The first book I picked off my list was the first one that came up as available at my library. Anna Dressed in Blood is by Kendare Blake. I liked this book! It is not as scary as the cover may lead you to believe. Honestly, I wouldn't say it is scary at all, and I'm someone who has to watch cartoons after horror movies so I don't have nightmares. I still watch them though.
Rating: 4/5
Overview:
The basic story follows Theseus Cassio Lowood (Cas) on his unusual job of killing ghosts. It's a family job he inherited from his father. The ghost he's tasked with in this book is that of a girl his own age, Anna, who has killed every person who has stepped into her house since her murder 60 years ago. However, when he ends up in her house before he plans to, she lets him live.
Throughout the story we learn about Anna's death and why she has stuck around. Every ghost has a reason for sticking around, even if they don't know it. We also learn that she is very unlike other ghosts Cas has fought. (Of course? We wouldn't have a story otherwise!) In addition to Anna's background, information about Cas' father and how he died is gradually fed to the reader, building a back story that comes forward toward the end of the book. Cas has to decide if he's going to kill a murderous ghost he's become very fond of or let her "live" to kill more people!
Thoughts:
At first, I didn't think I was going to like Cas. He was a little arrogant in my mind. I found myself thinking "cocky little prick" in the first few chapters. He grew on me though. I liked his supporting cast. I think I grew to like Thomas the most. I enjoyed that the "Queen Bee", Caramel, had a BIT more to her than most high-school prom queens.
The book isn't long. I was able to read it in one sitting and stay interested. It was an easy read. There were a few lulls, but what book doesn't have those? Death scenes weren't too graphic, so people with queasy stomachs are probably safe. Unless you're just a total lightweight.
As I mentioned before, this book is not scary. Not once was I half closing my eyes, barely able to read the words as I made myself press on like I would be with something truly scary. I won't need to put on the latest episode of My Little Ponies to get to sleep tonight. I'll still watch it, but I won't need it to sleep. I believe this book is the first in a series. Usually, I'm annoyed that every book has to be part of a series now. However, I find myself thinking that I may like to pick the next book up. That doesn't help me lower my Goodreads counter, now does it?
I guess I better get to reading!
Cho
