out. Thanks for the giveaway!
I adored Anna too Alyssa! I was surprised I could feel anything for her given how brutal she is when we first meet her, but I just couldn't help but fall in love with her a little bit more each page:) Such a good story!
Great giveaway
I so badly want to read this book. And Supernatural.. swoon. lol Great review, Alyssa!
The more I have read about this book the more I have wanted it! I don't even really read YA but this one sees like it would be good :)
Great review! I can't wait to read this book--it sounds so good! And thanks for the giveaway chance! :)
-Angel
http://909reviews.blogspot.com
Horror-lite! Perfect for me. I have this one the review pile and I'm getting to it quickly. Looks like I will enjoy! :)
Great review! I'm hoping to read this book too. I thought it was too creepy, but a lot of reviews says it's not that spooky after all... And I like your term Horror-lite! =) Great for the halloween too!
Thank you for your visit at my TT post. =) I'm hopping through =)
April (Books4Juliet)
Oh my gosh, thanks so much for this AMAZING giveaway, Alyssa! I'm so excited to read Anna Dressed in Blood because I've heard so many awesome things about it, and you rock for giving away a copy! :)
Awesome review!
You liked her eventhough she is a nasty ghost..cool, I do like when that happens
I'm not a horror fan at all but I'll take horror-light. The violence in this one doesn't seem that bad and I like that you end up falling in love with Anna even though she's murderous.
I love that you're calling it "horror-light" since I'm not big on horror but really want to read Anna Dressed in Blood.
I've been hearing so many good things about this book. I really need to pick it up.
Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the graphics on your site! I couldn't find a GFC box to follow you, but I am following you on Twitter. Thanks for the chance to win, I want this book so badly!
Wait, scratch what I said about the GFC box, it just took awhile to load. I am now following you!
I am dying to read this one!
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