If you are looking a good book to get you in the Halloween spirit, the new ASCENDERS by C.L. Gaber just might fit the bill. Find out more about the story here, and scroll down for an interview with the author plus a special giveaway! (Note: this post contains affiliate links, meaning TWK might earn a small commission from any purchases made from Amazon if you buy after clicking our links)
ASCENDERS is about a group of teens who find themselves in a sort of in-between life world after they meet unfortunate ends, which is not very different from the normal world they just departed from — besides the fact that they can do whatever they want since they cannot die again!
Here is the official synopsis:
Is this Hell or is this High School?
Walker Callaghan doesn’t know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago…and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences.
Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.
She doesn’t go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.
These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. “There are even cheerleaders in death,” Walker observes. It’s not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who “used to have this band.” The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie.
Principal King explains the rules — there are none. Why? You can’t die twice.
There is no homework.
No tests.
No SATS.
You’re just there to learn because the human brain isn’t fully formed until you’re 24.
By the way, you can’t get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do …because no one knows how long you’ll stay in this realm or what’s next.
“Losing someone you love would be like dying twice,” Walker says.
Here is the trailer for the book, with music composed by Roger O’ Donnell of The Cure.
https://youtu.be/Hk9NGNyXOnU
For more info, check out http://ascenderssaga.com/
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Let’s meet the author!
Hi C.L., pleasure to e-meet you! Tell us a little about how you became an author.
Nice to meet everyone! I’m originally from Chicago andI’ve been a journalist all of my life for the Chicago Sun Times and New York Times Syndicate. I’ve interviewed so many stars and authors. It inspired me to write my own book ASCENDERS.
Now tell us about the Ascenders.
Ascenders is an epic story about Walker Callaghan who isn’t sure what happened to her. One minute she was living her teen life in suburban Chicago…and the next minute she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules and no consequences. Walker, 17, is dead.
She doesn’t go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.
These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. “There are even cheerleaders in death,” Walker observes. It’s not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who “used to have this band.” The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie. Principal King explains the rules — there are none. Why? You can’t die twice.
Walker finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He’s looking for a portal to return back to the living realm. He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve. Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him. And she has an epic adventure of an after-lifetime.
Why do you think teens should read this book?
ASCENDERS is one part ghost story, a big action adventure and has a really deep love story. I’ve heard from readers that the book gave them hope, laughs, chills and made them wonder about the big things in life.
What do you think happens to us when we die?
I’m really not sure. I’ve lost both of my parents and I’d like to think that once we pass we’re at peace and see everyone we loved…including our dogs.
Do you think you would ever trade places with Walker if you had the chance? Why or why not?
I’m so fortunate to have the life I have with a wonderful husband and teenage daughter. Plus, I have Walker and Daniel on the page. So I’d like to keep things the way they are!
How did Roger O’Donnell of The Cure get involved with creating the music for the trailer, and tell us a little bit about that process?
A great friend of mine Orian Williams sent him the book. He loved it and we asked him if it could be possible to write music for the trailer. I couldn’t believe it when he said YES!! Then he sent the most beautiful, haunting music. I’m a lucky author! And I love the Cure. They’re on a big tour next year. Can’t wait to see them live!
What’s the C.L. in your name stand for?
The C is for Cindy and the L is my middle name Lynn.
What’s coming up next with Ascenders?
So glad you asked! Ascenders 2 will be out in early 2016. I can’t wait to share it with everyone. I’m the worst. Don’t let me tell you any plot secrets!!!
Anything else we should know?
Ascenders is only .99 on Kindle right now. You can also buy the paperback.
I love hearing from new readers.
You can reach me at CLGaber@yahoo.com.
Can you send us a selfie of whatever you are doing right now? Chillaxing, reading, petting a cat, whatever!
GIVEAWAYIII
One lucky winner will win C.L. Gaber’s ASCENDERS Prize Pack!
- Large ASCENDERS T-Shirt, Black. 100% Cotton, high quality fabric.
- Copy of ASCENDERS in paperback
- ASCENDERS bookmark
Even if you are not the winner of the prize pack, you could win one of several copies of ASCENDERS paperback!
How to Enter:
1. Follow @teenswannaknow on Instagram if you do not already
2. Like and Regram (repost) our ASCENDERS post on Instagram, which we will post sometime between now and 10/30.
3. Use our same caption or write your own, mentioning @teenswannaknow and use the hashtag #ASCENDERS.
4. We will pick our random winners from those who follow the instructions correctly on 11/7/15 and announce via Instagram.
5. Contest only open to U.S. addresses.
6. Winners will be contacted via Instagram DM. Must respond with mailing address within 72 hours, or alternate winners will be chosen.