Special thanks to the author, @netgalley #SterlingAndStonePublishing for my gifted e-ARC‼️

A book that said so much yet nothing at all. We’ve all heard the creepy and eerie stories about Lake Lanier and the horrific events that lead to the lake’s creation. So, I kinda expected the author to overly deliver in every aspect. Buuuuuut that wasn’t quite the case with this. It was entertaining nonetheless but horror wise I wanted more . . . . SCARE ME lol make me feel something . . . anything‼️

The girls Taylor was hanging with . . .didn’t like them. I knew from the beginning they’d be the cause of her downfall somehow.

When Taylor started hearing and seeing things at camp that would’ve been my queue to leave. Like sir can you call my parents and see how long the judge said I’d be in jail 😂 ghosts and a possible serial killer on the loose I’ll take my chances in the big house‼️

Campers disappearing but nobody seems worried because they left a note 😐 A NOTE?

The basketball game SCRATCH IT OUT.

Taylor having flashbacks of the past was the most interesting part to me it helped us understand why she kept seeing the little girl and what was here before the lake.

The plot twist was not what I was expecting although I had assumptions. Things would’ve flowed better if we stuck to the plot and focused more on the lake because I could’ve done without the serial killer.

Overall, the book was meh it had potential but fell short for me. There’s a lot of horror, trauma, and pain surrounding this lake and the drowned town beneath it. So, there are so many ways the author could’ve developed this story. The pacing was really quick though and again I was entertained so I think it’s still a decent read and some may enjoy it more than I did.

This was a phenomenal read! The mix of history to mystery was perfect. I had never heard of Lake Lanier before reading this book and I feel like this was an amazing way to get the story out there. By giving the lake and the residents of Oscarville justice by taking those who took everything from them. The perfect revenge that screamed karma!


*I received a free ARC from NetGalley*

*Camp Lanier* blends ghost story, slasher horror, and revenge tale through the lens of its Black protagonist, Taylor. Set against the backdrop of a camp haunted by the legend of the Atlanta Ripper, the story offers an intriguing mix of urban legend and supernatural elements.

While Taylor's traumatic backstory sets a compelling tone, the execution falters. I find the writing more suitable for a middle-grade audience, with Taylor often appearing passive and frustratingly naive in her relationships. The horror elements lack depth, and the predictability of plot twists detracts from the suspense, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

Despite its flaws, the book excels in atmosphere, delivering eerie camp vibes and engaging ghostly encounters. The incorporation of historical context, particularly regarding Oscarville, adds depth and prompts reflection on racism and displacement.

Overall, *Camp Lanier* shows potential with its captivating premise and important themes but struggles with pacing and characterization. It may appeal to YA horror fans, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeper or more intense horror experience.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!!

what's it about? ⬇️

When Taylor's rich white friends peer pressure her to shoplift and she's caught, she isn't expecting her friends to turn their backs on her and for their parents to pay their way out of trouble and leave her in the dust, but unfortunately, that's what happens. Without the means to pay off the courts like her former friends, Taylor faces an unfair judge known for giving harsher sentences to people of color and is stuck between an insane amount of jail time or a summer work program at a camp on Lake Lanier.

Despite having to miss a training program she was meant to be a part of for the Summer, the choice is obvious, and soon enough Taylor's parents are dropping her off at Camp Lanier, where almost all of the campers are wealthy and white (aside from Taylor's roommate) and anyone of color is across camp sleeping in shabby tents instead of cabins and working in ridiculous conditions. But because the camp wasn't expecting another person for the work team, Taylor is offered a position as a back up counselor.

Soon into her stay, though, strange things start to happen at Camp Lanier. A woman comes searching for her missing daughter though the camp director claims there was a note left behind when she disappeared claiming that she was running away; there are strange voices and children in the woods that taunt and chase Taylor through the trees; and worst of all, there's a young black girl in a white dress who turns out to be a ghost haunting Taylor, trying to tell her something.

Is there something to the legends that say an all-black town was buried beneath Lake Lanier when it was filled in the 50s? And if so, were the people of the town really forced to leave, or is something far more sinister hiding beneath the surface of the lake? And even if Taylor discovers what's going on at Camp Lanier, will she and her friends live to tell the tale?

my thoughts? ⬇️

I was immediately interested in this book when I saw Lanier in the title, because I was born in Georgia, and I was even more excited to get into it when I read the synopsis. Taylor was a great character to follow along with, and I loved the way that all of her grief and her passions and her dreams fed into the way that she reacted to the camp and interacted with the people around her, whether those people were friends like Victoria or Liam or someone she views as a rival or enemy like her former friends or Rose at camp.

The pacing of this story was beautifully written, the way that Sylvester took real, haunting Georgia and Lake Lanier history to add to the depth of the story. Plus, the double punch of the sinister background of the camp director's family and the camp itself and the telling of the lake's history were so heartbreaking and terrifying, and some of the body-horror forward scenes were genuinely terrifying.

trigger warnings ⬇️

racism, racial slurs, hate crimes, classism, murder, death, gore, death, violence, body horror, fire/fire injury, drowning, injury/injury detail, bullying, grief, suicide, child death, police brutality.

Being from Georgia, I know of Lake Lanier and its history and I really enjoyed reading this tale. I wouldn't necessarily say it's a horror story tho.. definitely more of a thriller. Good characters and a really unique and clever storyline. I'm glad I read it!

Sylvester Barzey’s Camp Lanier plunges readers into a chilling blend of horror, mystery, and historical injustice, all set against the backdrop of an eerie summer camp haunted by dark secrets. Inspired by the real-life urban legends surrounding Georgia’s Lake Lanier, this novel delivers a tense and atmospheric story where supernatural and human threats collide.

The story follows Taylor Johnson, a Black teenager who finds herself thrust into a summer of forced community service at the notorious Camp Lanier after being scapegoated for a petty crime. Right from the start, Taylor’s plight sets up a layered narrative. Her frustration over being punished for her wealthy white friends’ actions, along with her sense of isolation as one of the few Black girls at camp, adds emotional depth to her character. Taylor is tough, resourceful, and curious, and as she begins to unravel the disturbing mysteries surrounding Camp Lanier, her tenacity quickly becomes the driving force of the story.

Barzey expertly uses Camp Lanier’s history as a central source of dread. The legend that an entire Black community was violently displaced to create the lake, only to leave behind a lingering curse, sets the stage for a horror story steeped in real-world themes of racism and forgotten histories. This grounding in reality gives the supernatural elements of the novel an added weight—Taylor’s ghostly encounters, the strange crying in the night, and the whispers of the Atlanta Ripper lurking in the woods are not just scary for their own sake, but for what they represent: buried injustices and a history that refuses to be ignored.

The pacing is well-executed, with Barzey slowly ratcheting up the tension. Taylor’s investigation into the camp’s history and the disappearances that have plagued it for over 50 years keeps readers on edge, as does her mounting suspicion that something far worse than ghost stories is at play. The legend of the Atlanta Ripper, a real-life serial killer, adds another layer of horror, blurring the lines between past and present, between man and monster. As more kids vanish and Taylor begins hearing things no one else can, the story spirals into a terrifying exploration of what might be lurking beneath the lake’s dark surface.

Barzey’s depiction of the camp’s eerie atmosphere and the mounting paranoia among the kids is spot-on, with the isolated setting amplifying the sense of danger. The forest, the lake, and the dilapidated campgrounds are all described with enough detail to pull the reader into the claustrophobic, unsettling environment. Barzey doesn’t shy away from the fear factor—there are genuinely creepy moments that will stick with you long after you put the book down, particularly as Taylor digs

I think the book would have benefited from being longer because it felt really rushed most of the time. We barely met the characters and their personalities and motivations, the characters were acting like they knew each other from years since the first second, the bad people gave away their "badness" since the first moment and there was no other possible baddie, the ending felt super rushed.

Also, the books is full of pop culture references, and while that's nice to date the time the story is supposed to be happening in, it also feels like it will get old REALLY fast.

Camp Lanier is a gripping mix of Get Out meets Friday the 13th, with a dash of supernatural horror rooted in the unsettling urban legend of Lake Lanier in Georgia. From the stunning cover to the eerie campfire vibes, this book delivers campy slasher goodness.

The story seamlessly blends urban legends, historical moments, and ghostly elements, creating an atmospheric read. Taylor, the protagonist, is a standout—real, relatable, and easy to root for. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, adding depth to the fast-paced plot.

Though it leans more into YA horror and can be a bit predictable, the tension and intrigue kept me hooked throughout. The book offers a shorter read but hits all the right beats, balancing backstory, trauma, and escalating terror once the protagonist arrives at the haunted camp. With themes of revenge and survival, the story builds to a brutal, satisfying conclusion.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Camp Lanier—a chilling ghost story, slasher, and mystery all in one. Highly recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Camp Lanier was just okay. I liked our main character and really enjoyed the setting of the book. I enjoyed that it blended the history and lore of the real camp Lanier although I’m not completely familiar with it. I honestly just didn’t feel any tension and the ghost scenes fell flat and felt unbelievable. The characters choices didn’t make sense. I don’t think the writing style is for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sylvester Barzey and Sterling and Stone for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This was very good and twisty. I loved that this wasn’t the normal camp slasher and had a really good paranormal element. I flew through it and really would recommend.

Camp Lanier is a YA horror novel that, despite its potential, falls short in execution. While billed as YA, the story reads more like a middle-grade book, with *very* young-feeling characters who make frustratingly poor decisions. The protagonist, Taylor, is introduced as a passive participant in a vicious bullying incident and is later shocked when her so-called friends turn against her, targeting her with a prank that lands her in serious trouble. Her ongoing denial of her friends' true intentions and repeated defences of them, despite obvious evidence, made her a difficult character to root for.

I knew at this point that I was going to struggle with Taylor as a main character, but I pushed through, hoping that her arrival at Camp Lanier would turn it all around.

Unfortunately, it did not. While this novel had potential and explored interesting themes, it did so in such a chaotic, messy way with cartoonishly villainous bad guys and clichéd plot devices like the classic villain monologue. Taylor repeatedly makes the same poor choices ad nauseam with predictably disastrous results, and plot twists that were intended to be shocking instead felt telegraphed. The story's internal logic also falters, with changing rules about character abilities that seem to shift to serve the plot with little rhyme or reason.

I spent so much of this book incredibly frustrated and was honestly baffled by the too-perfect ending, which made it all feel like a poorly executed episode of Scooby Doo. What saddens me most is that I think there truly was so much potential for a fantastic story here and that with more time to develop it and with a lot of editing, this could have been something fantastic. The main character and some of the secondary characters are interesting, if somewhat juvenile, and the commentary on racism, specifically focusing on microaggressions and displacement, was handled with insight, but the writing just feels so incredibly rushed and unpolished, overshadowing everything else this novel has to offer.



Trigger/Content Warnings: bullying, drowning, police brutality, racism, racial microaggressions, racially motivated violence and murder, murder, child murder, fire death

The perfect YA thriller. Atmospheric, locked room spookiness with an excellent twist at the end to keep you guessing. I honestly would not change anything in this book, it is perfect for the audience it is reaching.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital arc!

"Camp Lanier" masterfully intertwines mystery, horror, and emotional depth in this gripping narrative. The story follows Taylor, who, while adjusting to life in a new city and grieving their brother's death, is sent to the titular camp in lieu of jail time.
From Taylor's first day, the ominous camp itself emerges as a character in its own right, steeped in secrets and a haunting history connected to Oscarville. The setting's foreboding atmosphere is amplified by the lake's dark past and persistent eerie rumors, creating an immersive backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The plot moves at a brisk pace, building tension through a series of increasingly unsettling events. Taylor's encounters with ghostly visions and the mysterious Ripper add layers of supernatural horror that keep readers guessing. Are these apparitions real, or manifestations of deeper trauma? The author skillfully balances these supernatural elements with Taylor's very real struggle for survival, creating a compelling psychological tension.
The narrative delves deep into themes of trauma and survival, reflecting on both personal and communal loss. What sets this book apart is its thoughtful incorporation of social themes, particularly racial tensions and historical injustices. These elements aren't merely backdrop but are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and resonance to the horror elements.
The gradual unveiling of the camp's dark secrets builds to a thrilling, action-packed conclusion that satisfies both the supernatural and emotional storylines. "Camp Lanier" succeeds not only as a spine-tingling horror story but as a meaningful exploration of history, trauma, and redemption. It's a rare achievement: a thriller that entertains while prompting deeper reflection on its themes.

Since I grew up in GA, this horror story based on the real life history of Lake Lanier jumped out at me!

In the book, Taylor has gotten herself in trouble and has to work at Camp Lanier for the summer. But it’s shady. People have disappeared for years and Taylor is picking up more than a few racist vibes. When she starts seeing ghosts, it’s time to dig into the history of the lake to see if she can save herself and her new friends.

The history of the lake is all too real and I grew up hearing facts and ghost stories about the lake, met folks who wouldn’t set foot in the lake. Built in the 1950s, the land was flooded to create the lake, drowning a number of small towns that had been evacuated for the project. Oscarville being among them, a prosperous all black town. Nothing was torn down first and there are still remnants of the town in the depths of the lake.

This book was a quick easy read with likable characters that I found myself very quickly rooting for. The horror aspect is pretty tame, perfect for YA readers, even ones that aren’t that into horror. I went into this already knowing the history it was based on and I think it would be a great intro into that history. If you were to read this not knowing and not learning the history, I don’t think it would be nearly as enjoyable. I will definitely be recommending this to my history loving students!

Tried this one and I was unable to finish it. It was my bad for not looking into what the book was about. I heard a lot of other people absolutely love this one,

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

Loved it! the humour in the story was awesome. The full-on references to 'our modern' world made the story much more chilling, and knowing real places and events loosely inspired it. I enjoyed being a part of the misfits group sent to Camp Lanier. I really wish there was a tiny bit more plot continuation for Taylor visiting Oscarville. The author's note at the end offered some closure, as well as it provided an opening for individual research to be explored. I've already recommended the book to a handful of my friends to enjoy during this spooky season :)

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to review it for an honest review.

The author did a fantastic job developing the main character’s backstory before diving into the mystery and horror at Camp Lanier. Taylor’s character was solidly built, allowing us to understand her background, personality, and personal struggles. The supporting characters were well-written as well. While the story leaned more towards mystery and thriller than pure horror, the horror scenes were still great. Although the plot was somewhat predictable, the journey was thoroughly enjoyable. The setting and premise were top-notch, giving off the vibe of a classic spooky slasher film. Definitely recommended!

Spooky and atmospheric read. Perfect for October chilly nights, cuddling up with your blanket and a flickering candle. Loved the story based on the real life spooky happenings of Lake Lanier.

Camp Lanier masterfully intertwines mystery, horror, and emotional depth. After moving to a new city,Taylor finds themself navigating the complexities of their past as well as newfound friendships, while still dealing with the death of their brother. Their journey is both relatable and intense, and gets even more so as they head to Camp Lanier,where they are sent to complete their time in lieu of probation.

The plot progresses quickly, and builds tension and suspense from Taylor's first day at the ominous camp. The spooky element of Camp Lanier, the impending trip to jail, and the ghostly images (is she seeing things?) kept me engaged throughout.

Camp Lanier itself felt like a character, steeped in secrets and a haunting history tied to Oscarville. The setting enhanced the foreboding tone, particularly with the lake’s dark past and eerie rumors.

Themes of trauma and survival resonate deeply, reflecting on both personal and communal loss. The interplay between Taylor's survival instincts and the camp's supernatural elements created a captivating tension that kept me on edge.

The introduction of the Ripper and the unfolding supernatural occurrences added layers of suspense and horror that were skillfully crafted. The gradual revelation of the camp's dark secrets culminated in a thrilling,action packed ending.

I really enjoyed how the narrative subtly addressed important social themes, including racial tensions and historical injustices, offering a thought-provoking commentary that enhanced my overall experience and made the book even better.
"Camp Lanier" blended horror and social themes,action and lore to make it not just a thrilling read, but a meaningful one.

What a wild ride!
What Butler did with Kindred, Barzey did with Camp Lanier.
His voice is so colloquial and funny, that the humor broke up some of the super tense parts in this irresistible plot.
Not only that, but Barzey did a great job of portraying racial horror in such a modern light.
Can this be the next Jordan Peele movie, please?