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Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School: Lesson 1—Water
Estrella Chavez was just a baby when her father, Victor, the leader of an eco-revolution, was brutally assassinated. Twelve years later, the revolution has been reduced to the non-profit arm of the Water Trust, run by Estrella’s godmother, Kit Hamilton, the wealthiest woman in the world.
Now almost fifteen and nearly expelled from school for her violent temper, Estrella is sent by her fallen, aristocratic mother, Linda, to Glouton, an elite academy. The only reason Estrella agrees to go is Mystery School, a seminar on mysticism taught by her hero, the Nobel Laureate Dr. Saul Mather.
But she doesn’t know that she’ll be in class with the very families that killed her father.
Estrella doesn’t know a lot.
She doesn’t know about the Spirit War, the Angelai, the Demonai, the Cosmic Scroll, the Crystal Caves, her Alkaline Code, Islid the bear, or the wolves. Not yet.
Through murder, romance, fierce friendships, wild adventures, prophecy, transcendental meditation and blackmail, Estrella must learn how to unlock her code to purify and free the waters that run within, between and around us all.
Now almost fifteen and nearly expelled from school for her violent temper, Estrella is sent by her fallen, aristocratic mother, Linda, to Glouton, an elite academy. The only reason Estrella agrees to go is Mystery School, a seminar on mysticism taught by her hero, the Nobel Laureate Dr. Saul Mather.
But she doesn’t know that she’ll be in class with the very families that killed her father.
Estrella doesn’t know a lot.
She doesn’t know about the Spirit War, the Angelai, the Demonai, the Cosmic Scroll, the Crystal Caves, her Alkaline Code, Islid the bear, or the wolves. Not yet.
Through murder, romance, fierce friendships, wild adventures, prophecy, transcendental meditation and blackmail, Estrella must learn how to unlock her code to purify and free the waters that run within, between and around us all.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Matherne
5 books3 followersL.C. MATHERNE IS BORN INTO THE WORLD OF LETTERS LIKE ATHENA FROM THE HEAD OF ZEUS...
After a million light years of toil and longing, she brings to you, Mystery School, her first novel for young adults of all ages, though certainly not her last.
L.C. lives in New Orleans with her one fine man and four cute dogs.
After a million light years of toil and longing, she brings to you, Mystery School, her first novel for young adults of all ages, though certainly not her last.
L.C. lives in New Orleans with her one fine man and four cute dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 26, 2025
Estrella Chavez’s family knew she was special from the moment she was born. But the violent loss of her father at a young age changed not only those around her, but who Estrella was to become as well. Now on the cusp of turning fifteen, a lot is about to change again in Estrella’s life, whether she’s ready or not.
A teen tomboy with a temper, Estrella’s family enrolls her in Glouton, an elite school for the rich and powerful. Estrella has no desire to go to Glouton, but is intrigued by one of its classes- Mystery School taught by Dr. Saul Mather. Although she knows this class will teach her a lot about who she is, it’s the relationships she forms that really give her insight to her past, present and future.
Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School: Lesson 1–Water is the first installment in a new fantasy franchise. The environmentally conscious subplot is also an interesting spin on the genre. Giving Harry Potter meets Gossip Girl vibes, it also sets the stage for more drama and intrigue to come. While there are a lot of characters and connections to keep track of, this is to be somewhat expected when getting in the swing of a new series. However, Estrella herself is a sassy yet strong female who will likely reel in the right reader.
Thank you to @dartfrogbooks and author @mysteryschooler for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
A teen tomboy with a temper, Estrella’s family enrolls her in Glouton, an elite school for the rich and powerful. Estrella has no desire to go to Glouton, but is intrigued by one of its classes- Mystery School taught by Dr. Saul Mather. Although she knows this class will teach her a lot about who she is, it’s the relationships she forms that really give her insight to her past, present and future.
Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School: Lesson 1–Water is the first installment in a new fantasy franchise. The environmentally conscious subplot is also an interesting spin on the genre. Giving Harry Potter meets Gossip Girl vibes, it also sets the stage for more drama and intrigue to come. While there are a lot of characters and connections to keep track of, this is to be somewhat expected when getting in the swing of a new series. However, Estrella herself is a sassy yet strong female who will likely reel in the right reader.
Thank you to @dartfrogbooks and author @mysteryschooler for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
July 20, 2025
Should I rate this book based on potential? That would be high. Or should I write it based on execution? That would be a different story.
The idea of this book and the series could be amazing, with a few tweaks. I went into this story thinking it was a fantasy middle grade story seeing as the main character was 14. While it was indeed fantasy with a young cast, it's written more towards an older audience. I was not a fan of that. The way the characters were portrayed, the situations they found themselves in, and things said in the story are all for an older cast. It just wasn't believable.
This story was hard to follow at first and a bit confusing. You are bombarded with so many characters that you can't keep up with. While some of them were vital to the story and worth knowing, others I feel like could have been left out to make it easier to follow. It definitely becomes easier to keep characters straight and follow the story once you are finally at the Magic School.
Speaking of Magic School, that whole vibe was interesting. If the series focuses more on the school and saving the world/water quest, it will be a good one. I would definitely read more. It's creative and could be an immersive world to get lost in. The Mayan aspect is one that needs to be looked into more in the next book.
For me personally, I did not like how religion was depicted. It came off as....cultish? I was raised Catholic and it just didn't sit right with me. Once you figure out who the war is between, it makes a little more sense. However it needs to be toned down or reworded or something for the story to flow better and be believable.
If you have made it this far in my review, just know that there is amazing potential with this series. This book, with a few tweaks and work on the flow of the story, could very well be a four or five star read. The idea is there. The action picks up. All of the elements are present....it just needs better execution. Don't give up on it. I think it will get better.
I was able to read this story for free for my honest thoughts in a review thanks to DartFrog.
The idea of this book and the series could be amazing, with a few tweaks. I went into this story thinking it was a fantasy middle grade story seeing as the main character was 14. While it was indeed fantasy with a young cast, it's written more towards an older audience. I was not a fan of that. The way the characters were portrayed, the situations they found themselves in, and things said in the story are all for an older cast. It just wasn't believable.
This story was hard to follow at first and a bit confusing. You are bombarded with so many characters that you can't keep up with. While some of them were vital to the story and worth knowing, others I feel like could have been left out to make it easier to follow. It definitely becomes easier to keep characters straight and follow the story once you are finally at the Magic School.
Speaking of Magic School, that whole vibe was interesting. If the series focuses more on the school and saving the world/water quest, it will be a good one. I would definitely read more. It's creative and could be an immersive world to get lost in. The Mayan aspect is one that needs to be looked into more in the next book.
For me personally, I did not like how religion was depicted. It came off as....cultish? I was raised Catholic and it just didn't sit right with me. Once you figure out who the war is between, it makes a little more sense. However it needs to be toned down or reworded or something for the story to flow better and be believable.
If you have made it this far in my review, just know that there is amazing potential with this series. This book, with a few tweaks and work on the flow of the story, could very well be a four or five star read. The idea is there. The action picks up. All of the elements are present....it just needs better execution. Don't give up on it. I think it will get better.
I was able to read this story for free for my honest thoughts in a review thanks to DartFrog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
I found Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School quite a mixed-genre book because of the multiple themes it crosses. I was honestly expecting an epic magic system or something in the vein of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but the ‘magic’ element is used rather thinly.
What I liked about the book is the sense of seriousness the author manages to create around the global water crisis, and how some capitalists aim to exploit it while others work tirelessly to make clean water accessible to all. Glouton is one such elite school, where the children of the world’s most influential leaders study with the goal of creating a better future and solving the water shortage crisis.
I have mixed feelings about the book, though, because it felt a bit all over the place. I went in expecting more magic, but the story significantly focuses on high school drama—hormonal teenagers, parties, and friendships. It definitely has a light setting and plot, and is most suitable for young readers who are new to fantasy fiction. One thing that certainly didn't work for me is that there are too many characters in this book that somehow result in taking the time or light from some main characters in their character development phase. I won't say overwhelming but it could have been much better if there were just a few handful of characters and more magic. But it makes sense if the author might be holding it back for the sequel.
I found the last 20% of the book the most interesting, when Dr. Mather dives deep into the existence of the Angelai and Dominai, and how crucial Estrella and her friends are to a greater purpose. It doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, but it certainly sets up a potential sequel where Estrella will explore her powers and fight Dominai alongside her friends.
What I liked about the book is the sense of seriousness the author manages to create around the global water crisis, and how some capitalists aim to exploit it while others work tirelessly to make clean water accessible to all. Glouton is one such elite school, where the children of the world’s most influential leaders study with the goal of creating a better future and solving the water shortage crisis.
I have mixed feelings about the book, though, because it felt a bit all over the place. I went in expecting more magic, but the story significantly focuses on high school drama—hormonal teenagers, parties, and friendships. It definitely has a light setting and plot, and is most suitable for young readers who are new to fantasy fiction. One thing that certainly didn't work for me is that there are too many characters in this book that somehow result in taking the time or light from some main characters in their character development phase. I won't say overwhelming but it could have been much better if there were just a few handful of characters and more magic. But it makes sense if the author might be holding it back for the sequel.
I found the last 20% of the book the most interesting, when Dr. Mather dives deep into the existence of the Angelai and Dominai, and how crucial Estrella and her friends are to a greater purpose. It doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, but it certainly sets up a potential sequel where Estrella will explore her powers and fight Dominai alongside her friends.
July 28, 2025
This was a tricky one for me! It didn’t help that I had some assumptions going in (based on the cover & synopsis) that ended up being wrong. (In both good and bad ways.) The very beginning immediately peaked my interest, but simultaneously indicated this was not going to be the cute lil fantasy I went in expecting. Although I think 14 felt too young for these characters, I preferred the more mature content. Then, after starting with a bang… it got very confusing. We were quickly introduced to a *lot* of characters (some ended up being key players and others I’m still a little unsure why we needed the detail we got; perhaps they return in later books? Maybe!) But it was quite overwhelming as far as beginnings go. I think more world building and up front foundation as far as the war and “water stuff” goes would have helped me get my bearings sooner. (I also think this would potentially be great as an audio book!)
Once we got to Mystery School things cleared up a bit and I felt the novel became more focused. (I never made it past the first book in the Harry Potter series, but the classes with Dr. Mather and roommates and such gave me Hogwarts vibes!) I personally wish there’d been more of it. This had far more focus on “normal high school girl” stuff than on the magic system. I liked the Mayan gifts and “who killed Kit” storylines, but the prom and the. last 50-60 pages with the *clear* explanation about the Angelai and Demonai were my favorite. It wasn’t a *bad* fantasy, but again, I think it lacked a strong foundation and a lot felt disjointed. The chapters were extremely long so the pacing was also challenging at times; I think I’d have enjoyed it more if it had been edited down. Like I said though, it ended on a strong note and a sequel would be good!
Big thanks to @dartfrogbooks and @mysteryschooler for the opportunity to read this one!
Once we got to Mystery School things cleared up a bit and I felt the novel became more focused. (I never made it past the first book in the Harry Potter series, but the classes with Dr. Mather and roommates and such gave me Hogwarts vibes!) I personally wish there’d been more of it. This had far more focus on “normal high school girl” stuff than on the magic system. I liked the Mayan gifts and “who killed Kit” storylines, but the prom and the. last 50-60 pages with the *clear* explanation about the Angelai and Demonai were my favorite. It wasn’t a *bad* fantasy, but again, I think it lacked a strong foundation and a lot felt disjointed. The chapters were extremely long so the pacing was also challenging at times; I think I’d have enjoyed it more if it had been edited down. Like I said though, it ended on a strong note and a sequel would be good!
Big thanks to @dartfrogbooks and @mysteryschooler for the opportunity to read this one!
July 23, 2025
The trees surround her, a soft breeze pushing through the branches and lifting the ends of her hair from her shoulders. The magic inside her grows with each step as she walks further into the depths of the forest. In front of her a bear stands on its hind legs and lets out a growl, beckoning her with its paw to follow it. She takes a deep breath and steps forward, following in the bear’s paw prints. She isn’t sure what’s unraveling, but she can sense the danger approaching.
This is a fantasy story and book one of the Mystery School series. We follow Estrella as she embarks on a wild journey.
I want to start by saying that this story and series have an incredible amount of potential, but the execution was a bit all over the place. The beginning of this book starts off with way too many character perspectives, which led to a lot of confusion for me. Once things started to settle a bit, things got better, but it still needs some polishing in my opinion. I will also say that these characters are young (14), leading me toward thinking this would be more young adult, but it’s geared toward adults (which I don’t think translates well). The fantasy elements were neat and this series could turn into something really fun though, so I’ll be keeping an eye on future books.
Read if you like:
• Fantasy Books
• Mystery
• Magic
• Academic Setting
• Multiple Characters/POVs
• Coming of Age Stories
CW: Murder, Physical Violence, Death of a Loved One.
This is a fantasy story and book one of the Mystery School series. We follow Estrella as she embarks on a wild journey.
I want to start by saying that this story and series have an incredible amount of potential, but the execution was a bit all over the place. The beginning of this book starts off with way too many character perspectives, which led to a lot of confusion for me. Once things started to settle a bit, things got better, but it still needs some polishing in my opinion. I will also say that these characters are young (14), leading me toward thinking this would be more young adult, but it’s geared toward adults (which I don’t think translates well). The fantasy elements were neat and this series could turn into something really fun though, so I’ll be keeping an eye on future books.
Read if you like:
• Fantasy Books
• Mystery
• Magic
• Academic Setting
• Multiple Characters/POVs
• Coming of Age Stories
CW: Murder, Physical Violence, Death of a Loved One.
July 27, 2025
This coming-of-age fantasy is rooted in grief, legacy and the quiet forces of transformation. Estrella, nearly fifteen and brimming with anger, is sent to the prestigious Glouton Academy by her distant mother. What looks like a disciplinary move soon becomes a far more complex journey, as Estrella finds herself in the heart of a mystical education and a world full of secrets. The people around her, many linked to her father’s death, are not just classmates or teachers, but gatekeepers to a hidden war she never knew existed. And at the center of it all is water, real and symbolic, carrying the potential to heal or destroy.
The book is amazing. Great and memorable characters, brilliant setting. The language is poetic without being too ornate, that stays with the readers even after the pages are turned. It's a masterful blend of plot, character, and atmosphere. The narrative unfolds gradually, allowing the story to breathe. It's perfectly paced, devoid of any dull moments.
The book doesn’t rely on fast pacing to create tension. The author invites reflection more than explanation. The storytelling is gripping, with a rhythm that feels both gentle and urgent. It builds a world that’s vast and strange, layered with myth, energy, and emotion. Every chapter adds something new, making the book unputdownable. I enjoyed it cover to cover.
The book is amazing. Great and memorable characters, brilliant setting. The language is poetic without being too ornate, that stays with the readers even after the pages are turned. It's a masterful blend of plot, character, and atmosphere. The narrative unfolds gradually, allowing the story to breathe. It's perfectly paced, devoid of any dull moments.
The book doesn’t rely on fast pacing to create tension. The author invites reflection more than explanation. The storytelling is gripping, with a rhythm that feels both gentle and urgent. It builds a world that’s vast and strange, layered with myth, energy, and emotion. Every chapter adds something new, making the book unputdownable. I enjoyed it cover to cover.
July 29, 2025
Thank you to @dartfrogbooks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Heart and a unique voice
Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School is an ambitious YA fantasy that blends eco-political intrigue with mystical elements and coming-of-age drama. The premise is compelling—Estrella, the daughter of a slain revolutionary, is thrust into a boarding school filled with secrets, supernatural forces, and the very people tied to her father's death. There's a lot going on: kung fu, cryptic codes, cosmic battles, and a cast of diverse characters including a Jewish African princess and the daughter of a rock star.
While the world-building is imaginative and the themes are bold, the execution feels uneven. The story juggles murder, romance, prophecy, and blackmail, but sometimes at the expense of clarity and pacing. Estrella’s journey is emotionally charged, yet her character development can feel inconsistent, and some plot points are hard to follow or overly dramatic.
That said, the book has heart and a unique voice. Readers who enjoy layered fantasy with a strong social message may find it worth exploring, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #dartfrogbooks #estrellachavesgoestomysteryschool
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Heart and a unique voice
Estrella Chavez Goes to Mystery School is an ambitious YA fantasy that blends eco-political intrigue with mystical elements and coming-of-age drama. The premise is compelling—Estrella, the daughter of a slain revolutionary, is thrust into a boarding school filled with secrets, supernatural forces, and the very people tied to her father's death. There's a lot going on: kung fu, cryptic codes, cosmic battles, and a cast of diverse characters including a Jewish African princess and the daughter of a rock star.
While the world-building is imaginative and the themes are bold, the execution feels uneven. The story juggles murder, romance, prophecy, and blackmail, but sometimes at the expense of clarity and pacing. Estrella’s journey is emotionally charged, yet her character development can feel inconsistent, and some plot points are hard to follow or overly dramatic.
That said, the book has heart and a unique voice. Readers who enjoy layered fantasy with a strong social message may find it worth exploring, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #dartfrogbooks #estrellachavesgoestomysteryschool
August 1, 2025
This book reads like... like an onion. With many layers to peel back. As you peel one layer away, there is more. And more. And more.
First, you will think this is a fantasy book for younger readers. But then, as you read, you see it might not really be the kids' book you initially thought it was going to be.
But then… The rise of capitalism and the scary consequences? Check! In this book!
Global climate issues? Check! In this book!
And then, school drama? Check, also in this book!
Some magic? Yep, also present, but nowhere near as much as I expected. Check!
A touch of romance? Also present, check!
Overall, I feel like this might be THE perfect read for teens and older teens who are looking for books with more substance than just action and cute magic. The book is filled to the brim with self-discovery, empowerment, and the blending of the mystical with everyday challenges. This is a story that feels cinematic in scope, complete with vibrant characters and immersive settings, and the best part - it's part one. There are more!
First, you will think this is a fantasy book for younger readers. But then, as you read, you see it might not really be the kids' book you initially thought it was going to be.
But then… The rise of capitalism and the scary consequences? Check! In this book!
Global climate issues? Check! In this book!
And then, school drama? Check, also in this book!
Some magic? Yep, also present, but nowhere near as much as I expected. Check!
A touch of romance? Also present, check!
Overall, I feel like this might be THE perfect read for teens and older teens who are looking for books with more substance than just action and cute magic. The book is filled to the brim with self-discovery, empowerment, and the blending of the mystical with everyday challenges. This is a story that feels cinematic in scope, complete with vibrant characters and immersive settings, and the best part - it's part one. There are more!
July 27, 2025
This novel is a little hard to review as I was unsure how I felt most of the way through the book. It's written for ages 13-18, but I felt like it was really more for older teens or young adults due to some of the confusing religious aspects, language, and adult situations.
It starts with a large cast of characters that I decided not to focus on and just went with the flow and let the story play out. When we finally end up at the mystery school it becomes clearer who the important characters are and what their roles may be.
I found the story entertaining, but I'm still not sure exactly what the plotline was or where the story was supposed to be heading. It feels a bit all over the place, but there is potential for it to become a really interesting series.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
It starts with a large cast of characters that I decided not to focus on and just went with the flow and let the story play out. When we finally end up at the mystery school it becomes clearer who the important characters are and what their roles may be.
I found the story entertaining, but I'm still not sure exactly what the plotline was or where the story was supposed to be heading. It feels a bit all over the place, but there is potential for it to become a really interesting series.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
Thank you to Dartfrog books for the #gifted copy.
The main character, Estrella Chavez, is 14 and about to enroll at Glouton, an elite school—but she isn’t thrilled about it at all.
There were so many characters introduced at the beginning that I struggled to keep track of them all.
This book has great potential. I definitely went into it expecting a Harry Potter–like story, but it didn’t have nearly as much of a magical element as I anticipated.
The main character, Estrella Chavez, is 14 and about to enroll at Glouton, an elite school—but she isn’t thrilled about it at all.
There were so many characters introduced at the beginning that I struggled to keep track of them all.
This book has great potential. I definitely went into it expecting a Harry Potter–like story, but it didn’t have nearly as much of a magical element as I anticipated.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews