Anna Dressed in Blood

Justification

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake is a novel in the horror genre. This book was reviewed by Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. It also appeared as a starred book on the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Kirkus Reviews, Library Media Connection as well as School Library Journal.

Response

Anna Dressed in Blood bore a strong resemblance to one of my favorite TV shows, Supernatural, so naturally, I loved it. (a) One of the interesting points about this book is that the main character must move towns every few months to a year, depending on the ghosts he is able to hunt. Because of his frequent moves, Cas, the main character, never had any close friends. I too struggled to find where I fit in high school. Friends from church were my close friends but we never fit in as easily as everyone else, or so it seemed.

(b)This book challenged some of my views of the world I live in, but knowing it is a fictional story, makes it just an entertaining novel. However, I do believe in an afterlife and ghosts, just not the way this story explains it. I am aware there are some who practice witchcraft and Voodoo. If I were to see these in my waking world, it would intimidate me far more than they would in a book.

(f) Anna Dressed in Blood was an entertaining read. I enjoyed this book, the characters, and the challenges they faced. I particularly found the romance in the book took a unique path that I quite enjoyed. Kendare Blake does a great job depicting the situations in which the characters find themselves in.

Conclusion

Based on what I read in Anna Dressed in Blood, I would continue reading something similar in the future. In fact, there is a sequel to this book that I plan on reading soon. I would recommend this text to high schoolers or young adults wanting to stick their toes into the “pool” of the horror genre. The book was well written and an easy read.

Citation

Blake, K. (2011). Anna Dressed in Blood. Tor Teen.