They’re Watching You is a fantastic YA dark academia thriller, with truly shocking reveals.

Maren was a really enjoyable protagonist. Her determination, loyalty and drive endeared me to her instantly. That passion and ferocious love for her friends shines through, especially as it manifests with alliances and betrayals throughout the course of the book. Ichaso’s ability to just pull you in and root for her is commendable. The surrounding cast of characters is deftly sketched, giving each of them enough to stand out and be memorable. They’re all entangled in this shadowy web of secrets though. Every character had something to hide, so I was constantly suspecting everyone and doubting their real motivations.

I enjoyed the claustrophobic and paranoid atmosphere born from the tightly plotted web of secrets at the heart of this book. The society really thrives on emotional and psychological manipulation and torture. This makes for an incredibly intense and fast-paced read, perfectly designed for bingeing. The games are incredibly high stakes and always have a flourish of something unexpected. I liked how you had to try and unpick the puzzles. It always helps me engage in the book that much more, trying to decipher the riddles and piece together the bigger picture.

The secret society shenanigans were fascinating as well and always creeping into darker and darker territory. I am a sucker for a bit of dark academia, with secrets in the halls and institutionalised privilege being weaponised. Ichaso interrogates that inherent class dynamic, with the excess and glamour of the society belying a gaudy extravagance. It all disguises a dark and twisted secret at the heart of this school. The sheer amount of twists in this book is brilliant, changing how you view characters and events in an instant.

When reading They’re Watching You, ensure that you question everything, because nothing is as it seems.

I was so hooked from the beginning that I somehow read the whole book in a day because I couldn't put it down????

I loved following those games Maren but also Remington and the others were doing. I was so into it, wondering what could be the next step, what could happen next. It was honestly very good on its twisted way! I loved the plot twist about that Secret Society, it's a twist I sadly can't talk about without it being a big spoiler alert, but it's one that gives a bigger importance to the Society but also a more dangerous side. Also you don't think it's true at the beginning when we learn about it, that it feels to much, but the more you think about it, knowing how it happens in real life, you understand how people could act that way is societies like that one. It was completly twisted yet awesome!

I doubted everyone and I thanks the author for that. I could be "I love them so much" in a chapter and be "what an a***ole" in the next one 😂 And that's something I really love about thrillers like that, not knowing who to trust while still having doubts and guessing but not truly being sure of yourself. It was well done!

What I find lacking however, which is why it isn't a full 5 stars but more like a 4.5 stars, is the character's depth : we actually don't know much about Maren besides how she acts in the game and her phobia, same goes for Remington besides the game and his color blindness. It feels harder to appreciate the romance as it felt a bit out of nowhere and too fast, but that's maybe because the game happens over a very short time : I would have loved slower moments with the two of them actually getting to know each other more than that.

I received this ARC from Netgalley. Maren joins a secret society to find out what happens to her college roommate who goes missing. I really enjoyed reading this book about a sketchy secret society and the traditions and tasks that are required. This was a fun read of finding out what happen to Maren's roommate. I really enjoy reading this author's books..

This was a cute and interesting book. The secret society is quick to enter the story. In just the first few chapters, the MC is aleady in and doing their dirty work. I liked the societies games and riddles to solve even if the stakes were higher than Maren thought. It is entertaining to read, especially if you like the secrets and the twists.

But I found this to be a little sweeter and lighter than I thought it would be. It was cute, and I liked it, just didn't love it. Oh and the twist totally had me, I never guessed a thing!

Chelsea Ichaso has done it again! So This book was equal parts mysterious and intriguing. The story follows Maren Montgomery as she is trying to figure out what happened to her roommate and best friend, Polly. She disappeared one day and everyone thinks she was overwhelmed my the pressures of their prestigious high school. Maren believes there is something more sinister going on, and soon discovers a secret society that Polly was a member of. After infiltrating the society, Maren discovers she must participate in society games to receive clues regarding Polly’s whereabouts. But Maren isn’t the only new society member looking for a lost friend; Remington is looking for his ex girlfriend, Jane, as well. Together Maren and Remington embark on a twisted journey of uncovering the society’s secrets. Will they be successful is saving their friends?

I couldn’t put this book down and throughly enjoyed it! This is everything I love in a story, and this is going to be my most recommended book for 2023! This book hits shelves on January 3, 2023 and I will be adding a physical copy to my library!

Thank you, Chelsea for another wonderful read! I’m looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcefire books for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

DNF. The writing style rubbed me the wrong way and I couldn't get past it. I really liked the concept but may have worked with older characters. I did read reviews to find spoilers and the ending and honestly, I would have been pissed if I spent the time reading and that was the reveal.

They're Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso - 4 stars

They're Watching You is a mystery's & thriller novel set around the disappearance of Polly St. James, which many have ruled her a runaway. It's always the best friend who seems to know more than anyone else and sets out on that path to uncovering what has happened, and that's exactly what Maren does. A story filled with mysterys and secret society's will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what else is going to happen. This book did just that. I love a book with secrets and that you get to unravel, and the characters played such roles to add to the thrill of the story line.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC.

There is a secret society at the elite Torrey-Wells Academy and Maren is sure that they have something to do with her missing roommate, Polly. Polly had been acting strange and was about to share a secret with Maren when she up and vanished. Desperate to infiltrate the secret Gamemaster’s Society, Maren is put through a gauntlet of tests to be initiated in. Once in, Maren is thrust into an ultra wealthy society that holds many powers not only at school but across the world. Can she find Polly in time to save her and still escape with her life?

This is the second book I have read by Chelsea Ichaso this year and I’m so thrilled that I was able to read this one. I have a special place in my heart for YA thrillers and Chelsea is quite the master at them. There is enough teen angst in them to keep the young reader going but not too much that parents/guardians would deem inappropriate. I was immediately drawn to this book because I love the secret society plot lines but this has more than your typical secret society books. With games and riddles and secret catacombs it takes you on a wild ride with a touch of love triangle. I have a young niece who loves thrillers and I can’t wait to recommend this book to her.

Maren Montgomery doubts a connection with secret society at Torrey-Wells Academy when her bestfriend goes missing the day she was supposed to meet her. She believes that the society held her friend captive.

Inorder to find information about her, she needs to enter the society. It isn't easy to get info from the society. They play crazy games that can decide your fate. A suspicion of revelation about society, you are dead.

The story takes you on an adventurous ride of finding Polly along with Maren. I expected it to be a regular thriller but this is far better and unique. The characters are all sus at every stage which kept the plot interesting.

The plot and execution are above my expectations. The climax is good enough but it didn't have the same or more power as first half. Watching a movie with this plot and playing those games would be amazing.

Thank you Netgalley , SourcebooksFire , Chelsea Ichaso for providing arc in exchange for an honest feedback.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

They're Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso is a YA mystery that you won't be able to put down! The story revolves around Maren, whose roommate and best friend Polly disappeared a few weeks ago. Does Polly's disappearance have something to do with the Gamemaster's Society, the secret society at their elite private school? Can she find out what happened to Polly by going undercover?

Here is a mysterious excerpt from Chapter 1:

"I’ve only heard the vaguest whispers of a secret society. One with access to liquor and parties after curfew, like the fraternity over at Langford School. This must explain why Polly was so distant this past term. It even explains that trip she took to the headmaster’s office a couple months back, a trip she refused to explain to me. She must’ve gotten in with the wrong crowd—some weird club that forced her to break lots of rules.
But why wouldn’t she tell me about it? Sure, the fancy card says it’s a secret. But we shared everything—at least, we did back in September. Did this society really want only Polly? Or did she simply choose not to include me?"

Overall, They're Watching You is a YA thriller and mystery that will appeal to fans of The Inheritance Games or The Ivies. One highlight of this book is the secret society. I love reading books about elite private schools, and I love the dark academia subgenre. I did take off 1 star, because I felt like this book was missing something. I'm not sure exactly what was missing. It just wasn't one of my favorites. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA thrillers in general, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in January!

thank you to netgalley (@netgalley) and the publisher (@sourcebooksfire) for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review

𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔, 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆....𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 🩸

oh my gosh, this book was something!! i do not know what where to begin 😆 at first page, i had no clue what i was getting myself into. when i saw this book on netgalley, i knew i had to read it once i saw the cover

while i was reading 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, i got major dark academic vibes. this aesthetic was a perfect mix for the thrilling mystery

although i enjoyed the mystery and secrets that was surrounding the boarding school, i loved the chemistry between maren and remington. they were couple goals 🥹 i was shipping then so much

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶 was my first book by chelsea ichaso (@chelseaichaso). the book was very well-written, she had a way to keep you on your toes. when you thought you had all the answers figured out, she had a trick up her sleeve. that is what i enjoy reading in books. i know i definitely will be reading future books by her 🥰

everytime i thought i figured out the mystery, and who the Gamemaster was, new clues caught showing up. i thought i had all the answers, but there were plot twists within plot twists that i could not see coming a mile away

if you are into dark academic set in a boarding school that is filled with secrets and deadly games 😈🩸, i highly recommend reading 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶.

preorder or else
~𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳

This book had the suspense factor in spades from the very beginning, and mystery starting the disappearance of Maren’s roommate and best-friend Polly followed by a rumor of a mysterious secret society at this boarding school. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book I did not expect and it kept my intrigued enough to keep reading to try and figure out what was going on. The big reveals at the end were not what I was expecting in a good way. I really enjoyed this read.

If you like Karen McManus you will really enjoy this.
Twists, romance and murder the perfect combination! Once you start this you will not be able to leave it so be prepared for a day of reading!

Dark acadamia, secret societies, and a missing girl? What could be better!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I read it straight through

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

With a thrilling mystery at its core I was able to breeze through this one easily and without much confusion. I liked the characters as well and in a book like this that’s fundamental in my enjoyment.

Thank you for this opportunity! I’ll update with links once all my reviews are live.

I was all in at dark academia and secret societies. I love how this book just pulled me in and how quickly it took off with the interesting plot. I felt like I immediately needed to know more. The games played by the secret society helped break up the story in a way that made me have to find out what happened next. Overall this book hit on every level.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.75/5

They’re Watching You follows the story of Maren as she attempts to track down her missing best friend Polly. But Polly’s disappearance leads back to a secret society full of games and mystery and is more suspicious than it appears.

Pros:
-I loved the element of thrill and mystery, I never knew what was going to happen next
-all the unique challenges the society participated in were really cool to read about
-I really liked Remington and Maren’s relationship
Cons:
-the writing style wasn’t super engaging and there were times I found myself getting bored

*Review to be posted on Instagram at a later date*

Absolutely yes! I really enjoyed reading this novel. The characters were fun, it held my interest, and provided an escape from reality. I would definitely recommend!

I don't feel like this was the book for me. I kept getting pretty little liar vibes and couldn't separate the two. With that being said I do feel like there is an audience for this book. If you enjoy secret societies and the like you will enjoy it.

*spoilers alert*

This started with a bang but the ending was anti-climatic.
I still loved the book though! It was super entertaining!

I love the mystery that's happening in this book. I'm a fan of dark academia and a secret society in general, so this book is a perfect combo of them.

“VICTORY OR DUST”

The idea of a secret society having the "world" under its palm, from school, politics, and even the entertainment industry, etc is always intriguing but it didn't showcase much other than one of the members is now a famous celebrity. I wish we could see more of the benefits of becoming a member and the things that the members did in the real world, like how influential they are in politics or something. Also, the game is run by highschoolers while there must be a lot of other powerful society members out there it kind throws me off

I like Maren as a character but like every character in thriller books, she made questionable decisions and was pretty indecisive but I root for her throughout the book!

I didn't see the twist but maybe because from the beginning, I have my own theory that I really wish will happen in the book but it didn't. I kept thinking that Remington is the real gamemaster and Gavin was forced to act as gamemaster because he was threatened that his sister will end up dead or something. Even at 90% of the book, I keep wishing there will be another twist, but unfortunately, I was way over my head and left disappointed.

There's a love triangle happening, and both boys are adorable but because of that ^, it's hard for me to root for this character Remington since he was kinda one dimensional, also because I wish it was the other boy Gavin that will end up with Maren.

So far I've only read two books by the author but one thing I realized is that she never really kills any characters. Idk if she wants to keep it as PG as possible but I'm sure upper YA thriller readers are fine with it. It keeps it more thrilling and on edge. Just my little input hehe.