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Gracie, Dead or Alive
A story of the living, the undead, magic, betrayal, love, more betrayal, and blueberry pancakes. Gracie Daniels has it all. She’s young, pretty, in love and about to graduate from the University of Southern California, but her world is turned upside down when she wakes up, dead, in the morgue. But that’s only the beginning of Gracie’s new undead life. She has to learn to survive impending decomposition from a Wiccan spell that went wrong and numerous betrayals, all while searching for a mysterious alchemical spell book. Then along comes handsome Troy Scott. How can Gracie balance being dead and falling in love? It would be easier to give up, but that’s not Gracie. She’s no quitter, although if she doesn’t find a solution soon, nothing will matter.
- GenresParanormalYoung Adult
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
210 people want to read
About the author
Sofia Diana Gabel
19 books127 followersHello! I'm a multi-genre author living in the Pacific Northwest, but originally from Sydney, Australia.
I do love to write in several genres, but I'm focusing on Sci-Fi at the moment. I have way too many favorite authors to even attempt to choose one or two, although I suppose I can say that I like Andy Weir's style of writing and his original stories. In addition to writing, I try to fit in as much reading as I can, especially from authors I don't know or new authors.
I also love critiquing! I belong to a wonderful critique group and since COVID, we meet on Zoom, which is great since I moved away and can still keep in touch.
For something different, I have the first and second episode of an episodic short story, Double X, published and available on Amazon.
I hope you enjoy my writing, and if I can ever answer any questions, please contact me!
I do love to write in several genres, but I'm focusing on Sci-Fi at the moment. I have way too many favorite authors to even attempt to choose one or two, although I suppose I can say that I like Andy Weir's style of writing and his original stories. In addition to writing, I try to fit in as much reading as I can, especially from authors I don't know or new authors.
I also love critiquing! I belong to a wonderful critique group and since COVID, we meet on Zoom, which is great since I moved away and can still keep in touch.
For something different, I have the first and second episode of an episodic short story, Double X, published and available on Amazon.
I hope you enjoy my writing, and if I can ever answer any questions, please contact me!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2015
Escargot Books and Music and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Gracie was declared dead after being struck by lightning while at the Griffith Park Observatory. Good thing that Terra, a witch who dabbles in ancient spells, decided to bring Gracie back. Finding out that her life was not as it appeared on the surface, Gracie has to decide how to live while not really alive.
The biggest problem that I had with Gracie, Dead or Alive is that the dialogue seems forced, which takes away from the believability of the characters. I had a hard time finding Gracie's motivation, with the exception of the basal instinct of revenge and some good, old fashioned pranks. The plot was pretty thin and left me wanting more, especially regarding Gracie and her story. The author just did not take the plot far enough for me and did not provide enough depth to the characters. Although this book was not for me, it might appeal to YA readers who like the paranormal genre.
Gracie was declared dead after being struck by lightning while at the Griffith Park Observatory. Good thing that Terra, a witch who dabbles in ancient spells, decided to bring Gracie back. Finding out that her life was not as it appeared on the surface, Gracie has to decide how to live while not really alive.
The biggest problem that I had with Gracie, Dead or Alive is that the dialogue seems forced, which takes away from the believability of the characters. I had a hard time finding Gracie's motivation, with the exception of the basal instinct of revenge and some good, old fashioned pranks. The plot was pretty thin and left me wanting more, especially regarding Gracie and her story. The author just did not take the plot far enough for me and did not provide enough depth to the characters. Although this book was not for me, it might appeal to YA readers who like the paranormal genre.
December 28, 2015
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Terra is a young witch who is just learning how to use her magic. She is not supposed to use her magic without the permission or maybe without her coven's knowledge of her doing so. But Terra doesn't listen or play by the rules. She finds a very old book with a spell in it to bring the dead back to life. She knows that using the spell is very taboo and goes against all of her coven's rules but Terra can't do as she is told. She can't stand it she just has to see if the spell will work. She probably just wants to know if she can bring someone back to life all by herself. When she uses the spell she is so full of happiness that I can just see her dancing around and jumping up and down. Terra is a young novice/witch that doesn't really have clue as to what she is doing. Rules are put into place for a reason and that is why some rules can't or shouldn't be broken. But Terra is young and is like any other teen that thinks she can doing anything. She is a good girl and never wants to hurt anyone. She only wants to help and do what is right but sometimes we do things without thinking it through.
Gracie is happy to be alive or undead but she is a little upset with Terra for just walking out and leaving her all alone knowing she doesn't know what to do as a zombie or undead person that is. Gracie leaves the morgue and goes home to do some research online to see if she can find anything or one that can help her with being dead or undead. Like does she need to eat, sleep or what. She gets lucky and finds another witch; Araceli that tries to help Gracie as much as she can. She uses her contacts in the witch world to help Gracie find the answers she needs. But as we know there people out there that we can't trust and just want to use us for their own selfish reasons.
Gracie meets a cop while she is out trying to make money the only way she can think of at the time. She finds out that it doesn't matter if you are dead or alive that you still need money to survive and while she is out trying to make money by using a method to make some fast cash that has been around for a long time she meets a cop who just happens to be a hottie and just happens to have a big heart like Gracie's who likes to help people. Troy "the cop" gives Gracie his phone number and tells her to call him anytime if she needs him. Oh and let me tell you use it she does.
Troy may be a hottie and a cop, he is a good cop who likes go by all the rules and not break any laws but when his heart starts fluttering for little old Gracie he comes real close to breaking some of those rules to help her find who or what it is she needs to make her undead life better.
Someone has taken something from Gracie that she needs to make her undead life better. All of her new friends are trying to help Gracie in any way they can to get that something back. Gracie is so happy that she has found people that care enough for her to help her with her undead situation. Gracie and all of her new friends are forming lasting relationships.
I am so very glad that Gracie has found all of these people to help her out and especially Troy. She deserves to have someone like him in her life after finding out what kind of person the guy who was her boyfriend when she was still alive was and the things he did not only to her but to others as well.
Well I have really liked following Gracie, Troy, Terra, Araceli and all of the other characters on their journeys. Oh man and what a journey it has been. Witches, zombies/undead and everything they have been through it just out of this world. I can't wait to read more about Gracie and all of her new friends.
Terra is a young witch who is just learning how to use her magic. She is not supposed to use her magic without the permission or maybe without her coven's knowledge of her doing so. But Terra doesn't listen or play by the rules. She finds a very old book with a spell in it to bring the dead back to life. She knows that using the spell is very taboo and goes against all of her coven's rules but Terra can't do as she is told. She can't stand it she just has to see if the spell will work. She probably just wants to know if she can bring someone back to life all by herself. When she uses the spell she is so full of happiness that I can just see her dancing around and jumping up and down. Terra is a young novice/witch that doesn't really have clue as to what she is doing. Rules are put into place for a reason and that is why some rules can't or shouldn't be broken. But Terra is young and is like any other teen that thinks she can doing anything. She is a good girl and never wants to hurt anyone. She only wants to help and do what is right but sometimes we do things without thinking it through.
Gracie is happy to be alive or undead but she is a little upset with Terra for just walking out and leaving her all alone knowing she doesn't know what to do as a zombie or undead person that is. Gracie leaves the morgue and goes home to do some research online to see if she can find anything or one that can help her with being dead or undead. Like does she need to eat, sleep or what. She gets lucky and finds another witch; Araceli that tries to help Gracie as much as she can. She uses her contacts in the witch world to help Gracie find the answers she needs. But as we know there people out there that we can't trust and just want to use us for their own selfish reasons.
Gracie meets a cop while she is out trying to make money the only way she can think of at the time. She finds out that it doesn't matter if you are dead or alive that you still need money to survive and while she is out trying to make money by using a method to make some fast cash that has been around for a long time she meets a cop who just happens to be a hottie and just happens to have a big heart like Gracie's who likes to help people. Troy "the cop" gives Gracie his phone number and tells her to call him anytime if she needs him. Oh and let me tell you use it she does.
Troy may be a hottie and a cop, he is a good cop who likes go by all the rules and not break any laws but when his heart starts fluttering for little old Gracie he comes real close to breaking some of those rules to help her find who or what it is she needs to make her undead life better.
Someone has taken something from Gracie that she needs to make her undead life better. All of her new friends are trying to help Gracie in any way they can to get that something back. Gracie is so happy that she has found people that care enough for her to help her with her undead situation. Gracie and all of her new friends are forming lasting relationships.
I am so very glad that Gracie has found all of these people to help her out and especially Troy. She deserves to have someone like him in her life after finding out what kind of person the guy who was her boyfriend when she was still alive was and the things he did not only to her but to others as well.
Well I have really liked following Gracie, Troy, Terra, Araceli and all of the other characters on their journeys. Oh man and what a journey it has been. Witches, zombies/undead and everything they have been through it just out of this world. I can't wait to read more about Gracie and all of her new friends.
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January 6, 2016 Fun, Sarcasm, Death … not in that order
Gracie Daniels wakes up naked on a table with a tag around her toe. Yup, she’s been pronounced dead and is seconds away from having an autopsy performed to determine why. We’ve all been there … or not. But then we didn’t have Terra, a member of a Wiccan coven, practicing reanimation spells. While the shock of what’s happened to her is unsettling, so is finding your boyfriend is already hooking up with a study buddy from geology. But when one door closes, another one opens and you find a hunk named Troy Scott. Unfortunately, you also find out that if you don’t do something, you’ll start to decay ... unless you find that freaking book on alchemy.
This is the premise of Sofia Diana Gabel’s GRACIE, DEAD OR ALIVE. It’s part mystery, part paranormal, and part satire. Is satire a genre? It should be. It’s also a pretty good read. I liked Ms. Gabel’s style of spinning a tale and appreciated the imaginative twists and turns the story took. It kept me interested and laughing which are the two things I most like to be outside of caffeinated, but a book can only do so much.
I liked Grace Daniels and watching her try to find a solution to her predicament. And, of course, she makes all the wrong moves! How many people here have been dead before? A show of hands, please? I thought not. I would hazard a guess and say that it’s pretty disconcerting and would probably throw anyone off their game, so I forgave her.
The story is fast-paced and moves along at quite the clip. It’s not predictable and that’s always a plus. It’s well-written and also humorous. If those sound like things you enjoy, then I suggest you dive on in and give GRACIE, DEAD OR ALIVE a try! I’m giving this a 3.8.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gracie Daniels wakes up naked on a table with a tag around her toe. Yup, she’s been pronounced dead and is seconds away from having an autopsy performed to determine why. We’ve all been there … or not. But then we didn’t have Terra, a member of a Wiccan coven, practicing reanimation spells. While the shock of what’s happened to her is unsettling, so is finding your boyfriend is already hooking up with a study buddy from geology. But when one door closes, another one opens and you find a hunk named Troy Scott. Unfortunately, you also find out that if you don’t do something, you’ll start to decay ... unless you find that freaking book on alchemy.
This is the premise of Sofia Diana Gabel’s GRACIE, DEAD OR ALIVE. It’s part mystery, part paranormal, and part satire. Is satire a genre? It should be. It’s also a pretty good read. I liked Ms. Gabel’s style of spinning a tale and appreciated the imaginative twists and turns the story took. It kept me interested and laughing which are the two things I most like to be outside of caffeinated, but a book can only do so much.
I liked Grace Daniels and watching her try to find a solution to her predicament. And, of course, she makes all the wrong moves! How many people here have been dead before? A show of hands, please? I thought not. I would hazard a guess and say that it’s pretty disconcerting and would probably throw anyone off their game, so I forgave her.
The story is fast-paced and moves along at quite the clip. It’s not predictable and that’s always a plus. It’s well-written and also humorous. If those sound like things you enjoy, then I suggest you dive on in and give GRACIE, DEAD OR ALIVE a try! I’m giving this a 3.8.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 5, 2016
oh dear. Firstly let me start by saying I hate slating a book. I know how much time, effort, sweat and tears an author puts into a book. I will always try and find something nice to say, however I just can't with this one.
From the get go I was literally thinking, 'Is this for real?!' I know its a supernatural book and I don't mean could it happen. Gracie is the most juvenile, idiot I've ever read about. In fact her completely antics and out look on life and actions in this book would be more suited to a YA if it wasn't for the sexual aspects of the story!
I skimmed (I NEVER skin!), I tried, I put it down walked away and came back, I tried again... I wondered why I was putting myself through reading this. I didn't enjoy it, I laughed at times I admit, but sometimes I don't think I was meant to be. Its not that this was poorly written etc. Its just Gracie was so damn terrible that I couldn't bare to read about her. She was like a 16/17 year old mind with a body of a 21 year old who hadn't a clue!
Sorry, but this book was not for me at all. I can't recommend it as I didn't like it. I'm sure someone will love it, that someone is not me. Sorry again to the author... 2 stars.
From the get go I was literally thinking, 'Is this for real?!' I know its a supernatural book and I don't mean could it happen. Gracie is the most juvenile, idiot I've ever read about. In fact her completely antics and out look on life and actions in this book would be more suited to a YA if it wasn't for the sexual aspects of the story!
I skimmed (I NEVER skin!), I tried, I put it down walked away and came back, I tried again... I wondered why I was putting myself through reading this. I didn't enjoy it, I laughed at times I admit, but sometimes I don't think I was meant to be. Its not that this was poorly written etc. Its just Gracie was so damn terrible that I couldn't bare to read about her. She was like a 16/17 year old mind with a body of a 21 year old who hadn't a clue!
Sorry, but this book was not for me at all. I can't recommend it as I didn't like it. I'm sure someone will love it, that someone is not me. Sorry again to the author... 2 stars.
April 3, 2018
Poor Gracie, she wakes up in the morgue to find out that she had died but a ditzy witch called Terra has brought her back to life.
Terra ditches Gracie in the morgue leaving her to fend for herself, but Gracie cant go home or call anyone as everyone thinks she is dead!
We follow Gracie as she begins to decompose, as she find out that her boyfriend was cheating on her and basically trying to live whilst being dead.
Overall it was a good story though in some parts it kinda dragged, and the whole relationship with the cop was a bit weird. But I loved the story and it was a different take on what could be a zombie book.
4 stars
Terra ditches Gracie in the morgue leaving her to fend for herself, but Gracie cant go home or call anyone as everyone thinks she is dead!
We follow Gracie as she begins to decompose, as she find out that her boyfriend was cheating on her and basically trying to live whilst being dead.
Overall it was a good story though in some parts it kinda dragged, and the whole relationship with the cop was a bit weird. But I loved the story and it was a different take on what could be a zombie book.
4 stars
January 6, 2016
I think this book is original. That pretty much sums it up for me. Its New Adult, Its Paranormal, its got a little bit of everything and is perfect for the reader who isn't sure what they want to read next.
While the characters are well developed for the most part, I did find myself often wondering about their age. They seemed a little younger than they should have been. That was kind of confusing at times.
While the characters are well developed for the most part, I did find myself often wondering about their age. They seemed a little younger than they should have been. That was kind of confusing at times.
January 6, 2016
Sofia Diana Gabel has done a great job with creating characters the reader will feel strongly about. Maybe not always a good kind of strong, but evoking emotion in the reader is good regardless.
I liked the way that the novel unfolded. There were times where I felt it read a bit younger than strict Paranormal Romance, but overall I liked the plot and pacing.
I liked the way that the novel unfolded. There were times where I felt it read a bit younger than strict Paranormal Romance, but overall I liked the plot and pacing.
January 10, 2019
I read this years ago, and did not get my review up in time on NetGalley, maybe because I forgot about reviewing it for them, because it was that bad to me. This was so childish, and I love the Teen & YA genre, but I couldn't even put this book in that gene personally. Sorry! This was a DNF, and a DNL for me. Sorry to all that loved it, and to Sofia.
January 7, 2016
Grace wakes up on a table in the morgue. The last thing she remembers is being struck by lightning. Terra is a young witch that has no patience for rules. So, when she finds an obscure book that involves bringing someone back to life she is eager to use the spell. Once she revives Grace she has had enough of the whole thing and leaves.
Grace has a lot to learn about being undead and find some people to help her along. But she is not like a vampire, she is starting to decompose and it seems that she will keep decomposing until she finds a book about alchemy.
I did like the snark in this story. I loved Terra and even though she basically ditches Gracie after bringing her back to life. Although she is in a bad position, I did like how Gracie was glib and snarky too. Although I doubt if it was me that I could be that easy going with the fact that I’m now a ghoul.
I have to say that I had a hard time liking Gracie. I initially felt bad for her waking up dead and having no guidance then finding out your boyfriend is a jerk did help. Unfortunately she just kept rushing headlong into bad decisions. She seemed very naïve and made this feel like a young adult story. I also know that the insta-love and love triangles are big parts to many stories and a lot of people really like them. I’m sorry to say that I’m not one of those people and I admit that this didn’t really help my opinion of Gracie.
I liked the concept of this story. I think the execution is a bit rough. That is not to say that I will not keep my eyes open for other books by Sofia.
I received Gracie, Dead or Alive from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review.
Grace has a lot to learn about being undead and find some people to help her along. But she is not like a vampire, she is starting to decompose and it seems that she will keep decomposing until she finds a book about alchemy.
I did like the snark in this story. I loved Terra and even though she basically ditches Gracie after bringing her back to life. Although she is in a bad position, I did like how Gracie was glib and snarky too. Although I doubt if it was me that I could be that easy going with the fact that I’m now a ghoul.
I have to say that I had a hard time liking Gracie. I initially felt bad for her waking up dead and having no guidance then finding out your boyfriend is a jerk did help. Unfortunately she just kept rushing headlong into bad decisions. She seemed very naïve and made this feel like a young adult story. I also know that the insta-love and love triangles are big parts to many stories and a lot of people really like them. I’m sorry to say that I’m not one of those people and I admit that this didn’t really help my opinion of Gracie.
I liked the concept of this story. I think the execution is a bit rough. That is not to say that I will not keep my eyes open for other books by Sofia.
I received Gracie, Dead or Alive from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2015
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2015/12/2...
Publisher: Escargot
Publishing Date: September 2015
ISBN:9781908191823
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5
Publishers Description: Gracie Daniels has it all. She’s young, pretty, in love and about to graduate from the University of Southern California, but her world is turned upside down when she wakes up, dead, in the morgue. But that’s only the beginning of Gracie’s new undead life.
Review: Gracie wakes up and she’s dead only her animator is a ditzy young witch with face piercings. So off to the unbelievable storyline races we go. This started out pretty good but the “Gracie running from here to there from one exploit to the next” made her dumb. The storyline just dragged on and on and on and got even more mundane with the love interest/triangle crap. “Oh, Troy is so hot…..I hate my old boyfriend…….I want to have hot sex with Troy……I love it when Troy is so playful….We just cuddled in the back seat….”. Fug.
What’s wrong with Gracie having a complete mental collapse under the circumstances and watching her character develop throughout her ordeal? Imbue a sense of reality with her situation rather than being glib ALL THE TIME and tone down the insta-love infatuation? Build her character through her internal struggles to realize a sense of self and move the story line to a successful (or not) resolution? Great idea, poor execution.
Publisher: Escargot
Publishing Date: September 2015
ISBN:9781908191823
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5
Publishers Description: Gracie Daniels has it all. She’s young, pretty, in love and about to graduate from the University of Southern California, but her world is turned upside down when she wakes up, dead, in the morgue. But that’s only the beginning of Gracie’s new undead life.
Review: Gracie wakes up and she’s dead only her animator is a ditzy young witch with face piercings. So off to the unbelievable storyline races we go. This started out pretty good but the “Gracie running from here to there from one exploit to the next” made her dumb. The storyline just dragged on and on and on and got even more mundane with the love interest/triangle crap. “Oh, Troy is so hot…..I hate my old boyfriend…….I want to have hot sex with Troy……I love it when Troy is so playful….We just cuddled in the back seat….”. Fug.
What’s wrong with Gracie having a complete mental collapse under the circumstances and watching her character develop throughout her ordeal? Imbue a sense of reality with her situation rather than being glib ALL THE TIME and tone down the insta-love infatuation? Build her character through her internal struggles to realize a sense of self and move the story line to a successful (or not) resolution? Great idea, poor execution.
December 18, 2015
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I only have myself to blame for reading this. I requested the book. I would have stopped reading the book at the start but I felt I owed NetGalley a fully informed review.
I struggled to understand Gracie and her motives to want to stay alive. She put herself in poor situations time and time again. The other characters supported her stupidity and maintained a high level of their own.
The concept of the book would probably be more enjoyable by middle school age group, but the sexual content removes that from a possibility.
This book frustrated me from cover to cover and I began skimming it by half way through.
This book is beyond light and fluffy. It feels like the character Terra, shallow and scattered.
I only have myself to blame for reading this. I requested the book. I would have stopped reading the book at the start but I felt I owed NetGalley a fully informed review.
I struggled to understand Gracie and her motives to want to stay alive. She put herself in poor situations time and time again. The other characters supported her stupidity and maintained a high level of their own.
The concept of the book would probably be more enjoyable by middle school age group, but the sexual content removes that from a possibility.
This book frustrated me from cover to cover and I began skimming it by half way through.
This book is beyond light and fluffy. It feels like the character Terra, shallow and scattered.
January 2, 2016
Review to come soon.
March 4, 2016
Characters were childish and not believable. The whole story was weak and the only reason I finished it is that I hate not completing a book. But I wouldn't recommend it
December 17, 2015
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews