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Apparition #1
Apparition
The last time seventeen-year-old Amelia Mackenzie saw her best friend Matthew alive, he broke her heart. When he is found the next day in an abandoned barn at the edge of town, an apparent suicide, Amelia's whole world comes crashing down.
And then she sees him again. Because Amelia has a secret that even Matthew didn't know: sometimes, she sees ghosts.
When a local history columnist named Morris Dyson contacts Amelia after the funeral and tells her that he thinks the barn Matthew died in is haunted, and that Matthew wasn't its first victim, an unlikely partnership is born. With Amelia's gift for seeing ghosts, Morris's radical theories on the supernatural, and a bit of help from Morris's sexy but skeptical son, Kip, a mystery unfolds. One by one, the barn's other ghostly residents are revealed: all innocent, love-struck young men who've died horrific deaths, seemingly by their own hands.
Life and death couldn't get more complicated as Amelia is torn between her devotion to the ghostly Matthew and her growing attraction to Kip, who may not believe in ghosts but can't help believing in Amelia. When she's confronted with a rivalry between the living and the dead, which side of the great divide will Amelia choose?
Apparition is a fast-paced supernatural mystery about memory and obsession, bodies and spirits, love and loss.
And then she sees him again. Because Amelia has a secret that even Matthew didn't know: sometimes, she sees ghosts.
When a local history columnist named Morris Dyson contacts Amelia after the funeral and tells her that he thinks the barn Matthew died in is haunted, and that Matthew wasn't its first victim, an unlikely partnership is born. With Amelia's gift for seeing ghosts, Morris's radical theories on the supernatural, and a bit of help from Morris's sexy but skeptical son, Kip, a mystery unfolds. One by one, the barn's other ghostly residents are revealed: all innocent, love-struck young men who've died horrific deaths, seemingly by their own hands.
Life and death couldn't get more complicated as Amelia is torn between her devotion to the ghostly Matthew and her growing attraction to Kip, who may not believe in ghosts but can't help believing in Amelia. When she's confronted with a rivalry between the living and the dead, which side of the great divide will Amelia choose?
Apparition is a fast-paced supernatural mystery about memory and obsession, bodies and spirits, love and loss.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
11 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gallant
4 books37 followersI have written a memoir called THE CHANGELING (2019) about being haunted all my life by the death of my sister the year before I was born. My mother believed I was her lost daughter, returned from the dead by God, and so I believed it too. Until I began to question it, and her, and God and myself.
I've also written two paranormal thrillers about Amelia Mackenzie, a supernatural sleuth in training. Like a crime detective, solving ghost crimes. But she's also a teenage girl with boy issues, big time. APPARITION came out in September of 2013, and its sequel ABSOLUTION is coming out in Fall of 2014. I blog about things related to my books and ghosts in general at http://gailgallant.com
and my Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/GailGallantBooks
I've worked in factual television for many years, current affairs and documentaries, as a producer, director, story editor and writer. I live in Grey County, Ontario, in a very old stone farmhouse.
I've also written two paranormal thrillers about Amelia Mackenzie, a supernatural sleuth in training. Like a crime detective, solving ghost crimes. But she's also a teenage girl with boy issues, big time. APPARITION came out in September of 2013, and its sequel ABSOLUTION is coming out in Fall of 2014. I blog about things related to my books and ghosts in general at http://gailgallant.com
and my Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/GailGallantBooks
I've worked in factual television for many years, current affairs and documentaries, as a producer, director, story editor and writer. I live in Grey County, Ontario, in a very old stone farmhouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 21, 2015
This book is about a 16 year old girl named Amelia Mackenzie, who's best friend dies in an apparent suicide. Her best friend's name is Matthew and he seemed happy the last time Amelia saw him. But it was weird because Amelia saw him the day he was going to die and he gave her a ride home. Although Matthew was acting weird, Amelia never thought he would choose to kill himself. Matthew was found dead in a barn the day after he gave Amelia a ride home. That is when a history columnist named Morris Dyson, contacts Amelia to explain that the barn Matthew died in might be haunted. And that Matthew's suicide might be linked to this haunted barn. Amelia teams up with Morris and his son, Kip, and they unravel the mystery of this haunted barn.
I liked the book and I felt the plot was so different from the usual horror books that I read. I felt that the book's summary had a few spoilers and they mentioned too much. But it was an amazing book and I did enjoy reading it. The characters we nice and I liked them but I wasn't too attached to them. The book surprised me but I felt I would have enjoyed the book more if I didn't read the summary. I felt the summary explained too much and it should have left parts out of the summary. Gail Gallant did an awesome job with the writing which will keep you intrigued.
I liked the characters, but as I mentioned before, I was't attached to them. Amelia is a nice girl who I can relate to at times, but I felt she got jealous easily. Kip was amazing and he is a very helpful guy in this story. I loved Morris and how we got to see a little bit of his bond with Kip. It was interesting to see how the relationship grew between Kip and Amelia.
The plot was very interesting and I loved how the story ended. I am looking forward to reading the companion to this novel. I am glad this is one of the books picked for the White Pine reading club! It was so interesting and I finished it yesterday. I started reading this book and all of a sudden, I am finished! It's crazy!
Anyway, I recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, a tiny bit of horror, fantasy and romance. This book is fast paced and it wont let you down. I also recommend this to anyone suffering from a reading slump. Also, this book deals with suicide, so if you are not up to that, I recommend you don't read it. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one!
I liked the book and I felt the plot was so different from the usual horror books that I read. I felt that the book's summary had a few spoilers and they mentioned too much. But it was an amazing book and I did enjoy reading it. The characters we nice and I liked them but I wasn't too attached to them. The book surprised me but I felt I would have enjoyed the book more if I didn't read the summary. I felt the summary explained too much and it should have left parts out of the summary. Gail Gallant did an awesome job with the writing which will keep you intrigued.
I liked the characters, but as I mentioned before, I was't attached to them. Amelia is a nice girl who I can relate to at times, but I felt she got jealous easily. Kip was amazing and he is a very helpful guy in this story. I loved Morris and how we got to see a little bit of his bond with Kip. It was interesting to see how the relationship grew between Kip and Amelia.
The plot was very interesting and I loved how the story ended. I am looking forward to reading the companion to this novel. I am glad this is one of the books picked for the White Pine reading club! It was so interesting and I finished it yesterday. I started reading this book and all of a sudden, I am finished! It's crazy!
Anyway, I recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, a tiny bit of horror, fantasy and romance. This book is fast paced and it wont let you down. I also recommend this to anyone suffering from a reading slump. Also, this book deals with suicide, so if you are not up to that, I recommend you don't read it. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one!
January 9, 2014
That's four and a half stars from this irrationally picky reader! (I'd give it a full five, but I'm... well... irrationally picky). I kind of picked this up on a whim, and just because I have a thing for ghost stories and I love YA, so when I read the blurb I figured, what the heck, right? But I'm so glad it caught my eye! It truly is a terrific read. Fast-paced, well-written and it felt... well... REAL--which is a nice change from so much YA fiction out there these days.
I love that even though this is first and foremost a ghost story, and therefore could be classed under "paranormal," the characters just ring so absolutely real it's just impossible not to believe they're out there somewhere. I loved how the love interest was just a regular guy with no ulterior motives or grand, universe-altering powers/secrets. And our heroine is just so wonderfully believable. Yes, she can see ghosts, but that's not what defines her. She's a sixteen-year-old girl who's seen a lot of loss and is just as charming, awkward and cute as any regular sixteen-year-old (reminds me a little of my husband's niece, actually). She goes to parties, wears make-up, gets rides from her parental figure (her grandma, in this case), and thinks her little brother is a bit of a pest but still cares deeply about him. She also gets crushes and whatnot, but learns to distinguish the difference between a crush, friendship and something more.
On that note, my favourite part on the romantic elements in this book: NO INSTA-LOVE! The heroine's relationships grow and evolve and you can actually see how/why she develops feelings for the love interest--and how/why he returns those feelings, too. I mean, they get to... *gasp* SPEND SOME TIME TOGETHER! And! HAVE ACTUAL CONVERSATIONS BEFORE they realize they like each other!
As far as the ghost story goes, it's wonderfully atmospheric and intriguing (not particularly scary, but that's OK. Not all ghost stories have to be scary). It certainly keeps you turning those pages! I also really enjoyed how the pacing and visuals just made the whole book almost play like a movie in my head.
On a side note, it was such a pleasant surprise to realize this was set in Canada (though it could have been set in small-town anywhere, really--I didn't even clue in that it was southern Ontario until about 1/4 into the book). It's also written by a Canadian author, which is kind of refreshing.
I love that even though this is first and foremost a ghost story, and therefore could be classed under "paranormal," the characters just ring so absolutely real it's just impossible not to believe they're out there somewhere. I loved how the love interest was just a regular guy with no ulterior motives or grand, universe-altering powers/secrets. And our heroine is just so wonderfully believable. Yes, she can see ghosts, but that's not what defines her. She's a sixteen-year-old girl who's seen a lot of loss and is just as charming, awkward and cute as any regular sixteen-year-old (reminds me a little of my husband's niece, actually). She goes to parties, wears make-up, gets rides from her parental figure (her grandma, in this case), and thinks her little brother is a bit of a pest but still cares deeply about him. She also gets crushes and whatnot, but learns to distinguish the difference between a crush, friendship and something more.
On that note, my favourite part on the romantic elements in this book: NO INSTA-LOVE! The heroine's relationships grow and evolve and you can actually see how/why she develops feelings for the love interest--and how/why he returns those feelings, too. I mean, they get to... *gasp* SPEND SOME TIME TOGETHER! And! HAVE ACTUAL CONVERSATIONS BEFORE they realize they like each other!
As far as the ghost story goes, it's wonderfully atmospheric and intriguing (not particularly scary, but that's OK. Not all ghost stories have to be scary). It certainly keeps you turning those pages! I also really enjoyed how the pacing and visuals just made the whole book almost play like a movie in my head.
On a side note, it was such a pleasant surprise to realize this was set in Canada (though it could have been set in small-town anywhere, really--I didn't even clue in that it was southern Ontario until about 1/4 into the book). It's also written by a Canadian author, which is kind of refreshing.
August 15, 2013
Received through Goodreads
Thank you to Gail Gallant for sending me an advanced readers copy, and great job, this novel was brilliant! I love the style of writing- the characters are all unique and easy to relate too. All in all once it came in the mail, I didn't put it back down until it was finished. The plot was great, it kept me super interested during the whole novel! I hope other people get the chance to check this one out- I recommend it!
Thank you to Gail Gallant for sending me an advanced readers copy, and great job, this novel was brilliant! I love the style of writing- the characters are all unique and easy to relate too. All in all once it came in the mail, I didn't put it back down until it was finished. The plot was great, it kept me super interested during the whole novel! I hope other people get the chance to check this one out- I recommend it!
April 7, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. This book is amazing, think I devoured it in an hour. Terrific mix of ghost story, mystery, and young romance.
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July 14, 2021I got an ARC edition of this through Goodreads, so thank you. First time entering a giveaway too! That's odds weren't too bad either.
To start I really got Amelia, I related to her. I loved how this book was written, especially from Amelia's POV. I don't think it would have been as good if it was 3rd person POV.
The love triangle was very interesting, considering it's between Matthew, a ghost and Kip, a living person. I'm not big on love triangles, since they're cliches in YA nowadays, thanks to Twilight and THG. TID was way different so that's the only love triangle that it's not blatantly obvious. I digress. But Apparition was different.
The book is quite short, only 274 pgs., but I enjoyed every page.
Although Apparition ended nicely, with everything tied up well, I'm looking forward to Absolution. I wonder if it'll be another supernatural mystery, but I hope if won't just fall into the same formulaic pattern.
Plot: 10/10
Characters etc.: 9/10
Universe: 8/10
Total: 27/30
To start I really got Amelia, I related to her. I loved how this book was written, especially from Amelia's POV. I don't think it would have been as good if it was 3rd person POV.
The love triangle was very interesting, considering it's between Matthew, a ghost and Kip, a living person. I'm not big on love triangles, since they're cliches in YA nowadays, thanks to Twilight and THG. TID was way different so that's the only love triangle that it's not blatantly obvious. I digress. But Apparition was different.
The book is quite short, only 274 pgs., but I enjoyed every page.
Although Apparition ended nicely, with everything tied up well, I'm looking forward to Absolution. I wonder if it'll be another supernatural mystery, but I hope if won't just fall into the same formulaic pattern.
Plot: 10/10
Characters etc.: 9/10
Universe: 8/10
Total: 27/30
September 1, 2013
If you want to read a book with a good mystery or something that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Gail Gallant's "Apparition" will not let you down....but it might keep you up. This thrilling and suspenseful novel will have you guessing at every turn and wanting more. Thankfully, Apparition is the first of three in a series and I can look forward to the second instalment coming soon. A true page turner from start to finish!
July 20, 2017
The story was amazing! The characters, the plot,all of it.I just adored the characters, even the ones I wasn't sure about in the beginning. It usually takes me a while to read a book but this one didn't take me long at all, it was a very good pace. It was definitely worth reading. And I can't wait until the next book!
August 17, 2013
I really enjoyed the story and I look forward to continuing it in the next book. Just wish I didn't have to wait till next year for it to hit the shelves ;) I think it would make for a great movie also!
July 29, 2013
Received through Goodreads.
I loved this new novel. It has a classic storyline mixed with a unique idea. The characters are easy to connect with and the story just flows. I hope a lot more people catch onto this new series. Thank you to Gail Gallant to sending me an advanced copy, and good job!
I loved this new novel. It has a classic storyline mixed with a unique idea. The characters are easy to connect with and the story just flows. I hope a lot more people catch onto this new series. Thank you to Gail Gallant to sending me an advanced copy, and good job!
July 6, 2013
This was a SOLID read, it's unfortunate that more readers aren't aware of this new series! Must rectify this! :)
October 25, 2013
Haven't read a book like this in a long long time. The author, Gail Gallant, has a writing style that keeps you glued to the story, fully engaged. The story has a natural, logical flow and I found myself caring for each of the characters more than I expected, thanks to the excellent character development. The author takes us into the world of rural Ontario with imagery and just the right amount of spookiness that makes you feel like your are a first-hand witness to the experiences of Amelia, the central character. The story gets more and more riveting, leading to a supernatural showdown that has revenge, compassion and intensity. It leaves you counting the days to the sequel's release! Enjoy!
June 30, 2015
I am a ghost stories maniac.and when i received Apparition from Gail Gallant from goodreads first reads, i was so happy.
Beautiful book,from the first page to the last one.
I felt in love with those lovely characters.
From mystery, love, and ghost that make a perfect book.
Now i want to read the number 2 like a fan-girl loll.
Dear Gail Gallant you are magician for sure.Thank you.
May 28, 2021
This is one story that is truly bone-chilling, appalling, grasping, and captivating.
Apparition by Gail Gallant is about a 17-year-old girl named Amelia Mackenzie in Ontario, Canada who tries to solve a mysterious case of her best friend, Matthew, who unexpectedly dies in a barn. The death is named a suicide, but Amelia knows by heart that her best friend would never commit suicide to which she sets out to solve the case. While Amelia tries to solve the case of the unexpected, tragic, supposed murder and or suicide of her best friend Matthew, she doesn’t realize what she gets herself into when she learns the history of the haunted barn.
Amelia Mackenzie, a 17-year-old girl in Ontario, Canada is a shy, anxious and sensitive character that can see ghosts. Though Amelia’s sightings of ghosts have been shunned by her aunt, Joyce, and siblings, after the recent passing of her late mother, Amelia believes that she can sense and see her too. At this point, she thinks she’s crazy for being able to sight her late mother but that all changes when she can see her best friend/crush, Matthew, after his unexpected murder/suicide. After interacting with Matthew just a day before his sudden death, Amelia is aware that Matthew, a very religious boy, would never commit suicide and notices how strangely he was acting when they interacted. Matthew was never one to just talk about getting with a mystery girl out of nowhere without telling Amelia who she was. She soon gets in contact with Morris Dyson and his hot son, Kip, who can help her solve the terrifying case.
This story included mystery, thriller, fear, horror, and romance all that is definitely needed in a horror book to make it interesting. I felt that the writing of the book was interesting as though it is from 17-year-old Amelia’s point of view it clearly captures the events and situations in a very meticulous way. The characters were evenly placed with an anxious and shy main female lead, sided by the ghost of her protective and soft best friend Matthew as well as the soft, charming, intelligent love interest Kip. I felt that the love triangle just added this extra intriguing attachment to the story as you would like to figure out who the main lead ends up with. Though the ending was sort of a letdown on the romantic section it ended with suspense which I enjoyed.
This was a story that I had definitely not expected to be immersed in, it is certainly one to get you out of a reading slump and have you reading at 3 am on a school night. Considering that the book mentions suicide as a simple term and some scenes tend to be gruesome, I believe that this book is suitable for middle school students and older. My rating would be a ⅘.
Apparition by Gail Gallant is about a 17-year-old girl named Amelia Mackenzie in Ontario, Canada who tries to solve a mysterious case of her best friend, Matthew, who unexpectedly dies in a barn. The death is named a suicide, but Amelia knows by heart that her best friend would never commit suicide to which she sets out to solve the case. While Amelia tries to solve the case of the unexpected, tragic, supposed murder and or suicide of her best friend Matthew, she doesn’t realize what she gets herself into when she learns the history of the haunted barn.
Amelia Mackenzie, a 17-year-old girl in Ontario, Canada is a shy, anxious and sensitive character that can see ghosts. Though Amelia’s sightings of ghosts have been shunned by her aunt, Joyce, and siblings, after the recent passing of her late mother, Amelia believes that she can sense and see her too. At this point, she thinks she’s crazy for being able to sight her late mother but that all changes when she can see her best friend/crush, Matthew, after his unexpected murder/suicide. After interacting with Matthew just a day before his sudden death, Amelia is aware that Matthew, a very religious boy, would never commit suicide and notices how strangely he was acting when they interacted. Matthew was never one to just talk about getting with a mystery girl out of nowhere without telling Amelia who she was. She soon gets in contact with Morris Dyson and his hot son, Kip, who can help her solve the terrifying case.
This story included mystery, thriller, fear, horror, and romance all that is definitely needed in a horror book to make it interesting. I felt that the writing of the book was interesting as though it is from 17-year-old Amelia’s point of view it clearly captures the events and situations in a very meticulous way. The characters were evenly placed with an anxious and shy main female lead, sided by the ghost of her protective and soft best friend Matthew as well as the soft, charming, intelligent love interest Kip. I felt that the love triangle just added this extra intriguing attachment to the story as you would like to figure out who the main lead ends up with. Though the ending was sort of a letdown on the romantic section it ended with suspense which I enjoyed.
This was a story that I had definitely not expected to be immersed in, it is certainly one to get you out of a reading slump and have you reading at 3 am on a school night. Considering that the book mentions suicide as a simple term and some scenes tend to be gruesome, I believe that this book is suitable for middle school students and older. My rating would be a ⅘.
November 9, 2013
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I thought that this would be a DNF read that I picked up as a whim. I expected a dull paranormal romance complete with love triangle, but it's actually an enjoyable little story. The heroine can see ghosts, but it doesn't define her. The romance in the book is sweet and awkward and everything teenagehood should be. The villain is genuinely creepy and the backstory tragic. I love the small town feel and that the author is Canadian. Not a particularly spooky read and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The story wraps up with a solid ending but I am looking forward to the sequel.
January 2, 2015
Actually my rating for this book is 4.5 stars. This book was way better than I thought it would be. ..Even though I dislike the cover.
This book is a mystery and a very good one. It isn't a cliche filled YA mystery that is overshadowed by romance even though there is a "love triangle''.
Amelia is just a very cool girl. But I have to say that I found Matthew a bit creepy, and clingy. Kip was just awesome.
But i'm not sure on how I feel about another book after this. I wouldn't mind a duology, but please no trilogy or a long series.
This book is a mystery and a very good one. It isn't a cliche filled YA mystery that is overshadowed by romance even though there is a "love triangle''.
Amelia is just a very cool girl. But I have to say that I found Matthew a bit creepy, and clingy. Kip was just awesome.
But i'm not sure on how I feel about another book after this. I wouldn't mind a duology, but please no trilogy or a long series.
January 27, 2015
Apparition had an interesting plot, but the ending was rather anticlimactic, and there were too many romantic cliches for me to really enjoy this book.
*full review coming up*
*full review coming up*
December 1, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I picked up this book at a local thrift shop and will now give my honest review.
This book peaked my interest and so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. This book actually surprised me.
A teenage girl recently lost her mother. She discovers that she can see dead people, just like her mom. No, this isn’t a remaking of “Six Sense,” or, a newer version of the “Medium,” starring Patricia Arquette.
Amelia is gifted with the ability to see and talk to ghosts, one in particular ghost, Matthew, her friend/crush. Because of Amelia’s abilities, she is able to stop a viscous cycle from repeating before it kills someone she really loves.
The only thing I didn’t like is how the romance all tied together at the end. It was too simple and expected. I could have lived without it. The mystery throughout history is fascinating and the Ontario/Canadian settings were great to read about.
Overall this was a great fast-paced book that should be read quickly.
I picked up this book at a local thrift shop and will now give my honest review.
This book peaked my interest and so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. This book actually surprised me.
A teenage girl recently lost her mother. She discovers that she can see dead people, just like her mom. No, this isn’t a remaking of “Six Sense,” or, a newer version of the “Medium,” starring Patricia Arquette.
Amelia is gifted with the ability to see and talk to ghosts, one in particular ghost, Matthew, her friend/crush. Because of Amelia’s abilities, she is able to stop a viscous cycle from repeating before it kills someone she really loves.
The only thing I didn’t like is how the romance all tied together at the end. It was too simple and expected. I could have lived without it. The mystery throughout history is fascinating and the Ontario/Canadian settings were great to read about.
Overall this was a great fast-paced book that should be read quickly.
January 28, 2014
I just finished reading Apparition. OMG!! I loved it!! The writing and the story are both seriously brilliant!! Amelia is sweet, spunky and absolutely adorable! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a really good story.
November 7, 2013
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. I wanted to know their secrets and how it would all turn out. Some images were delightfully haunting!
December 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, not sure how I feel about a sequel, I think I will need to let this one set in a bit.
January 2, 2014
It was amazing ! I want more.. I basically read it twice! I want to read the second one ASAP ! That's how much I liked the first!
February 11, 2014
An original ghost story/mystery that kept me turning the pages. I would have liked to see some of the secondary characters flushed out a bit more, but overall and enjoyable read.
April 9, 2015
What more can I say? I loved the suspense and characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel.
April 6, 2016
Even though this is marked as Young Adult it could easily be classed as Adult Fiction. I loved this story so much that I could barely put the book down! I most definitely recommend this book!
June 7, 2014
I think Apparition is an amazing book by Gail Gallant...
November 9, 2020
honestly, this book was kind of a let-down in the end, and i was really expecting a lot more from it. the beginning of the book was really interesting, but the protagonist became more and more bland as the story went on and was kind of bothersome to read about, as she’s very cliche and slightly dramatic in my opinion. the romance, something i was rooting for, turned out to be very predictable and disappointing. overall i wouldn’t recommend it but the writing style wasn’t bad.
July 8, 2017
To say the least, I was surprised at how much I liked it. It was not what I expected but then again, there is a reason why it was nominated for a white pine award. Looking forward to reading more of the story in the sequel.
February 10, 2018
This would have been a good book to find around Halloween! A little creepy but not horribly scary. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
November 14, 2018
THAT ENDING
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews