Official Review: The Girl Who Cheated Death by Alan Baker

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 09 Oct 2019, 09:06

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Girl Who Cheated Death" by Alan Baker.]

4 out of 4 stars

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"Looking back now, I wish I had just stayed home. What I didn't know was that it would be my last opportunity to spend the evening with my family."

18-year-old Alex Drummond's whole world is turned upside down when she and her family are involved in a head-on collision, and she is the only survivor. Alex sustains a severe head injury, which impairs parts of her memory. The only thing about the accident that she can recount is a menacing creature named Azrael who summoned her loved ones to death. Alex can't seem to get that chilling encounter out of her head.

Consumed by grief, but determined to regain some sense of normalcy, she goes to live with her Uncle Rick and resumes her high school studies. Alex leans on her friends Carl and Kate for support while she attempts to put the pieces of her life back together. Things seem to be going in the right direction until she sees Azrael again. He keeps reappearing, and every time he does, someone dies. Is it possible that she can see the Angel of Death? Azrael has already taken her family, what more could he possibly want, and why does he keep stalking her?

The Girl Who Cheated Death by Alan Baker is a chilling thriller that haunted my dreams long after I had finished reading it. The book is written in the first person and follows the main character, Alex, as she grapples with two very different feelings—grief and terror.

The Girl Who Cheated Death is not for the faint of heart; the author has crafted a dark novel that is infused with terrifying revelations and a sinister villain. The writing was quite convincing and quickly had me immersed in Alex's plight. On numerous occasions, I found myself looking over my shoulder. I was convinced that something or someone was following me.

The thing that I liked most about the book was the author's ability to create memorable characters; that is what drew me in. Azrael's ominous presence sprung off the pages and sent shivers down my spine. Every time he made a haunting appearance, the hairs on the back of my neck would rise; the control he had over Alex was immeasurable. Alex described a terrifying encounter; she said, "He raised his hand perpendicular to his body, and with four fingers he motioned at me as if he were telling me to get up. I felt myself rise above the ground. I tried to turn my head, but I was paralyzed."

I also liked the fact that the book had a coming-of-age component; Alex dealt with typical teenage issues like jealousy and heartbreak throughout the story. Her relationship with Carl was a source of strength, but as the story progressed, it was often met with uncertainty. There were conflicts between Alex and best friend, Kate, regarding members of the opposite sex. This fight for ownership often led to petty arguments and bruised egos.

While it was challenging to find something that I disliked about the book, one thing that irked me was Alex's relationship with her doctor. Dr. Khan's confessions seemed to blur the lines between doctor and friend. He divulged personal information about the infidelity within his marriage and seemed to look to Alex for advice. Given the circumstances, this seemed highly inappropriate and unlikely to happen in real life.

The book was professionally written, and I did not find any spelling or grammatical errors. I chose to give the book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Despite the frightening nature of the storyline, the author was able to keep the language clean, and I was impressed with the lack of profanity.

For readers who love a good scare, this book is for you! The author delivered a thrilling story complete with spooky imagery and well-developed characters. I would recommend The Girl Who Cheated Death to adult readers who are intrigued by unconventional ideas.

I would not recommend The Girl Who Cheated Death to readers who are looking for an easy read; this book is multi-layered and requires your full attention. The author takes readers on a series of twists and turns, and it could become complicated if the reader is not invested. The book deals with some weighty topics such as suicide and sexual assault, which would not be suitable for younger readers.

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The Girl Who Cheated Death
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Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 10 Oct 2019, 06:05

A girl that cheated death? Now this is something I would like to read. The plot sounds like something that could really give you the chills and I would love to see how this one ends. Proper editing is just the icing on the cake although I may have to close my eyes at certain areas. Thanks for the review!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 10 Oct 2019, 07:25

I don't think I have the heart for this book, reading your review is giving me the chills already. Thanks for sharing though.

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 10 Oct 2019, 07:29

Wow. Love this already, from the cover, the title, and now this review.

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 07:38

Kathleen Wolfe wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 06:05 A girl that cheated death? Now this is something I would like to read. The plot sounds like something that could really give you the chills and I would love to see how this one ends. Proper editing is just the icing on the cake although I may have to close my eyes at certain areas. Thanks for the review!

Thanks!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 07:39

Michelle Fred wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 07:25 I don't think I have the heart for this book, reading your review is giving me the chills already. Thanks for sharing though.

It was the spookiest book I have read in a while! Thank you!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 09:01

inaramid wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 07:29 Wow. Love this already, from the cover, the title, and now this review.

Thanks; I was so excited when I picked it up!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 10 Oct 2019, 11:42

This seems like the perfect October read!! Scary but well-developed.
I'm a total sucker for stories with lots of twists and turns. I'm so glad I found your review! Thank you!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 14:22

Lunastella wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 11:42 This seems like the perfect October read!! Scary but well-developed.
I'm a total sucker for stories with lots of twists and turns. I'm so glad I found your review! Thank you!

Thanks!

spluficvictory · Post by **spluficvictory** » 10 Oct 2019, 14:29

Wow. I love spooky thrillers. This caught my attention. I definitely want to know what an Angel of death would want with a high school teenage girl. Your review is captivating.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 10 Oct 2019, 19:14

This sounds dark. I'm not sure I'm ready for a nice that stays in my dreams - unless it's good ones. Still, you make it sound intriguing enough with the well-developed characters. Thanks.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 10 Oct 2019, 19:37

Thanks for the review. This book sounds like it is very dark and very sad. I think I will pass.

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 19:53

spluficvictory wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 14:29 Wow. I love spooky thrillers. This caught my attention. I definitely want to know what an Angel of death would want with a high school teenage girl. Your review is captivating.

Thanks for your comment!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 10 Oct 2019, 19:54

kandscreeley wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 19:14 This sounds dark. I'm not sure I'm ready for a nice that stays in my dreams - unless it's good ones. Still, you make it sound intriguing enough with the well-developed characters. Thanks.

Thank you!