Yes it's a horror novel but the best part about this is actually the relationship between Calla, her older brother Dre, and her rambunctious younger brother Jamie. The three have fled to the woods after a protest gone wrong but they aren't safe. The horror is a little basic and although it' leans into serious issues, it's fun. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Neena Viel’s remarkable debut is one of the most flat out exciting experiences I’ve had with a book in a long time. The relationship between the three siblings is hilarious, heartwarming, and achingly honest. The scares and gore don’t play around and go straight for the throat. And when you realize what is really going on? Mind blown. I loved every word in this beautifully written, shockingly assured first novel. This will be a standout for me this year without a doubt.

2.5.

I think this is a me issue not a book issue. I went into this book thinking they were going to be trapped in a remote cabin and haunted by things out of indigenous legends and was really excited for that. So right away my expectations were wrong. That’s not a complete deal breaker, because I’ve read lots of books where I had the wrong idea and still end up enjoying it. In this case, I just didn’t vibe with the writing or pacing. The writing made me feel detached and I found myself bored for a lot of this.

This is actually a story about calla and her looking after her brothers Dre and Jamie. She’s become their legal guardian. They run to a cabin the woods after Jamie gets in trouble and are haunted by her nightmares. I’m not sure if this one is just me, but the horror felt very juvenile to me. I think the siblings relationship and characters were the strongest part of the book, which is why I’m rounding it up to a 3 on goodreads.

If you’re looking for a strong character-driven story with mild horror elements I would recommend this. My issues with the book was me and not the book itself. this is the authors debut and I think she’s got so much potential, so I’m interested to see where she goes next.

Thank you to Neena Viel, St Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the arc of Listen To Your Sister! This is a thriller/horror novel that also has very real and raw issues throughout. More of realistic day to day horror people may endure than a fictional horror. It was a slow burn and confusing at times but still kept my interest. I did like the family element and you could really feel the love that Calla has for her brothers. This book publishes on 2/4/25!

Devastating horror with evocative, lived-in sibling relationships. Balances plot and themes deftly, a very affecting read.

Anything that brings up Jordan Peele's horror movies in its description is bound to catch my eye, and LISTEN TO YOUR SISTER definitely has the US vibes as well as the social commentary ones. It's a solid horror story about family, generational trauma, and the sacrifices we make for others and the toll that it can take. I enjoyed the way that Viel examined this very dysfunctional group of siblings, who all have very valid hurts and pain, but who all also lash out and wound each other unnecessarily. When they start being confronted with mysterious figures after running from their home to escape some heat, it all starts to fall apart. I relaly enjoyed the portrayal of Calla, the put upon and loving but very overwhelmed oldest sibling, who also happens to be the oldest sister, a role that comes with so many burdens, and how her anxiety manifested was very effective. I will say, however, that this book did have a bit of a pacing issue for me, with it taking awhile to build and then going full throttle with few brakes, which was a bit jarring. Overall, a fun horror story with some family drama and heart.

Being a kid raising siblings has got to be tough. The traumatic upbringing these 3 main characters seeps in every page.

It’s clear that they cannot run away from their past.

Where it fell short for me was the execution. This is a fantastic debut for sure, but I feel like the concept needed longer to get there. The synopsis makes it seem like they have to quickly get out of town, but it took more than 35 percent of the book to leave the city.

The horror is truly a nightmare come alive and I enjoyed the last half of this book and how many one-liners the author put in throughout, such as “Their Family was a collectively formed tongue, smooth and dangerous.” That line just works.

Overall, this was a good time and I enjoyed. It just really needed polishing and some editing to tighten the plot.

Received an ARC
from the publisher, all thoughts are my own.

I just finished this book, and wow! Four stars from me! This isn't your typical story about childhood trauma. What really impressed me was how Viel portrayed the lasting impact of difficult family dynamics. It wasn't just about the bad things that happened, but how the characters, especially the sisters, coped with it, and how those coping mechanisms shaped their adult lives – sometimes in helpful ways, sometimes not so much. The characters weren't perfect, they were messy and flawed, which honestly made them feel even more human. The writing was solid and kept me hooked, and I appreciated how Viel explored the complexities of sisterhood in the face of adversity. Definitely recommend this if you're looking for a story that digs a little deeper and isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects with nuance. It's not always an easy read, but it's definitely a worthwhile one.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

While the synopsis of this sounds really good, I am deciding to DNF (for now). The first two paragraphs are just about the narrators boobs and this is not giving off a great start. This may be something I look back on once I can download the audiobook from the library, but for now, I can not read another word of this book.

This reminded me of the very raw & horror stories Jordan Peele writes in his films. I had a hard time keeping up and had to reread some parts then put it down for a few days. It’s also been tough to read this month so it could be the mood. Otherwise it had promise.

A group of strained siblings go on the run after one of them lands in trouble with the police, only to find the cabin they hope to hide out in is actually a portal into a real life nightmare. Unfortunately, this was a total mess and extremely hard to follow. The deeper themes and social commentary were great, but the horror aspect was lacking and honestly made no sense. Should’ve just put this one down instead of finishing it.

Books written in multiple POVs often struggle to have distinct narrative voices, but this author absolutely achieved three unique, evocative points of view. Though there is plenty of twisty and gory thriller and horror aspects to this story, the heart of it was about sibling relationships and what we sacrifice for the people we love. The relationship between Calla, Jamie, and Dre was layered, emotional, and so well-written. The comparison to Jordan Peele felt like an accurate one, as the story is a unique horror that explores the intersections of race, family, horror, and more. Horror fans will definitely find a lot to appreciate and enjoy in this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC

Yes, yes, yes. Listen to Your Sister is a debut novel about siblings and the things that they do for each other akin to the mind of Jordan Peele. Nenna Viel has crafted a story full of love, heartbreak and sacrifice, and a downright scary nightmare scene.

This is a wild ride full of highs and lows as we follow a young, dysfunctional af black family as they learn what each other really sacrifices for the others.

If you are looking for a weird, horror filled genre mixing tale that is sure to leave you wanting more from Viel you should pick up Listen to Your Sister immediately.

What happens when Jordan Peele's signature brand of BIG IMPORTANT SOCIAL MESSAGE horror flick meets up with a dark, gory, over-the-top bloodfest of a nightmare thriller feverdreamt by say, Quentin Tarantino??

THIS BOOK, THAT'S WHAT!!!

Let me be clear, this book took a bit to settle into and is definitely not for those who don't admire the horror genre. It is also not for the squeamish. There is also a fair amount of real life turned into fantasy horror within its pages. For that reason, some readers may find that the story, setting, or characters trigger some strong reactions. I feel it is only fair to know that going into this read.

It was often really hard to discern what was actually happening in real time and what was happening in a feverpitch dream world filled and fueled by the characters' collective childhood trauma, neglect, repressed memories, and abuse. But let me say most definitely, this did not detract but rather enhanced the quality of the read. There was much to sort through and figure out, but without giving too much of the story away, suffice it to say that Neena Viel has made quite the debut with "Listen to Your Sister."

This author and her characters (both *real* and *nightmare*) have much to say about generational poverty, marginalized communities, racism, gender inequality, and the injustices done to children by the flaws and fractures within their own families, from society writ large, and from the institutions and agencies that should provide the safety net they so desperately need when the adults in their lives fail them.

This novel will be published on February 4, 2025.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in advance of its publication.

This was definitely a unique premise with an entertaining writing style. I can tell that Neena Viel put a lot of thought into her debut novel and I enjoyed the various themes present in this book. “Listen to Your Sister” had some great horror moments that any self-proclaimed horror enthusiast (such as myself) will love. My biggest drawback with this book was the pacing- the pacing was bouncing around and couldn’t quite grab my attention the way I wanted it to. Overall it was an enjoyable read but I had a difficult time staying hooked to the story.

3 Stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC! 🖤

Okay, so Listen to Your Sister definitely had a lot going for it, but I didn’t totally vibe with it. The premise was SO intriguing! Siblings, a supernatural force, and lots of family drama? Yesss please! But unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite match the excitement I had going into it.

First off, let me say, the writing style was unique and creative, and at times, it had me hooked with its wit and dark humor. 🖤 Calla’s relationship with her brothers, Jamie and Dre, was really the heart of the story, and I loved how their bond was portrayed—such an interesting mix of love, sacrifice, and frustration. The pacing though? It was a struggle. The first half of the book dragged for me, and I almost DNFed it (but I’m glad I stuck with it because the last part got a lot more intense and thrilling!)

The horror element was intense, but honestly, I felt like I couldn’t always tell what was real and what was a nightmare. 😵 Calla’s visions made things super trippy, but sometimes I felt more confused than scared. And while the setting of the cabin was super creepy and added to the atmosphere, some of the later parts of the story got a little... chaotic? The monsters (both literal and metaphorical) had potential, but I didn’t fully connect with the plot twists or the resolutions.

Overall, it was a solid debut with some really powerful moments, especially in terms of character development and the family dynamics, but the confusing plot and slower pacing kept it from being a total winner for me. Still, if you're into atmospheric horror with family tension and dark vibes, this might work better for you! 👀

Would definitely recommend giving it a go if you enjoy complex, character-driven horror! 📚✨

I listened to the audiobook first, and I liked the ebook better. I couldn’t really connect with the narrator, and I found there was more humor (and horror) when I was able to read in what I expected the pace and inflection would be to hit those notes hardest.
For the text, there were some really effective descriptions of horror, body horror in particular, and the core relationship- between the three orphaned siblings - felt very real, equal parts loving, loyal, and protective and antagonistic, dismissive, and cruel.

To use the yes, no, maybe vernacular, this is a yes* for me - with the * pointing to - I recommend the text version over than the audio if that’s an option for you.

This isn't your typical "cabin in the woods" horror tale. The supernatural elements serve as a terrifying extension of Calla's subconscious, bringing unresolved trauma to life in grotesque, surreal ways. As the past and present blur, the Williams siblings must confront not only the horrors lurking outside but also the ones they've carried within themselves for years.

Writing Style & Themes

Viel's writing is razor-sharp, alternating between deeply introspective and darkly humorous. The novel doesn't just explore horror in the traditional sense—it's also a searing commentary on family obligation, the parentification of children, grief, and the unseen emotional labor that comes with being the "responsible one" in a dysfunctional family.

Calla is a protagonist who will resonate deeply with readers who have ever felt the crushing weight of responsibility for others. Her struggles with guilt, resentment, and exhaustion make her an achingly real character, even as she faces the increasingly surreal horrors that surround her. Jamie's reckless behavior and Dre's emotional distance add tension to the already fraught family dynamic, making for some truly gut-wrenching moments.

Despite the heavy themes, Listen to Your Sister isn't entirely bleak. Viel balances the horror with moments of sharp, biting humor-particularly in the siblings' banter. Their dialogue feels real, filled with the kind of sarcastic, love-laced jabs that only siblings can get away with. This contrast between levity and terror keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace.

The Horror Element

The horror in Listen to Your Sister is as psychological as it is supernatural. Calla's nightmares don't just stay in her mind-they bleed into reality, warping the world around her. Viel masterfully blends elements of body horror, dream logic, and eerie folklore, crafting scenes that feel like something out of a fever dream. There are clear influences from authors like Grady Hendrix and Stephen Graham Jones, but Viel brings her own voice to the table, creating a fresh take on the genre.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is its exploration of control and free will— both within family structures and in the larger context of societal oppression. The novel touches on issues of race, systemic injustice, and the ways in which people, particularly marginalized individuals, are forced into roles they never asked for.

Criticism & Pacing Issues

While Listen to Your Sister is a powerful debut, it's not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing uneven-the first half is a slow-burn setup of family dynamics, while the horror elements don't fully take over until later in the book. There's also a stretch in the middle where the themes become somewhat repetitive, slowing the momentum. However, the final act more than makes up for any lag, delivering emotional gut punches and chilling revelations that will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.

Additionally, while Calla and Jamie are well-developed characters, Dre sometimes fades into the background. His role as the absent yet guilt-ridden middle child is clear, but his character could have used a bit more depth to make the sibling dynamic feel truly balanced.

Final Verdict

Listen to Your Sister is a bold, fearless debut that refuses to fit neatly into any one category. It's horror, but it's also a deeply moving story about family, obligation, and the ways in which past traumas shape our present. Neena Viel's writing is sharp, unflinching, and utterly original, making her a name to watch in the world of modern horror.

If you love books that mix emotional depth with unsettling, fever-dream horror-think How to Sell a Haunted House meets Hereditary-this is one you won't want to miss. Just be sure to keep the lights on.

This book was an absolutely wild ride! To me, it read as part horror, part literary fiction, which was so unique, I’ve never read a horror novel like it. The story centers around themes of family and finding yourself, and the characters are authentic and relatable. What a fantastic debut!