Wasn’t able to finish. Very frustrated with the story., just long and unneeded paragraphs. Just a lot of roundabout.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy

I had some difficulty with this one. The author has crafted each scene with great care, but that comes through mainly in overly detailed descriptions and heavy prose. I often felt like there was a solid, terrifying story struggling to be told under the weight of the lengthy paragraphs and dream-like verse. I often found my mind drifting as I read, and I would have to refocus on the text to follow along. I could stop and appreciate the descriptions for what they were and the work put into them, but it detracted from the plot far too much for my personal taste.

full review on my blog.

This was so good! I thoroughly impressed with the plot of this book, combining aspects of classic horror such as possession and the all time loved murder mystery. The familial connection added another layer to the plot which I adored. I did have some problems when I put the book down, picking it up and getting back into it but overall it was a good read.

This was a real slog for me.
I spent a lot of the book wondering if I'd missed the full story and the rest waiting for something to happen.
I didn't find it scary and didn't enjoy the characters.
Not for me.

Having trouble finishing this book...
The ideas are there, I would read something and it would grab me but something about how this is put together as a whole is not compelling enough for me.

You won't want to put down your fork after reading Children of the Fog because it was such an eerie experience. As the major characters struggle for their sanity, the narrative portrays their mental states and creates a sense of dread and inevitable fate. At points, I felt both frustrated with the main characters and overwhelmed by the pointlessness of opposing them. You'll be left thinking "wow!!" after reading this.

"Children of the Fog" is a gripping psychological thriller that explores every parent's worst nightmare and holds you captive until the final page. C.W. Anderson crafts a haunting and emotionally resonant story that blends suspense, human vulnerability, and the burden of impossible choices.

The narrative centers on a mother thrust into an unimaginable situation, and Anderson skillfully delves into the psychological toll such trauma takes. His prose is direct yet evocative, immersing readers in the protagonist's inner turmoil without becoming overly sentimental. There is a palpable tension throughout the novel, with pacing carefully managed to keep the stakes high and the reader engaged.

Anderson's strength lies in his ability to create a sense of creeping dread within the familiarity of everyday life. The characters feel grounded and real, making their struggles even more impactful. Even the secondary characters are well-developed, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Where the book falls slightly short is in its predictability regarding certain plot twists. Some seasoned thriller readers may spot developments before they unfold, and a few moments feel somewhat conventional in execution. However, the emotional weight and well-developed characters more than compensate for these shortcomings.

Overall, "Children of the Fog" is an intense and poignant read that offers both suspense and heart. It is not just a thriller; it is a reflection on fear, guilt, and resilience, told through a lens that is both harrowing and profoundly human.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC Copy for an honest review

I enjoyed this book overall! Would be a cool movie as I did enjoy the premise. The chapters were a bit long but that’s not a huge deal to me. I didn’t really relate with the characters overall but they were tolerable! I look forward to reading more from his author!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy!

Where there’s fog filled with trauma, psychological breakdowns and several pages of descriptions of evil and bone-chilling descriptions that overstay their welcome.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! Arc meaning Advanced Reader Copy.

We have Dylan and Lizzy Garnder, a sibling duo trying to survive the fog after the recent death of Kathy Ann. The fog itself feels alive, as if it’s being commanded by ‘something else’. That something else is on the hunt towards the two so they need to find a way to end it all.

This read was exhausting to read, since it felt like they couldn’t catch a break, just constant paranoia, and fear of ‘something’ going after them. The descriptions were well-done but it felt like Anderson overdid it to where the effect was lessened.

I couldn’t find myself rooting or caring about either Dylan nor Lizzy, although I thought Tom’s dynamic with Lizzy was charming. Anderson’s strong suit was the descriptions, but the length of said descriptions made the pacing feel wonky at times.

The worldbuilding, and what we know about the powers of the fog is still somewhat unknown which was frustrating, but I suppose that was the point. I’m still unsure about the ending, it kinda worked out but feels abrupt. It was bittersweet, and unsatisfying to me. The pacing felt unbalanced.

I don’t find myself recommending this one, aside from psychological and horror enthusiasts with an itch for long descriptions that feel a tad dramatic.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book! The execution was a little choppy for my taste. I feel like the main characters could have been fleshed out a little more. I had almost no investment in Tom, Dylan, or Lizzy. I think we could have delved a little deeper emotionally into Lizzy, which would have made us feel more connected to the other two. We see Lizzy talking about Dylan and Tom, but we don't really feel her love and attachment to them. I think this could be a fantastic novel with a little bit more character development!

I want to thank NetGalley, C. W. Anderson, and Fever Dream Books for gifting me a free copy of Children of the Fog!

Lizzy is trying to live a normal life and leave her traumatic past behind. When her brother arrives in town, everything changes. Can Lizzy resist the darkness brought by the fog, or will she succumb to what has been decided is her fate?

I enjoyed the concept of this book, but I found the language to be difficult to follow at times. I had to reread several sentences throughout and actually did not understand many words (could just be me). I also had a hard time with the chapter lengths. When reading before bed or on my lunch break and having only 10 minutes left but starting a chapter that is 45 minutes in length is difficult, as I like to finish a chapter before putting a book down.

The dark setting, the construction of the story, the whole paranormal theme, everything was great.
the only bad thing for me since I'm very impressionable is that it has very descriptive self-harm scenes

After reading the description of this book I thought it sounded really good, it was giving some gothic horror and paranormal vibes which I truly enjoy. However while reading this I found that the style of writing the author used may not have been my favorite at least for this book. The chapters were so droned out with excessive descriptions. I feel this would have been good cinematically but for a novel it just took away from the plot.

If I was the type of reader who DNFd books I would have stopped reading by like 40 % of this book because it just was too much and nothing at the same time. I did stick with it and the only saving grace I experienced with this book happened in part 4. Though I wasn’t rooting for a single character because neither Liz or Dylan had any qualities that I would deem to be redeeming for this story.

*I received a free ARC from NetGalley*

I chose this book to read because of where the novel takes place. I love San Francisco. When the fog rolls in slowly, it is something of an eerie show. The fog starts creeping in on the ocean and before one is aware, the fog surrounds and all noises disappears. This book was very creepy and the author was able to describe that chilling feeling so well. Because I know the area, I had an easy time picturing where Dylan had walked. I have never been to any caves but I am sure there are plenty invisible to the regular world. Maybe only those ‘claimed’ are able to find such places. The darkness Lizzy and Dylan described did seem alive and just waiting to claim people’s souls. This story will be in the depths of my subconscious the next time I visit the Bay Area.

First of all this sounded super interesting and good, the cover art is also top notch. However I had a really difficult time reading and getting into the story from how wordy it was especially within the first couple chapters. So unfortunately this book just wasn't for me, although I think if you are used to this type of writing you'll enjoy it!

Personally this is a genre and story that I love and enjoy reading but unfortunately I was unable to capture the essence of the story. I understood the concept of the story yet found it difficult to grasp and failed to hold onto my attention. Even though I wasn’t able to fully understand or comprehend the story I still wrote this review to inform the author and publisher that it maybe a great story but not all readers might not be able to have a grasp of the story or being able to their attention held to finish reading the book. One day I will read the book again and update my review.

While it was a bit difficult to get into at first, the story soon picks up, it drew me deeper with its eerie atmosphere. Once the pace picks up, it became an engaging and satisfying read, offering plenty of suspense and twists. If you’re a fan of horror, this book will be worth the read in the end. Can definitely be read in a day!

I could not get into this book, so it is not for me. I did like the cover art and I did like the overall plot I read in the description.

I received a free ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel delivers an unsettling atmosphere that pulled me into the chilling ordeal of siblings Dylan and Lizzy Gardner as they navigate an ominous city setting. The story leans heavily into psychological horror, blurring the line between reality and delusion among the protagonists.

The book’s greatest strength is its eerie, oppressive tone. The fog itself feels almost sentient, a constant force of dread that amplifies Dylan and Lizzy’s growing paranoia. Their internal monologues reflect this descent, often fragmented and scattered to mirror their unraveling sanity. While this stylistic choice is effective in capturing the horror of their situation, it also makes for a disorienting reading experience. I often found myself struggling to keep track of what was happening in the real world versus what was occurring in their minds, which at times pulled me out of the story rather than immersing me further. Because much of the narrative is filtered through their fractured thoughts, the pacing can feel uneven. Sometimes gripping and other times meandering in circles of fear and uncertainty. Some moments lost their impact simply because I had to pause and reorient myself within the scene.

While Children of the Fog succeeds in creating an unsettling and immersive atmosphere, the fragmented storytelling may not be for everyone. Readers who enjoy deeply psychological horror and don’t mind untangling unreliable narration might appreciate the experience more. For me, it was an intriguing but frustrating read.

I know additional editing occurs after the ARC is sent out, but I’d like to note that Tom’s name changes names once at the beginning to Will, and once around 72% or on my reader, page 201, to Dylan. 

Final Thoughts: 
An atmospheric and thought-provoking horror story that effectively portrays psychological distress—but at the cost of clarity and narrative flow. Consider reading for its take on fear and isolation, though it may not be a smooth experience for all readers.

C.W. Anderson’s Children of the Fog is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that weaves together horror, psychological trauma, and dark fantasy into a haunting tale of survival and destiny. Set against the mist-shrouded streets of San Francisco, the novel follows siblings Lizzy and Dylan, whose childhood was tainted by unspeakable horrors—ones they barely escaped with their lives. But survival doesn’t mean freedom, and years later, the darkness they fled is creeping back into their world.

Lizzy has worked tirelessly to distance herself from her past, embracing ambition and control as a shield against the nightmares that still lurk in her soul. Meanwhile, Dylan has been consumed by the mystery of what they endured, wandering the country in a near-mad obsession with the supernatural forces that once hunted them. His worst fears are realized when a sinister fog begins to roll through San Francisco, bringing whispers of the Dark Lady—an ancient, terrifying presence neither of them can outrun.

Anderson masterfully builds tension, crafting a dreamlike yet unsettling atmosphere where reality blurs with nightmare. The interplay between Lizzy’s denial and Dylan’s obsession makes for a gripping dynamic, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery surrounding their past and the looming threat of their future. The novel is rich with gothic horror elements, eerie symbolism, and a relentless sense of dread that keeps the pages turning.

For fans of eerie, slow-burning horror with psychological depth—think The Haunting of Hill House meets The Silent Companions—Children of the Fog is an unforgettable read. Anderson’s writing lingers like the very mist that haunts the novel, creeping into your thoughts long after you’ve finished. A must-read for those who enjoy stories where trauma and terror intertwine, and where the past is never truly buried.