Girl of Nightmares (Anna #2) by Kendare Blake

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): It’s been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can’t move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they’re right, but in Cas’s eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he’s seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he’s asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong... these aren’t just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn’t know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn’t deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it’s time for him to return the favor.

Book Review:
Ms. Blake had me at within the first few pages of Anna Dressed in Blood. Girl of Nightmares continues on my love of Blake's writing, which has subtle undertones of Stephen King. I find this to be fabulous. I must say, it takes an exceptional author to bring a ghost story to life, and Blake is right on target. I found myself several times turning on lights or the TV for comfort. It takes a lot to spook me, so well done Ms. Blake. The characters are phenomenal. I love Cas. He has color and originality. I crave to know more about him. I also enjoy the supporting characters Thomas and Carmel. The trio of friends really enhance the story. The London setting was spectacular. Dark and mysterious, with an air of adventure. There is soooo much I want to squee about this book, but I don't want to ruin it for potential readers. Overall, if you are looking for a good, spooky read look no further! This truly doesn't read like a YA book, just a good horror story. Sadly, it looks like this is the end of the series as posted on Blake's facebook page. Sad, but true. Looks like she is starting a new series Antigoddess. While I look forward to this new series, I'll admit that there is still part of me that hopes she continues on the Anna series!

Favorite Quote:
“Everyone seems to know more than I do, and being on the shallow end of the information pool is starting to piss me off.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Ok, so my cover isn't all read like the one pictured above. It has some gray mixed it, but it's pretty much the same...and it's gorgeous! :) I love the continuation of the "Anna" theme! 

Rating:

Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake

Book Summer (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Review:
So, I have this TBR pile...like a mile long. I had promised myself that I wasn't going to buy any more books until said stack was somewhat more depleted. Epic fail. I started reading reviews on Anna Dressed In Blood, and I just couldn't wait to get my hot little hands on it. Best. Decision. Ever. I was entranced into Cass's world within a matter of pages. Cass, the main character, immediately felt like an old friend versus a new character, to whose world I had to warm myself up to. I loved his wit and neurotic sense of self. I loved his spunky attitude and somewhat warped outlook on life. He is one to overcome tough obstacles in life, brush himself off, and look forward to the next adventure instead of dwelling on his misfortunes. Love it! I loved the dark setting of the Canadian town, and the tie he forms to Anna. Anna's story is well worth the wait, and disturbingly engrossing. The supporting characters were just as quirky and fun. Simply said, there isn't anything about this book I didn't love. The author, Kendare Blake, has a distinctive voice that shines through every page of this story. Her blog is deliciously witty and can be found here. Be sure to also check out her website here. Ms. Blake, you have won me over. I can't wait to see what happens in the follow up, Girl of Nightmares.

Favorite Quote:

"Getting everything into the cars took forever...I keep thinking of nomadic native tribes, and how they could pack up an entire civilization in an hour to follow some buffalo. When did human beings start acquiring so much crap?" p. 291

Cover Art Commentary:
I actually was drawn to the cover before I knew a thing about this book. I was at the bookstore and remember seeing it, and thinking, wow...that looks rather interesting. Later that week, a bunch of rave reviews popped up, and I knew it would be the next book I read.

Rating: