Pretty Dead
Francesca Lia Block
Release Date: September 22, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 208

Rating: 3.5 stars

The object of envy and desire, Charlotte Emerson seems to have the perfect life…but she’s been dead for almost a century. When a new romance converges with the return of her first love, Charlotte becomes the subject of a dark bargain that might give her the only thing she’s ever coveted—the chance to be human again.

Critically acclaimed writer Francesca Lia Block gives the undead a second chance at life in Pretty Dead. This provocative, riveting, and wonderfully accessible new novel will reach a new generation of readers who have yet to discover Francesca Lia Block.

When you first pick up Pretty Dead, and read the description on the back of the book, it sounds totally enticing. When you start reading it, it is so much more. This is a must read for those who love the undead. Pretty Dead was a unique twist on the lives of vampires. The first half of the book I found to drag at times, but the second half picked up pace, and took you along for a ride!

Right in the description of description of the book you hear how Charlotte may get a second chance at life, I was curious how Francesca Lia Block was planning on doing that. I definately did not expect how she ended up pulling it off – what a shocker!

Charlotte had such a river of emotions – she felt anger towards her maker, her love towards Emily and Jared, grief towards the loss of those she loves. Charlotte writes her history to share with someone, and I loved that. You got so much incite into her past life, and how she is now. It was my favorite part of the book. Charlotte was such a great character, but I wish readers got to know Jared and William a bit better. You hear from them, but I felt you never really get to know them. Jared, for example, is a major character, but you don’t learn much about him except for what’s happening right now in his life.

I haven’t read anything else by Francesca Lia Block, but after reading Pretty Dead I know what I’ll be checking out next.