Lake Cree

The Reaper Chronicles #4

by Apryl Baker

Come one, come all to the Lake Cree Amusement Park, where you won't find just games, rides, and a funhouse, but a park full of ghostly haunts!

Ella Grace loves Halloween. It's her favorite holiday. What other holiday celebrates scary rides, haunted houses, haunted hayrides, candy corn, and all other manor of frightful things?

Eli is not so in love with the holiday that celebrates all the things that can hurt you.

But he does love amusement parks.

So, when Jordan invites them all to attend the soft opening of the Lake Cree Amusement Park, he grudgingly gives in to Ella and they all head to the park where they will be locked in for the night.

Only the park is the home of an ancient force and an even deadlier presence, the very land itself bloodsoaked with a dark and violent history.

And all Supernaturals know that on All Hallows Eve, the veil between good and evil, the living and the dead, is at its weakest.

Can they survive long enough to find a way off the island, or will they be the next victims of Lake Cree?

Genres: Young Adult

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2023

About the author

So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky Fun!!

Wow!! I was not expecting all that. I figured we would encounter some crazy ghost since Halloween was approaching but.....not something that could actually kill EVERYONE. the story starts off innocently but when the sun goes down at the Haunted Amusement park...all HELL breaks loose literally. No Thank You!! But then, I am not one for haunted amusement parks. 😂😂😂😂. I like just reading about them apparently. 😜
Of course we see Ella get some more crazy injuries. This sister needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap from now on..haha. But Eli has the best moment of all. When his Shortcake is in the worst trouble she could possibly be in, he does something completely unexpected.....I loved it!!!
Of course the whole gang is there but it is most definitely Eli's time to shine! And that ending.....I cannot wait for the next installment!!!
(Side note....can we finally start seeing Eli pull his head out of his own A$$ and see Ella as his true one and only?!?!?!? Or should I say, that is what I want to happen😉)

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great installment from the Reaper Chronicles. I love that Eli was able to tell Ella more about himself in this book. I can't wait to read more about these characters in coming books. I really enjoy these series. I love Mattie/Emma Rose and I am beginning to love Ella as well. Ella is a very sweet character and I hope she stays this way because life has a way of hardening us sometimes. In this book, we follow our friends into a Halloween adventure that is unforgettable! I hope Apryl still loves writing these books as much as I love reading them.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit to a haunted amusement park on Halloween night. What could possibly go wrong?

This is book four or five of the series, depending on where you look. It does pretty well as a standalone. The essential bits are covered early on, but you will be missing some of the deeper background.

This is a young adult paranormal romance story, although it is a bit light on the romance aspect. That works for me, but your mileage may vary. The story is well written and easy to read and I loved the setting for this story. The fairgrounds provided plenty of opportunity for mischief and other spooky things. The characters are pretty well developed and I suspect that would be even more apparent if you have read the previous books. The plot itself was fun and, as mentioned, I really liked the fair aspects. Overall, this was a fun story which I think would be even more fun if I had read the previous books. I guess I will put that on my to do list.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Neena Bestun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake Cree

Well Ella Grace Banks, last time was unintentionally but this time took the whole gang and jumped face right into the (Funhouse?!). Let’s just say it’s a wild ride at the newly opened reputably hunted Amusement park so wild that they will have to close permanently again.

so they are at it again I call them the (Reaper gang) all the characters as usual very interesting everyone is great in their on way. Most special thing about Apryl Baker writing is she do real justice with not the story itself but also with all the characters around the main characters without making us lose focus from the main characters or the story line, keep us on track the whole time. We get to know, like/ Love and get completely invested in the story and characters, like Caroline’s Character her involvement was little didn’t get too much of her but whatever was there I loved her character and I hope to see her more even if she wouldn’t end up as a love interest for (Eli). Then there is Cecily I didn’t like her in the start just a moody teenager kept acting hot and cold in the first book. Her character developed from the past month events and experience that I am starting to like her Leo is a very interesting angle soo looking forward to it. Eli was always wonderful but I prefer this Eli his character matured and well grown I like him more now.

Unpredictable events we are so used to guessing things (oh! no now they gonna jump , or I am sure this is the bad guy/woman) and those turned out right but Apry Baker wouldn’t throw hints we think we see it come but it take a complete different turn or there is no turns at all. There are no bad guys or mean girls which is great, so it keeps me attached to the book and my seat.
I was thinking how much is it gonna be there (a night at the museum park) will barely make it to the level I am expecting and really looking forward to, I was wrong the adventure started slow and kept the pace nothing too crazy or over the top as a beginner Ella is handling things pretty well she’s growing mature too and I am starting to like her more. What is it with people running from your loved one too the Danger into the unknown?! Matti is like an onion that kept unraveling her powers one at a time was great but Ella someone need to knock some sense into her her head.

The build up is great which keeps us on the edge wanting more and I am sure there will be more. So excited, what will be next is just crazy that now I hardly can wait for them to come together Crane and Reaper.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Grace is a living reaper who loves Halloween and when the opportunity comes her way to stay overnight at an amusement park that just happens to be in a locale with a violent and deadly past that is quite haunted, how could she pass that up? My favorite part of this one was the setting. It really just set the stage nicely for the story told. The daytime amusement park aspects of it were enough to remind readers that these are just kids in high school. As night falls, things take a very dark turn. It was like being in two different worlds and gave a bit more vulnerability to the characters. There was a bit more focus on Eli's development than Ella's which I found to be a nice change of pace. It would be great to see more of this in future installments. I appreciate how Ms. Baker continues to find creative ways to connect the diverse supernatural aspects of the worldbuilding that she created and continues to mature. This is book 4 in The Reaper Chronicles series and I recommend that those interested in this book read the prior 3 in order to get the good backstory and to help sort through who all the characters are because the list is pretty complex this far into the series (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Looking forward to seeing what comes next for Ella Grace, Eli, and the rest of the gang.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite one out of all the books in the series so far. Ella and her sister absolutely love Halloween. But really who doesnt. Even their mom loves the holiday. All the kids get invited to Lake Cree. There is a little haunted amusement park on the island. But little does anyone know that it is far more haunted than they think.
No one had realized the park conceals an ancient and deadly presence from a dark and violent past. With the veil between good and evil as well as the living and the dead, it is much weaker and the baddies are ready to do what they do best! How is the group going to handle everything that happens? Will they make it until morning? Ella suffers the most once again when it comes to everything that happens. But at the same time she is also dealing with learning her new power and learning that her boyfriend not boyfriend is acting out of sorts. There is alot going on in this one. But honestly that is what makes this storyline amazing and gripping. The best part for me in this one was learning who exactly Eli is and the power Ella has over him so to speak.
The buildup with these storylines is absolutely amazing and has you wanting more from the characters. Apryl is an amazing writer and I can honestly say that this is the book that shows that off the best.

[Joe Pranaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Apryl Baker brings us Ella Grace's next adventure. This time it's around Halloween and there is a new amusement park opening up on Lake Cree island. Ella, her sister Cecily and her guardian are all going on the opening weekend. Even though they are going Eli doesn't like the fact that they're going to be scared especially since they deal with monsters on a dally bases. Though that term is shot down by Ella she loves Halloween and wants to get scared. While on their first night at the park Ella and her boyfriend sneak off to explore and find an old barn where they climb to the top only to have a ghost throw Ella into a wall then down to the first level. Although she and Matt didn't stop there and went through the floor. Ella calls Eli for help and they get out of the barn in time to find out that there is something awaking that will kill everyone on the island.. Ella who is hurt heads for the rest of the group to get them off the island. This is a great book and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trip to the Amusement Park . . .

Lake Cree Amusement Park is preparing to open, so as a sort of preview Jordan invites the group to spend the night there and experience the spookiness. Maybe it wasn’t supposed to be quite so spooky, though. Ella Grace Banks is thrilled by the Halloween season and all the fun things people enjoy. Eli is much more realistic about those things. But amusement parks are “usually” fun, so he goes along.

No one had realized the park conceals an ancient and deadly presence from a dark and violent past. With the veil between good and evil as well as the living and the dead, it is much weaker and the baddies are ready to do what they do best! Will Ella and the others survive until morning? Can they escape the island before they join the ghosts?

The story line is good and paced to give the reader a scary look around. I like seeing the characters as they have matured some and are more interesting.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story, eh series

I liked the plot for the most part. The friend group thing is fun and I like the addition of several more strong paras. It reminded me a bit of a more violent scooby mystery with all the running back and forth (in a good way).

I don't think I am going to continue this series though. This book was ok but it has more and more errors and consistency issues. Which might seem silly but is an issue for me because I hate the confusion it brings and it pulls me out of the story trying to figure out what is what. There doesn't seem to be an overall thought just random stories that don't flow well together. And several long sections that are big repeats of conversations between Eli and Ella in the last book that Ella acts like they are brand new information. Even Eli says Ella isn't going to be important in the events that are happening (he said this in the last book 2, but was more clear this time).

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into the paranormal of the spookyer kind and enjoy it in a series of short books you just found it I know it's the fifth book in the series but I enjoyed it not having read the four pryor and I want to rectify that. That being said it was fabulous on its own. The array of characters draw you quickly through their vibrant ,colorful and bold personalities and the intrigue draws you further with its drama, secrets and lies. The plot is so compelling skilfully written around everything else and it was a pleasure to read and discover. Acquire " Lake Cree " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go to a known haunted amusement park on an island on Hallows Eve? Who thought this was a good idea :) Turns out it was not a good idea and Ella and her guardian angel Eli and all their friends get more than the scare of their lives.

Some big changes in this book. Going to be interesting to see where the author takes it in the future because its getting closer to the characters intersecting from the Wolfpack University and The Crane Diaries series and I dont know how that going to play out. But I'm here for the ride and look forward to whatever is next.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It had halloween in it and that just adds a lot more fun to the book. I mean who doesn’t like halloween? Maybe some don’t but it’s still a good book.

I love Eli and Ella. Eli always there protecting Ella at all times regardless if he is close or far, he is always there. We all need this guardian angel. Their friendship just grows more each time.

As for the haunted amusement park, I would run off the minute I knew there was evilness and what not in it. It does add that fun read to it, though.

This is just getting more and more interesting.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thrilling story with a cast of strong characters centering on Ella and Eli. The author had me glued to the pages with the gang going to a supposedly haunted amusement park. She does a great job building the story and weaving an interesting story with descriptive scenes. I enjoyed reading and am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Chrissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well there's a lot to unpack in that episode!
Ella seems to find herself as the damsel in distress more times than not. While you should read these as a series, the author repeats enough key information each book, (though the repeated mention of her being diabetic is becoming annoying), for you to be able to pick any of them up and start reading without missing much.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story!!!

The characters get more well developed and interesting as the series goes on and it's just beautiful.

The entertainment value with any of Apryl's books is already high!!

I am genuinely enjoying watching Ella become a living reaper from a new "human" perspective.

Can't say to much about the book without giving spoilers.

So I'm just going to say definitely worth reading!!!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Banks: The Reaper Chronicles: This is a tame and suspenseful paranormal young adult romance. The series is best read in order, and is comprised of quick read novellas. I love Apryl Baker’s writing style, and the world and character development she has created with this series. They are fun and entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore sweet Ella Grace and how much good she sees in the world. I love that this book shows us so much more of her as a person but also of her growth from book one to now. She is coming into her own as a full-bodied character. Sweet Eli, I have adored for many books and I love that his story is also taking on new features and expanding / changing. I love that they are finding their own path as individuals and together as a team. There were some fun spooks in this one and the supporting cast was great. I can't wait to see what their next adventure will be and how much each character will grow and change in the next book. Love this series!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

There has to be another one soon coz I don't think I can wait too long, very talented author who knows how too write books I've read every single one and I've never been disappointed, excellent story

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wings, What!

I give Lake Cree 4 out of 5 stars. I am enjoying getting to know these characters. Watching their relationships grow. I can't wait for more undiscovered and unexpected powers, as well as more about the mates. I look forward to reading more when available.

[Deeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story😋

This story was funny, exciting, entertaining and interesting!!. She needs to spend sometime with Maddie/Emma to get up to speed on ghost hunting!!. She'll get there hopefully😊☺️. Apryl is a PHENOMENAL storyteller and writer!!.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting development with Eli.
Can’t wait to see what’s up next.

[Scott Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Can't get enough of these books, and it was too long between books for my liking, but I can't complain as long as they keep coming .

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It

Can’t wait to find out what happens next. I love this series and the Ghost Files. They are one of my favorites.

[Linda Hussong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive page turner

The roller-coaster in this was your emotions. This gives all the feels while leaving you begging for more. 10 out of 10