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Ascenders #1
High School for the Recently Departed
Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences.
Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.
She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.
These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie.
Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice.
There is no homework.
No tests.
No SATS.
You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24.
By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next.
"Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says.
* * * * * *
Walker Callaghan has just arrived at the Academy after a tragic car accident. “Is this heaven or is this high school?” she asks.
She finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He's looking for a portal to return back to the living realm.
He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve.
Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him.
Have they learned enough to outsmart dangerous forces while transporting a young child with them? Can their love survive the fragmented evil parts of themselves that are now hunting them down as they try to find a way back to the middle?
At the Academy, you learn the lessons of an after-lifetime.
Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.
She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.
These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie.
Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice.
There is no homework.
No tests.
No SATS.
You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24.
By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next.
"Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says.
* * * * * *
Walker Callaghan has just arrived at the Academy after a tragic car accident. “Is this heaven or is this high school?” she asks.
She finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He's looking for a portal to return back to the living realm.
He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve.
Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him.
Have they learned enough to outsmart dangerous forces while transporting a young child with them? Can their love survive the fragmented evil parts of themselves that are now hunting them down as they try to find a way back to the middle?
At the Academy, you learn the lessons of an after-lifetime.
482 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2015
68 people are currently reading
1177 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Gaber
10 books219 followersI’m C.L. Gaber, an author and film journalist for the New York Times Syndicate and Chicago Sun Times. I also co-authored Jex Malone series. Originally from Chicago, I make my home in Nevada with my husband, bonus daughter and two unruly dogs.
My husband knows that Ascenders began with me in bathroom half the night writing on tiny notepads because I didn’t want to wake him. When daylight did roll around, I told him, ”Baby, I had the most incredible dream”.
My husband knows that Ascenders began with me in bathroom half the night writing on tiny notepads because I didn’t want to wake him. When daylight did roll around, I told him, ”Baby, I had the most incredible dream”.
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January 17, 2016
Life is being really weird right now, and Walker Callaghan is confused. And it’s not the usual confusion about life and identity and math problems that teenagers usually suffer from. Last night she went bed on her aunt’s couch after a dinner of boxed mac and cheese, because that’s all her single mom can afford, but this morning she woke up in a lavish home with brand new furniture, all her belongings haphazardly packed into boxes and on her way to an exclusive new school simply called The Academy. Why are they here? How can her mom suddenly afford all this? Why is her mother trying to ruin her life during her senior year? Why can’t she get a working internet connection? Why will nobody answer any of her questions?
On her first day at The Academy she has a music class taught by Kurt (who used to have a band), drama class taught by Heath (who was in a super hero movie one time) and a computer class from Steve (only they call it fruit appreciation class). She also meets Daniel, the tatted up bad boy who is as rude as he is sexy and she’s informed by the school principal that there won’t be any tests, midterms or homework.
Also, turns out, she’s dead.
Oops.
She’s also stuck in some sort of in-between world that isn’t heaven, hell or purgatory – but a special place where teenagers go. Since your brain isn’t fully formed until you’re twenty-four-years old, students are encouraged to study, be curious and push the limits. After all, it’s not like you’re going to get hurt- again. There is only one rule though, you can never, I mean EVER go back. Don’t even think about it. The results will not be good. Except, that’s exactly what Daniel plans on doing.
I loved this book. Books about dead teenagers may not be a novelty but the world the author created was completely unique and I loved the tongue-in-cheek humour she utilised. The characters we meet along the way are nothing but entertaining and the little anecdotes thrown in were hilarious. The world she created was highly imaginative and it definitely felt like a highly enjoyable journey instead of a race to the finish. Walker was a great character with her snarky wit and her curiosity and many, many questions. Daniel was surprisingly mysterious and surprisingly tender . Actually each and every character in this book, whether friend or foe was endearing in their own right.
The main plot in this beautifully described world was both interesting and touching while various sub-plots kept the entertainment levels high. I did suffer from a bit of book-fatigue and at times I felt the book was dragging and I wished it was a bit shorter. I was hoping for more romantic interaction between Daniel and Walker, but all in all I found this book to be unique, entertaining and the interesting plot kept me reading this wonderful story.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
On her first day at The Academy she has a music class taught by Kurt (who used to have a band), drama class taught by Heath (who was in a super hero movie one time) and a computer class from Steve (only they call it fruit appreciation class). She also meets Daniel, the tatted up bad boy who is as rude as he is sexy and she’s informed by the school principal that there won’t be any tests, midterms or homework.
Also, turns out, she’s dead.
Oops.
She’s also stuck in some sort of in-between world that isn’t heaven, hell or purgatory – but a special place where teenagers go. Since your brain isn’t fully formed until you’re twenty-four-years old, students are encouraged to study, be curious and push the limits. After all, it’s not like you’re going to get hurt- again. There is only one rule though, you can never, I mean EVER go back. Don’t even think about it. The results will not be good. Except, that’s exactly what Daniel plans on doing.
I loved this book. Books about dead teenagers may not be a novelty but the world the author created was completely unique and I loved the tongue-in-cheek humour she utilised. The characters we meet along the way are nothing but entertaining and the little anecdotes thrown in were hilarious. The world she created was highly imaginative and it definitely felt like a highly enjoyable journey instead of a race to the finish. Walker was a great character with her snarky wit and her curiosity and many, many questions. Daniel was surprisingly mysterious and surprisingly tender . Actually each and every character in this book, whether friend or foe was endearing in their own right.
The main plot in this beautifully described world was both interesting and touching while various sub-plots kept the entertainment levels high. I did suffer from a bit of book-fatigue and at times I felt the book was dragging and I wished it was a bit shorter. I was hoping for more romantic interaction between Daniel and Walker, but all in all I found this book to be unique, entertaining and the interesting plot kept me reading this wonderful story.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
April 30, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review
The "In between." The Afterlife. The middle. Or the most widely commonly known term Purgatory. When it comes to defining the alternative realm of being stuck in the middle, one thing is common. Death. Usually, in this alternative realm, the lines of life and death are blurred. Are we alive? Or are we truly dead? And what are the reasons for being stuck in this realm? Is it permanent? Or temporary?
In Ascenders, we follow the life of Walker Callaghan. She is 17 years old and dead. Stuck in this new realm along with her mother, she is enrolled in The Academy. What makes this school different is that there is no homework. No tests. No SATs. You're just there to learn. In truth, actually there are no rules. Why? Well, does the dead need rules. The Academy life sounds simple. Go to school and learn to live in this new realm. But what happens when Walker meets and falls in love with Daniel Reid, the bad boy who causes Walker to live recklessly and break the rules. A boy who makes her live and pushes her boundaries. A boy who challenges her and makes her feel. A boy who would make her risk everything. And the biggest risk Walker Callaghan takes is putting her trust in Daniel as they try to escape their current realm so they can find their way into the living realm? With Daniel by her side, Walker knows one thing is for certain losing him would be like dying twice. They save love can make you do crazy things and so what awaits Walker and Daniel as they try to escape this after-life realm?
Ascenders by C.L. Gaber was an utterly refreshing, original, and an unputtable down read!!! This book was brimming with emotions, feels, and had a striking story-line that kept you glued to your e-reader. The writing was so fresh and crisp. It was written so well that you are completely mesmerized with the characters and their journey of the "in between." With a concept so unique, Ms. Gabers had her readers totally invested with the story of Walker and Daniel. Be prepared to get spell-binded and fall in love with this beautiful and enchanting story.
C.L. Gaber
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages
The "In between." The Afterlife. The middle. Or the most widely commonly known term Purgatory. When it comes to defining the alternative realm of being stuck in the middle, one thing is common. Death. Usually, in this alternative realm, the lines of life and death are blurred. Are we alive? Or are we truly dead? And what are the reasons for being stuck in this realm? Is it permanent? Or temporary?
In Ascenders, we follow the life of Walker Callaghan. She is 17 years old and dead. Stuck in this new realm along with her mother, she is enrolled in The Academy. What makes this school different is that there is no homework. No tests. No SATs. You're just there to learn. In truth, actually there are no rules. Why? Well, does the dead need rules. The Academy life sounds simple. Go to school and learn to live in this new realm. But what happens when Walker meets and falls in love with Daniel Reid, the bad boy who causes Walker to live recklessly and break the rules. A boy who makes her live and pushes her boundaries. A boy who challenges her and makes her feel. A boy who would make her risk everything. And the biggest risk Walker Callaghan takes is putting her trust in Daniel as they try to escape their current realm so they can find their way into the living realm? With Daniel by her side, Walker knows one thing is for certain losing him would be like dying twice. They save love can make you do crazy things and so what awaits Walker and Daniel as they try to escape this after-life realm?
Ascenders by C.L. Gaber was an utterly refreshing, original, and an unputtable down read!!! This book was brimming with emotions, feels, and had a striking story-line that kept you glued to your e-reader. The writing was so fresh and crisp. It was written so well that you are completely mesmerized with the characters and their journey of the "in between." With a concept so unique, Ms. Gabers had her readers totally invested with the story of Walker and Daniel. Be prepared to get spell-binded and fall in love with this beautiful and enchanting story.
C.L. Gaber
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages
August 7, 2015
Purchased eBook.
I couldn't get into this one at all. I wanted to. Really I did. It sounds so good. But it was so repetitive with the constant string of confused questions that were never answered. I think it was trying to portray confusion for the dead MC but all it did was annoy me. Then there were the things that just felt like a slap in the face to teens. If I was a teen reading this, I'd be offended. Just not for me.
I couldn't get into this one at all. I wanted to. Really I did. It sounds so good. But it was so repetitive with the constant string of confused questions that were never answered. I think it was trying to portray confusion for the dead MC but all it did was annoy me. Then there were the things that just felt like a slap in the face to teens. If I was a teen reading this, I'd be offended. Just not for me.
dnf
October 20, 2020Y'all. This was awful. The characters were whiny brats, the story was boring, and it was badly written. I wanted so much more but I am not sticking this one out. There are better books out there to be read.
January 9, 2016
Originally posted on Reading Addict
This book has a ton of five stars on goodreads, the cover is cool and the synopsis sounds amazing, so how could I resist? I accepted a copy for review and I was so eager to read it.
But I didn't enjoy it as much as I was expecting and it didn't blew me away. Which at first I thought it was my fault, because I have a very weird mood now, but as I kept reading and seeing the story going on, I realized that my problem was that even though I liked the idea and the plot, I had a problem with the characters and the writing style.
I can't fall in love with a book if I don't feel the characters, if they don't seem real, if their desires, fears and dreams don't interest me. And I saw that Walker and Daniel, and the others, are nice people, but they seem so distant to me - like I hear their story through thousands of glass walls. And this makes me think if it's not because of the writing style.
The writing style it's ok, the descriptions are good, the dialogue is sometimes funny or witty, but it doesn't have that something that grips you and makes your eyes sparkle and mind go crazy. And because of that this novel for me it's just an average one, despide the great plot and all the things that I didn't saw coming.
But maybe it's my fault and this wasn't for me. Maybe you'll love it and you'll devour it, and you'll sympathize with the characters more than I did. Because, as I said, many people enjoyed this one and I heard just amazing things about it. And even though it's was just ok for me, I enjoyed it, I don't feel sorry for reading it and if I'm able to read the sequel I will... but not too soon.
For me this was as a nice, cosy read, more like a contemporary than an action packed, suspensul and mind blowing read. It didn't struck me and didn't shock me, if I can say it like that, as much as I would've liked and I was expecting more from the writing style. To grip me more!
This book has a ton of five stars on goodreads, the cover is cool and the synopsis sounds amazing, so how could I resist? I accepted a copy for review and I was so eager to read it.
But I didn't enjoy it as much as I was expecting and it didn't blew me away. Which at first I thought it was my fault, because I have a very weird mood now, but as I kept reading and seeing the story going on, I realized that my problem was that even though I liked the idea and the plot, I had a problem with the characters and the writing style.
I can't fall in love with a book if I don't feel the characters, if they don't seem real, if their desires, fears and dreams don't interest me. And I saw that Walker and Daniel, and the others, are nice people, but they seem so distant to me - like I hear their story through thousands of glass walls. And this makes me think if it's not because of the writing style.
The writing style it's ok, the descriptions are good, the dialogue is sometimes funny or witty, but it doesn't have that something that grips you and makes your eyes sparkle and mind go crazy. And because of that this novel for me it's just an average one, despide the great plot and all the things that I didn't saw coming.
But maybe it's my fault and this wasn't for me. Maybe you'll love it and you'll devour it, and you'll sympathize with the characters more than I did. Because, as I said, many people enjoyed this one and I heard just amazing things about it. And even though it's was just ok for me, I enjoyed it, I don't feel sorry for reading it and if I'm able to read the sequel I will... but not too soon.
For me this was as a nice, cosy read, more like a contemporary than an action packed, suspensul and mind blowing read. It didn't struck me and didn't shock me, if I can say it like that, as much as I would've liked and I was expecting more from the writing style. To grip me more!
April 12, 2015
This book was a gift from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review.
Our lead character, a girl named Walker, wakes up in a completely new home. Raised by a single mom, struggling to make ends meet, they live in a small apartment where she sleeps on the couch. Her new home is an upper class 4 bedroom home. She has everything her heart desires. Where did it all come from? Why is she no longer in Chicago where she was raised? And even better, her new school has no homework and no tests! There she meets Daniel. He would be the good looking, bad boy of our story. As she soon learns, this isn’t any ordinary school where the teachers may sound more than a familiar. This is a special high school for the recently departed. The major rule in this new place is to never, ever try to go back. Of course, Daniel needs to go back. He has left something very important behind. And Walker will be there to help. The books ends on a positive note. Since it is a Book 1, I have no idea if it’s an HEA.
I was concerned at first when I received a YA book. Teen angst. Been there, done that. Thankfully the author doesn’t dwell on it. What little there is in the book, it is met with humor. There is romance in the book, but it is mostly an under tone. And only done with kisses. Nothing more. Even though the main character is a girl, with all the action in this book, boys may enjoy it, too.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book and the last quarter. The third quarter seemed to drag on. The author is obviously familiar with Chicago. My husband was raised in the area mentioned near the end of the book and it was very accurate.
4.5 fangs….only loses a half for that slightly boring part.
Our lead character, a girl named Walker, wakes up in a completely new home. Raised by a single mom, struggling to make ends meet, they live in a small apartment where she sleeps on the couch. Her new home is an upper class 4 bedroom home. She has everything her heart desires. Where did it all come from? Why is she no longer in Chicago where she was raised? And even better, her new school has no homework and no tests! There she meets Daniel. He would be the good looking, bad boy of our story. As she soon learns, this isn’t any ordinary school where the teachers may sound more than a familiar. This is a special high school for the recently departed. The major rule in this new place is to never, ever try to go back. Of course, Daniel needs to go back. He has left something very important behind. And Walker will be there to help. The books ends on a positive note. Since it is a Book 1, I have no idea if it’s an HEA.
I was concerned at first when I received a YA book. Teen angst. Been there, done that. Thankfully the author doesn’t dwell on it. What little there is in the book, it is met with humor. There is romance in the book, but it is mostly an under tone. And only done with kisses. Nothing more. Even though the main character is a girl, with all the action in this book, boys may enjoy it, too.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book and the last quarter. The third quarter seemed to drag on. The author is obviously familiar with Chicago. My husband was raised in the area mentioned near the end of the book and it was very accurate.
4.5 fangs….only loses a half for that slightly boring part.
February 9, 2017
Ascenders by C.L. Gaber is a young adult paranormal book. Walker Callaghan has no idea what is going on. One minute she's in the hospital and the next minute her and her mother are moving into a house they can't possibly afford. And she is going to a new high school in a new place. Walker is 17 and dead. And is now going to a high school for the dead. It's not heaven or hell but somewhere in the middle. These kids are in this weird in between where their lives haven't changed that much. There are still cheerleaders, and cliques, jocks, popular kids etc. She meets a guy named Daniel Reid who is tattooed and good looking. He is on a mission to save his little brother Bobby. His little brother is an earthbound spirit and he wants to create a portal to go get him and bring him to where he is. They crashed in a cornfield on Christmas Eve when his father tried to pilot his plane without experience and it killed him and all his brothers and sisters. Walker loves him and risks it all to go with him. My favorite parts of the book were the different professors that would come in and teach for instance they had a music teacher
Named Kurt who used to be in a band. A guy named Heath who teaches drama and a guy named Steve who teaches a fruit class that is in fact a computer and technology class. But they call it the fruit class after the company Steve worked for. So although it's never actually said certain famous people are implied and it made me happy to think of them still doing things they loved in the afterlife. Anyway I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed the story. The writing was good and I was hooked! I definitely can't wait to read the other book in the series. 4 star rating
Named Kurt who used to be in a band. A guy named Heath who teaches drama and a guy named Steve who teaches a fruit class that is in fact a computer and technology class. But they call it the fruit class after the company Steve worked for. So although it's never actually said certain famous people are implied and it made me happy to think of them still doing things they loved in the afterlife. Anyway I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed the story. The writing was good and I was hooked! I definitely can't wait to read the other book in the series. 4 star rating
December 20, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review when I signed up to host the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.
I had the hardest time putting this book down and it quickly became a favorite book. This book about the after life is a new and creative take on the subject and the author's world building skill set were fantastic. The plot is well written and the characters were strong, pleasant and often humorous. The author quickly pulls you in with her twists and turns and I quckly devoured this book and I can't wait to read the second book. This author is the one to keep an eye out for as I know she will continue to pull her readers in!
[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/2a5klsn.jpg[/IMG]
January 25, 2016
This is a great start to a new series. I enjoyed unraveling the secrets of the school and the journey of trying to determine if they can go back to the living. Did they find it??? Well I am not going to tell you silly, but you should TOTALLY go read this book to find out for yourself ;)
Walker was a character we all knew in high school & heck we knew Daniel too. Their dynamic felt pretty legit and it brought back some memories of high school. Let's be honest any book about high school will do that, right?
The pacing of the book started off slow, but I think that was because we knew Walker was dead but she did not... so I found myself constantly saying things like "wake up girl!" .... "UGH you are dead woman!!!!" but once she figured out her situation there was no putting this book down, which is why I think the slow build up was intention and not because of the author's writing.
This book was a fantastic read and I really can't wait for the next one!
Walker was a character we all knew in high school & heck we knew Daniel too. Their dynamic felt pretty legit and it brought back some memories of high school. Let's be honest any book about high school will do that, right?
The pacing of the book started off slow, but I think that was because we knew Walker was dead but she did not... so I found myself constantly saying things like "wake up girl!" .... "UGH you are dead woman!!!!" but once she figured out her situation there was no putting this book down, which is why I think the slow build up was intention and not because of the author's writing.
This book was a fantastic read and I really can't wait for the next one!
August 25, 2015
What an awesome YA paranormal story...
We follow Walker and her ascent into a heavenly realm... And it is an adventure, an adventure of epic proportions.
Dr King is the heavenly realms high school principle, Kurt Cobain the music teacher.. Heath Ledger step into the Drama department...
Don't get me started on the sport.. Wowzers..
In Heaven or in this case Heavenly High school there is only one rule you must never go back ( don't think about it, not try it, don't do it..... Well what's that saying rules are meant to be broken..
I won't go into details I would just say I throughly enjoyed every minute it and would highly recommend it to all fans young and adult alike..
C.L. Gander is a new to me author and one I will be looking out for in the future...
*I received an ecopy for review.
We follow Walker and her ascent into a heavenly realm... And it is an adventure, an adventure of epic proportions.
Dr King is the heavenly realms high school principle, Kurt Cobain the music teacher.. Heath Ledger step into the Drama department...
Don't get me started on the sport.. Wowzers..
In Heaven or in this case Heavenly High school there is only one rule you must never go back ( don't think about it, not try it, don't do it..... Well what's that saying rules are meant to be broken..
I won't go into details I would just say I throughly enjoyed every minute it and would highly recommend it to all fans young and adult alike..
C.L. Gander is a new to me author and one I will be looking out for in the future...
*I received an ecopy for review.
April 15, 2015
For Goodreads
I just finished Ascenders and I'm not sure what to do. Laugh or cry? It's been a long time since a book made me think about life in general like this book did. This book was a little bit like a great epic movie combined with "Lost" combined with "Twin Peaks" combined with a Stephen King novel. I fell in love with Walker Callaghan and her life after death story. The cool thing is that the so called dead world looks like Michigan. In fact, Walker thinks she is in Michigan for the first part of the book. Then she's clued into what us readers know. She's dead. Combine that with some serious heart moments and a hot romance. I can't wait for the sequel!! Five stars out of five.
I just finished Ascenders and I'm not sure what to do. Laugh or cry? It's been a long time since a book made me think about life in general like this book did. This book was a little bit like a great epic movie combined with "Lost" combined with "Twin Peaks" combined with a Stephen King novel. I fell in love with Walker Callaghan and her life after death story. The cool thing is that the so called dead world looks like Michigan. In fact, Walker thinks she is in Michigan for the first part of the book. Then she's clued into what us readers know. She's dead. Combine that with some serious heart moments and a hot romance. I can't wait for the sequel!! Five stars out of five.
April 18, 2015
amazing. 5 stars. the sweeping romance reminded me of Outlander. nicely done CL Gaber
Read
October 22, 2015I got this book as a review copy for Gapers Block, and I'm really excited to write about it!
http://gapersblock.com/bookclub/2015/...
http://gapersblock.com/bookclub/2015/...
June 8, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber is an exciting tale of a girl learning that she is dead and having to be in this in-between place. It is such a fantastic story that I felt immediately connected to Walker and her incredible story.
Can Walker and Daniel pull off going to the living realm with no one as the wiser?
Walker Callaghan
Walker is our main point of view character and the one that we follow on this crazy journey of popping into life in this in-between world where she has to stay. She sounds like an amazing girl being only seventeen, dying so young, and just beginning her senior year at her high school. She at first didn't like it there, but she eventually learns to like it. Let's just say that even the dead still have teenage problems like at an ordinary high school. Walker does a great job managing everything that has happened to her and about how she died.
What I like about Walker is that she takes everything in strides. Well, except for a small point but can't tell for spoilers. Walker is a good kid that just wants to try to help the people that have been nice to her in this new realm that she is currently living with them.
Daniel Reid
Daniel is our love interest for Walker, and they are pretty cute. Okay, so not at first, but at specific points, they started to be sweet. Daniel is just trying to keep Walker at arm's length away so that she doesn't get caught up in what he's planning on doing. He is the one that told Walker that she is currently deceased. What I like about him is that yeah, he looks like a bad guy, but he is very protective of his family and just wants to get his little brother back.
Five Stars
High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber is an excellent book, and I loved meeting all of these characters. Along with seeing a certain someone that I already met in another book, but I can't say who. Okay, granted this book did come before The Claires, but its still a spoiler. Ms. Gaber does a fantastic job on it, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I am giving it five stars and recommending it to everyone that likes young adult books with paranormal aspects.
The Ascender Saga
Can Walker and Daniel pull off going to the living realm with no one as the wiser?
Walker Callaghan
Walker is our main point of view character and the one that we follow on this crazy journey of popping into life in this in-between world where she has to stay. She sounds like an amazing girl being only seventeen, dying so young, and just beginning her senior year at her high school. She at first didn't like it there, but she eventually learns to like it. Let's just say that even the dead still have teenage problems like at an ordinary high school. Walker does a great job managing everything that has happened to her and about how she died.
What I like about Walker is that she takes everything in strides. Well, except for a small point but can't tell for spoilers. Walker is a good kid that just wants to try to help the people that have been nice to her in this new realm that she is currently living with them.
Daniel Reid
Daniel is our love interest for Walker, and they are pretty cute. Okay, so not at first, but at specific points, they started to be sweet. Daniel is just trying to keep Walker at arm's length away so that she doesn't get caught up in what he's planning on doing. He is the one that told Walker that she is currently deceased. What I like about him is that yeah, he looks like a bad guy, but he is very protective of his family and just wants to get his little brother back.Five Stars
High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber is an excellent book, and I loved meeting all of these characters. Along with seeing a certain someone that I already met in another book, but I can't say who. Okay, granted this book did come before The Claires, but its still a spoiler. Ms. Gaber does a fantastic job on it, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I am giving it five stars and recommending it to everyone that likes young adult books with paranormal aspects.
The Ascender Saga
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber.
Check out my interview with C.L. Gaber HERE.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 14, 2018
This book is awful. There is just so much I didn’t like that I don’t know even know how to put it in words.
I’ll start with this if I had teen I would strongly discourage them from reading this. The romance is inappropriate. The “bad boy” ignores the girl and she’s just *so confused*. No, girl. Never let anyone treat you like that. It’s not okay and shouldn’t be okay in books either. Just because he is “going through something” doesn’t excuse bad behavior.
Secondly, they live together as there are no rules but all the adults strongly discourage it. I feel like this is sending the wrong/bad message to teens who read this. I could go on a rant about this but no. It’s not okay.
Thirdly, this girl is suppose to be a reporter. She never asks questions. In the book it even says “have you never asked yourself why your mom feels pain?” How does a “reporter” be so oblivious. Not only to that situation but everything. I feel like the writer really did a big flop with that storyline.
I kept reading because underneath all the stupid is a good storyline. I wanted to know more about the portal. I was invested in Daniel finding his brother.
I would not recommend this to anyone, though, at all.
I’ll start with this if I had teen I would strongly discourage them from reading this. The romance is inappropriate. The “bad boy” ignores the girl and she’s just *so confused*. No, girl. Never let anyone treat you like that. It’s not okay and shouldn’t be okay in books either. Just because he is “going through something” doesn’t excuse bad behavior.
Secondly, they live together as there are no rules but all the adults strongly discourage it. I feel like this is sending the wrong/bad message to teens who read this. I could go on a rant about this but no. It’s not okay.
Thirdly, this girl is suppose to be a reporter. She never asks questions. In the book it even says “have you never asked yourself why your mom feels pain?” How does a “reporter” be so oblivious. Not only to that situation but everything. I feel like the writer really did a big flop with that storyline.
I kept reading because underneath all the stupid is a good storyline. I wanted to know more about the portal. I was invested in Daniel finding his brother.
I would not recommend this to anyone, though, at all.
May 14, 2021
Walker Callaghan is in a weird place, well weirder than being a teenager, which is saying something. She’s just transferred to a new school, in a new town, with a whole new set of weird troubles, and one of the timeless kind: a handsome bad boy would won’t give her the time of day. The biggest issue? She can’t remember how she got there...
Very enjoyable story with a lot of heart. There were a couple of weird plot holes, but I’m hoping they get cleared up in the sequels, because I’m definitely in for the series. Well written with dynamic characters and a fast pace, this novel is a true indie gem.
Thank you to Terminal Tours and the publisher for my free, signed copy. These opinions are my own.
Very enjoyable story with a lot of heart. There were a couple of weird plot holes, but I’m hoping they get cleared up in the sequels, because I’m definitely in for the series. Well written with dynamic characters and a fast pace, this novel is a true indie gem.
Thank you to Terminal Tours and the publisher for my free, signed copy. These opinions are my own.
March 22, 2019
What a story! The Academy sounds like so much fun! The classes, the TEACHERS! I can’t believe it. Such an intense story. What an imagination about the idea of death (for teenagers anyway). I loved it every step of the way. I was definitely nervous about parts and I did tear up. Really pulls on your heartstrings. But it was so good. You don’t want to put it down. I can’t believe it’s over. But hey, there’s two more books in the series. Yay!
Walker’s story of life and loss and love. Of hope. Of bravery. Of trust. Of, afterlife.
Definitely not what I was expecting but that made it sooo much better.
Awesome story.
Walker’s story of life and loss and love. Of hope. Of bravery. Of trust. Of, afterlife.
Definitely not what I was expecting but that made it sooo much better.
Awesome story.
March 9, 2018
I love the world of the Academy that this story creates. Walker is so confused at first and when she figures it out, then her mom moves on, she is devastated. But Daniel is unable to remain aloof and saves Walker, who ends up helping Daniel meet his chief goal in afterlife.
June 11, 2018
Am I in Michigan? Walker isn't sure where she is or how she got there. All she knows is she was in her apartment her and her mom share with her aunt and now her and her mom are in a new home and she is starting a new school called the Academy. She doesn't know how they can afford any of it and why her mom is acting so weird.
The Academy is unlike anything Walker has ever known. There is no studying, no tests, and no SATs. "You're here to be curious. If a subject interests you, then please explore it. Enjoy learning. It's one of the greatest joys." It's curious that some of the teachers are people who were once famous in life but are still well loved in death? What? Like Walkers new music teach Kurt, who once had this band....
The upside to her confusing day was meeting the dark and sexy bad boy, Daniele Reid and then later after school meeting the rest of the Reid clan. Finding out the Reids were neighbors they all walked home together and when Walker falls through the ice of a lake they are crossing, she comes to a realization that has been hinted at all day. She is dead, but somehow still alive. "Why aren't I dead?" I said in an anguished voice. Daniele took a deep breath, carefully released me, and then answered slowly. "Because, baby, you can't die twice," he said.
Dead at 17. Her mom confirms they were in a car accident and didn't make it. Now they were in the Midst, the in-between for teenagers, because teens are not fully formed yet this is where they went until they could move on to the next part of afterlife. There are only three rules for the Midst. One: though you cannot die twice, don't engage in destructive or reckless behavior. Two: No littering. Three: the top rule. You cannot attempt to go back to the living.
But, what are rules for if not to be broken? Both Daniele and Walker have their reasons for needing to get back. In their efforts at finding out how to go back Walker and Daniele become ever close. They start to fall for one another.
Without giving away to much, I will say that they make their journey back to life and then back to the Midst but it was a huge battle and not without consequences. I went in not sure I was gonna be able to get into this book but from page one I was hooked. C.L. Gaber paints such an amazing world with amazing characters it's not hard to get lost in the read. Walker was so strong and fierce, and inquisitive. I just loved her character, and her and Daniele together. Loved.
The Academy is unlike anything Walker has ever known. There is no studying, no tests, and no SATs. "You're here to be curious. If a subject interests you, then please explore it. Enjoy learning. It's one of the greatest joys." It's curious that some of the teachers are people who were once famous in life but are still well loved in death? What? Like Walkers new music teach Kurt, who once had this band....
The upside to her confusing day was meeting the dark and sexy bad boy, Daniele Reid and then later after school meeting the rest of the Reid clan. Finding out the Reids were neighbors they all walked home together and when Walker falls through the ice of a lake they are crossing, she comes to a realization that has been hinted at all day. She is dead, but somehow still alive. "Why aren't I dead?" I said in an anguished voice. Daniele took a deep breath, carefully released me, and then answered slowly. "Because, baby, you can't die twice," he said.
Dead at 17. Her mom confirms they were in a car accident and didn't make it. Now they were in the Midst, the in-between for teenagers, because teens are not fully formed yet this is where they went until they could move on to the next part of afterlife. There are only three rules for the Midst. One: though you cannot die twice, don't engage in destructive or reckless behavior. Two: No littering. Three: the top rule. You cannot attempt to go back to the living.
But, what are rules for if not to be broken? Both Daniele and Walker have their reasons for needing to get back. In their efforts at finding out how to go back Walker and Daniele become ever close. They start to fall for one another.
Without giving away to much, I will say that they make their journey back to life and then back to the Midst but it was a huge battle and not without consequences. I went in not sure I was gonna be able to get into this book but from page one I was hooked. C.L. Gaber paints such an amazing world with amazing characters it's not hard to get lost in the read. Walker was so strong and fierce, and inquisitive. I just loved her character, and her and Daniele together. Loved.
January 26, 2016
Twilight Zone meet life or the afterlife. That is what we have. The book is so full of fun and imagination. The look at what happens when you die young and aren’t mature enough to ascend or ready to ascend.
CL Gaber gives us a fun imaginative and creative look into afterlife. We see some great characters and some adventure play out with danger to boot. There are areas in which the book drags only because some of the descriptive writing isn’t always needed to help the story along. Other than this we have a great tale.
The imagination and world building is incredible. This doesn’t just drop us into this new world but has us become a part of it. We follow along on the days of their lives. And even here there are the nasty cheerleaders, dreamy bad boys and those who just want to fit in. The story is entertaining. There is a moment when I wanted to smack Walker at the end I mean yes I understood wanting to help her mom move on but seriously you were in deep doodoo girl and the danger kept coming sometimes you need to cut some losses. But than that would take away from the spirit of the book and what it was about.
What is the book about? So many things. It’s about acceptance and moving on. About finding friendship and hope even in the bleakest of places. Experiencing things and learning to live even though you are not alive. Strange sentence there. We see some great characters pop in to help. Love the Steve and Kurt characters. Even Walter was awesome. Digressed again. The book has Walker die and end up somewhere in between. Trying to deal with her situation. She goes to high school that is only about experiencing and boy does she experience. She gets the snotty cheerleaders, the geeks and the bad boy. The bad boy Daniel who turns her head. He isn’t all that he seems though. This is a boy who loves his family with all that he is and wants to do something to bring one of his back. This is the story of Walker and Daniel. Walker coming to terms with her new afterlife and adjusting. Walker finding friends, family and love. It is about Daniel risking it all to have his family in tact again. About Daniel finding love and Bobby. It is about high school in the afterlife and how to cope.
What do we get when all this is put in one book? We get fun characters like Tosh and Kurt. We get characters you just want to help and see that they only want to be loved and matter like Bertha. We get the ones that are just evil like the Warthos. One’s that go nuts lake Jackie. We also get the families that are fun and sweet like Daniel’s where you just smile at the fun antics. We get the little brave boy like Bobby who you just love because of his adorable ways. Or Walker who is brave but lost. She is trying to adjust but doesn’t know how really. She loses everything and Daniel is there to help. Walker is a strong character but with all the questions sometimes she can drive you nuts. She’s inquisitive and bright but stubborn as all get up. She also has a heart. Just like Daniel. Daniel who is there for his brothers and sisters. Who is dark and broody but also underneath a sweet kind guy.
We get a fun highly imaginative uniquely entertaining book that keeps you in the moment and has you feel you are part of the story. We get a book that has you smile and laugh. A book that is epic in it’s concept of showing us the afterlife for teens. A tale of love and friendship. Acceptance and finding your way. A truly unique addictive book that will have you wondering what is next and smacking for more.
CL Gaber gives us a fun imaginative and creative look into afterlife. We see some great characters and some adventure play out with danger to boot. There are areas in which the book drags only because some of the descriptive writing isn’t always needed to help the story along. Other than this we have a great tale.
The imagination and world building is incredible. This doesn’t just drop us into this new world but has us become a part of it. We follow along on the days of their lives. And even here there are the nasty cheerleaders, dreamy bad boys and those who just want to fit in. The story is entertaining. There is a moment when I wanted to smack Walker at the end I mean yes I understood wanting to help her mom move on but seriously you were in deep doodoo girl and the danger kept coming sometimes you need to cut some losses. But than that would take away from the spirit of the book and what it was about.
What is the book about? So many things. It’s about acceptance and moving on. About finding friendship and hope even in the bleakest of places. Experiencing things and learning to live even though you are not alive. Strange sentence there. We see some great characters pop in to help. Love the Steve and Kurt characters. Even Walter was awesome. Digressed again. The book has Walker die and end up somewhere in between. Trying to deal with her situation. She goes to high school that is only about experiencing and boy does she experience. She gets the snotty cheerleaders, the geeks and the bad boy. The bad boy Daniel who turns her head. He isn’t all that he seems though. This is a boy who loves his family with all that he is and wants to do something to bring one of his back. This is the story of Walker and Daniel. Walker coming to terms with her new afterlife and adjusting. Walker finding friends, family and love. It is about Daniel risking it all to have his family in tact again. About Daniel finding love and Bobby. It is about high school in the afterlife and how to cope.
What do we get when all this is put in one book? We get fun characters like Tosh and Kurt. We get characters you just want to help and see that they only want to be loved and matter like Bertha. We get the ones that are just evil like the Warthos. One’s that go nuts lake Jackie. We also get the families that are fun and sweet like Daniel’s where you just smile at the fun antics. We get the little brave boy like Bobby who you just love because of his adorable ways. Or Walker who is brave but lost. She is trying to adjust but doesn’t know how really. She loses everything and Daniel is there to help. Walker is a strong character but with all the questions sometimes she can drive you nuts. She’s inquisitive and bright but stubborn as all get up. She also has a heart. Just like Daniel. Daniel who is there for his brothers and sisters. Who is dark and broody but also underneath a sweet kind guy.
We get a fun highly imaginative uniquely entertaining book that keeps you in the moment and has you feel you are part of the story. We get a book that has you smile and laugh. A book that is epic in it’s concept of showing us the afterlife for teens. A tale of love and friendship. Acceptance and finding your way. A truly unique addictive book that will have you wondering what is next and smacking for more.
January 15, 2016
It is always nice to find a book that takes a look at something different, giving the reader a new and intriguing perspective to wonder about. Ascenders is a story that beautifully presents a new world to the reader, a world between life and the afterlife, a place where new life exists and transformation occurs. In the first book of this young adult paranormal saga, Walker has just met her untimely death and is learning to adjust to a world that is like what she knows but eerily different. The Academy, a place where she goes to learn about anything and everything, is the seemingly the same as any high school on Earth. There are mean girls and the sexy boys, but there is also a curiosity and environment in which anyone can study anything. This book focuses on Walker’s time in this in between realm and opens the door to so many possibilities. When I first read the synopsis, I wondered where the story would go. As I read the book, it took turns and plot twists into places I didn’t anticipate. These situations and characters create a world that is exciting but also completely plausible.
Walker is a fantastic female character. She is a true YA heroine. She is kind, inquisitive, and full of life. Watching her wade through the new realm and her new reality was very applicable to young people today. There are things she learns and new life experiences she dives into. I loved watching her find her place and embrace it all. Daniel and his siblings are all incredible additions to the story. the friendship and chemistry between Daniel and Walker is well paced and sweet. I loved meeting Cass, Bertha, Dr. King, Tosh, and so many more. The people you meet in this book enhance the story and give Walker a foundation to thrive in.
One of the things I loved about this book was all the people you meet in passing. Everyone you meet is dead, obviously. So there are some pretty fantastic teachers in the classrooms. You meet musicians and scholars from history, people who take the time to share their knowledge with the students at the Academy and challenge them to be great. It made this story an incredible blend of history, art, and culture when the author added musicians, athletes, and great thinkers from history you will recognize into the mix. When you add this element to an already fun and lively story, it is something that draws you in and keeps you hooked.
Ascenders is a book that will fascinate young and old readers alike. There is a quest, a new world to explore, and emotions to develop. The story takes something that is thought provoking and adds a new twist, a new lenses with which to see something on the other side. This YA book has everything you expect from the genre with the paranormal excitement throw into the mix. If you are looking for something that is both thought provoking and entertaining, check this one out.
Walker is a fantastic female character. She is a true YA heroine. She is kind, inquisitive, and full of life. Watching her wade through the new realm and her new reality was very applicable to young people today. There are things she learns and new life experiences she dives into. I loved watching her find her place and embrace it all. Daniel and his siblings are all incredible additions to the story. the friendship and chemistry between Daniel and Walker is well paced and sweet. I loved meeting Cass, Bertha, Dr. King, Tosh, and so many more. The people you meet in this book enhance the story and give Walker a foundation to thrive in.
One of the things I loved about this book was all the people you meet in passing. Everyone you meet is dead, obviously. So there are some pretty fantastic teachers in the classrooms. You meet musicians and scholars from history, people who take the time to share their knowledge with the students at the Academy and challenge them to be great. It made this story an incredible blend of history, art, and culture when the author added musicians, athletes, and great thinkers from history you will recognize into the mix. When you add this element to an already fun and lively story, it is something that draws you in and keeps you hooked.
Ascenders is a book that will fascinate young and old readers alike. There is a quest, a new world to explore, and emotions to develop. The story takes something that is thought provoking and adds a new twist, a new lenses with which to see something on the other side. This YA book has everything you expect from the genre with the paranormal excitement throw into the mix. If you are looking for something that is both thought provoking and entertaining, check this one out.
September 29, 2015
Fascinating Concept But Long-Winded . . .
In reading the book blurb I was intrigued, but found the book rather tedious to read. The story itself was interesting at points but was too long to keep my interest in one sitting. The characters were likable but at times they seemed dry, most-likely due to the focus being on the world they lived in rather than the characters.
Awakening in a perfect house in a new city, Walker Callaghan, finds herself unpacking but confused on how her and her mom moved somewhere new overnight. Walker is shown to her new school called the Academy where there are no tests, homework, rules or chance of death again thanks to the constant reset. This is a dream come true, except for one thing, all who attend this special school are dead. Walker with her dead pupils are children who are still developing till they ascend Up. While trying to adjust to her new circumstances Walker becomes entwined in the Reid family. Daniel Reid is the hot boy on campus but doesn't socialize, he takes care of his siblings and that's it. Walker is the only one who he talks to and she's able to get him to spill what secret he's been keeping. Daniel wants to go back to his moment of death to retrieve something and Walker has the brains to help, but insists its her way or no way. The problem is they have to face many obstacles to find the portal or even enter it, and there is a huge chance once through they may not ever make it back to the realm of Academy.
Overall, it was okay. I thought the author had a great concept but the book was too long. There were parts that repeated already mentioned points, which only made the scenes drag on. The fact the author chose to expound on the scenery and realm, basically the rules of the books universe, which was obviously necessary but it all added to making the story longer. I kept hoping for more school scenes and definitely more Walker and Daniel moments. The couple scenes were definitely small and considering how "advanced" their relationship grows, i.e. Walker moves in as a pseudo mom, I wish we were given more of just them talking, flirting and interacting. So in the end if you want a paranormal dimensional story about children living out their time of development in a "school" while encouraged to explore but told never seek to return back to life but kids being kids do the ONE thing they are told not to, than this book may interest you but I probably won't follow the series.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
In reading the book blurb I was intrigued, but found the book rather tedious to read. The story itself was interesting at points but was too long to keep my interest in one sitting. The characters were likable but at times they seemed dry, most-likely due to the focus being on the world they lived in rather than the characters.
Awakening in a perfect house in a new city, Walker Callaghan, finds herself unpacking but confused on how her and her mom moved somewhere new overnight. Walker is shown to her new school called the Academy where there are no tests, homework, rules or chance of death again thanks to the constant reset. This is a dream come true, except for one thing, all who attend this special school are dead. Walker with her dead pupils are children who are still developing till they ascend Up. While trying to adjust to her new circumstances Walker becomes entwined in the Reid family. Daniel Reid is the hot boy on campus but doesn't socialize, he takes care of his siblings and that's it. Walker is the only one who he talks to and she's able to get him to spill what secret he's been keeping. Daniel wants to go back to his moment of death to retrieve something and Walker has the brains to help, but insists its her way or no way. The problem is they have to face many obstacles to find the portal or even enter it, and there is a huge chance once through they may not ever make it back to the realm of Academy.
Overall, it was okay. I thought the author had a great concept but the book was too long. There were parts that repeated already mentioned points, which only made the scenes drag on. The fact the author chose to expound on the scenery and realm, basically the rules of the books universe, which was obviously necessary but it all added to making the story longer. I kept hoping for more school scenes and definitely more Walker and Daniel moments. The couple scenes were definitely small and considering how "advanced" their relationship grows, i.e. Walker moves in as a pseudo mom, I wish we were given more of just them talking, flirting and interacting. So in the end if you want a paranormal dimensional story about children living out their time of development in a "school" while encouraged to explore but told never seek to return back to life but kids being kids do the ONE thing they are told not to, than this book may interest you but I probably won't follow the series.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
July 20, 2015
C. L. Gaber has a distinctively cinematic style that turns Ascenders into a butt-kicking movie that plays in your head as you read. It's easy to fall into the story and get lost in this snowy-yet-comfortable world with the characters, who are always interesting. The protagonist inspires an incredible amount of compassion, and she's far from perfect: I really appreciate that both the MC and the love interest are realistically human. They've got their strengths and weaknesses, and the shortcomings aren't glorified or masked for the sake of heroism. Walker is simultaneously intelligent and a little bit airheaded when it comes to things she doesn't want to face, and Daniel can be so stubborn he's dense.
Speaking of Daniel...may I introduce you to your new book boyfriend? Totally smoking hot, even if I'm not a teenager any more.
The reason for the loss of a star is because there are quite a few places where the punctuation is incorrect - periods instead of question marks - and Gaber has a tendency to start a new paragraph in the middle of dialogue in places where it doesn't really make sense. I found myself thrown out of the flow of the story every time I had to stop and figure out who was speaking, since there are a lot of lines of dialogue without speech tags, and when a new paragraph starts in the middle of a character speaking, the quotation marks are closed in the paragraph above, which indicates a new speaker in the next paragraph. Those issues could be fixed with a good, attentive editor, though.
The other drawback was that the rules of this world aren't exactly clear. A main premise is that the bad parts of a soul are left behind and the good parts ascend, but there are some really nasty characters that are clearly not "good" parts of a soul. Another discrepancy comes in when a character talks about being made whole and not having to worry about disease, amputations, etc. -- but Daniel has a scar from a fight with his dad that carried through into the afterlife, even when another character has a whole new limb after an amputation...and there's one character that's extremely overweight and that doesn't really make sense either.
Thanks to the compelling story, the loveable characters, steamy romance, and heavy doses of snark, it's easy enough to overlook the shortcomings. I really enjoyed Ascenders, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a wild ride through the afterlife.
Speaking of Daniel...may I introduce you to your new book boyfriend? Totally smoking hot, even if I'm not a teenager any more.
The reason for the loss of a star is because there are quite a few places where the punctuation is incorrect - periods instead of question marks - and Gaber has a tendency to start a new paragraph in the middle of dialogue in places where it doesn't really make sense. I found myself thrown out of the flow of the story every time I had to stop and figure out who was speaking, since there are a lot of lines of dialogue without speech tags, and when a new paragraph starts in the middle of a character speaking, the quotation marks are closed in the paragraph above, which indicates a new speaker in the next paragraph. Those issues could be fixed with a good, attentive editor, though.
The other drawback was that the rules of this world aren't exactly clear. A main premise is that the bad parts of a soul are left behind and the good parts ascend, but there are some really nasty characters that are clearly not "good" parts of a soul. Another discrepancy comes in when a character talks about being made whole and not having to worry about disease, amputations, etc. -- but Daniel has a scar from a fight with his dad that carried through into the afterlife, even when another character has a whole new limb after an amputation...and there's one character that's extremely overweight and that doesn't really make sense either.
Thanks to the compelling story, the loveable characters, steamy romance, and heavy doses of snark, it's easy enough to overlook the shortcomings. I really enjoyed Ascenders, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a wild ride through the afterlife.
February 1, 2016
I just finished up reading this very interesting tale by C.L. Gaber about a girl who dies in a tragic accident and ends up going to high school in the after life. The funny thing about it is that even after dying, high school is much the same in some ways for Walker. There are the clicks of kids, classes, sports, and that one guy that everyone has a crush on but doesn't seem to pay attention to anyone until the new girl comes along. The only differences are that Walker has much more freedom over her academics, there happens to be a scary rival school nearby that as student inmates, and the fact that you can pretty much do anything you want because you're not going to die again. They call it the reset. And Walker uses it a lot as she starts figuring out this new life she has, with her new friend Daniel. Daniel lives next door with his brother and sisters, but no parents. In fact, parents are almost non-existent because this place is mainly for those who have not completely formed, or are under the age of 24 when they died. Daniel is doing his best to find a way back to get his little brother that became stuck on the earthly plane when they all died, and yes, that family has one tragic story to tell about their lives and their deaths. Now the little brother is stuck and Daniel is determined to save him, even though it could mean that he never comes back, or he gets sent to ITT as a student inmate for basically forever. And in there, there is no reset button, but they can't die either. So they feel all of the pain. The closer Walker becomes to him, the more she is determined to figure out the dark, brooding guy who sits by her in class and she decides he needs some help. Of course there are tons of complications and not to mention that if they even make it back, there will be things hunting them down. Bad things. So much risk keeps you on the edge of your seat while reading this one and it makes it hard to put the book down. One more chapter turns into an all night reading binge. I really found it interesting that there were clicks and mean girls, and the whole reset button for one school but not for the bad kids that died. Overall an excellent read!
February 28, 2021
This book is unique to me. I've read a lot of books over the years. I can't think of any book I've read along the lines of this one. Yes, I've read books where characters died but not about the story of their afterlife. And all the possibilities.
Walker Callaghan is a 17 year old living in Chicago with her mom and her aunt. We glimpse from the story that she had been sick with pneumonia before she died but that wasn't the cause of her death. We learn of Walker's passing in the first chapter and then it moves to her afterlife, even though she doesn't know that at first.
She meets several new friends at the Academy, the school for teenagers who aren't delinquents in their previous life. Daniel Reid is a fellow classmate and someone everyone wants to be with but he doesn't notice anyone. Not until Walker comes along anyways.
We learn the story of several of the characters and the surroundings of their deaths through the book. I like the appearance of several of the characters. I will say, it's unique to have all the characters that appear be real people that have passed, minus the students. The adults are all people that have passed in real life and make an appearance at the Academy by teaching one subject or another.
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Like I said, this book is unique to me. I was intrigued from the moment I started reading. I read this book as much as I could until I finished it. I was engrossed with this book and wanted more! The characters could pass as everyday people like you and I, except the living vs dead feature though. There's action, adventure and romance in here along with some mischief.
I definitely can't wait to get the rest of the books in this series and finish reading it!
Walker Callaghan is a 17 year old living in Chicago with her mom and her aunt. We glimpse from the story that she had been sick with pneumonia before she died but that wasn't the cause of her death. We learn of Walker's passing in the first chapter and then it moves to her afterlife, even though she doesn't know that at first.
She meets several new friends at the Academy, the school for teenagers who aren't delinquents in their previous life. Daniel Reid is a fellow classmate and someone everyone wants to be with but he doesn't notice anyone. Not until Walker comes along anyways.
We learn the story of several of the characters and the surroundings of their deaths through the book. I like the appearance of several of the characters. I will say, it's unique to have all the characters that appear be real people that have passed, minus the students. The adults are all people that have passed in real life and make an appearance at the Academy by teaching one subject or another.
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Like I said, this book is unique to me. I was intrigued from the moment I started reading. I read this book as much as I could until I finished it. I was engrossed with this book and wanted more! The characters could pass as everyday people like you and I, except the living vs dead feature though. There's action, adventure and romance in here along with some mischief.
I definitely can't wait to get the rest of the books in this series and finish reading it!
December 16, 2017
This book is Fabfreakintastic!!! I loved it!
It starts out when Walker is in the afterlife, a new life, new school, new everything. All new to her.
The beginning half of the book you learn about the staff, and students and what happened to them to end up there. I enjoyed reading about each persons story, it is a important part of the story, however the second half of the book is where the action, and story really began for me. The death story's are good, however I would have liked to get to the main story line a little faster.
The second half of this book is fast paced, has romance intertwined, and a few spooky parts!
The main characters Walker and Daniel Reed are great, Daniel is your strong, hard headed type of guy, while Walker is the Smart kinda geeky girl! I loved both of these characters and look forward to reading more with them! Your back characteristics are great to, Daniels sisters and brothers and the school staff, as well as the characters you learn to hate from ITT ( another school).
This book is nothing like what I predicted it would be, and I love when I am presently surprised! It is a great Y/A read. It reminded a lot of Karen M.Monings writing style, and that is a fabulous thing! If you like her books, you will love C.L Gabers books!
** Overall I loved this book, I am starting book two now! I highly recommend this book! It pulls at your heart strings and you are rooting for the characters, and the ending is perfect, yet leaves you wanting more! More romance, more answers, more action, just More!!!! Grab this book, you will not be sorry!
It starts out when Walker is in the afterlife, a new life, new school, new everything. All new to her.
The beginning half of the book you learn about the staff, and students and what happened to them to end up there. I enjoyed reading about each persons story, it is a important part of the story, however the second half of the book is where the action, and story really began for me. The death story's are good, however I would have liked to get to the main story line a little faster.
The second half of this book is fast paced, has romance intertwined, and a few spooky parts!
The main characters Walker and Daniel Reed are great, Daniel is your strong, hard headed type of guy, while Walker is the Smart kinda geeky girl! I loved both of these characters and look forward to reading more with them! Your back characteristics are great to, Daniels sisters and brothers and the school staff, as well as the characters you learn to hate from ITT ( another school).
This book is nothing like what I predicted it would be, and I love when I am presently surprised! It is a great Y/A read. It reminded a lot of Karen M.Monings writing style, and that is a fabulous thing! If you like her books, you will love C.L Gabers books!
** Overall I loved this book, I am starting book two now! I highly recommend this book! It pulls at your heart strings and you are rooting for the characters, and the ending is perfect, yet leaves you wanting more! More romance, more answers, more action, just More!!!! Grab this book, you will not be sorry!
May 26, 2015
Ascenders is about the "Academy". A high school for the dead. The theory is that they died young and didn't get enough life experiences. So they must attend the Academy to gain those experiences. The only real rule is that no matter what you can't try to go back to your old life. The Academy is just like a high school as far as the cliques. Walker finds herself in this in between realm with her mom. They died in a car wreck. At first Walker doesn't know that she dead and is wondering how her mom moved them without her knowing and how they are affording to live in such a lavish neighborhood. Then she meets Daniel at the Academy and that's when she learns she's dead. There are no consequences in this realm so you can do anything. The only thing that could hurt her here is falling in love because you never know how long you'll be here and losing someone you fall in love with in this realm would be like dieing twice.
I loved this book! What an original concept. I have always enjoyed a well written YA love story and this book did not disappoint. I fell in love with the characters. I also loved the references to the famous dead people and that they were teachers at the Academy. The writing flowed effortlessly. I couldn't put this book down, I had to know what was going to happen next. It sounds kind of morbid but I also liked reading all of the characters death stories. They added to the story and let you get to know more about each character. I cannot wait for the next book in this saga to come out.
I loved this book! What an original concept. I have always enjoyed a well written YA love story and this book did not disappoint. I fell in love with the characters. I also loved the references to the famous dead people and that they were teachers at the Academy. The writing flowed effortlessly. I couldn't put this book down, I had to know what was going to happen next. It sounds kind of morbid but I also liked reading all of the characters death stories. They added to the story and let you get to know more about each character. I cannot wait for the next book in this saga to come out.
November 2, 2024
*ARC Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
One word to describe this book is epic. I am not going to recap the story because the synopsis is ridiculously long. I actually recommend not reading it and just know that this is an epic, adventure book about kids after they die where they attend school until there brains are developed at 24. The only rule is you cannot under any circumstances return to the living realm. That wraps it up because there were so many bits and pieces to this story that were sheer writing brilliance.
I loved that the teachers at the school where people who passed…famous people who passed. Steve Jobs is your computer teacher, Kurt Cobain is your music teacher, etc. This is pure brilliance and had me giggling and smiling. Then the rivalry school is for kids who did something bad in the living realm, school shooters, rapists, murders, etc. The rival school is twisted and captivating. Unlike the Academy, people at ITT can feel pain and there injuries. Seriously I adored this book!
The story is so amazing, and completely unique, I have never read anything like this or that will compare to this. I would rank this up there in my top reads of 2015. The tail is enchanting and I fell in love with Daniel and his family and I wanted to be best friends with Walker, this was the book that kept giving. It was an amazing story that left me satisfied but definitely wanting more! Can’t wait for the next one…go read this book! Paranormal meets perfect storytelling!
One word to describe this book is epic. I am not going to recap the story because the synopsis is ridiculously long. I actually recommend not reading it and just know that this is an epic, adventure book about kids after they die where they attend school until there brains are developed at 24. The only rule is you cannot under any circumstances return to the living realm. That wraps it up because there were so many bits and pieces to this story that were sheer writing brilliance.
I loved that the teachers at the school where people who passed…famous people who passed. Steve Jobs is your computer teacher, Kurt Cobain is your music teacher, etc. This is pure brilliance and had me giggling and smiling. Then the rivalry school is for kids who did something bad in the living realm, school shooters, rapists, murders, etc. The rival school is twisted and captivating. Unlike the Academy, people at ITT can feel pain and there injuries. Seriously I adored this book!
The story is so amazing, and completely unique, I have never read anything like this or that will compare to this. I would rank this up there in my top reads of 2015. The tail is enchanting and I fell in love with Daniel and his family and I wanted to be best friends with Walker, this was the book that kept giving. It was an amazing story that left me satisfied but definitely wanting more! Can’t wait for the next one…go read this book! Paranormal meets perfect storytelling!
May 12, 2021
This book was so much fun and not what I was expecting. I don’t read a lot of YA paranormal but this one definitely put me in the mood to find some more to read.
Walker was such a great character. When she wakes up to a new house and a new school it takes a few days before she realizes that something just isn’t right. It’s when she finds out she’s actually dead that things start to get really good. I honestly wouldn’t mind living in a place where you can eat what you want without gaining weight, not have to pay for anything, and can dive off a cliff without dying because of course you can’t die twice.
The concept of this book is unique and well executed. There’s some romance with a mysterious hunky boy named Daniel who has a secret he’s been keeping and only Walker is the one to bring it out of him. The two of them come up with a plan to find a way back to the “real” world but the way to get there is just as dangerous as what they’ll face on the other side.
This book has adventure, romance, and found families. It’s a great blend of the paranormal in a setting that feels believable. If I were to die and end up in Limbo I think The Academy would be a fun place to end up. I enjoyed the small pop culture references and even characters based on real life people including Kurt Cobain as the music teacher. I definitely plan on reading the rest of this series!
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
Walker was such a great character. When she wakes up to a new house and a new school it takes a few days before she realizes that something just isn’t right. It’s when she finds out she’s actually dead that things start to get really good. I honestly wouldn’t mind living in a place where you can eat what you want without gaining weight, not have to pay for anything, and can dive off a cliff without dying because of course you can’t die twice.
The concept of this book is unique and well executed. There’s some romance with a mysterious hunky boy named Daniel who has a secret he’s been keeping and only Walker is the one to bring it out of him. The two of them come up with a plan to find a way back to the “real” world but the way to get there is just as dangerous as what they’ll face on the other side.
This book has adventure, romance, and found families. It’s a great blend of the paranormal in a setting that feels believable. If I were to die and end up in Limbo I think The Academy would be a fun place to end up. I enjoyed the small pop culture references and even characters based on real life people including Kurt Cobain as the music teacher. I definitely plan on reading the rest of this series!
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
January 7, 2016
A Very Unique, Epic Paranormal YA Read
This book is fan-freaking-tastic! I am a lover of all things paranormal and also believe that you can't ever be too old to read YA books. I couldn't have imagined even after the really intriguing synopsis that I would like this book so so much! The author has done such an amazing job with this one, I truly haven't read anything like it. It really stands out in a sea of YA paranormal books. The story is so unique, original and interesting. It had me right from the very start and I flew through the pages until the very end. I just could not put this book down, I was so totally engrossed that the world melted away, where you have those moments where the kids are asking for something and you don't hear the words knife, gun, or finger-paints and you just go "uh-huh" and later when you come back to earth you have to wonder. The author just has your imagination working overtime with great description and imagery. I love Walker and immensely enjoyed her story. You'd think that being dead at 17 would totally suck but she really only is at her beginning. I won't go farther into the story as the blurb says a lot but I can't wait for the next book in the series. I was generously given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
This book is fan-freaking-tastic! I am a lover of all things paranormal and also believe that you can't ever be too old to read YA books. I couldn't have imagined even after the really intriguing synopsis that I would like this book so so much! The author has done such an amazing job with this one, I truly haven't read anything like it. It really stands out in a sea of YA paranormal books. The story is so unique, original and interesting. It had me right from the very start and I flew through the pages until the very end. I just could not put this book down, I was so totally engrossed that the world melted away, where you have those moments where the kids are asking for something and you don't hear the words knife, gun, or finger-paints and you just go "uh-huh" and later when you come back to earth you have to wonder. The author just has your imagination working overtime with great description and imagery. I love Walker and immensely enjoyed her story. You'd think that being dead at 17 would totally suck but she really only is at her beginning. I won't go farther into the story as the blurb says a lot but I can't wait for the next book in the series. I was generously given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
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