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The Reaper Chronicles #1
Reaper
Ella Grace Banks—I’m an Army brat, so I’m numb to being yanked out of school and moving no matter the time of year. Dad doesn’t care that we were only about a month from finishing school, that it’s my baby sister’s freshman year in high school. Why would he, though? He cares more about the stupid military than he does us.
That’s how we ended up in Jacob’s Fork, West Virginia.
My very first day, I was the victim of a hit and run accident that left me in a coma where there’s nothing but dark scary things.
The reality waiting for me when I wake up is even scarier—I’m told I’m a living reaper who will forever see ghosts, and it’s my job to help them move on from the world of the living. I mean, this is not me. I’m the girl who’d rather run around in sweats, a t-shirt, and flip flops with a book in my hand than try to convince ghosts they need to cross over.
And then there’s Eli. He’s my Guardian Angel, apparently. His job is to protect me, and that means maybe even from my dad, whose military unit kidnaps supernatural creatures and studies them.
But can anyone actually protect me from a world of spooks and the people trying to harm us?
I guess that’s what we’re about to find out.
That’s how we ended up in Jacob’s Fork, West Virginia.
My very first day, I was the victim of a hit and run accident that left me in a coma where there’s nothing but dark scary things.
The reality waiting for me when I wake up is even scarier—I’m told I’m a living reaper who will forever see ghosts, and it’s my job to help them move on from the world of the living. I mean, this is not me. I’m the girl who’d rather run around in sweats, a t-shirt, and flip flops with a book in my hand than try to convince ghosts they need to cross over.
And then there’s Eli. He’s my Guardian Angel, apparently. His job is to protect me, and that means maybe even from my dad, whose military unit kidnaps supernatural creatures and studies them.
But can anyone actually protect me from a world of spooks and the people trying to harm us?
I guess that’s what we’re about to find out.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
137 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
81 books1,835 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 29, 2021
This novella is a side story to The Crane Diaries and has ties to Mattie Hathaway.
Ella Banks and her family are constantly on the move because of her fathers job in the army. Ella and her sister Cecily are starting their first day at a new school when an accident sees Ella end up in hospital and awaken to a whole new life which comes with its own set of problems.
This book is also the story of Eli. How he survived and how’s he’s become the guardian angel to a newborn living reaper.
A quick and enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more.
Ella Banks and her family are constantly on the move because of her fathers job in the army. Ella and her sister Cecily are starting their first day at a new school when an accident sees Ella end up in hospital and awaken to a whole new life which comes with its own set of problems.
This book is also the story of Eli. How he survived and how’s he’s become the guardian angel to a newborn living reaper.
A quick and enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more.
June 4, 2021
Ella is a great character and I loved this book! I love that Eli is back! I can't wait for more in this series. This author is one of my favorite. I loved the story and meeting all the new characters. Great book!
June 1, 2021
At the end of the Ghost Files series guardian angel Eli Malone sacrifices himself for the woman he loves. Due to this the powers that be bring him back but he isn't allowed to let his family know and can no longer be in charge of Mattie.
He know lives in Jacob’s Fork, West Virginia (which is the home of the Wolfpack University series) and on Ella Grace Banks first day of school he becomes her guardian angel when she is hit and run over by a car. Ella doesn't know it yet but when she wakes up from her horrific injuries she will be a living reaper and Eli will be there to protect and guide her.
I love that the author decided to bring back a beloved character from Ghost Files. I felt he got shafted in life even though his sacrifice was noble and from the heart. He made so many mistakes with Mattie that he is hoping he can make up for with Ella. As it looks like this books in this series are going to be more novella size we don't get more than a introduction to Ella and and her family and then to Ella first learning about her new powers and that the blue eyed beautiful man she had briefly met before the hit and run is now her protector in all things.
He know lives in Jacob’s Fork, West Virginia (which is the home of the Wolfpack University series) and on Ella Grace Banks first day of school he becomes her guardian angel when she is hit and run over by a car. Ella doesn't know it yet but when she wakes up from her horrific injuries she will be a living reaper and Eli will be there to protect and guide her.
I love that the author decided to bring back a beloved character from Ghost Files. I felt he got shafted in life even though his sacrifice was noble and from the heart. He made so many mistakes with Mattie that he is hoping he can make up for with Ella. As it looks like this books in this series are going to be more novella size we don't get more than a introduction to Ella and and her family and then to Ella first learning about her new powers and that the blue eyed beautiful man she had briefly met before the hit and run is now her protector in all things.
March 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick, easy going and full of action. With the book being a shorter read the action picked up from chapter 2 and didn’t stop. Loved Eli and Ella and I will definitely be picking up book 2.
Warning for you though, if you haven’t read the ghost files and are planning to, do not read this book first, it’s kinda full of spoilers. It’s set in the same world as Ghost files and it does talk a lot about Mattie and what happened.
When you do pick it up, enjoy the ride!
Warning for you though, if you haven’t read the ghost files and are planning to, do not read this book first, it’s kinda full of spoilers. It’s set in the same world as Ghost files and it does talk a lot about Mattie and what happened.
When you do pick it up, enjoy the ride!
May 3, 2023
So much FUN!!
How have I not read any of Ms. Baker's reaper books before? I know I am missing out on Eli's backstory, but I must say I am very interested in finding out more about him. He sounds amazing. And..... I loved Ella from the very start. The very first chapter had me hooked. Now I am Filled with such a need to find out more!!
How have I not read any of Ms. Baker's reaper books before? I know I am missing out on Eli's backstory, but I must say I am very interested in finding out more about him. He sounds amazing. And..... I loved Ella from the very start. The very first chapter had me hooked. Now I am Filled with such a need to find out more!!
May 13, 2022
Short but okay.
May 28, 2021
Meet Ella Grace, a down to earth girl who is ferociously protective of her sister and whose idea of a good time includes hanging out in sweats and diving into a good book. Being an army brat, she's had to toughen up and never had an opportunity to really settle. She is used to having her life uprooted and being anything but ordinary. Little does she know what that really means when she arrives in Jacob's Fork, West Virginia and is hit by a car and goes into a coma. When she awakes, Eli, a cute boy from school, introduces himself as her Guardian Angel and reveals that she is a living reaper. Oh, and on top of that, her father's new assignment in Jacob's Fork has him kidnapping and studying supernatural creatures, such as living reapers. Life is about to get a bit complicated for Ella Grace.
This is a great start to a new series from Ms. Baker. She did a good job laying out the groundwork for Ella Grace and Eli in this novella. Ella Grace is a sweet, down to earth, relatable character that I think readers will like and connect with. Fans of her other series (especially the Ghost Files) will appreciate this story as it brings in some of her other characters. Even though other characters are present, new readers interested in this series should be advised that it's not necessary to have read her other series before reading this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
This is a great start to a new series from Ms. Baker. She did a good job laying out the groundwork for Ella Grace and Eli in this novella. Ella Grace is a sweet, down to earth, relatable character that I think readers will like and connect with. Fans of her other series (especially the Ghost Files) will appreciate this story as it brings in some of her other characters. Even though other characters are present, new readers interested in this series should be advised that it's not necessary to have read her other series before reading this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
January 28, 2026
Ella Banks is used to being uprooted and moved frequently, due to her father being in the military. Her first day of school in Jacob’s Fork, she’s the victim of a hit and run that leaves her in a coma for days. When Ella wakes, she learns that she is now a living reaper, whose job it is to help spirits cross over. And Eli, that beautiful boy she saw at school, is her guardian angel. It’s his job to protect her, even if that means from her own father.
Either this was a spin-off of another series, or the author is horrible at providing backstory. I’m going with spin-off. You would think Ella is the main character, but more time (and narrative) was devoted to Eli, including the fact that the last living reaper he was charged with protecting is now under someone else’s watch, and he’s in love with her. Mattie made a cameo appearance for no discernible reason other than to beef up Eli’s backstory. This seemed more like a prequel, in that there was no resolution. It was more of a character introduction, scanty backstory providing, scary stuff coming up type story. There were a couple aggravating editing issues, too. Was one character Selena or Selene? As a child, did Ella get lost in the mountains of Germany or Russia? Errors like that can throw the reader out of the narrative.
I don’t want to be a snip, but I can’t score this any higher than two. It was confusing and disappointing.
Either this was a spin-off of another series, or the author is horrible at providing backstory. I’m going with spin-off. You would think Ella is the main character, but more time (and narrative) was devoted to Eli, including the fact that the last living reaper he was charged with protecting is now under someone else’s watch, and he’s in love with her. Mattie made a cameo appearance for no discernible reason other than to beef up Eli’s backstory. This seemed more like a prequel, in that there was no resolution. It was more of a character introduction, scanty backstory providing, scary stuff coming up type story. There were a couple aggravating editing issues, too. Was one character Selena or Selene? As a child, did Ella get lost in the mountains of Germany or Russia? Errors like that can throw the reader out of the narrative.
I don’t want to be a snip, but I can’t score this any higher than two. It was confusing and disappointing.
October 19, 2022
Author Apryl Baker brings us the opening chapter of Ellie Grace Bank's transition from human into a living reaper. Ellie was at school when she was in a hit and run. Eli her guardian angel did CPR on her right away as the ambulance came for her. Her father Major Banks knows that the town that they live in is seeped with supernaturals and he knows now that he has to protect his daughter. Ellie may have been a bookworm always in grossed in her Kindle but she now has a new lease on life. That new lease on life now comes with the fact that she has to help any ghost that comes to her to crossover. Her training reaper is a ghost named Sarah, someone who appears young but is far from it. Even though Ellie spends the majority of the book in her hospital bed there are still things happening around her that go along with her change in life. Her mother and sister don't want her to be a living reaper but she has no choice and we see that she can do her new job even in a hospital bed. This is a great novella and perfect for this time of year. I highly recommend this novella to all Fantasy fans. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 25, 2021
Eli is alive!!! And living in Jacob's fork WV. Which if you are familiar with Apryl's books, you know is the location of Wolfpack University and the start of the Bloodlines Legacy. Plus a visit from Mattie/Emma in this book.
In this newest series, Eli was given a second chance at life as he sacrificed himself to protect Emma in the Ghost Files series. Little could he have expected that the cute new girl in town would become both his newest charge but also would become a Living reaper after being hit by a car.
I think the plot twists tucked inside this are of the caliber I would expect from Apryl. The story reads fast, smooth and leaves you wanting more while also not being a drastic cliffhanger (Its more like driving suddenly off a hill vs off the grand canyon)
In this newest series, Eli was given a second chance at life as he sacrificed himself to protect Emma in the Ghost Files series. Little could he have expected that the cute new girl in town would become both his newest charge but also would become a Living reaper after being hit by a car.
I think the plot twists tucked inside this are of the caliber I would expect from Apryl. The story reads fast, smooth and leaves you wanting more while also not being a drastic cliffhanger (Its more like driving suddenly off a hill vs off the grand canyon)
June 2, 2021
It may be under a hundred pages but it certainly doesn't lack content. The story grabs you right away. Whether you are new to the story like me who was completely sucked in by Eli just as Ella was, or you and Eli are old friends I have no doubt you will want to be here when the next book arrives.
I can't wait to grow and discover more with Ella and even though Eli is new to me I can tell he really needs to find his place.
I've already got my 15 year old ready to read it once school ends.
I will be so not patiently waiting in excitement for the next piece of the puzzle.
I have voluntarily left this review.
I can't wait to grow and discover more with Ella and even though Eli is new to me I can tell he really needs to find his place.
I've already got my 15 year old ready to read it once school ends.
I will be so not patiently waiting in excitement for the next piece of the puzzle.
I have voluntarily left this review.
October 31, 2021
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. It’s a novella and appears to introduce a couple characters, but also appears that there’s other stories that should be read before this one. There’s a lot of back story telling and a bit of info dumping going on. Most of the story takes place in a hospital room with some action plugged in here and there. I found it a little confusing that the chapters changed character POVs as the two main characters had similar visual names: Ella & Eli — I usually glance over chapter headings, especially ones such as these (the print is pretty small and insignificant).
Overall, a good read that’s suitable for teenage audience.
Overall, a good read that’s suitable for teenage audience.
July 25, 2024
This is the first book in this series and what a start. Ella and her sister are starting another new school. But her very first day something happens that changes her life forever. She gains something that she never had before. A new way of living and surviving. But will she actually survive?
Eli is there is bring Ella back to life after her accident. But doing that changes his life as well. What is going to happen between these two? Will Ella learn how to live her new life?
This was a very enjoyable read from beginning to end. It is a great start to this series and I will be quickly digging into the rest.
Eli is there is bring Ella back to life after her accident. But doing that changes his life as well. What is going to happen between these two? Will Ella learn how to live her new life?
This was a very enjoyable read from beginning to end. It is a great start to this series and I will be quickly digging into the rest.
May 27, 2021
I am a huge fan of the ghost files series so I was super excited that we are getting a spinoff series. I am beyond thrilled to have Eli back! This is a novella that is designed to introduce us to the characters, give us back story on how we got to this point and set up where we might be going. It's fantastic and I can't wait for the next full story. Obviously I adore Eli but I can already tell that I am really gonna like Ella Grace and her sister. This one does such a great job at setting us up that I am just chomping at the bit for more. Can't wait!!
May 30, 2021
Often times spin-off series just don’t compare to the series you fell I love with. They struggle to reach the same potential. This is ABSOLUTELY NOT for Apryl and her books! They just keep getting better. She is is just amazing, the tangled web of all the series how they bring each-other together. You get to see characters you thought you’d never know anything more about. I love Eli - flaws and all. I can’t wait to see how much he’s changed and grew. Hats off to you Apryl another fantastic book to add to the collections!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Theres nothing more horrible than starting at a new school mid way and not knowing what will happen to you next and how your life will change. This is exactly what happened to Ella. She’s not alone, though. She does have someone who will be looking after her.
Reading how Eli defended Ella was quite adorable. He made sure everyone knew no one is to mess with her regardless of her state and what she was. Charming and kind. I was all for it.
These two started to develop a friendship of a life time, no one can ruin.
Reading how Eli defended Ella was quite adorable. He made sure everyone knew no one is to mess with her regardless of her state and what she was. Charming and kind. I was all for it.
These two started to develop a friendship of a life time, no one can ruin.
June 2, 2021
To be honest I was really afraid to start this book because I wasn’t able to imagine Eli back and how that would be because I didn’t like him very much in Ghost files. Okay I admit that was judgmental because once I started this book I realised that he was a teenager and acted accordingly his age and experience there and I am so glad to see his character develop and mature here same as Matti/ Emma Rose and everyone one else’s characters did. Apryl Baker have a special talent special story and character development it’s just perfect. I love the characters here specially Matti’s appearance. I am sure it’s going to be long ride As well as worth the wait because it’s going to be so much to come I already can imagine so much happening. Definitely would recommend and if you start from ghost files things would make more sense worth every minute.
May 30, 2021
The blue eyed angel is back in this new series, and so far so good. Eli Malone everyone's favorite guardian angel is tasked with protecting a new living reaper Ella Banks. On her first day of school Ella goes from the new girl to living reaper in a matter of hours.
This series is already promising I devoured this just as quick as any other book by Apryl Baker. It's worth the read and can be read alone or as a supplemental feature of the Ghost files series. All I can say is Welcome back Eli.
This series is already promising I devoured this just as quick as any other book by Apryl Baker. It's worth the read and can be read alone or as a supplemental feature of the Ghost files series. All I can say is Welcome back Eli.
June 1, 2021
I was so excited when Apryl announced a spin off of the ghost files even more so when it was going to Eli and him having now to navigate his new path.
It was everythin!!!
I can't wait to find out more.
I love Ella and how much she would be doing anything else other than seeing ghost.
Her new abilities lead her to Eli who is sent to protect her and help her her find out what is happening with her dad's job and how she can protect those she loves.
Waiting for the next one one now.
It was everythin!!!
I can't wait to find out more.
I love Ella and how much she would be doing anything else other than seeing ghost.
Her new abilities lead her to Eli who is sent to protect her and help her her find out what is happening with her dad's job and how she can protect those she loves.
Waiting for the next one one now.
June 11, 2021
Eli's back ! This book sets us up for a spin off series from the Ghost files series. If you have read the other series you know Eli made
The ultimate sacrifice for the girl he loved . And starting over in another town brings him to Ellie Grace , as her new guardian. Ella is new to the reaper business and she needs all the help she can get . I really like Ella and her sister and am looking forward to more .
The ultimate sacrifice for the girl he loved . And starting over in another town brings him to Ellie Grace , as her new guardian. Ella is new to the reaper business and she needs all the help she can get . I really like Ella and her sister and am looking forward to more .
May 31, 2021
Fans of Ghost files and Crane diaries have been anticipating this and Apryl didn't disappoint!It could have gone either way but Apryl pulled it off seamlessly, giving readers the chance to get immersed in another character seperate but with the Ghost Files world. Well done Apryl great start to a fantastic new series. Highly recommended 5 stars.
August 12, 2021
Eli and Shortcake
This is a new series but begins with characters from her previous books. Such a nice feel to the whole story. Can’t wait for more books to be added. There is a coming of awareness to the role of a living reaper, who to trust, who is not trustworthy and even family is questionable. Going to be a good series!
This is a new series but begins with characters from her previous books. Such a nice feel to the whole story. Can’t wait for more books to be added. There is a coming of awareness to the role of a living reaper, who to trust, who is not trustworthy and even family is questionable. Going to be a good series!
April 26, 2022
Loved it.
Ms. Baker really knows how to write. I love her books. In this one a young girl is involved in a hit and run and almost dies. Well, actually she does die and is brought back to become a living reaper. And she has a guardian angel to protect her. Excellent start to the series. Lots of excitement and danger. Can't wait to get into the next book.
Ms. Baker really knows how to write. I love her books. In this one a young girl is involved in a hit and run and almost dies. Well, actually she does die and is brought back to become a living reaper. And she has a guardian angel to protect her. Excellent start to the series. Lots of excitement and danger. Can't wait to get into the next book.
May 8, 2023
Surprise
I was a little hesitant to start this one, but I am so glad I did. It was an easy 4 out of 5 stars. It was relatable and interesting, a definite start to an interesting world. It left me wanting more. I would absolutely recommend if you're looking for a quick read, definitely just enough to dip the tip of the toe.
I was a little hesitant to start this one, but I am so glad I did. It was an easy 4 out of 5 stars. It was relatable and interesting, a definite start to an interesting world. It left me wanting more. I would absolutely recommend if you're looking for a quick read, definitely just enough to dip the tip of the toe.
August 3, 2024
This was a great quick read!
It follows Eli and Ella.
Ella ends up in a new town thanks to a military move but unfortunately had a bad accident. Eli came to the rescue and she made it. But she’s now a reaper and he’s her guardian angel.
I can’t wait to read on and see how this storyline develops
It follows Eli and Ella.
Ella ends up in a new town thanks to a military move but unfortunately had a bad accident. Eli came to the rescue and she made it. But she’s now a reaper and he’s her guardian angel.
I can’t wait to read on and see how this storyline develops
August 10, 2024
Strong start to a fun new series!
So happy to have Eli back!
I am very interested to see how Ella will navigate being a Living Reaper with a dad who runs a military unit that hunts supernaturals?!
I really feel that you could just pick this book up and dive right in, but you will definitely get more of the references and back story if you've read the other books.
A Great extention of the Ghost Files and the Crane Diaries!
So happy to have Eli back!
I am very interested to see how Ella will navigate being a Living Reaper with a dad who runs a military unit that hunts supernaturals?!
I really feel that you could just pick this book up and dive right in, but you will definitely get more of the references and back story if you've read the other books.
A Great extention of the Ghost Files and the Crane Diaries!
September 9, 2024
Ella Banks: The Reaper Chronicles: This is a tame and suspenseful paranormal young adult romance. The series is best read in order, and is comprised of quick read novellas. I love Apryl Baker’s writing style, and the world and character development she has created with this series. They are fun and entertaining.
May 30, 2021
You asked for the return of Eli and you get the return of Eli!! This series introduces us to Ella Grace. After getting hit by a car and almost dying, Ella wakes up to her new reaper abilities and her guardian angel - Eli!
This is a great start to what is shaping up to be a great series!
This is a great start to what is shaping up to be a great series!
June 1, 2021
Im.loving Ella!
I was so ready for this book seeing Eli again and hearing his sense of humor. It definitely a spin on things. Maddies little venture into this book was great I love how she helped even though she didn't want to. I excited to see where we go.
I was so ready for this book seeing Eli again and hearing his sense of humor. It definitely a spin on things. Maddies little venture into this book was great I love how she helped even though she didn't want to. I excited to see where we go.
June 1, 2021
Wow, as always Apryl Baker has written something so amazing that I'm begging for more! Absolutely loved this and I'm so looking forward to more tales of Ella and the gorgeous Eli. This has promise for an amazing series just like the ghost files
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews