Clearlake

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

"Clearlake" by Stanislava Buevich weaves a compelling narrative that captivates readers from the very beginning. The intricate relationship between thirteen-year-old Moon Rains and her mother adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, beautifully portraying the nuances of love and disagreement. Despite their differences, the fond memories and genuine affection between them shine through.

The characters within the institution are a standout feature of the book. Each child is meticulously fleshed out, making them distinct and memorable. The author's ability to create such well-defined characters contributes significantly to the overall richness of the plot.

The atmospheric descriptions in the book are masterfully crafted, especially when it comes to portraying the eerie setting of Clearlake. The darkened halls, ghastly old witches, and harrowing procedures create a palpable sense of suspense and mystery. The author's skillful storytelling allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the unsettling ambiance, heightening the overall reading experience.

"Clearlake" is undeniably a book that draws you in, making it easy to get lost in its pages. The author's adept storytelling keeps the suspense alive, and the ominous warning about Room 217 adds an extra layer of intrigue. As Moon and her friends navigate the sinister mysteries surrounding Clearlake, the reader is taken on a thrilling and perilous journey. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book and highly recommend it to those who appreciate a well-crafted, immersive, and suspenseful tale.

Moon Rains, a thirteen-year-old girl who is sick with a mysterious illness, is sent to Clearlake Institute by her medical fearing mother. With a mysterious message from a woman on the train, and odd happenings at the institute Moon is unsure if Clearlake institute is what it is supposed to be.

“Clearlake” by Stanislava Buevich is a fantasy book for teens and middle schoolers. I liked how it is realistic on how a thirteen-year-old would see her mother not listening to her as ridiculous and how she thinks she knows best despite her age. She is actually very intuitive and smart for her age but also struggles with the lack of options as a thirteen-year-old. I liked her and her friends. I thought it was a very book and would be interesting for teenagers. 4 out of 5 stars.

Excellent job by Buevich by creating just the right amount of dread and terror mixed with intriguing characters that make your head spin (because you're curious as to what they'll do next!) Loved Moon as the protagonist - a sensible and brave soul with a true authentic voice.

This book is definitely more geared towards teen, closer to middle grade, for anyone wondering. Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the digital ARC!

As someone who reads a lot of horror and advocates for kids who love creepy things, I will definitely be adding this book to my list of "light horror" for kids looking to break into the genre. I thought the characters were awesome and memorable long after I finished reading. Really looking forward to buying my own copy of this book!

This cover grabbed me and I knew I had to read it. The story pulled me right in and held on. Rain gets sick with something that her mom is unable to heal with homeopathic efforts. She meets a lady in purple saying she can help. She tells them of this institute with people there dedicated to helping children with illnesses without the use of modern medicine. When they arrive, Rain and her mom are separated. Things are not what they seem. I did not want to put this book down. I loved the relationship between Rain and her mom. All of the children in the institute were such great characters with all different personalities. I loved this book. If you love horror, you should check this one out. Thank you to NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc in exchange for my honest review.