Book Review: Moon Child by Gaby Triana
The Details
I have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.
Media Type: Ebook
Title: Moon Child
Author: Gaby Triana
Publisher: Alienhead Press
Pages/Length: Kindle; 300
Release Date: February 17, 2021
Source: Author
The Craft meets The Shining in this slow-burn Florida gothic horror.
18-year-old Valentina Callejas was raised to do what her Catholic grandparents say to do. But Valentina feels a different pull–an affinity with nature, a desire to read tarot cards and study the occult. After ditching her church retreat, Valentina flees home and ends up five hours away at Macy’s house, a half-sister she’s never met until now.
When a mysterious wolf leads Valentina to the abandoned Sunlake Springs Resort, she meets the “clairs,” young psychics drawn to the hotel’s haunted history. They’ve been waiting for her, they say, to open a magical entryway to the spirit world. But Valentina’s sensitive hands tell a different story–of anguished spirits, menacing cracks, and hooded ghosts of Florida’s hateful past. Even a local legend, the beautiful “Lady of the Lake,” hints to the hotel’s sinister history. To protect the clairs from the horrors awaiting them on the other side, Valentina must use her growing powers and decide, once and for all, if she’s the witch she was always meant to be
The Review
Ah, this book! The first few pages already had my attention, but I kept having to set it down to deal with real life. (Terrible, I know.) Finally, earlier this week, I settled in on a quiet evening to read. In 4 hours, at midnight, I was done. Let me tell you, friends. Gaby Triana deserves some kudos for this book. Similar to my favorite horror movies, this is the kind of book that is a lovely slow burn. It gives you just enough to keep you absolutely invested, while hanging that one important fact that will uncover the dark truth right over your head. I had a blast reading this!
First off, I absolutely loved Valentina. Or Vale as she liked to be called. As someone who also went through the pain of questioning their religious upbringing, and the divides that can cause, I felt for her deep in my heart. What I liked most about her character though was that Vale was real. She was flawed, and she knew it. She made bad decisions at times, and she knew it. She held pain deep down inside, instead of actually confronting it. I felt like she was a character made for me, and that made reading this story a breeze. I wanted Vale to be happy and safe, although I was pretty sure that was going to be a tall order to fill.
I also have to applaud Triana for all the inclusiveness in this book. From LGBTQ characters, to families broken by divorce, to addressing the tough topic of losing a parent, it was in here. I think that all readers know how easy it is to apply this kind of content with a heavy hand. I am happy to share that this wasn’t the case at all in Moon Child. Everything feels like it belongs right where it is. Just like real life, Vale’s world is full of beautiful things and not so beautiful things. Of trials, and of happiness. I absolutely loved that.
It would be entirely too easy to gush about the atmosphere that is built here in this book, and of how easy it is to get immersed in. While there were a few small things I had trouble with, mostly while the story was first unfolding, the fact remains that this book begged to be powered through. If you’re looking for something a little scary, and full of spiritualism? This is your next read.
One Comment
Anthony Bidulka
Wonderful to have the inclusiveness.