I am not sure what I expected going into Clever Creatures of the Night but I do not think I got it. *inserts the gif of the cat shaking their head, no* It was really confusing and I just didn't care about the plot. On the bright side, it's a pretty short read.

Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

I was truly anticipating reading this book because I absolutely adored Tigers, Not Daughters so much. Unfortunately, my reading experience with Clever Creatures of the Night wasn’t that good. It did start off promising – Case goes to visit her friend Drea only to find out that she’s not there. Did she go missing? Are her roommates responsible for her absence? The issue is that the book takes place during the course of one day. There’s only so much Case can do to find her friend in a place where they’re located in the middle of nowhere and there’s no cell signal. Initially, the mystery of what happened to her friend had me really invested. The problem is that this book has so much promise and truly could’ve been something amazing, instead we get a really underwhelming reason as to why Drea’s not around. The writing is beautiful, but for a book that was very short (around two hundred pages) it felt impossibly long.

The supporting characters needed to be more interesting to keep this book going for how long it did. Instead, they were rather dull and one-dimensional. This was such a letdown after reading Tigers, Not Daughters.

This book is good for readers who like slow-burn mysteries and literary thrillers. I wouldn’t even call this horror.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book immensely and thought it nailed the nuances of literary horror. Mabry is skilled at writing atmosphere and kept me hooked until the very end.

Ugh. This is tough. I had high hopes for this one and was certain at about 50% in my only critique would be this should have been a novella and about 100 pages shorter. But then that ending. Like there was one tiny part I liked. But overall? Too quick, too messy, and it literally wrapped nothing up. It was anticlimactic. I imagined about 5 possible endings that at least would’ve been more satisfying. I felt like way too much time was spent on the letters that were written…and it was a story that came across as truly sinister…until the end. Seriously bummed about this.

Who knows if it's because I read the ARC, but this book had a lot of strange and confusing aspects to it; but I might have also been confused because it was boring and I couldn't care for any of the characters.

So formally, the writing was pretty clunky in some spots, with sentences that were just worded weirdly. The perspective of the narrator/narrative voice shifted without warning a few times, making it confusing who we are supposed to be empathizing with at a given moment. What was probably most egregious was the chapter titles -- they were so needlessly confusing!!! It starts at chapter "Eight" and I was either thinking that it was doing some time travel type story telling or my eBook was messed up. Then it goes to chapter 9, 10, 11, then NOON!! Ahh only FIVE chapters in does it make sense that the titles of the chapters are the time of day it is in the story! It would've been obvious from the first chapter of it was titled "eight a.m."!!!

Plot wise, like I mentioned, I couldn't feel for or relate to any of the characters -- they were very surface level and simple; a lot of them had one, maybe two, motivations and they weren't really clearly described. The plot itself was boring, but what was more upsetting was there was a line that could have been explored that would be much more interesting! The volcano eruption and apocalypse-like scenario would have made for a MUCH more interesting book, but it was only referred to a couple of times and described in minor detail for like two pages. Lastly, the reveal that Andrea just died in an accident that morning or the day before or whatever was super lackluster! Like why are the other people at the house acting like it's some big conspiracy when it was literally an accident -- why not just say that from the beginning! Also, lastly lastly, there's some implication throughout and at the end more explicitly that either Andrea or Case doesn't actually exist? That would be interesting if it was developed at all.

I want to start this review off by thanking NetGalley and the publisher. I received and eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now onto the review. This book was a short read. It’s a literary horror so I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into. I love horror but literary fiction tends to not be my thing. It tends to be very overwritten and flowery, in my opinion.

This book was too short to be overwritten and flowery so there’s that.

It follows Case. She’s going back to her hometown in West Texas to visit her friend Drea (Andrea) before going off to college.

It’s been a long time since Case and Drea have seen each other. So Drea writes letters to her. I loved that. Case kept all of her friend’s letters with her and tied them in a neat little bundle. I’ve done similar with a friend who was overseas. It was cute.

So, this area of West Texas is still recovering from a recent volcanic explosion. The volcano was apparently considered dormant and erupted.

The thing, when Case arrives after receiving a letter from Drea to come visit, Drea isn’t there. Instead it’s just her roommates. And they give off all the bad vibes.

I can’t say I hated this book but I didn’t love it. The literary aspect absolutely shows but for me, there wasn’t really any horror.

Now, this part get a little spoilery.

Case survived a fire and has damage from it. Nerve damage. She takes pain pills. And at some point, the pills she has left go missing.

When I tell you that was the only part that stressed me. I was freaked lol. I’m a chronic pain patient and one of my biggest fears has always been being somewhere and my meds either being taken or just somehow vanishing. That part was what really scared me.

That isn’t to say there aren’t parts that aren’t objectively upsetting or scary. It just wasn’t really feeling like a horror book to me.

I did like Case and I liked a lot that she would do anything for her friend. What I didn’t like was the mystery of the story as a whole. It wasn’t really that great in my opinion. And the ending of the book felt like it came on too fast. And was convenient.

It wasn’t a satisfying ending. It left me wanting more. I know the book is short but short books have punchy and satisfying endings all the time. This shouldn’t have been a deterrent from having a solid ending but it feels like it was.

So I’m giving it a 3 but might be more like a 2.75. I don’t know that I can really recommend this to anyone because it wasn’t a great read. It was just kind of meh. None of the characters felt very strong aside from Case. Yes they stood out on the page but not in any way that made me feel anything for them. I appreciate being able to read it.

First off, let me say that this cover was gorgeous. It’s definitely what drew me in to read the story. Second thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book.
Let me say that I liked what this story could have been. I kept hoping for more to happen in the supernatural sense and I was never satisfied on that part. There just wasn’t enough to the story for me to truly love.
All in all it was a pretty decent YA book I would recommend to read if you just like the normal mystery trope and aren’t hoping for some supernatural-ness thrown into your story.

"Clever Creatures of the Night" by Samantha Mabry is a delightful and enchanting picture book that celebrates the magic and mystery of nocturnal animals. Through lyrical prose and captivating illustrations, Mabry takes young readers on a captivating journey into the secret world of creatures that thrive under the cover of darkness.

One of the book's standout features is its vivid imagery. Mabry's descriptive language paints a rich and evocative picture of the nighttime landscape, from the moonlit forest to the shadowy depths of the ocean. Each page is filled with intricate details that invite readers to linger and explore, making the reading experience immersive and enchanting.

The illustrations in "Clever Creatures of the Night" are nothing short of mesmerizing. Mabry's use of color and light creates a sense of depth and atmosphere that brings the nocturnal world to life. From the luminous glow of fireflies to the piercing eyes of a prowling owl, every image is brimming with energy and personality, capturing the imagination of young readers and adults alike.

Beyond its visual appeal, the book also serves as an educational tool, introducing children to a variety of nocturnal animals and their unique adaptations. Mabry's lyrical prose provides fascinating insights into the behaviors and characteristics of each creature, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration.

But perhaps the most magical aspect of "Clever Creatures of the Night" is its celebration of the interconnectedness of the natural world. Through the stories of creatures such as bats, foxes, and owls, Mabry reminds readers of the vital role that each species plays in maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystems. It's a powerful message of respect and reverence for the creatures with whom we share our planet.

In conclusion, "Clever Creatures of the Night" is a captivating and beautifully crafted picture book that will delight readers of all ages. With its stunning illustrations, poetic prose, and profound message of environmental stewardship, it is sure to become a cherished favorite on the bookshelves of families, classrooms, and libraries everywhere. Samantha Mabry has created a true gem that will inspire wonder, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

I was hoping to get to this one. I am sad that I was not able to read this before it was archived. I think it will be interesting read, and I will try to get a physical copy if I can find one for a reasonable price!

I didn’t not like this book. It was fine. I’m not mad that I read it. I just wish it was more. It was a short book, but it felt like it dragged on in a less than enjoyable way. The whole book takes place over 24 hours and it is building up to what feels like it should be a big reveal, but it just fell flat for me. I liked the friendship between Case and Drea. I loved that Case was willing to do pretty much anything necessary to find out what happened to her friend. I don’t understand how Drea got into her situation in the first place. Like, I understand how she got to the house with her “friends” but I don’t understand why she didn’t try to leave after that. She had her mom that she could have gone to. The ending of the book left a lot of loose ends and the conclusion was not definite enough for me. For me, the idea was really good and could have been great but this book was just not my cup
of tea.
Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I love horror, so when I read the synopsis for this, I was ready to immediately dive in. Unfortunately however, the book fell a little flat to me. It felt too short, and I didn't get enough time with the characters to really get invested in them. I liked the book, but just wanted more from it. I think it could have easily had another 60 pages added which could have rounded it out a bit more.

Diving into this literary horror was an intriguing journey, set against the backdrop of a mysterious, run-down house in West Texas where the air is thick with an ashy haze and the sky takes on a surreal pink hue. At the heart of this tale is Case, a strong and compelling protagonist, who arrives in search of her missing friend, Drea, only to find herself ensnared in a web of secrecy and potential danger.

The story skillfully uses Drea’s scattered journal entries to lead us through a maze of suspense and unease, heightening the sense of isolation and the unknown. The unsettling behavior of the wildlife adds a chilling layer to the narrative, suggesting that the land itself harbors dark secrets.

However, the resolution of the mystery felt somewhat hurried, detracting from the buildup with a conclusion that seemed too convenient. While I admired the depth of the main character and how her past was woven into the narrative, I was left wishing for a fuller understanding of the roommates and their motivations. Their characters, pivotal to the story’s core, remained elusive, leaving a layer of depth unexplored.

In summary, I give this haunting exploration a 3.5/5. It’s a compelling read for those who appreciate a mix of suspense and psychological depth, though it may leave some readers desiring a more fleshed-out conclusion and character motivations. This story is a reminder of how the past can shadow the present, leading us down paths both enlightening and perilous.

Now this was terrifying. I am a huge fan of horror, and this was all the kinds of creepy that I love.

Overall, this book just fell flat for me. I love a book with good culture elements, but this just ended up being strange to read. Thankfully, the book was short, so it was not difficult to finish. I would have loved more character development to lend to such a short timeframe in-book. I feel like this will definitely appeal to a certain audience, but unfortunately that was not me.

In this YA Horror novel set over a 24 hour period the reader follows main character Case while she searches for her best friend who seems to have vanished into thin air. Case encounters Andrea’s (Drea’s) roommates who act quite complacent and unbothered that she isn’t around.

I was initially very intrigued by the premise of this one and the cover is STUNNING. Unfortunately, Clever Creatures of the Night was a DNF for me around 40% into the novel.

I struggled to continue reading because I didn’t feel invested in Case or her quest to find Drea. It didn’t feel very suspenseful or genuine and the interactions Case has with Drea’s roommates are clunky and bizarre. It’s as if I was dropped into a story already in progress. Although Case is meeting the roommates for the first time the dialogue used in almost every initial and subsequent interaction is strangely personal and hostile.

I like that we are given some flashbacks of times shared between Case and Drea and I was intrigued by the writing in Drea’s letters. However, it just wasn’t enough to feel connected to either of them and their journey.

If you’re looking to dip your toe into YA Horror/Thriller this may be a good starting point as the characteristics of each genre are more subtle. Overall, the themes of the novel and construction were promising and had a lot of potential but it fell a little short for me.

Thank you to @algonquinyr and @netgalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

2⭐️

Pub date: March 5th 2024

I was not a fan of this one. The characters are where the story really lost me, I think. They just fell really flat and felt a bit underdeveloped. Each character felt really muddied in terms of personality and motivation--I didn't really understand the reasoning behind their actions, and how they chose to navigate events. I did like the atmosphere of the story, though. I found the creepiness to be pretty well done and the quirky/weird occurrences were intriguing but ultimately very compelling. Overall, I didn't hate this but it wasn't for me. I just found myself wanting more from the characters and the falling action/ending, even though the overall atmosphere of the story was pretty good.
I can definitely see where people will enjoy this story, but it just wasn't for me.

The beginning was intriguing but fell flat for me as it went on. The characters in the book did not feel well developed and their motivations in the story were unclear. It felt like the author tried to bring in some horror or supernatural elements, but ultimately I feel it didn’t not make sense in the story. I felt that the ending was anticlimactic and slightly rushed. I enjoyed the main character, but felt even her character was underdeveloped.

Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for am advanced reader copy

Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

Woah. What a wild and weird book! This was a very fast read and it was just strange, but in a good way.

Clever Creatures of Night follows Case, who arrives at the strange house her friend has been living at since a volcano erupted in Texas. She quickly discovers her friend is missing and only her weird roommates remain, unable to tell Case where she went. Case has 24 hours to find her friend and figure out what happened.

This story was creepy. Not in a scary way, but in a “this is all too weird and messed up” kind of way. The strange occurrences, the claustrophobic feeling of the story, and the characters that just don’t add up all make you feel like you’ve been dropped in another, upside down world. I was honestly guessing and on my toes the entire time. The main character was strong and she was a good narrator to follow through the story.

My only complaint was the ending felt a little rushed, even for such a short book. I’m left with some unsatisfied answers and I wished it just gave a little more. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t a bit of a supernatural or cult twist.

But overall, it was a quick and creepy read. I’d recommend for fans of YA horror and readers looking for something with WTH vibes or thriller who done it vibes.

Huh. What a weird little book. It's getting three stars because it kept me engaged, but the ending was extremely anti-climactic. Overall the book was too short for the many things it was trying to do. The atmosphere was solid which helped it a lot. Not a standout by any means.

Review posted to StoryGraph and Goodreads on 3/1/24. Review will be posted to amazon on release date.

When Case’s friend writes her a letter asking her to come visit her at a house on the outskirts of their remote hometown, she decides to show up. Only when Case gets to the home her friend is gone and her friend’s roommates aren’t forthcoming in where she is.

This book tried to do big things which I admire but I ultimately think it fell a bit short. In attempt to be mysterious the author waits to reveal information about backstory regarding how the characters got to the house until like 67% in. Case is a morally grey character and I didn’t really like her or feel like I could trust her but I did know she would do anything to find her friend. The pacing felt a bit off for me and I found myself bored in some parts and then it was rushed to a not so satisfying ending. I really wanted to like this book more because the premise is so cool and mysterious but it didn’t fully deliver.