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Moon Child
The Craft meets The Shining in slow-burn tropical horror.
“Terrifying.”
“Beautiful.”
“First-rate Southern Gothic horror.”
18-year-old Valentina Callejas was raised to do what her Cuban, Catholic grandparents say to do. But Valentina feels a different pull--an affinity with nature, tarot cards, and the occult. After ditching her church retreat, she knows it's time to go off on her own.
Visiting Macy--a half-sister she's never met until now--in a little rotting town five hours from the big city where she was raised, Valentina discovers the abandoned, oppressive Sunlake Springs Resort. There she meets the "clairs," young psychics drawn to the hotel's haunted history who've been waiting for her 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 unsavory 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 meant to be.
“Terrifying.”
“Beautiful.”
“First-rate Southern Gothic horror.”
18-year-old Valentina Callejas was raised to do what her Cuban, Catholic grandparents say to do. But Valentina feels a different pull--an affinity with nature, tarot cards, and the occult. After ditching her church retreat, she knows it's time to go off on her own.
Visiting Macy--a half-sister she's never met until now--in a little rotting town five hours from the big city where she was raised, Valentina discovers the abandoned, oppressive Sunlake Springs Resort. There she meets the "clairs," young psychics drawn to the hotel's haunted history who've been waiting for her 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 unsavory 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 meant to be.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2021
54 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Gaby Triana
21 books183 followersGABY TRIANA is the Cuban-American author of 25 books for adults and teens, including Moon Child, Island of Bones, River of Ghosts, City of Spells, Wake the Hollow, Cubanita, and Summer of Yesterday. Her short stories have appeared in Classic Monsters Unleashed, A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, A Conjuring for All Seasons, Novus Monstrum, and Weird Tales Magazine. She has co-authored ghosthunters Sam & Colby’s horror novel, Paradise Island, and edited the ghost anthology series, Literally Dead (Tales of Halloween Hauntings; Tales of Holiday Hauntings).
As a ghostwriter, Gaby has penned 50+ novels for bestselling authors in every genre. Her own books have won the IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback, and Hispanic Magazine's Good Reads Awards, and she writes under several pen names, including Gabrielle Keyes for her paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in Miami with her family and the four-legged creatures they serve.
FB: @GabyTriana.author
IG: @GabyTriana
YT: The Witch Haunt
As a ghostwriter, Gaby has penned 50+ novels for bestselling authors in every genre. Her own books have won the IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback, and Hispanic Magazine's Good Reads Awards, and she writes under several pen names, including Gabrielle Keyes for her paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in Miami with her family and the four-legged creatures they serve.
FB: @GabyTriana.author
IG: @GabyTriana
YT: The Witch Haunt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 24, 2021
Filled with witchcraft and magic realism, and mixed with a grounded in a coming-of-age story about a young woman’s search for who she wants to be, ‘Moon Child’ is the captivating new novel from prolific bestselling horror author Gaby Triana.
Valentina is an eighteen-year-old girl who is living a sheltered life with her Catholic mother and grandmother, attending church and youth group retreats, she is growing increasingly curious about life outside of the protective bubble of her family, friends and faith. When her growing interest in the occult causes a rift between her and her loved ones, Valentina takes the opportunity to spend some time away from the place she grew up and goes to visit her sister in Florida.
A whole new world opens up for her as she makes new friends who share her curiosity in the spiritual, and share with her plans to open a gateway to the spirit world in a long-abandoned hotel with a dark past. Keen to explore their burgeoning powers at first, the group soon find themselves out of their depth as the spirits of the dead attempt to communicate of an evil that has lived unnoticed on the site for many years and is using them to break free from the spirit world and wreak havoc on their own.
Although Moon Child is the story of a religious teenage Cuban-American woman, her journey in ‘Moon Child’ is incredibly relatable and universal in broader terms. Valentina is having doubts about her religion, without losing her faith, and her actions throughout are driven by curiosity and a need to learn more about herself as she enters adulthood and begins to make decisions that will shape the rest of her life. The specifics may not apply but Valentina’s self-doubt and ultimate journey into self-acceptance will surely hit home for any reader, and a large part of Moon Child’s success is due to the obvious care and thought that has gone into crafting Valentina as a character.
In regards to the narrative, there is an awful lot of stuff to balance and Triana does it expertly, never letting the horror and the supernatural elements smother the family drama and personal stakes playing out in the background, but also never overstepping in this regard either, allowing Valentina’s personal issues to unrealistically detract from the big revelations when the ghosts and spirits begin to make themselves known. Horror fans won’t be disappointed, as the book is very creepy when it needs to be, but for a book about witchcraft, ghosts, haunted buildings and psychic mediums, ‘Moon Child’ is surprisingly serious, and grounded in well-researched fact, albeit facts used to tell a larger-than-life story rooted in the gothic tradition.
Moon Child is a slow-burn character study that uses its more fantastical elements to enhance the story and increase the stakes, but never losing its focus on a young woman’s story of who she is and what she wants to be. This was gripping, relatable and beautifully written and one of those rare books that you just don’t want to end.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
Valentina is an eighteen-year-old girl who is living a sheltered life with her Catholic mother and grandmother, attending church and youth group retreats, she is growing increasingly curious about life outside of the protective bubble of her family, friends and faith. When her growing interest in the occult causes a rift between her and her loved ones, Valentina takes the opportunity to spend some time away from the place she grew up and goes to visit her sister in Florida.
A whole new world opens up for her as she makes new friends who share her curiosity in the spiritual, and share with her plans to open a gateway to the spirit world in a long-abandoned hotel with a dark past. Keen to explore their burgeoning powers at first, the group soon find themselves out of their depth as the spirits of the dead attempt to communicate of an evil that has lived unnoticed on the site for many years and is using them to break free from the spirit world and wreak havoc on their own.
Although Moon Child is the story of a religious teenage Cuban-American woman, her journey in ‘Moon Child’ is incredibly relatable and universal in broader terms. Valentina is having doubts about her religion, without losing her faith, and her actions throughout are driven by curiosity and a need to learn more about herself as she enters adulthood and begins to make decisions that will shape the rest of her life. The specifics may not apply but Valentina’s self-doubt and ultimate journey into self-acceptance will surely hit home for any reader, and a large part of Moon Child’s success is due to the obvious care and thought that has gone into crafting Valentina as a character.
In regards to the narrative, there is an awful lot of stuff to balance and Triana does it expertly, never letting the horror and the supernatural elements smother the family drama and personal stakes playing out in the background, but also never overstepping in this regard either, allowing Valentina’s personal issues to unrealistically detract from the big revelations when the ghosts and spirits begin to make themselves known. Horror fans won’t be disappointed, as the book is very creepy when it needs to be, but for a book about witchcraft, ghosts, haunted buildings and psychic mediums, ‘Moon Child’ is surprisingly serious, and grounded in well-researched fact, albeit facts used to tell a larger-than-life story rooted in the gothic tradition.
Moon Child is a slow-burn character study that uses its more fantastical elements to enhance the story and increase the stakes, but never losing its focus on a young woman’s story of who she is and what she wants to be. This was gripping, relatable and beautifully written and one of those rare books that you just don’t want to end.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
January 30, 2021
This came from my heart.
February 17, 2021
The first sentence in this book's description sold me: The Craft meets The Shining. Admittedly, I've never read THE SHINING (I know, I know) but I love stories about haunted places and The Craft was a cool movie. I went in blind and thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Sunlake Springs Resort.
A short synopsis: Valentina Callejas has started to explore her beliefs. She lives with her strict religious family and after deciding to not attend church camp this year, needs to get away. She ends up going to stay with her half-sister where she discovers the Sunlake Springs Resort and a group of like-minded people her age that, like her, were drawn to the location's energy with the hopes of strengthening the gifts they all have- but it might cost more than they know.
Despite the fact that I am twice the main character's age (ouch) and a man, I actually identified with Valentina more than I thought I would. I was raised similarly in a house where to question the belief system that you were raised with wasn't really allowed. While I didn't necessarily explore the same avenues Valentina does, I understand wanting to decide what to believe on your own and not blindly follow a faith that you may or may not agree with just to please your family. Your mileage may vary here, but I found it easy to understand her decisions because I would have done the same thing in her position.
The rest of the characters are fleshed out nicely and, while some of them might not be the most likable people, their motivations are clearly explained. You'll want to know more about them and whether or not they find what they're looking for. Now...the resort. Yikes. I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll just say that it's been more than just a resort over the years and it really is its own character in the story. Triana nails the description of the place; equal parts beautiful and yet terrifying at the same time. I'm not sure if a place could be any more haunted.
MOON CHILD is many things. It's a story about discovering yourself and what you belief, a story about family (the one your born into and the one you choose), a story about becoming who you were meant to be...while at the same time being a tale about a place with a tragic history and otherworldly power. This book has heart and scares in equal measure- something not easy to pull off but Gaby Triana manages to make it look easy. Everything about this worked for me: the pacing, the characters, the story. If you're into tales of haunted places, or people discovering their power, you should seek out MOON CHILD.
* I was sent an ebook ARC for review by the author
A short synopsis: Valentina Callejas has started to explore her beliefs. She lives with her strict religious family and after deciding to not attend church camp this year, needs to get away. She ends up going to stay with her half-sister where she discovers the Sunlake Springs Resort and a group of like-minded people her age that, like her, were drawn to the location's energy with the hopes of strengthening the gifts they all have- but it might cost more than they know.
Despite the fact that I am twice the main character's age (ouch) and a man, I actually identified with Valentina more than I thought I would. I was raised similarly in a house where to question the belief system that you were raised with wasn't really allowed. While I didn't necessarily explore the same avenues Valentina does, I understand wanting to decide what to believe on your own and not blindly follow a faith that you may or may not agree with just to please your family. Your mileage may vary here, but I found it easy to understand her decisions because I would have done the same thing in her position.
The rest of the characters are fleshed out nicely and, while some of them might not be the most likable people, their motivations are clearly explained. You'll want to know more about them and whether or not they find what they're looking for. Now...the resort. Yikes. I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll just say that it's been more than just a resort over the years and it really is its own character in the story. Triana nails the description of the place; equal parts beautiful and yet terrifying at the same time. I'm not sure if a place could be any more haunted.
MOON CHILD is many things. It's a story about discovering yourself and what you belief, a story about family (the one your born into and the one you choose), a story about becoming who you were meant to be...while at the same time being a tale about a place with a tragic history and otherworldly power. This book has heart and scares in equal measure- something not easy to pull off but Gaby Triana manages to make it look easy. Everything about this worked for me: the pacing, the characters, the story. If you're into tales of haunted places, or people discovering their power, you should seek out MOON CHILD.
* I was sent an ebook ARC for review by the author
April 19, 2022
When I saw the description “The Craft meets the Shining” my attention was caught pretty quickly. Moon Child is a coming of age story about a young woman who discovers her identity and powers as a witch when she unexpectedly finds herself amongst a group of like minded young witches.
As Valentina’s power as a psychic medium grows she finds herself asking broader questions about her upbringing and the religious content she was exposed to. As a young character she had depth and felt very relatable.
The writing is beautiful yet not overly flowery and you get the perfect amount of spookiness. I was also impressed by how much research Triana did on witchcraft.
If you enjoy a Southern gothic horror story this one won’t disappoint. Set in Florida in a haunted old sanatorium, I really couldn’t ask for more.
As Valentina’s power as a psychic medium grows she finds herself asking broader questions about her upbringing and the religious content she was exposed to. As a young character she had depth and felt very relatable.
The writing is beautiful yet not overly flowery and you get the perfect amount of spookiness. I was also impressed by how much research Triana did on witchcraft.
If you enjoy a Southern gothic horror story this one won’t disappoint. Set in Florida in a haunted old sanatorium, I really couldn’t ask for more.
Read
August 12, 2022I've had my eye on this one for a while as both cover and blurb caught my attention way back. Yes, it's YA, but it's a great read for adults, too.
The opening set the scene and left me wanting answers which is something I always look for in a good book. A few twists along the way sustained the intrigue.
Great atmosphere throughout and I loved the conflict between organized religion and witchcraft. Always a winner! What struck me most was the fact that it was set in Southern Florida, with Cuban roots, and yet the culture was so similar to my own in Wales. Goes to prove that people are people the world over, I guess. Nevertheless, it's nice to make connections when you read. I was particularly struck by the description of the abandoned tuberculosis hospital as a similar building existed on the mountain close to where I grew up. Knowing what it had once been always spooked me as a child, and yet it also drew me in for the same reason.
There's an ease and flow to the story-telling, and of course it's immaculately edited just as I knew it would be.
To sum up, thoroughly enjoyable!
The opening set the scene and left me wanting answers which is something I always look for in a good book. A few twists along the way sustained the intrigue.
Great atmosphere throughout and I loved the conflict between organized religion and witchcraft. Always a winner! What struck me most was the fact that it was set in Southern Florida, with Cuban roots, and yet the culture was so similar to my own in Wales. Goes to prove that people are people the world over, I guess. Nevertheless, it's nice to make connections when you read. I was particularly struck by the description of the abandoned tuberculosis hospital as a similar building existed on the mountain close to where I grew up. Knowing what it had once been always spooked me as a child, and yet it also drew me in for the same reason.
There's an ease and flow to the story-telling, and of course it's immaculately edited just as I knew it would be.
To sum up, thoroughly enjoyable!
April 24, 2021
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.
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.
May 10, 2021
MOON CHILD by Gaby Triana is a fun coming-of-age story that starts off with 18-year-old Valentina Callejas questioning her religious upbringing, her place in the world, etc. After deciding to bounce from a church retreat her family sent her to, she decides to go visit her half-sister a few hours away that she's never met. While she's there connecting with this other part of her life that's unknown to her, she runs into a wolf (?!) as well as a group of young psychics at a nearby abandoned resort. From this point on, the story has been compared to The Craft meets The Shining with Florida as the setting. Vale has completed this psychic group's energy to help unlock the past of this sinister resort/hotel as well as the local legend: "Lady of the Lake." Things are not quite as they seem and Vale must decide who she is, who she wants to be, and if her growing powers can help solve the impending threat associated with this old resort and all of its past horrors.
This is a fun Southern Gothic with family drama, supernatural elements, moments of horror, and atmospheric vibes you just can't help but fall in love with! This book brings forward a lot of Latinx representation as well as LGBTQ+ representation. Triana makes everything blend and work together so well that I cannot wait to read more of her work -- and I am definitely excited if this book generates a sequel!
This is a fun Southern Gothic with family drama, supernatural elements, moments of horror, and atmospheric vibes you just can't help but fall in love with! This book brings forward a lot of Latinx representation as well as LGBTQ+ representation. Triana makes everything blend and work together so well that I cannot wait to read more of her work -- and I am definitely excited if this book generates a sequel!
March 3, 2021
This was the first book I've read by Gaby Triana, and I had a lot of fun reading it. I loved that Vale was questioning religion and religious pressure, and it was really relatable to me since it's something I went through when I was younger. Her situation felt familiar, and I appreciated seeing myself in this book. There were some good gory and spooky moments, and I enjoyed the direction the story went in. If there's a sequel, I definitely want to read it.
CW - sexual assault of a minor, misogyny, miscarriage, religious upbringing, suicide, usage of dead pronoun, family deaths, death of an animal, mentions of: KKK, lynching, racism, forced sterilization, statutory rape
CW - sexual assault of a minor, misogyny, miscarriage, religious upbringing, suicide, usage of dead pronoun, family deaths, death of an animal, mentions of: KKK, lynching, racism, forced sterilization, statutory rape
February 3, 2021
I have read a number of books by Gaby Triana and she excels at writing Southern Gothic, steeped in the heady humid atmosphere of Florida, far from the glitz and glamour of the cities. In Moon Child, we have Valentina - Vale to her friends – who is young, and desperate to learn more about the fate of the father and of herself. But hers has been a strict Latina matriarchal upbringing where the rules of her mother and grandmother must be obeyed. It is a big thing for her to break away at the age of eighteen, but she is one determined young woman. She has so many questions – and no answers- and she is determined to pursue the quest for the truth and her own psychic development.
Her burgeoning psychic powers come to fruition right at the time she meets up with her half-sister. Macy, for the first time. Things start to happen. Things she cannot explain but which she cannot ignore. A mysterious wolf leads her to a rundown hotel resort, populated by a small group of clairvoyant squatters -clairs for short. Not the friendliest bunch, but their psychic powers draw Vale in. She has to discover more about this strange and eerie place and why the clairs have apparently been waiting for her to join them. What follows is a journey of revelation, danger and nightmare where nothing and on one is quite what it appears to be. A beautiful but sinister Lady of the Lake, the enigmatic but scary Crow, the wolf with seemingly supernatural abilities and the constant quest to find the truth. Vale is caught in the web and must fight for the truth, their lives and souls.
The action leads to a terrifying climax. Vale must battle forces of unimaginable horror as Sunlake Springs reveals its secrets.
First rate Southern Gothic, haunted and scary horror, steeped in atmosphere and strong on both story and characters
Her burgeoning psychic powers come to fruition right at the time she meets up with her half-sister. Macy, for the first time. Things start to happen. Things she cannot explain but which she cannot ignore. A mysterious wolf leads her to a rundown hotel resort, populated by a small group of clairvoyant squatters -clairs for short. Not the friendliest bunch, but their psychic powers draw Vale in. She has to discover more about this strange and eerie place and why the clairs have apparently been waiting for her to join them. What follows is a journey of revelation, danger and nightmare where nothing and on one is quite what it appears to be. A beautiful but sinister Lady of the Lake, the enigmatic but scary Crow, the wolf with seemingly supernatural abilities and the constant quest to find the truth. Vale is caught in the web and must fight for the truth, their lives and souls.
The action leads to a terrifying climax. Vale must battle forces of unimaginable horror as Sunlake Springs reveals its secrets.
First rate Southern Gothic, haunted and scary horror, steeped in atmosphere and strong on both story and characters
October 7, 2021
You might not associate gothic horror with sunny Florida, but that only means you haven’t yet read Gaby Triana’s Moon Child. In a tale of steadily growing dread that draws on both the haunted-house vibes of The Shining and the witchy teen coven of The Craft, this book blends teen angst with terror in a masterful way.
17-year-old Cuban-American teen Valentina (Vale) Callejas was raised to be a good-girl Catholic and always follow the rules. But she finds herself increasingly disillusioned with the church and drawn to a different kind of spirituality, one marked by witches, the Tarot, and mysticism. When she walks out on church camp, Vale lands in a huge argument with her mother and proper grandmother. Feeling hurt and misunderstood, she drives north to Yeehaw Springs to spend cooling-off time with Macy, the half-sister she’s never met.
Once there, Vale takes a nighttime walk following a mysterious wolf and winds up at an abandoned resort. Sunlake Springs is a creepy old wreck of a place, but there she meets four “clairs,” young psychics drawn to the hotel’s haunted past. Vale’s own psychic powers manifest in an ability to touch objects or people and “see things.” Squatting in the old resort with the clairs, Vale feels her powers growing. Things take a darker turn as the resort’s horrific history emerges in psychic flashes, and Vale discovers that the place has a grim connection to her own family.
Driven to find the truth, Vale persists, and together with the clairs, she opens a portal to the spirit world. But will it bring spiritual wisdom or unleash an evil presence into the world? Readers will tag along for every pulse-pounding plot turn, as Vale discovers what kind of witch she was meant to be. Highly recommended.
17-year-old Cuban-American teen Valentina (Vale) Callejas was raised to be a good-girl Catholic and always follow the rules. But she finds herself increasingly disillusioned with the church and drawn to a different kind of spirituality, one marked by witches, the Tarot, and mysticism. When she walks out on church camp, Vale lands in a huge argument with her mother and proper grandmother. Feeling hurt and misunderstood, she drives north to Yeehaw Springs to spend cooling-off time with Macy, the half-sister she’s never met.
Once there, Vale takes a nighttime walk following a mysterious wolf and winds up at an abandoned resort. Sunlake Springs is a creepy old wreck of a place, but there she meets four “clairs,” young psychics drawn to the hotel’s haunted past. Vale’s own psychic powers manifest in an ability to touch objects or people and “see things.” Squatting in the old resort with the clairs, Vale feels her powers growing. Things take a darker turn as the resort’s horrific history emerges in psychic flashes, and Vale discovers that the place has a grim connection to her own family.
Driven to find the truth, Vale persists, and together with the clairs, she opens a portal to the spirit world. But will it bring spiritual wisdom or unleash an evil presence into the world? Readers will tag along for every pulse-pounding plot turn, as Vale discovers what kind of witch she was meant to be. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2021
Thank you, Gaby Triana, for the eARC of Moon Child in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the first time I saw the cover of Moon Child on Twitter, I was intrigued. When I read the description of The Craft meets The Shining, I was sold. When the opportunity came up to be able to review Moonchild, I jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did.
Moonchild, is the story of Valentina Callejas, known to family and friends as Vale, and her struggles to free herself from her strict matriarchal Catholic upbringing, while embracing her growing connection to the occult. In a move shocking to even Vale herself, she abandons her yearly Catholic youth camp stay, and returns home to face her mother and grandmother's anger and concern. Tired of their controlling nature, their aversion to her growing interest in the occult, and the secrets they keep regarding her father's death, Vale turns to the only other person she can trust, her illegitimate half-sister, Macy.
At Macy's home in Central Florida, Vale finds peace and freedom to explore her growing psychic powers. One night, she is visited by a wolf and led through the woods to the derelict Sunlake Springs Resort, where she finds four young clairvoyant squatters who claim that they have been awaiting her arrival to complete their circle.
As she jumps into learning about her psychic powers, she is subject to terrible sights and experiences, as well as threats from one of the "clairs" she is seeking to help. She in a fight to learn the truth about her father and his mysterious death, the truth of what the "clairs" are seeking from Sunlake Springs Resort, and in the end, what Sunlake Springs Resorts wants from them.
Right off the bat, I am a sucker for Southern Gothic horror, and Gaby knows her stuff. I live close to the area where the novel is set in Central Florida and she 100% has her descriptions of the weather and appearance of the areas around Vale and her friends down.
One of the main aspects of Moon Child that I loved was the amount of representation in it. The main character and her immediate family are Latinx, her half-sister is also a woman of color, and there is LGBTQIA representation within the group of Clairs. I hope more books take Moonchild as an example of how to make their books more inclusive.
The story has a slow growing sense of dread and the tension is palpable right up to the very last page. I was hooked from page 1 and finished in one sitting because I had to know how it ended.
From the first time I saw the cover of Moon Child on Twitter, I was intrigued. When I read the description of The Craft meets The Shining, I was sold. When the opportunity came up to be able to review Moonchild, I jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did.
Moonchild, is the story of Valentina Callejas, known to family and friends as Vale, and her struggles to free herself from her strict matriarchal Catholic upbringing, while embracing her growing connection to the occult. In a move shocking to even Vale herself, she abandons her yearly Catholic youth camp stay, and returns home to face her mother and grandmother's anger and concern. Tired of their controlling nature, their aversion to her growing interest in the occult, and the secrets they keep regarding her father's death, Vale turns to the only other person she can trust, her illegitimate half-sister, Macy.
At Macy's home in Central Florida, Vale finds peace and freedom to explore her growing psychic powers. One night, she is visited by a wolf and led through the woods to the derelict Sunlake Springs Resort, where she finds four young clairvoyant squatters who claim that they have been awaiting her arrival to complete their circle.
As she jumps into learning about her psychic powers, she is subject to terrible sights and experiences, as well as threats from one of the "clairs" she is seeking to help. She in a fight to learn the truth about her father and his mysterious death, the truth of what the "clairs" are seeking from Sunlake Springs Resort, and in the end, what Sunlake Springs Resorts wants from them.
Right off the bat, I am a sucker for Southern Gothic horror, and Gaby knows her stuff. I live close to the area where the novel is set in Central Florida and she 100% has her descriptions of the weather and appearance of the areas around Vale and her friends down.
One of the main aspects of Moon Child that I loved was the amount of representation in it. The main character and her immediate family are Latinx, her half-sister is also a woman of color, and there is LGBTQIA representation within the group of Clairs. I hope more books take Moonchild as an example of how to make their books more inclusive.
The story has a slow growing sense of dread and the tension is palpable right up to the very last page. I was hooked from page 1 and finished in one sitting because I had to know how it ended.
September 11, 2021
Horror written by women just… hits different.
The struggles young women face are unique and yet universally relatable. I immediately felt for Vale, our MC, who is struggling to find herself in a thick fog of Catholicism as she is drawn to alternative forms of spirituality. Confined in a role as a young woman clearly defined by her religion. So many of us feel that in our bones, it’s practically our marrow.
What I may have appreciated most though was how Gaby made every horror we see in the book MEAN SOMETHING. It may just be me, but I sometimes feel that shocking scenes in books, movies, or comic books by men don’t have a deeper meaning behind them. They haven’t dug deep enough to explore the shock value they create. This old witch pulling out her womb? Oh, it’s so scary isn’t it! But what does it mean? Oh she just wanted a child really bad or some half-baked reason. Where Gaby shines is making every ghost, spirit guide, or monster make sense in their own meaning of existence.
The first half of the book did hook me, but the second half of the book was unputdownable.
The struggles young women face are unique and yet universally relatable. I immediately felt for Vale, our MC, who is struggling to find herself in a thick fog of Catholicism as she is drawn to alternative forms of spirituality. Confined in a role as a young woman clearly defined by her religion. So many of us feel that in our bones, it’s practically our marrow.
What I may have appreciated most though was how Gaby made every horror we see in the book MEAN SOMETHING. It may just be me, but I sometimes feel that shocking scenes in books, movies, or comic books by men don’t have a deeper meaning behind them. They haven’t dug deep enough to explore the shock value they create. This old witch pulling out her womb? Oh, it’s so scary isn’t it! But what does it mean? Oh she just wanted a child really bad or some half-baked reason. Where Gaby shines is making every ghost, spirit guide, or monster make sense in their own meaning of existence.
The first half of the book did hook me, but the second half of the book was unputdownable.
August 1, 2021
i'm not even sure where to begin here.
our story starts with vale - short for valentina - who feels stifled by religion, which is a feeling that i can very much empathize with. she's drawn to tarot and the esoteric and runs away from an opportunity to be a leader at church camp to live a more authentic life, spending the summer growing and learning and getting to know her half-sister.
I'M SORRY I HAVE A REALLY HARD TIME WRITING ABOUT BOOKS I LOVE.
valentina stumbles upon an abandoned hotel/asylum/hospital and with it, "clairs" (aka clairvoyents, etc.) that have been told that she was coming.
together, this little rag-tag group seeks to hone their powers and learn the secrets of this marvelous, abandoned structure from the ghosts that haunt it. and each of them has their own reason for being there.
idk. this was atmospheric and lush and i loved every bit of it as i TORE through it. i'm going to go buy gaby's haunted florida series now. this was witchy and vibrant and visceral and spooky. an excellent haunted read for the dog days of summer. and it spoke about religion in a way that meant something to me - how religion has taught us to be afraid, to not as questions, to hate ourselves. idk. this was just magical and wonderful.
our story starts with vale - short for valentina - who feels stifled by religion, which is a feeling that i can very much empathize with. she's drawn to tarot and the esoteric and runs away from an opportunity to be a leader at church camp to live a more authentic life, spending the summer growing and learning and getting to know her half-sister.
I'M SORRY I HAVE A REALLY HARD TIME WRITING ABOUT BOOKS I LOVE.
valentina stumbles upon an abandoned hotel/asylum/hospital and with it, "clairs" (aka clairvoyents, etc.) that have been told that she was coming.
together, this little rag-tag group seeks to hone their powers and learn the secrets of this marvelous, abandoned structure from the ghosts that haunt it. and each of them has their own reason for being there.
idk. this was atmospheric and lush and i loved every bit of it as i TORE through it. i'm going to go buy gaby's haunted florida series now. this was witchy and vibrant and visceral and spooky. an excellent haunted read for the dog days of summer. and it spoke about religion in a way that meant something to me - how religion has taught us to be afraid, to not as questions, to hate ourselves. idk. this was just magical and wonderful.
February 1, 2021
Gaby Triana's latest gothic horror novel is deliciously creepy, with a lush Florida setting that is a character in its own right. The abandoned building at the heart of the novel is reminiscent of The Shining, only with a sweaty tropical locale perfect for winter nights. The unique cast of characters are full of heart with strong personalities and lots of diversity, including LGBTQ representation. I particularly enjoyed the sisterly bond between the main character, Valentina, and the sibling she only recently discovered.
The Latinx representation, particularly with regards to Valentina's religious upbringing and the pressures from her family and friends, was authentic and added a layer of depth to the tale. This book is perfect for anyone who loves haunted medical facilities and the ghosts who can't let go--sometimes of their own body parts. It is a gripping tale that will make your skin crawl in the best way.
The Latinx representation, particularly with regards to Valentina's religious upbringing and the pressures from her family and friends, was authentic and added a layer of depth to the tale. This book is perfect for anyone who loves haunted medical facilities and the ghosts who can't let go--sometimes of their own body parts. It is a gripping tale that will make your skin crawl in the best way.
February 11, 2021
MOON CHILD is an outstanding Gothic Horror tale that takes the reader on an amazing journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Gaby Triana brilliantly tells the story of Valentina Callejas, a young woman with growing curiosity about powers and abilities that are in stark contrast to the lessons learned during her Catholic upbringing. The imagery described in this novel place the reader in the middle of every moment. The characters are diverse, representative of our everyday world, and they have deep, meaningful, and satisfying character arcs. You can feel what they feel, and as this is a true Gothic Horror, you fear what they fear. The tension is palpable, and it serves to excite and compel the reader to keep turning the pages for more. This is simply outstanding, and chilling, storytelling! Brava Gaby Triana!
March 9, 2021
Mystical and magical
I heard this book was like The Craft meets The Shining and that was spot on. In a sense, the abandoned hotel itself was like a character --full of life and secrets. Vale's progression over the course of the book to coming into and finding her powers was just as important as her finding herself. Loved this book and Lobo.
I heard this book was like The Craft meets The Shining and that was spot on. In a sense, the abandoned hotel itself was like a character --full of life and secrets. Vale's progression over the course of the book to coming into and finding her powers was just as important as her finding herself. Loved this book and Lobo.
January 26, 2021
Thank you Gaby for the ARC of MOON CHILD. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
MOON CHILD is on its surface the story of eighteen-year-old Cuban American Vale, who breaks out of the mold as the perfect daughter in the perfect home to find her true self and connect to the psychic gifts that she (everyone) possesses. At its heart, this book reads like a Gen X-er's bittersweet breakup letter with the Catholic Church, where the door to friendship is still left open of the other can open their mind a little more.
Sprinkled in are notes of Haunted Florida (an amazing series from this author you need to read yesterday)'s combo of beautiful Florida flora/fauna description steeped with creepy/weird Sunshine State history.
Triana HAS to stay in gothic horror - this is where her niche truly is. The character development and snark of all her earlier work is there, but Triana's creativity in the supernatural is too great a gift to be ignored. This book is haunting, disturbing, and fascinating all at once.
MOON CHILD is on its surface the story of eighteen-year-old Cuban American Vale, who breaks out of the mold as the perfect daughter in the perfect home to find her true self and connect to the psychic gifts that she (everyone) possesses. At its heart, this book reads like a Gen X-er's bittersweet breakup letter with the Catholic Church, where the door to friendship is still left open of the other can open their mind a little more.
Sprinkled in are notes of Haunted Florida (an amazing series from this author you need to read yesterday)'s combo of beautiful Florida flora/fauna description steeped with creepy/weird Sunshine State history.
Triana HAS to stay in gothic horror - this is where her niche truly is. The character development and snark of all her earlier work is there, but Triana's creativity in the supernatural is too great a gift to be ignored. This book is haunting, disturbing, and fascinating all at once.
May 25, 2021
Moon Child
I really enjoyed this story. I even liked the ending! The main character in this book took a lot of chances and they turned out fine, but not without some drama.
I think this book is appropriate for many teens to whatever age.
I really enjoyed this story. I even liked the ending! The main character in this book took a lot of chances and they turned out fine, but not without some drama.
I think this book is appropriate for many teens to whatever age.
February 18, 2021
You are not going to put this one down! Triana does it again--deliciously crafted!
April 20, 2023
amazing!
This books was so much better then what I expected. It was scary when it needed to be and wasn’t predictable. I loved every minute of it!
This books was so much better then what I expected. It was scary when it needed to be and wasn’t predictable. I loved every minute of it!
January 19, 2021
i was completely enthralled with this book. it took me 2 day to read bc every free moment I had, I would read. the descriptions of the places and the people made me feel like i was really there. the emotions poured out of the print freely. this is a fantastic book and Gaby is an amazing writer
February 11, 2021
Welcome to the Sunlake Springs Resort, a gigantic and abandoned building which has served many purposes throughout its existence, from sanitorium to health spa, hotel to hospital. It has been dogged by many unexplained disasters and unfortunate events, but investors and interested parties still find themselves drawn to this particular area of Florida long-rumoured to have naturally-occurring healing powers.
One person drawn to the resort is 18-year-old Valentina Callejas, a precocious teenager from a strictly catholic Cuban-American household, who is still reeling from the loss of her father and finds herself oppressed by her overtly-religious grandmother and easily-manipulated mother. Having spent all of her life trying to live up to the impossible standards expected by her family, where her grandfather was the leader of their own church, she finds the courage within herself to finally stand up to her domineering grandmother and follow her heart. She drives to the home of a step-sister with whom she has communicated but hasn’t yet met, eager for some space and a welcoming shoulder on which to lean. But, thanks to an adventurous spirit and open mind, she discovers so much more.
Vale, as she is known to her friends, is a character rich in personality and immediately likeable. Most people have felt the pressure to live up to the expectations of a demanding family, to one extent or another. We are instantly sympathetic toward Vale when we see her shipped off to a church retreat she is dreading, not least because of the memory of a despicable act by one of the male members of the church at the last retreat. Surrounded by family and friends who are less interested in how she feels and what she believes in, and more interested in forcing her to be the person they want her to be, we root for her to break free. She longs to broaden her horizons and has already experimented with tarot while feeling drawn to other religions and beliefs. She also alludes to a sixth sense whenever she touches an object or person, the ability to experience visions.
Triana handles the foreshadowing with an expert touch, teasing hints and details about Vale and her abilities, although not fully realising them until the explosive finale. Thanks to the mysteries surrounding her father’s past and his other family, as well as the diverse supporting cast, the reader is fully invested in Vale’s story. Through her spiritual awakening among her new group of friends and what they are trying to achieve, we see that, sometimes, the family we choose is better than the family into which we are born. Crow, Wilky, Mori and Fae are more than simply hippies or free spirits; they are trying to make the world a better place through a ritual, and Vale is the missing piece of their puzzle. But, naturally, she proves to be so much more, and the growing friendship between them all makes for great reading.
The resort is a truly gothic setting, with its large, haunted rooms, and the mysterious group of friends welcoming in the outsider, while keeping some secrets. Triana builds the dread as we accompany Vale on her exploration of the resort and uncover those dark secrets that intertwine the history of Sunlake with tragic events buried in Vale’s family’s past. This isn’t the Florida sought out by tourists; Triana has a special ability to bring rural Florida to life and give it a sinister style both unexpected and refreshing. We follow Vale from a teenager struggling to find her place in the world, to a powerful young woman wielding unimaginable power in the face of a terrifying threat. Triana crafts Vale’s story using all of the abilities she has mastered throughout her previous work and delivers an atmospheric and haunting tale of friendship, family and fate that readers will find equally bewitching and exciting.
One person drawn to the resort is 18-year-old Valentina Callejas, a precocious teenager from a strictly catholic Cuban-American household, who is still reeling from the loss of her father and finds herself oppressed by her overtly-religious grandmother and easily-manipulated mother. Having spent all of her life trying to live up to the impossible standards expected by her family, where her grandfather was the leader of their own church, she finds the courage within herself to finally stand up to her domineering grandmother and follow her heart. She drives to the home of a step-sister with whom she has communicated but hasn’t yet met, eager for some space and a welcoming shoulder on which to lean. But, thanks to an adventurous spirit and open mind, she discovers so much more.
Vale, as she is known to her friends, is a character rich in personality and immediately likeable. Most people have felt the pressure to live up to the expectations of a demanding family, to one extent or another. We are instantly sympathetic toward Vale when we see her shipped off to a church retreat she is dreading, not least because of the memory of a despicable act by one of the male members of the church at the last retreat. Surrounded by family and friends who are less interested in how she feels and what she believes in, and more interested in forcing her to be the person they want her to be, we root for her to break free. She longs to broaden her horizons and has already experimented with tarot while feeling drawn to other religions and beliefs. She also alludes to a sixth sense whenever she touches an object or person, the ability to experience visions.
Triana handles the foreshadowing with an expert touch, teasing hints and details about Vale and her abilities, although not fully realising them until the explosive finale. Thanks to the mysteries surrounding her father’s past and his other family, as well as the diverse supporting cast, the reader is fully invested in Vale’s story. Through her spiritual awakening among her new group of friends and what they are trying to achieve, we see that, sometimes, the family we choose is better than the family into which we are born. Crow, Wilky, Mori and Fae are more than simply hippies or free spirits; they are trying to make the world a better place through a ritual, and Vale is the missing piece of their puzzle. But, naturally, she proves to be so much more, and the growing friendship between them all makes for great reading.
The resort is a truly gothic setting, with its large, haunted rooms, and the mysterious group of friends welcoming in the outsider, while keeping some secrets. Triana builds the dread as we accompany Vale on her exploration of the resort and uncover those dark secrets that intertwine the history of Sunlake with tragic events buried in Vale’s family’s past. This isn’t the Florida sought out by tourists; Triana has a special ability to bring rural Florida to life and give it a sinister style both unexpected and refreshing. We follow Vale from a teenager struggling to find her place in the world, to a powerful young woman wielding unimaginable power in the face of a terrifying threat. Triana crafts Vale’s story using all of the abilities she has mastered throughout her previous work and delivers an atmospheric and haunting tale of friendship, family and fate that readers will find equally bewitching and exciting.
December 7, 2022
Five enthusiastic stars!!! LOVED IT! 😍
I've been in a book slump for a few months, but this book was the one end it! I ADORED Moon Child. I read most of it in one night, unable to put it down, sucked so far into the story, on the edge of my seat. This is the first book I've read by Gaby Triana, but I absolutely plan on reading more. I picked this book on Kindle Unlimited & was initially drawn to it's lovely cover; I really love the tarot card look & the coloring. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because this is the best book I've read in at least a few months!
There is so much I liked about this book. I'll start with the characters, because they are extremely well done & comprise the heart of this story. Our MC is Valentina, or Vale, a Cuban-American teen at a crossroads, questioning her strict religious upbringing. This crisis of faith leads to an identity crisis as well; if she isn't defined by her faith, like her family always taught her, then who is she?
I was hooked on Vale's voice (narrated in first person, from her POV) immediately. Her growing interest in what her abuela calls witchcraft (but is really just spiritualism: a belief in signs, the energy of the universe, use of tarot cards, etc) causes a rift with her family. Needing space, she impulsively goes to stay with her half-sister, Macy, who she barely knows.
A lot of this story is about relationships. The contrast between Vale's stifling home life & the openness & acceptance she receives from Macy will resonate with anyone who's longed to be understood, seen for who they are & accepted without judgement. The development of the sisters' relationship is one of the best parts of the book. While I'm on the subject of relationships I do want to mention that there is no romance in Moon Child. I didn't even really notice because so much else is going on. Other types of relationships take precedence over romantic here. Which is FINE.
Vale can *see* things when touching objects, little visions she comes to recognize as a kind of clairvoyance. One night she's drawn to a beautiful abandoned building in the woods a few miles from Macy's house. There, she meets a multiracial group of fellow clairvoyants: free spirited Fae; welcoming, empathic, non-binary Mori; mysterious, unsettling Crow; & handsome, melancholy Wilky. Each is as vibrant & well drawn as Vale, with various tragic backstories, fragile hopes, & relatable weaknesses.
Most of the action occurs within the eerie, enigmatic ruins of Sunlake Hotel, a former asylum, TB clinic, veterans hospital, & failed resort. Filled with crackling energy & wandering spirits, the Sunlake is a brilliant character in its own right. Triana truly brings the building to life. I easily envisioned its desolate beauty & the loneliness of the spirits trapped there. To say the writing is atmospheric is putting it lightly. You can feel the damp Florida air & warm sunshine on your skin, smell the swampy forest, & generally picture scenes in glorious detail.
The plot moves quickly, & everything happening serves a purpose, making for a tight, cohesive novel that was truly a joy to read. I devoured the delightful prose, filled with evocative descriptive passages. Even the exposition was never boring or excessive. The dialogue felt realistic & not at all stilted or contrived. It's been a minute since I read such a well plotted novel, & it hooked me HARD.
One thing I really liked was how Vale's religion was dealt with. I felt Triana did an incredible job of balancing Vale's "pagan" beliefs with her original Catholic values. I honestly think that this book would be helpful to anyone experiencing a crisis of faith. There is a philosophical side to it that is really lovely.
As much as I loved this book, there are a number of trigger warnings potential readers should be aware of. I'm not easily triggered but there is a fairly descriptive scene involving a suicide that hit me hard, as I've lost someone that exact way. I'm not saying don't read the book, I just want fellow readers to be prepared. In addition to the suicide, there are ghosts in the story, many of them in graphic states. There is hints of the KKK & historical lynchings, though nothing specific. Likely some more minor ones I forgot, so if you're sensitive you might want to check other TW before reading.
Bottom line, I loved this book. I loved it's inclusivity. I loved it's message of belonging & found family. I loved the coming of age & finding yourself vibe that permeated it. I loved the supernatural aspects, which required very little suspension of disbelief; despite the presence of spirits & magic, the way it is done was tasteful & believable. I loved Vale's voice & her growth arc. I loved a twist that made me gasp out loud. I. Just. Loved. It. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes their coming-of-age stories sprinkled with magic, to anyone who loves found family dynamics... Really, I'd recommend it to anyone! It is that good.
I've been in a book slump for a few months, but this book was the one end it! I ADORED Moon Child. I read most of it in one night, unable to put it down, sucked so far into the story, on the edge of my seat. This is the first book I've read by Gaby Triana, but I absolutely plan on reading more. I picked this book on Kindle Unlimited & was initially drawn to it's lovely cover; I really love the tarot card look & the coloring. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because this is the best book I've read in at least a few months!
There is so much I liked about this book. I'll start with the characters, because they are extremely well done & comprise the heart of this story. Our MC is Valentina, or Vale, a Cuban-American teen at a crossroads, questioning her strict religious upbringing. This crisis of faith leads to an identity crisis as well; if she isn't defined by her faith, like her family always taught her, then who is she?
I was hooked on Vale's voice (narrated in first person, from her POV) immediately. Her growing interest in what her abuela calls witchcraft (but is really just spiritualism: a belief in signs, the energy of the universe, use of tarot cards, etc) causes a rift with her family. Needing space, she impulsively goes to stay with her half-sister, Macy, who she barely knows.
A lot of this story is about relationships. The contrast between Vale's stifling home life & the openness & acceptance she receives from Macy will resonate with anyone who's longed to be understood, seen for who they are & accepted without judgement. The development of the sisters' relationship is one of the best parts of the book. While I'm on the subject of relationships I do want to mention that there is no romance in Moon Child. I didn't even really notice because so much else is going on. Other types of relationships take precedence over romantic here. Which is FINE.
Vale can *see* things when touching objects, little visions she comes to recognize as a kind of clairvoyance. One night she's drawn to a beautiful abandoned building in the woods a few miles from Macy's house. There, she meets a multiracial group of fellow clairvoyants: free spirited Fae; welcoming, empathic, non-binary Mori; mysterious, unsettling Crow; & handsome, melancholy Wilky. Each is as vibrant & well drawn as Vale, with various tragic backstories, fragile hopes, & relatable weaknesses.
Most of the action occurs within the eerie, enigmatic ruins of Sunlake Hotel, a former asylum, TB clinic, veterans hospital, & failed resort. Filled with crackling energy & wandering spirits, the Sunlake is a brilliant character in its own right. Triana truly brings the building to life. I easily envisioned its desolate beauty & the loneliness of the spirits trapped there. To say the writing is atmospheric is putting it lightly. You can feel the damp Florida air & warm sunshine on your skin, smell the swampy forest, & generally picture scenes in glorious detail.
The plot moves quickly, & everything happening serves a purpose, making for a tight, cohesive novel that was truly a joy to read. I devoured the delightful prose, filled with evocative descriptive passages. Even the exposition was never boring or excessive. The dialogue felt realistic & not at all stilted or contrived. It's been a minute since I read such a well plotted novel, & it hooked me HARD.
One thing I really liked was how Vale's religion was dealt with. I felt Triana did an incredible job of balancing Vale's "pagan" beliefs with her original Catholic values. I honestly think that this book would be helpful to anyone experiencing a crisis of faith. There is a philosophical side to it that is really lovely.
As much as I loved this book, there are a number of trigger warnings potential readers should be aware of. I'm not easily triggered but there is a fairly descriptive scene involving a suicide that hit me hard, as I've lost someone that exact way. I'm not saying don't read the book, I just want fellow readers to be prepared. In addition to the suicide, there are ghosts in the story, many of them in graphic states. There is hints of the KKK & historical lynchings, though nothing specific. Likely some more minor ones I forgot, so if you're sensitive you might want to check other TW before reading.
Bottom line, I loved this book. I loved it's inclusivity. I loved it's message of belonging & found family. I loved the coming of age & finding yourself vibe that permeated it. I loved the supernatural aspects, which required very little suspension of disbelief; despite the presence of spirits & magic, the way it is done was tasteful & believable. I loved Vale's voice & her growth arc. I loved a twist that made me gasp out loud. I. Just. Loved. It. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes their coming-of-age stories sprinkled with magic, to anyone who loves found family dynamics... Really, I'd recommend it to anyone! It is that good.
February 19, 2021
Gaby Triana’s latest offering, Moon Child, is a journey of self discovery, set amidst the backdrop of the darkly mysterious and brooding wetlands of of central Florida. At its heart a tale of gothic horror, Moon Child tells the story of Valentina Callejas, a young woman struggling to make sense of her unusual spiritual abilities, while grappling with emotions stemming from the sudden death of her estranged father, and her overbearing Catholic upbringing.
Fleeing from the only home she’s ever known after suffering a crisis of faith, Valentina seeks refuge from her emotional turmoil by reaching out to the half sister she’s only recently learned of. Arriving on her sister’s doorstep, Vale receives a warm welcome and finds peace in her new-found, judgment-free freedom. That peace is disturbed, however, by the entrance of a mysterious wolf, who leads her on a moonlit journey through the dark woods that back her sister’s property, and onto the grounds of a ruined and abandoned building that has gone through many different “rebirths” over the years. From a luxury spa for the wealthy near the turn of the 20th century, to a rehabilitation hospital for veterans returning from World War II, to a sanatorium for women, the Sunlake Springs Resort has a dark, checkered past. Upon entering the ruined structure, Valentina meets the claires…four young people who, like herself, have varying degrees of psychic ability, and questions of their own about the haunting mysteries of their pasts, as they relate to the Sunlake Springs. Abandoning the cautious behavior of her former life, Valentina joins forces with the Claire’s on a voyage of mystery and self discovery. But much like The Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s, The Shining, The Sunlake Springs has secret horrors of its own, and seems eager to share them with her latest guests...
Hats off to Gaby Triana, who doesn’t disappoint! Rich, vivid, detailed characters and a darkly intriguing glimpse into the backstory of a crumbling, haunted hotel, make for a late night page turner that you won’t want to put down!
Fleeing from the only home she’s ever known after suffering a crisis of faith, Valentina seeks refuge from her emotional turmoil by reaching out to the half sister she’s only recently learned of. Arriving on her sister’s doorstep, Vale receives a warm welcome and finds peace in her new-found, judgment-free freedom. That peace is disturbed, however, by the entrance of a mysterious wolf, who leads her on a moonlit journey through the dark woods that back her sister’s property, and onto the grounds of a ruined and abandoned building that has gone through many different “rebirths” over the years. From a luxury spa for the wealthy near the turn of the 20th century, to a rehabilitation hospital for veterans returning from World War II, to a sanatorium for women, the Sunlake Springs Resort has a dark, checkered past. Upon entering the ruined structure, Valentina meets the claires…four young people who, like herself, have varying degrees of psychic ability, and questions of their own about the haunting mysteries of their pasts, as they relate to the Sunlake Springs. Abandoning the cautious behavior of her former life, Valentina joins forces with the Claire’s on a voyage of mystery and self discovery. But much like The Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s, The Shining, The Sunlake Springs has secret horrors of its own, and seems eager to share them with her latest guests...
Hats off to Gaby Triana, who doesn’t disappoint! Rich, vivid, detailed characters and a darkly intriguing glimpse into the backstory of a crumbling, haunted hotel, make for a late night page turner that you won’t want to put down!
February 4, 2021
A poignant, gothic horror adventure set in a dark and beautifully creepy Florida
(Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Moon Child will be available on February 17th, 2021)
Gaby Triana, author of the Haunted Florida series, is a talented author who paints a vivid landscape when writing about the places in Florida most tourists would fear to tread. She isn’t afraid to show the dark and creepy side of the state while highlighting some of its history and beauty. The protagonist, in Moon Child is Valentina, is a young woman who has unique psychic abilities. She suffers a crisis of faith when her interest in the occult runs counter to her religious upbringing. She leaves behind her home and embarks on a journey of exploration, determined to acquaint herself with a sister she only recently learned she had, and explore her new interests in the occult. While she is staying with her sister, she is drawn to ruins of a mysterious place and encounters a group of kindred spirits who help her in her quest for self-discovery and acceptance. In the process of that journey, she learns more than she expected about her deceased father and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Moon Child is a story that grabs your interest from the first page and keeps your curiosity piqued as the intensity builds, then takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and intensity. It was a beautiful, poignant story and Triana gives, what we’ve come to expect--well-written strong women and diverse characters.
I recommend Moon Child to those who enjoy reading horror, gothic horror, occult, and fantasy.
(Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Moon Child will be available on February 17th, 2021)
Gaby Triana, author of the Haunted Florida series, is a talented author who paints a vivid landscape when writing about the places in Florida most tourists would fear to tread. She isn’t afraid to show the dark and creepy side of the state while highlighting some of its history and beauty. The protagonist, in Moon Child is Valentina, is a young woman who has unique psychic abilities. She suffers a crisis of faith when her interest in the occult runs counter to her religious upbringing. She leaves behind her home and embarks on a journey of exploration, determined to acquaint herself with a sister she only recently learned she had, and explore her new interests in the occult. While she is staying with her sister, she is drawn to ruins of a mysterious place and encounters a group of kindred spirits who help her in her quest for self-discovery and acceptance. In the process of that journey, she learns more than she expected about her deceased father and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Moon Child is a story that grabs your interest from the first page and keeps your curiosity piqued as the intensity builds, then takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and intensity. It was a beautiful, poignant story and Triana gives, what we’ve come to expect--well-written strong women and diverse characters.
I recommend Moon Child to those who enjoy reading horror, gothic horror, occult, and fantasy.
February 12, 2021
Ms. Triana delivers again! As a Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, this novel hit home with all of its Florida references. The story setting and particulars are so relatable that I found myself nodding in agreement at the Cuban family dynamics depicted. The way the novel shifts from depicting a South Florida to a Central Florida setting is also incredibly accurate. I commiserated with Vale's struggles with her identity and how to share her nonconforming thoughts and feelings with her narrow-minded family without alienating them. Triana beautifully describes Vale's inner thoughts and anguish, as well as her careful forging of new relationships outside of her comfort zone. The paranormal bent of the story just adds to the intrigue and draws the reader in further to the possibilities of ghosts and other planes of existence. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (the second of Triana's books I have read) and am looking forward to immersing myself in her other works. Kudos to Triana for accurately portraying unique Cuban-American idiosyncracies and sharing them with the world!
May 28, 2021
Right In The Feels
TL;DR: I wish I'd read this a few years ago when I was going through some hard stuff, because it helps some important things hit home—things change, relationships change, and that's okay—without being prescriptive or preachy about it. It's also just one heck of a satisfying read. Fair warning: it's also one of a very short list of books that have made me cry (but that's a good thing).
Triana is a skillful writer who has mastered the craft of creating vivid, memorable characters and evocative settings and putting them to work in a story that keeps you turning the pages. Also, I chose this title because of another review that mentioned how the Sunlake itself is a character, and that's very true. I'll be looking for more of Gaby Triana's work!
TL;DR: I wish I'd read this a few years ago when I was going through some hard stuff, because it helps some important things hit home—things change, relationships change, and that's okay—without being prescriptive or preachy about it. It's also just one heck of a satisfying read. Fair warning: it's also one of a very short list of books that have made me cry (but that's a good thing).
Triana is a skillful writer who has mastered the craft of creating vivid, memorable characters and evocative settings and putting them to work in a story that keeps you turning the pages. Also, I chose this title because of another review that mentioned how the Sunlake itself is a character, and that's very true. I'll be looking for more of Gaby Triana's work!
September 15, 2021
An awesome coming-of-age story about an 18 year old who is finding her way out of an oppressive religious upbringing and "coming out of the broom closet" as a Pagan. Moon Child is very well written, with richly developed characters and an intriguing story line that blends folk horror with Southern Gothic. The cover by Lynne Hansen is a perfect fit for the novel. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from Gaby Triana.
September 19, 2021
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It's a very good story with good characters and lots of action. I am looking forward to another offering from her.
July 3, 2021
Moon Child happens to be just the sort of story I’m drawn to. It’s packing is deliberate and luxurious at times, immersing one in its atmosphere. There are many traditional gothic elements, but they’re not alone. This is also a terrific glimpse into finding a faith, be it not common in mainstream America lately. And that’s what really makes this story. Valentina and the other people are as tall as anyone you’ve ever met. I really felt for her for all she was facing, and she did great going against them.
Moon Child also strongly has elements of horror and family drama. I found the balance to be spot on.
Overall? I loved it!
Moon Child also strongly has elements of horror and family drama. I found the balance to be spot on.
Overall? I loved it!
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