Title: Anna Dressed in Blood
Author: Kendare Blake
First published October 17, 2011
316 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765328670 (ISBN10: 0765328674)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Inheriting his father’s unusual profession, Cas Lowood has become a ghosthunter. Together with his mother, a kitchen-witch, and their cat, he travels across the country destroying vengeful spirits.
When they hear of Anna Dressed in Blood, a ghost known for brutally murdering anyone who enters her old Victorian house, Cas and his family head to the small town where she resides. But when Cas finally meets Anna, he realizes that she’s unlike any ghost he’s ever encountered.
Cursed and consumed by rage, Anna still wears the dress she died in, now stained red with blood. Despite her violent history, Anna spares Cas’s life, and he begins to uncover the dark secrets that led to her tragic end.
Will Cas be able to help Anna find peace, or will her rage continue to consume her forever?
About the Author
As an author, I’ve written a variety of books. The Anna Dressed in Blood series is horror, The Goddess War trilogy explores mythology, and Three Dark Crowns is fantasy.
I believe that everyone has their own taste in literature, so what works for one person might not work for another. Personally, I enjoy reading anything from fiction to philosophy, even if it’s not considered a “good” book.
I’m always working on new projects, like my upcoming book ALL THESE BODIES and a new fantasy series. I’m excited to share them with you, so don’t worry about missing out.
Aside from writing, I’m a big fan of animals, food, and nostalgia. Sometimes I long for the simplicity of the past, like when the milkman and paperboy used to deliver to your doorstep, and you could always count on a heart and hand to hold on to.
But I also believe in living adventurously and embracing the unknown.
I’d love to hear from my readers, so feel free to reach out to me on my website. We can chat about books, friends, personal growth, or even just reminisce about the theme songs from our favorite sitcoms.
Let’s connect and see where the conversation takes us.
Editoral Review
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake is a hauntingly beautiful novel that will send shivers down your spine. Blake is no stranger to the young adult genre, having authored other books such as Three Dark Crowns and The Goddess War series.
Published in 2011, Anna Dressed in Blood is an example of her mastery of the horror genre. The story takes place in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and follows the life of Cas Lowood, a ghost hunter who inherited his father’s job.
Cas moves from town to town, killing the dead who refuse to move on from the mortal realm. When he hears of a legend about a ghost named Anna Korlov – who was murdered on her way to a party in the 1950s and has since haunted the house she was headed to – he sets out to kill her.
But something strange happens when he arrives at the house. Instead of finding an evil spirit, he encounters a tormented girl, a victim of a terrible crime who is unable to control the rage that engulfs her.
Blake has created an eerie world with vivid descriptions of the ghosts that Cas encounters. She cleverly weaves in the backstory of the characters, adding layers of depth to the plot.
The characters are relatable, each with their own demons to battle. Cas struggles to come to terms with his father’s death, while his mother tries to shield him from the dangers of his job.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, each with their own unique backstory that adds to the overall richness of the novel. The pacing of the story is well-done, with enough suspense and action to keep readers invested in the story.
The dialogue is natural, and the writing is smooth, making it easy to get lost in the story. The themes of love, loss, and redemption are explored in a manner that feels authentic and raw.
The novel is a testament to the power of friendship, family, and forgiveness. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The ending feels rushed and could have been fleshed out more to give readers a more satisfying conclusion. Additionally, some readers may find the horror elements to be too graphic, but for those who enjoy the genre, the gore only adds to the chilling atmosphere.
Overall, Anna Dressed in Blood is a captivating and well-crafted novel. Blake’s writing style is both poetic and haunting, creating a story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
It’s a great pick for those looking for a spine-tingling read, and it’s an excellent entry point into the young adult horror genre. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
