Currently Reading: "Girl of Nightmares" by Kendare Blake

[book:Girl of Nightmares|12507214]

After I had read the first 'Anna' book, 'Anna Dressed in Blood', I was excited and at the same time, a bit scared of the follow up, 'Girl of Nightmares', because the standard set in Anna, 1, was so high.

How could it possibly match it?

The first book smashed you over the head from page 1, and kept bludgeoning you throughout.

The second book, so far, revolves around Cas's near infatuated state regarding Anna. This 'love story' was never going to be the conventional 'boy meets girl and falls in love' story, and I remember, as a teenage boy, what it was like to be crazy in love (not real, but it felt real enough) with a girl (or girls) who did not reciprocate.

So far, it's not for certain that Anna wants to show affection for Cas, even if she wants to.

After all, she has bigger problems, she is in Hell, whether she deserves to be or not, is another matter.

Some reviews I have seen (without spoilers) seem to wish that Cas should be ghost hunting more, rather than fawning over how to save Anna (assuming she can be saved).

I think this book is so far, a very solid follow up. It is not set at the blistering pace of the first book, which may disappoint some, but if you really like Cas and the other characters (I reserve judgement only on Morfran, so far!) you should pursue with the story. I'm basically at the half-way point in the story, and still enjoying it.

That says a lot more about Kendare Blake's writing style, which veers from easy to eat up to detailed so strongly, you are pulled right in. I am a huge fan of this author, and almost certainly going to read her Anti Goddess series and other stories.

So. This is not 'Anna Dressed in Blood'. It's different. And in my view, that is no bad thing. My only advice is to read the first book, first, then enjoy both. I'll be fascinated to see how it all works out.