Member Reviews

This just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to. The premise was intriguing, but the execution didn’t fully work for me. I had enough fun to keep reading, and it definitely kept me guessing. However, I wanted more build up to the start and some more development of certain aspects.

Was this review helpful?

'They're Watching You' by Chelsea Ichaso is secret societies, elite private schools, and lots and lots of secrets. The novel is fast paced and the author sets a moody tone to create suspense. However, there are some predictable tropes and resolutions

Was this review helpful?

I love stories about rich kids doing bad things and when set at a school, even better! This was entertaining and kept my attention but was ultimately lacking the why that would make it an incredible story to me.

Was this review helpful?

I had such a fantastic time reading this book! Secret society stories are always interesting, and I've enjoyed her other book, and all of her books have sounded great, so I was looking forward to picking this one up. And boy, was it a great read!

Watching as Maren infiltrates the Gamemaster's Society, trying to find out what had happened to her friend, it was so thrilling to read! I cared about her and Polly, and the burning need for answers kept the pages turning!

Honestly, I don't know if it was good or bad to have an additional game on top of the main one with the favours and rewards of the original, that to win that, would win clues about Polly. Because while that gets her new information, that's a lot of pressure to be under.

I loved this kinda of dual story of finding out more about the society and what happened to Polly, and competing to win with the society. The mystery kept me on tenterhooks, and I couldn't get enough! That resolution, man, it was so good!

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read more by Chelsea Ichaso!

Was this review helpful?

This book gave me major "The Skulls" vibes and I am here for it. I've read one other Ichaso book before and I just really enjoy her writing style. The books are easy to read, but still create that eerie atmosphere I look for in YA thriller/horrors. Characters are well developed and likable. All in all, another great book by Ichaso!

Was this review helpful?

They are indeed watching you..
Watching as you delve into this terrifying tale, dripping with suspense and claustrophobic fear.
Brilliantly written with a shocking finale, you simply cannot put it down and when you do it stays in your thoughts, such is the power of thrilling storytelling.

5 stars from me.

Was this review helpful?

The plot was pretty good, but was lacking a convincing plot twist. It was enjoyable through and through.

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting story and while some of it is somewhat unbelievable I really enjoyed the way the story went, there were a lot of twists and turns in the book and the main character was unsure of who to trust which gave tension to the story. A very good read

Was this review helpful?

I have read several of Ichaso's books and they've all been nice enjoyable, spooky reads. Think a lifetime thriller in book form. Great for a little hit of excitement without getting TOO gory or dark. Nice blend of thriller and a hint horror/mystery, and smooth reading.

Was this review helpful?

This book sounded really interesting. I love the idea of secret societies at schools. I did get a little bored at times. I just thought things were really predictable so I wasn't as interested in this book as I hoped I would be. I liked some of the characters, but I found the main character a bit annoying. I just wanted more out of this and more shock factor.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to Net galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book! I was really excited to read this book because I live for secret society books! I really enjoyed this book! It was a really short an enjoyable quick read!

Was this review helpful?

They're Watching Us is a super fast paced and highly engaging young adult novel. The setting gives perfect dark academia vibes as it is set in an elite school and its dark secret society. While I found myself devouring this book and having a good time the believability of a high school-run organization with significant influence is questionable and while a fun premise would have worked out better as an adult novel as the sheer power they have is far fetched and the reasons for joining are quite serious - this doesn't mesh well in a high school setting. Maren is a standout character, despite her changeability ( which can easily be forgiven, given her circumstances and the fact she is a teenager), However i feel as though the other characters lack development and this book could have used another 100 pages or so to do a bit more through character and relationship building. I really though Ichaso nailed the ending and the twists and turns left me wanting to read chapter after chapter . It is a highly recommended read for those in the YA age range or those looking for a good fat paced YA thriller.

Was this review helpful?

This was a pretty good mystery set in a private school. Is it a game or is it deadly? The concept of students acting like this and a secret society looking for sacrifices is engaging.

Was this review helpful?

Polly has been drifting away from her best friend Maren for the past few months. Staying out late, not coming back to their shared dorm, and hanging out with a new group of friends. Maren confronts Polly, telling her that she misses her best friend. Polly tells her to meet her at their fountain that night, she had something to show her. Polly doesn't make it to the fountain. Maren knows that Polly wouldn't run away even though that what the authorities have determined. It's up to Maren to find Polly.

A secret society full of games and intrigue await Maren as she tries to rescue her best friend. I was very entertained while reading. The twist and turns were really good, especially the big ones towards the end. While I could have done without the semi love triangle, I still really liked the book. I don't trust either of those boys, even at the end, a certain someone seems sus to me. After everything they went through, I still don't trust him!

This was a fun, quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering who you can trust or who is working for the Society.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This started a little slow for me but as soon as it picked up, I couldn't stop reading until I finished.

Was this review helpful?

Elite secret societies and a murderer on the lose? Sign me up! The underground world building was absolutely phenomenal, and the Maren’s devotion to Polly really made me feel for her. The story flowed, the romance was EVERYTHING and the twist at the end!! I was screaming! Thank you for a great read!

Was this review helpful?

Thrillers in general are something that I tend to avoid, I like mysteries cozy and with lower stakes, but when I do read a thriller I love to go for YA. There’s something specifically ridiculous and fun about them that I love. Then you add in a secret society and I’m sold.

The premise of this one hooked me right away, you’re really just thrown into the story and I loved it. Starting with the mystery of what happened to Marens’ best friend and going right into figuring out what’s going on with this secret society.

There’s a solid mystery, romance, a good amount of dramatics and twists and turns all the way through. The stakes also do feel pretty damn high. Honestly if you like YA thrillers then I’d definitely check this one out, it’s an author that I’ll for sure be checking out the next time I feel like diving into this genre.

Was this review helpful?

Loved the dark vibes and academia aspects to this book! It’s like a mix of Leigh Bardugo and Olivie Blake and I loved every second of it.

Was this review helpful?

This had such dark academia vibes and i was down for it. It’s so got such an interesting plot that had me gripped from start to finish. I’m excited to read more from the author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I did not see those twists coming. I like when a book can surprise me and keep me guessing. This book managed to do just that.

Was this review helpful?