Book Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake ( Anna #1 )

 Title: Anna Dressed In Blood
Author: Kendare Blake
Series: Anna #1
Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: August 30th 2011
Format: Hardback
Pages: 316
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Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Summary from Goodreads:

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 
So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder 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: move, 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, but now stained red and dripping 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.
And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.


Thoughts:
Anna Dressed in Blood is definitely not a book you should prop open at night and decide to read. Seriously, trust me on this one. You do not want to read it at night, if you do try, you'll understand what I mean. I was first told to read this book by my awesome librarian but seeing my huge tbr pile, I put it off. Now, I wish I'd dug into that pile and pulled the book free ages ago. This book not only managed to capture my interest, it also freaked me out a bit, I'll admit it. I think it was the fact that I started it late at night and that the room was dark. Of course, the detailed writing didn't help at that time but now, looking back, I loved how the writing made things, scenes, and characters come to life. A bit too realistic, honestly. If you're still not sure whether to get it, please do. You'll be missing out on a great book if you don't. Or at least borrow it from someone. \(.__.)/
Characters:
The characters were so realistic, seriously. They were also hilarious! Yes, horror book, I know but the author managed to fit some in and make some scenes a bit lighter than others. I really enjoyed how the point of view you read from is a male's. It would've been interesting to read in Anna's point of view though. Anna was a great and creepily awesome character. She amused me at times and at others left me shocked. I really liked the main character's best friends. Their humor is an amusing touch to the plot and at times, you really need it. Seriously. The characters added along the book all had a role and I enjoyed that, not having to deal with non important characters.
Romance:
The romance. Mmhm, this is a tricky one for me. While reading it, yeah I enjoyed it but as I look back, it gets me thinking. I think the romance isn't really "romance" more like a tad of a challenge and or obsession from the main character's point of view. Because when you look back at the story, he never even met her before he was pointed her way and he read about her, becoming fascinated in her story and death. I just wish there had been more depth and true feelings to their relationship but hey, maybe the next book will clear that up? Who knows.
Ending:
The ending was something I did not expect, really. I was a tad scared but I couldn't tear my eyes away until the last word. The description really captured my attention and got my imagination running. I honestly looked around a few times around my dark room to make sure no ghosts were sneaking up on me. ._. I really can't wait to start the next book which of course, I've already purchased because.. well, the ending.. I have to know what happens.
First Sentence:

"The grease-filled hair is a dead giveaway-- no pun intended."