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Black Eyed Children #1

Black Eyed Children

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With three knocks, Ruby is cast into a living hell… It had seemed like the perfect job. For months, she could stay in a cabin in the middle of the Yukon wilderness with only a pack of sledge dogs to care for. But from the moment she arrives in the isolated dog yard, something is terribly wrong. She can feel it watching her from the woods. She can hear them whispering to her in the silence. But she is sure it is just a trick of her mind. Until the night they arrive. Three children appear on her doorstep in the middle of the night; each one with pitch black eyes. They plead with her to let them inside, but her rejection draws her into a war of wills against the demonic forces. Isolated in a terrain she doesn’t understand, and trapped by an oncoming blizzard, Ruby will have to decide how far she’s willing to go to survive. She’ll soon learn that it’s hard to keep the devil out when you’ve already opened the door.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2017

186 people are currently reading
254 people want to read

About the author

Sara Clancy

89 books110 followers

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5 stars
87 (40%)
4 stars
68 (31%)
3 stars
35 (16%)
2 stars
15 (7%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2017
Black eyed children

I have read a few stories about black eyed children and this one was pretty good. There were minor editing issues but that doesn't take away from the story. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I was left with a few unanswered questions but that makes sense since this is the beginning of a series. I do plan on reading the next book in the series.

Another great book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for NerdyNrsB.
63 reviews
April 30, 2023
Such a fast read. The books is more of a novella, but that’s ok as it was perfect for one last read this month. There wasn’t much background on Ruby or why the couple who hired her were going away, other than on a vacation. I didn’t feel much background was necessary for this book. It would have been nice to have a little more details given earlier on about all the mysterious deaths/disappearances that have plagued this small town. I thought the poem mentioned in the book Ruby read was a clever way to introduce the supernatural aspect of these disappearances though. One thing I found confusing and kind of a plot hole, was the couple said she had plenty of wood and fuel, but later in the book she didn’t and even thought she should chop some trees to have a fire that night. Also, I wanted to know more about how/why she wasn’t able to really control her body during her first interaction with the children. Who’s controlling them? Are they demons or perhaps a witch’s puppets? Idk! Those are really my only thoughts that make me score this less than 5. Altogether, a fun read and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Pretty sure my heart began to race during several scenes with the children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Richard Mendenhall.
107 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2021
Really three stars, but.....

There were a lot of things left unexplained in this book, like where exactly did Ruby come from, where she's going and why she would take such a crazy job. Training was painfully short. Why throw a particular object out of the truck? What was she thinking? How the heck do you run out of gas. You have one thing to take care of. One thing about Ruby though: She is one tough cookie. She survives everything Nature and Hell can throw at her. That's what I really didn't like about the book. Ruby just survived too much to be real. The book was not very long and the author kept things moving so I never got bored. Well, except maybe when Ruby was at the sheriff's office and that's only because the officers were such boneheads. Three stars because I liked the story. I'm working on a story myself involving black eyed children. Three stars for the plot which could have been developed more. Four stars because it was interesting enough to make me want to read book two in the series. Black Eyed Children is not great but it's pretty good and has a nice take on black eyed children. Pretty good story and not a waste of time for me at least.
Profile Image for J.C. Brennan.
Author 8 books334 followers
December 21, 2017
Sara Clancy brings the creepy story of black-eyed children from the 90’s to life. If you have never heard of the legend, it is of supposed paranormal creatures that resemble children, with pale skin and black eyes. The rest, if you’re curious, you can do some research to find out more. It’s worth the time for this is an intriguing urban legend.
Ruby a young woman with a form of social-emotional agnosia, she can’t read body language or facial expressions which, to say the very least, makes her socially awkward. She has taken a job to watch sled dogs for the winter months in a secluded cabin in the Yukon while their owners, the Cobalt's, go on vacation.
However, Rudy will find out all too soon that the town's creepy legend isn’t just a legend. It becomes a reality that has her in a fight for her life.
Sara has created a story that takes the black eyed children legend to a new level. Fantastic writing. Decidedly recommended for horror fans.
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
Author 1 book8 followers
April 1, 2019
Pretty good, would be better with more editing

I really enjoyed the story. I love the character development and the setting. The pacing was fantastic. I honestly couldn't put it down.

The only reason I took off a star, was because there were moments I had to go back and re-read passages to try and understand what was going on.

I think having a better editor for content would have helped with this. Sometimes sentences were worded awkwardly, making it hard to visualize what was going on.

I found this to be especially true the closer I got to the ending and Ruby is having encounters with the children.

Other than that, it was a great read and I totally will be reading more by this author!
Profile Image for DEBORAH Eastman.
23 reviews
July 28, 2023
omg! LOVE SARA CLANCY BOOKS If you are looking for scary stories to read this is one author you should check out! Back eyed children is one book that scared me really bad. This is a trilogy and let me tell you each book has new surprises in them. You have to read each one. I cannot wait to find out if they even find out, what the black-eyed children are. This book will make you rethink stuff. I have read many books, listened to many books and I collect books. These books, especially the first one scared me. It is a highly recommended. if they knock 3x don't open the door it might be.....black-eyed children.
Profile Image for Nancy.
119 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2017
Great horror!

A great horror story about demon children. Imagine stranded in a cabin in the frozen wilderness with creepy children trying to get in. Also loved the sled dogs and really prayed nothing would happen to them so I thank the author for that. The one funny thing I couldn't get out of my head was the original AND Jaws skit with the shark knocking on people's doors trying to get in. 😄
455 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2018
Wow! I believe this book scared me more than some of my haunted ones. The story actually breaks down into two different parts. How she survives, which is really scary in itself, and the Black Eyed Children. I couldn't put his book down. It just kept on getting more and more interesting and you couldn't wait to see what happened next. You should really give it a try. I think you will like it as much as I did and I loved it.
Profile Image for Katie.
17 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2019
Creepy

This is a creepy story, especially if you have any preconceived creepiness to children. I think there is folklore about black eyed children in many areas of the world but in this story Sara Clancy did a brilliant job of building the suspense. I think the deadpan talk that the children did made it all the more creepy. If you want to think twice about closing your eyes to sleep tonight, waiting to hear three knocks on your door, give this book a read!
90 reviews
November 27, 2022
Good scary story

You take on a job in the middle of nowhere to care for sled dogs while the home owners go on vacation. The first night, you know something is out there and it's bad but morning comes and you shrug it off thinking it was just your imagination playing tricks on you. The next night comes and you realize it wasn't. I felt the isolation, the cold and the fear reading this story but also felt Ruby's desire to survive which is why I gave this a five star read.
Profile Image for emma.
195 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
Well holy cow!
I never normally read short stories, I find them hard to get into and generally believe they lack the good storyline of your average size novel. Sara Clancy has proved to me there really is an exception to every rule, black eyed children is a fantastic, well written story that will suck you in and give you plenty of chills along the way! A great horror and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Well deserved 5 stars
Profile Image for Josette Thomas.
1,257 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2017
Wow! I think I will pass on a trip to Alaska. Not only is it too cold but those were some frightening children. Ruby has the courage and strength of a hundred people to deal with all the things that happened and still felt the need to protect the dogs. I guess I’m impressed that she stuck it out but left when things went south . A truly scary read!
128 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2018
Stay the heck out of the woods

Gave the story 5 stars Cuz it scared the poop out of me. I spent time in the woods and nights are really scary. Felt at times that I was actually in the story. I just wish there was a better history on the kids and a little better explanation from the lady at the end. Other than that this was a good book not to read at night
85 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2021
Loved this book!

I highly recommend this book. It starts off simple, then takes you on a wild and bumpy ride through a dark forest that you'll be lucky if you survive! I wanted more of this character and story. Loved it and her!
Not overly gory with just the right amount, and all kinds of scary. Making you double check that your doors are locked whenever you pass them.
Profile Image for lou brown.
99 reviews70 followers
Read
November 23, 2022
Black Eyed Children

I liked the fact that Ruby could not read expressions. I loved that Hammock was protective of her. There was not enough background given about the "Black Eyed Children", and no one warned her about them even though there was an urban legend about them and people went missing or killed.
Profile Image for Karrie.
194 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2017
Great 👍

I read both one and two in this series, and found both to be creepy exciting reads. Very fast paced, entire story in both books happened within a 3day period. Very worth the time to read!
Profile Image for Misty Davis.
116 reviews3 followers
Read
December 6, 2017
needs a forward

It was a scary book, but it didn't show until around chapter 7. The book could use a forward to tell about the story of the cabin instead of people telling it in the book itself. that would make it more interesting.
564 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2017
Great Story

Ruby decides to take a job in the Yukon taking care of dogs. Little does she know that many people have gone missing in the area and it may have started with three knocks.
Great story and I highly recommend... Great fun,!
42 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2017
Scary!!!!!!

This is one of the scariest books I've ever read!!
If any of this is true, I hope I never get to meet these creatures!!
God save us all!!!!!!!!
And thank you, Sara Clancy for your writing!!
5 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2018
Don't Open the Door!

First time reading anything by this Author, deff getting the next book in this series, so yes deff recommend! Wow was so Freaked out reading this, so believable! Awesome Book, Awesome Author... Better turn on the light's reading this one lol..
193 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2017
Rate the book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The heroine was a Warrior woman. She kicked ass and took names. She was great and so were the dogs!
Profile Image for Shannon Holmes.
131 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2017
Loved it! I found the story gripping from the very beginning. This book was hard to put down.
59 reviews
August 19, 2017
Awesome Read!!!!!!!

Really spooky story! Loved the storyline and I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends alike! Hope the next one is as spooky as this!
Profile Image for Dannielle Cobb.
17 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2017
The black eyed children

The book was alright I enjoyed it I gave it 3 because I don't like a lot of gory bloody scenes or in stories i
309 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2017
Edge of your seat scary

This author writes in a way that makes you feel the bone chilling cold, the warmth of the fire and the terror of the characters. Excellent read!
233 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2017
This is not my usual genre but I read it in one sitting, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was action from start until finish. I will now look for other books by Sara Clancy. Highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Katherine.
6 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2021
Scary and Delicious

This was a very good story - the setting and emotional atmosphere was vivid and sent chills up my spine. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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