Apryl Baker

[b:The Ghost Files #1|18296529|The Ghost Files (The Ghost Files, #1)|Apryl Baker|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375759354s/18296529.jpg|25779686] by [a: Apryl Baker|5173683|Apryl Baker|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1438217600p2/5173683.jpg] is a violently good read. For any person empathetic to, or having lived the life of an orphan or foster child this story tells stranger-than-fiction truths.

The main protagonist Mattie Hathaway, like many foster kids who have made it past age eight is show more tough as leather and mature beyond her years. Having once crossed over from life to death, she has gifts she prefers to ignore until a sister in their present foster homes shows up dead in the mirror.

I never read books twice, but because this hit so close to home, that during the first read I never breathed. Last night I started reading "The Ghost Files" again, and must applaud [a: Apryl Baker|5173683|Apryl Baker|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1438217600p2/5173683.jpg] for her amazing writing and storytelling ability. I cannot wait for the next Ghost Files story to come out.

The one thing I would suggest is to re-think the name. I don't think it does this tale justice. Thank you. show less

I'm always a little hesitant with witch stories. They're kind of like faeries for me, just not quite intriguing enough. The Promise, however, definitely managed to grip me. Baker has an interesting writing style that feels very natural and her characters really pop. She gives each of them very distinct voices.

Cassie, of CJ as she's also called, is spunky and not the sit back and wait kind of heroine. She is determined to figure out what is going on in the town and how her sister's death is show more related to it. She does make some silly decisions, but they come across as understandable because she's acting like the teenager she is. The romance with Ethan is spicy and there are some steamy scenes with the two, which only help show how Cassie is completely in over her head with the romance and the effects it has on her reasoning skills.

The mystery at the heart of The Promise is slow to build, and Baker does an amazing job of revealing clues along the way at a nice pace. It kept me wondering every page, thinking something is too obvious and then not at all, so much so that when I finally got to the end I was still surprised by who is doing what and why. show less

I actually really liked the spooky elements to this book. The author isn't afraid to go for some graphic and spooky imagery to transport her readers into a world of murder and fear. The whole mystery factor in that spookiness was done very well in addition to the ghosts. I was kept guessing for most of the novel and the final culprit left my jaw on the floor, definitely unexpected. The mythology of the novel, the background of how the ghosts operated and such, were especially intriguing to show more me. I loved seeing what their limits were or how they could affect the real world around them. They've definitely intrigued me enough to want to read the second novel now.

The main character was enjoyable to a point. I enjoyed her unique voice and specifics on her gifts. She also seems like a very strong girl who has experience the darker side of human life so much that she's probably ready for anything else it throws at her. Yet, there were times where I felt the author might have been trying to stress that strength and the damaged interior a bit too much. Mattie, at times, comes across as a stereotypical foster kid with the brash protective exterior and the damaged interior that we so many times in media.

For the most part, this book was very enjoyable. I loved the ghost-y stuff, the well-told mystery, and the main character with all her strengths and vulnerabilities. And while she sometimes came across as very stereotypical, that in no way made me hate the novel. I just rolled my eyes and moved on for the rest of the good stuff. At the end of the day, this book was good enough that I'm intrigued by the second and third novel and will more than likely keep reading. So good job, Ms. Apryl, and I look forward to exploring more of Mattie's world! show less

This was my introduction to the series, but I plan on reading the earlier books now. I was intrigued from the first page and was quickly drawn deeper into the story. I will be the first to admit I love a good ghost story - and this one was excellent (even if the problem isn't with ghosts, but something much more dangerous). You'll be completely enthralled, holding your breath to see if Emma will not only survive but defeat the evil wandering the halls of the old church.