The Ghost Host: Episode 1

The Ghost Host #1

by DelSheree Gladden

Everyone thinks Echo Simmons is crazy, but being The Ghost Host isn’t just a YouTube hoax like people think. It’s the only way to control the ghosts haunting her…at least until the FBI shows up asking questions.

The first eighteen years of Echo Simmons’ life have been less than ideal. On more than one occasion her parents have considered committing her. They don’t believe she sees ghosts or that they harass her on a daily basis. So when a rogue ghost begins tormenting her, they’re the last people she’s going to tell. Her best friends Holden and Zara are doing their best to help, but ghost attacks are only the beginning of Echo’s problems.

Handling the ghosts by giving them a voice on YouTube through her webshow has been her saving grace—even if her parents think it’s all a hoax—but that gets a little complicated when the ghost of Madeline Crew reveals a little too much about her previous life and the FBI shows up at her door wanting to know how she gained access to long-buried government secrets.

It just keeps getting worse from there. Madeline’s message to her great grandson sparks a strange connection between Echo and Malachi, which leads to Georgia, secrets, mistakes, love, lies, and life changing revelations.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Amazon, Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Supernatural

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published.

Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.

DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Reviews

[Apryl Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Delsheree Gladden since I read Twin Souls. She has always amazed me with her ability to tell a story and suck you in. When I was given the opportunity to read The Ghost Host I jumped. And I was disappointed. It's brilliant.

Echo Simmons is a young woman who deals with her own weirdness by hosting an online web show where the ghosts that harass her can have an outlet to speak through her. She helps them pass on messages to loved ones. Well mostly. Sometimes, those messages aren't all they seem, like the message that is for Malachi from his grandmother.

That message starts a string of events that quickly domino into making Echo face her past, her abilities, and dealing with a threat she never knew existed. It also opens up new possibilities for her, to find romance with someone who can accept her as she is.

I was hooked from the first chapter and read the story completely through in one sitting. It will make you laugh, make you smile like a giddy teenager, it will make you sad. You'll run through the entire roller coaster of emotions with this book. It's a witty read that anyone will enjoy, no matter your age.

Gladden has done it once again and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the supernatural or just a fun read in general.

5 stars for this must read.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Malachi and on the fence about Kyran. Echo has a lot of growing up to do. those were my initial thoughts as I was reading.

this is a fun book. A creative book as well. I look forward to continuing the journey with this group and seeing what is next.

Echo is a different type of character. She didn't begin with having confidence or strength. She allowed others to make her decisions. Even her friend Holden. She was suffocating under her parents only because they loved her but didn't believe her. She felt like a burden to them. When Madeline came into her world and on her show, her life changes. She is compelled to get involved personally but she is also being haunted. Haunted by one who loves her dearly but needs to be set free.

Once Echo meets Malachi she changes. He encourages and supports her. Shows her that she is not alone and that although he doesn't initially believe in ghosts he believes her based on her character and is there for her. He lends her strength and this helps her start to stand up for herself and make decisions. suddenly everyone is going on a new adventure and the danger ratchets up.

Her two freinds are kind and loyal. both nerds in their own way and there for her no matter what.

Malachi is the character I loved the most. I hated how at the end everyone was angry at him for a moment between Echo and him. I was angry at Echo because she didn't help the situation or help him get them to understand, instead she allowed him to take the heat. He is a kind sweet caring guy and he helps Echo grow. He also loves her and wants to protect her. Which as the story goes on this is understood more. His family is so adorable as well.

Malachi's best friend Kyran I have reservations about. He is a great guy but how he is towards Malachi in the end I am not thrilled about. I also don't like how he has the anger about the role Malachi has. He needs to redeem himself in my book.

Cerise- mystery to me but sweet and loyal.

the story is intriguing and keeps you in the book to the end. You have some questions answered and others come up. There is a little bit of a love triangle but I am not sure where that is going. I want Malachi with Echo but only if Echo begins to see how amazing Malachi is. He is a treasure and at times she sees this but others I wonder. the ghost concept is fun and also dangerous. We see a purpose in why the ghosts are around Echo and the purpose this group now has. A nicely written, intriguing book about finding yourself and your voice. About finding friendships, love and answers. A book on strength and adventure. A hint of danger, a pinch of romance and a lot of fun as this group begins their adventures into the world of ghosts and relationslhips. I have questions about some things and wonder about Malachi's training, Kyran's role and his and Echo's feelings for each other, if Kyran and Malachi will be as before and more but am hoping these will begin to be answered in the next in the series

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ghost Host, it's freaking cool title! I enjoyed the book very much!!
Echo Simmons hosts ghosts on her show on youtube named Ghost Host. She sees ghosts (obvio :P) and they are good but there are also bad ones. The experiences with some of the ghosts had left Echo scared and made her trust less whether they be ghosts or people.
No one believes her, not even her parents. Just her friends Zara and Holden. Everything has been under control since she started The Ghost Host show but that goes down the drain when a rogue ghost starts harrowing Echo. She is confused and scared but there is a whole ball game that has happened and is happening which she don't have a clue about! And lets add FBI to it!
Ghosts, Cops and Echo, life wouldn't be uninteresting!

The plot had me hooked from the beginning and I read the whole book in one sitting! My fav character is Holden, how he takes care of Echo when her parents don't understands her. He is amazing! Then Archer, he is just freaking awesome, I love him! I just can't say much, there will be spoilers lol!
Beta read the book, got the copy in exchange of an honest review and these are my unbiased opinions. Looking forward for the next book!

My fav parah

Somehow, I always knew the people I saw hovering around looking aimless were ghosts, and it never really bothered me. Sometimes I talked to them when I was little. They never talked back. Sometimes they would play with me, though. My mom used to tell people what a good baby I was, how I never cried or fussed. She thought she had just lucked out with an easy first kid. Really, I always had someone standing over my crib smiling at me or making silly faces. Ghosts really seem to like being around babies for some reason.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I absolutely loved everything about this book! First off, I love ghost stories. It is probably one of my favorite book subjects. Especially when they are done well, and this one was! There was lots of ghost activity in here.
I was going to start by saying this is a fun, quirky story not one of those dark scary ghost stories. But.... at the end it did turn kind of scary. I was actually kind of scared to go into my bedroom in the dark (it didn't help that I was reading the end at night). I ran out to the sunroom to lock the door and ran back into the house :-/ like locking the doors will keep out ghosts! LOL

Great characters and great character development! I loved Echo. She was very much a teenager. I love when an author gets a character right, and this one was very right. I liked all the other characters as well but also really liked Malachi, Awww what a sweet guy!

I thought her parents were pretty harsh at times and very over protective especially considering that she is 18 and getting ready for college. They didn't believe Echo sees ghosts and actually send her to therapy. I believe in ghosts! But not everyone does. I can only imagine if my daughter came to me saying she saw ghosts what my response would be. So I thought they reacted realistically.

I also liked how respectful Echo is to her parents since she was living under their roof. I think she put up with a lot from them even though she was 18 and could really do what she wanted.

Other things I liked -
All the references to Anne of Green Gables!

"If I learned anything from sitting through Anne and Gil's ridiculous relationship a million times, it's to not let my redheaded dream girl slip away from me because I was too stupid to see how amazing she was from the start." ~ AWWWWWW

The book makes mention of Tybee Island! (which is right next to Savannah GA) I lived in Savannah for a while and used to go to Tybee Is all the time (several times a week). I love having a connection to a book that you can relate to.
One thing I didn't relate to was all the gaming talk, I didn't mind it, I just didn't appreciate it as much as some would, I am just not a gamer so it was a little lost on me.

Like I said, this book gets a little scary toward the end and very intense. But I love that!

"Sitting on her mattress, Echo's frost covered arm is stretched out, gripping something so hard her hand is blanched white. Her eyes are squeezed tight, but the expression on her face is like nothing I've seen before. I can't even move, the shock is so strong. All I can do is stare at her as she screams, frost creeping up her arms to envelope her trembling body." ~ Oh man! Intense!

The next day I sat down to start a new book and was a little sad. I didn't want it to be over, I wanted to read more! This is book one in a new series so... I can't wait to read the next one!

This author has written lots of book. This was my first one. I would love to try another one.

All-in-all - GREAT BOOK!

Thank you "I'm a Reader Not a Writer book tours" for sending me this fabulous book for my honest review!

[Connected By Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderfully terrifying this book is!!! I had no idea what to expect as this is the first book I’ve ever read by DelSheree Gladden, but I was pleasantly surprised by how great and detail oriented her writing is.

The Ghost Host tells the story of high-school senior Echo, who has the hidden capacity of talking to ghosts and conveying their written messages to their dear ones, but unbeknownst to her, these messages are not always pleasant ones. After a frightening such as event left her emotionally scared, she enlisted the help of her best friends Holden and Zara, took further precautions when getting in contact with the spirits following her around and started a YouTube series, all in hopes that this way she can eventually be free of her ‘ghostly stalkers’. This is how Echo ends up meeting Malachi, a freshman at Georgia State University and their connection is instantaneous. They are both drawn to each other, but it’s so much more than just physical attraction; Malachi and Echo are connected in the supernatural sense, the protector and the protegee, and even more than that.

Echo soon enough finds out the there’s more to her power than she has originally thought – she’s stalked by a rogue ghost, or so she thought, she’s interviewed by the FBI and even gets an agent assigned to her case, moves across country because another ghost told her so, where she discovers secrets that will change her life forever. Echo, Holden and Zara, alongside Malachi and his friends, Kyran and Cerise and agent Morton get tangled up in a world full of incomprehensible truths, where they’ll need one another to survive and give peace to all the lost souls wondering the world.

What a story this is – it was unpredictable from start to finish, full of grim moments that left me wondering what will happen next and if our heroes will see the next chapter. Not one time during reading it, did I guess right – the villains of this story are extraordinary ones, and I’m excited to read more about them.

Although The Ghost Host reminded me of Karina Halle‘s Experiment in Terror series, these two couldn’t be more different – this is truly a PRN book in the real sense of the world. I got chills while reading it and I felt compelled to look around and make sure the noise I heard in the back ground was indeed m dog snoring and not something out of the ordinary .

I adored that the author didn’t focus mainly on getting Echo and Malachi together right away, but worked on developing them and giving them both separate stories before they became a couple. I also loved that the book stayed focused on Echo’s powers and what could come out of it, than making it a book full of contemporary romance cliches.

All in all, I’d recommend The Ghost Host to everyone who loves a scary story, with a bit of romance and great friendships. Echo’s story has just began and I’m more than ready for the next episode in this incredible sci-fi show.

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

4.5 ‘ghostly stalker’ stars

[Angelique Bodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ghost Host was a compelling read for me. It pulls you in and you could easily read the whole thing without stopping(unless you have two small children begging for your attention, like me). My only complaint was the amount of missing letters, words and commas throughout the book. The book read surprisingly well despite these, but they were there and did slow me down. Because of that I did knock my review down a notch.

4 out of 5 stars

So, my favorite part of any book is the characters. This book is chock-full of them! There are seriously a lot of characters involved on a regular basis, which is why I am so impressed. The author is able to give each of the characters very distinct differences and personalities without spending too much time on back stories or anything boring or time consuming. It is also still very clear who the main main characters are, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I really enjoy all the personality differences and clashes. I feel like the relationships between the characters are very natural and easy to understand as well. Nothing feels forced. On that note, the romantic relationship between the two main characters is one of my favorite relationships I have read about in a long time—very little drama. I don't mean there aren't struggles in the relationship or crazy things that happen, but the characters don't act stupid about it. I always hate when I am yelling at a character to just get over themselves and be honest. I love that these two are honest with each other and that their "drama" stems from real struggles instead of self-induced struggles.

I will admit, I'm not usually a paranormal fiction type girl, but when I read the description for The Ghost Host It sounded interesting, even though I still had my reservations. I'm happy to say, It made me want to pick of paranormal fiction more often. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially the parts about the ghosts. The rules they played by were restricting enough to keep things interesting and frustrating for the characters, easily giving conflict where it was needed in the story.

As far as how "clean" the book is . . . things do get heated up between the two main characters who are romantically involved premaritally. There is a sex scene, but little is described. What is described are the emotional effects of the act rather than the physical sensations. In reality, I thought the author did a great job of giving detail enough to let you know what happened without painting a vivid picture. Also, I liked that it showed the emotionally damaging side of having sex too early.

I guess to sum up, I really liked the book. It ended without a cliff hanger, but left me wanting to know a little more even though I was satisfied in general with the information I ended up with. It was good.

[Melissa Ousley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost Host starts with a bang. The book begins minutes before a web show is about to be filmed. Echo Simmons, the main character, introduces us to her world. All her life, she’s been haunted, plagued by ghosts only she can see, who expect her to deliver messages to the loved ones they left behind. Most people think she’s crazy and her show is a hoax. She’s shunned by kids at school, and even her parents think she needs therapy for her issues.

Luckily, she has two friends who do believe her, and together they have stumbled upon a solution to help the ghosts, easing the pressure placed on Echo. Echo has had terrifying experiences throughout her young life—she’s learned that not meeting the ghosts’ demands doesn’t end well for her or those she cares about. In her web show, Echo invites one ghost per episode to communicate through automatic writing. She becomes a vessel for messages, writing on a chalkboard.

All goes well at first—her ghostly guest respects the boundaries she has set, and asks that a message be given to her grandson, Malachi, to find a gift left for him at an old mansion in Georgia. Then, after the ghost vanishes and the show is about to end, Echo is attacked by another entity, one that can inflict pain and refuses to play by Echo’s rules.

Malachi sees the show and contacts Echo. Their connection is instantaneous, surprising them both. As they learn more about each other and uncover the mystery surrounding the message and the abandoned estate, they realize their fates may be intertwined. They also learn that the FBI has a keen interest in them both, and cooperating with a unit specializing in the supernatural may hold the key to dealing with the entity stalking Echo.

I loved this book—it was an engaging read with surprising twists, particularly regarding the entity haunting Echo. The book alternates between the two main character’s perspectives, and this is done well. The romance between Echo and Malachi is not without conflict, and mistakes are made by both characters. Being able to see both sides of the story, the guilt and regret each character feels, made them relatable. Because of the havoc ghosts have unleashed on her life, Echo has avoided relationships with most people, much less boys. She’s never dated, she’s never been kissed. Meeting Malachi changes all that, and Echo isn’t prepared for the challenges she faces in her first real relationship, or with being on her own for the first time, away from her family. I also loved how the author revealed the secret behind the entity, slowly providing readers clues before an emotional ending. I hope there will be a sequel, because I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book. The synopsis sounded great and I love a good paranormal/physic medium book. This seemed right up my alley, but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I wasn't totally disappointed, the storyline held, I just had a really hard time connecting with the characters.

Echo is the ghost medium in this story. She controls her ability/situation with the ghosts by hosting an online show, The Ghost Host, in order for the ghosts to get their messages across. The ghosts have to adhere to certain rules in order to be guests on her show. It is one of the ghosts with a message to her grandson Malachi that helps set this story in motion. Malachi sees that particular episode and reaches out to Echo for more information, especially to find out if she is a fake. He isn't quite sold on the idea of ghosts and mediums. Malachi and Echo feel an instant connection on the phone. They are separated by distance, so they talk on the phone, Skype, and text.

Echo kinda drifts along life. She doesn't have a plan, her parents pretty much rule her life, and what they can't control (the ghost aspect, which they don't believe in), her friend Holden makes decisions for her and protects her. She finally starts getting a backbone when it comes to Malachi. I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell and figuring out things for herself. She is really starting to become a strong solid character.

Malachi is a freshman in college. He is pretty much a rock solid character. He knows who he is and pretty much where he is going in life. I liked him right away. One issue I have with him is his dialogue. I felt the author threw in phrases to make him seem more "Southern" since he is from Georgia. Yes, different regions have different phrases and ways of saying things, but I felt like it was too much. They aren't always spouting off these saying whenever they can. Also, his need to not push Echo in their relationship. While I respect it, it didn't seem very realistic. He is an experience guy in college, and suddenly he holds himself back (for a while) without even kissing Echo when they are in a relationship. I understand not pushing sex, but kissing... It seemed pretty juvenile.

All in all, this book was pretty good. There was a good amount of mystery that kept me reading. The relationships between the main and secondary characters were fun and believable. There was also quite a bit of action. Keep in mind that this is the first book in the series, and it is not really a stand alone. The story of the Ghost Host is far from over!

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ghost Host: Episode 1(The Ghost Host Series) by DelSheree Gladden

This book did not drawl me in from page one as I would have thought it would have. To me, in the beginning the characters are not well developed and there was not a clear plot, other than the web show. However I was intrigued enough to give it a fair chance, and I am really glad I did. Near the middle or a little after I was fascinated and had to find out how certain things developed. I do admit they did not develop at a steady pace or with well-defined purpose, there was so major things going on. I almost felt let down due to the lack of details, details of everything down to appearances, past situations(they offhandedly referred to from time to time), major character development. I was left with many questions that I had about many of the characters. I think this book could have been a easy 5 stars with those things addressed.

Now that part is out of the way, let me tell you what I loved. I think the overall theme and the world build up was unique and fantastically interesting. I am very curious to see where the rest of the series will lead. I think there is room to develop the characters and stories into an awesome set of books. I loved the growth Echo had developed, and many friendships she acquired. I do wonder about Kyran. I do have to admit I was rooting for him thorough out the book. I felt more connected to his character than Malachi. I think he would be a better match for her. I am still hoping that perhaps book two will go that route. YES, I know Malachi was the first person she was drawn to, but I think Ky was her rock in the background never having doubt, or hesitation. Hopefully she will see that, but alas I think she is blinded by Mal. Well as I said I think (hope) there is more development in book two for all the characters involved. Some i just wasn’t sure of their purpose, ex Cerise. Overall, this was a good read with lots of entertaining bits that I enjoyed reading very much.

[Mylissa Demeyere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again DelSheree does it again! I am not an avid fan of all the supernatural reads out there, but for DelSheree I happily try whatever new story she has going, and find myself lost in a world I never would imagine possible or even appealing to me. Yet she sucks me in with great plots, fast-paced drama, and great elements of romance to keep me hooked from the first page to the very last letter.
It takes real talent to write like DelSheree does, and this story is no exception.
Echo sees ghosts, and it has a huge impact on her life. Sadly she doesn't have the support from her family, only two great best friends helping her deal with all it entails, seeing ghosts.
To put it all into proper perspective, and give herself the proper outlet in life, Echo has a YouTube show in which she talks to the ghosts. Creepy, yes at times very! (I found myself having trouble walking up the stairs at night in the dark, imagining all I had just been reading!!!) Through one of her shows a ghost reaches out to her grandson Malachi, and a great adventure unfolds. Echo and Malachi's life will never be the same, and all who follow them on this crazy adventure will face a similar fate.
I loved the way this tale unraveled, giving you more info as it moved along. Yet this is just the beginning, so readers will be sucked in, eagerly awaiting the sequel as I am. I look forward to more, and hope to have more questions answered!
Be sure to give this book a go, you will not be diappointed!

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Using YouTube to give ghosts a voice is the only way Echo can get any peace the rest of the time. When her latest message bring the FBI to her door will she finally find that there are more people out there who believe her than her two best friends? When your own parents don't believe her it's hard to grasp that finally there might be other who don't think she's a fraud. And then there's her ghosts grandson... What is it about him and what is the connection they have?

Echo doesn't care if other people believe her or not. Yea it's nice if they do, but as long as they don't bug her if they don't she is ok. She is more grown up than most kids her age, even when everyone doesn't see her that way. You can see it in the way she is.

Malachi is a sweetie. He might not believe right away, but he is open and doesn't put anyone down for what they do believe. He is caring and a protector and that make him awesome in my book.

The adventure these two go on together and apart shows you their journey as they are trying to figure out just who they really are and how to grow up even when a situation is difficult.

I enjoyed learning about them as well as the other characters and it really felt like you were right there with them. Great start to a new series and I'm excited to see more!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

~I was given this for an honest review~

I must say I haven't read many books like this but this one sounded so interesting. I was so right, I wasn't expect the way this book turned out at all.
Echo, is not your normal 18 yr old high school student, she has a gift that a lot of people including her own parents. You see, Echo can see and communicate with ghosts. She has even been attacked and stalked by them. Her parents almost had her committed from one of the attacks. She has two close friends that believe her and have talked her into doing a youtube show. During one of the shows, one of the ghosts have a message for her grandson. It's important he gets it. She also has another ghost who is attached to her. This is when things get strange. For the first time in her life, Echo decides to move out and experience life for herself. The FBI want to study her and she's cool with it. Malachi, never has believed in ghosts but something about Echo makes him want to believe her. He is fighting having feelings for her as well. He soon learns the truth about what happened with his grandma and who the people were that killed her. He also learns about his future, power and protection he provides Echo. This book was really entertaining from beginning to end. I really enjoyed reading it.

Review by Amy

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

~I was given this for an honest review~

I must say I haven't read many books like this but this one sounded so interesting. I was so right, I wasn't expect the way this book turned out at all.
Echo, is not your normal 18 yr old high school student, she has a gift that a lot of people including her own parents. You see, Echo can see and communicate with ghosts. She has even been attacked and stalked by them. Her parents almost had her committed from one of the attacks. She has two close friends that believe her and have talked her into doing a youtube show. During one of the shows,one of the ghosts have a message for her grandson. It's important he gets it. She also has another ghost who is attached to her. This is when things get strange. For the first time in her life, Echo decides to move out and experience life for herself. The FBI want to study her and she's cool with it. Malachi, never has believed in ghosts but something about Echo makes him want to believe her. He is fighting having feelings for her as well. He soon learns the truth about what happened with his grandma and who the people were that killed her. He also learns about his future, power and protection he provides Echo. This book was really entertaining from beginning to end. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars ARC Kindle Copy for Review

Most people think that soon to be high school graduate Echo Simmons is crazy. She hosts an online show called The Ghost Host as her means to cope with being haunted by them. Little does she know that even the FBI has noticed her as they pop up on her doorsteps asking questions.

For this eighteen year old life has not easy as her parents do not believe that she sees ghosts or in them. They have always over protected her and control all her decisions. She barely have friends Zara and Holden who believe in her and help her cope.

When on her show the ghost of Madeline Crew reveals a little too much about her previous life, the FBI shows up at her door asking her how she attained buried government secrets things start to go out of hand. She ends up reaching out to Madeline’s great grandson as they connect over the phone.

Echo finds herself in Georgia with her friends and meeting Malachi where she learns hidden truths about her life and the people around her. An interesting read that deals with the paranormal and haunting of ghosts.

[Corrine Pickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Reviewed for Hooked on Books ***

The Ghost Host - Bk1 - DelSheree Gladden 4 stars

A great, unusual and intriguing story, I connected well with Echo and Malachi. Echo has so much to deal with, there are so many ghosts trying to communicate through her, so with the help of her friends Holden and Zara she sets up an internet show. Some people believe the show is a hoax, but it is Echo's only way to control the ghosts. Most people think she's weird and even her parent's don't believe her. When the ghost of Madeline contacts Echo, she knows things could become dangerous. This is when she forms a bond with Malachi, the great grandson Madeline wants her to connect with.

Whilst I really enjoyed this story, I didn't feel this was fast paced enough for me. I liked the friendship circle and the FBI involvement, even though this didn't end on a cliffhanger I'm guessing there will be another book to follow. This is a great and enjoyable YA novel which is current with references to facebook and youtube etc and I would recommend reading this.

[Witchy Richey's Booktastic Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Ghost Whispering Stars

OMG!! This is like the Ghost Whisperer meets Supernatural meets X-Files/Alias meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer (minus the Vampires) So really it would be Echo the FBI Ghost Slayer....

This one started off really slow for me but it grabbed me quick. It felt a tad young for the age of the characters but holy moly half way through and I couldn't stop. I am dying for the next fix!

Echo is not your ordinary 18 year old woman. She has seen more in her 18 years than any of us will ever see. She is special.

Malachi is just a boy who finds a strange attraction to a girl with a web show. He is unexpectedly drawn in and his world is flipped upside down. Can Echo be for real or is she just a real crazy beauty?

Not sure what is up with the Agent but so far he is pretty darn cool. I am hoping the heat amps up in the next book, along with a few answers. I may smell a small love triangle in the mix but that is just my assumption.

For a wonderful Paranormal Explosion, you should really check this one out. I think it will only get better from here!

[Lisa Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW 4/5 STARS:

The cast is an amazing bunch of complex characters, who are very well developed and add to the story but it is limiting as this is a serial and the cast can't be well developed unless you use a complete chapter for each. The main characters are Echo & Malachi and the story is told in their alternating points of view. This is listed as New ADult paranormal but can be a Young Adult as the storyline fits their genre crowd as late teens. I love the idea that Echo is adapting to adulthood and finally realizing she does have a purpose in life and needs to "grow up" and show her strength to survive. It really doesn't matter what everyone else thinks, like her parents stating it is imaginary friends, etc. We all know in real life that things happen and parents are last to know. You learn to adapt and move on. It will be interesting to see Echo with Malachi in their challenges to survive and go through the emotions as we learn who we are inside of ourself and what we aree capable of. I hope the author gets the serial chapters out quick !!!!

[Becky Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! The cast is an amazing bunch of characters who are very well developed and add to the story. The "secondary characters" really weren't that, because without them the story wouldn't be the same. I loved our main characters, Echo and Malachi, and especially their alternating points of view. I read a lot of paranormal and I felt this was truly unique. I super loved that it's a New Adult, because we are only slowly seeing more sub-genre's in that category. The Ghost Host was un-put-downable and I loved every sleepless second of it. I cannot wait to continue on with the series and to check out more books by DelSheree Gladden! Definitely try this one for yourself, it will absolutely be going down as one of my favorites for the year, and probably one of my all time favorites as well!

[Darra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book. Yeah, very insightful first sentence. However it was. The story is a very original plot, which is a fresh of breath air. Truly enjoy reviewing Paranormal books. Each character I liked.
I feel there will be more to Kyran, Malachi’s best friend. He has a background that will affect Echo’s upcoming life. The book flows and is a super easy read. The way DelSheree write makes it interesting.
The book is worth your time. Sometimes you get tired of the usual Romance novel. Get out of that funk and read The Ghost Host. If you easily freak out about scary movies or books, you will be okay.
My rating is a 4.4. Looking forward to DelSheree’s next book!

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received The Ghost Host as a free book from the author. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. Another awesome story line from Gladden. This first book of a new series, featured some unique characters and a really excellent plot. I loved every reveal and twist in the story. I look forward to reading more to find out what else is in store for Echo and her crew.

[Terralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

DelSheree Gladden has the market cornered on tension. This book was full of all kinds of tension. At times I found myself yelling at the book to "get on with it!" Truly though, it makes the reader anxious to keep reading.
The Ghost Host is a great book with a different paranormal angle than I've seen before. I really hope the author intends this to be the first in a series because it has the potential to be a great one.

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

DelSheree Gladden's "The Ghost Host" is the first tale in a series. I love the concept of the book. I think it could easily be made into a TV series or a movie. Something similar to Buffy The Vampire Slayer series or Firefly. This is more paranormal than romance, but there is a budding relationship in it. Has a YA/NA feel for most of it. I didn't like the execution of the relationships in a few places. I think it will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good book that will keep you gripped to the edge. Keep you trying to figure it all out and keep you wandering as you continue to read. The author developed remarkable characters that you can easily escape into their life as well as a plot amazingly told. Thinking that it's time to search for more books by this author!


*Received for an honest review*

[Nikki J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and you must read this book!!! This book proves that you never know what can happen once you post something to youtube. It's like nothing I have read before, great modern supernatural read :) I promise you wont regret it!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and I loved the characters. I'm not the hugest fan of ghost lore but this was super fun for me to read. I am of fan of all of DelSheree Gladden's works. This one did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good can't wait for next book in the series

[Jacqui Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Your Life (The Ghostly Edition)

What a wonderful new series! I love the twists and turns in the story. I love series about ghosts, and the paranormal. Such wonderful characters I was immediately drawn into the story, and felt all the emotions and love Echo and her new family had for each other.

[Emily Rabecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like I shouldn’t Rate this book because I DNF’d it but I read like 60% of it so I feel like I know how I would have rated it. This isn’t the worst book ever but I just couldn’t connect with the characters and everything seem so unrealistic.

[Lburt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the characters though the plot was a bit confusing at the end and I was left feeling unresolved. I'm hoping book two will have the answers I need.

[Traci Halesvass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story; good characters