We were warned about this place. People who go there die. Now, they’re finally bulldozing it into dust. So, what should we do? Well, it wouldn’t be a story if we didn’t go—obviously!

This YA thriller delivers all the teenage angst and hubris you’d expect. Our protagonist, an already anxious teen with a past that has kept her from making many friends, joins her classmates—including her biggest tormentor—on an overnight camping trip to the one place they’ve all been warned to avoid. And, of course, someone dies. Who could have seen that coming? But finding a dead body is only the beginning.

Reading this as an adult, I had my fair share of eye-roll moments. The characters make classic bad decisions, and the drama sometimes feels over the top. But I still enjoyed it. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and the mystery, while predictable in some places, had enough twists to keep me engaged. The writing is immersive, if occasionally melodramatic, and the story captures that mix of recklessness and vulnerability that defines adolescence.

I debated whether to review this from the perspective of its target audience, but then I remembered Stephen King’s take on YA literature: there really is no YA literature—just literature that features young people. If a story is good, it’s for everyone. And this one? As a preteen, I probably would have loved it. As an adult, I liked it, even if I saw some of the twists coming from a mile away. So, for what it is—a fast-paced, eerie, and dramatic thriller—it delivers.

We Were Warned was a fast paced mystery that kept me on my toes. I loved the little beach town setting filled with secrets and mysteries and there were certainly a lot of unexpected turns. I can say I wasn't expecting who the killers were and the twist at the end was really well done! It definitely gave teenaged sleuth vibes and I enjoyed how all the characters worked together to solve the mystery and uncover some very dirty secrets. At times the story was gritty and I always appreciate that in a YA book. Anyone who loves beach/small town mysteries that just uncover more and more are going to enjoy this book!

Oh this kept me entertained. I was hooked immediately. I love the innocent romance. Can't trust that boy but you want to. The other stuff is good too.

It's confirmed. I will follow Chelsea Ichaso anywhere she takes me. WE WERE WARNED is just another example of how great this author is at writing a smart, twisty thriller. This was a fast paced, unique YA mystery that had me fully invested and turning pages from the get-go & that ending? LOVED!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*We Were Warned* is a visually striking, politically charged work that blends bold imagery with a direct narrative. Ichaso's art not only illustrates but also reinforces her urgent socio-political message, making for an immersive, thought-provoking experience.

The book's clear, unapologetic tone serves as a rallying cry, addressing modern issues head-on. While its powerful visuals and timely themes are compelling, the directness can sometimes feel heavy-handed, with less focus on character depth.

Overall, it's a bold call to awareness—ideal for readers who appreciate a confrontational and visually dynamic take on contemporary challenges, though its approach might not appeal to everyone.

This was my first read by author Chelsea Ichaso, and being a YA book, outside my usual genre. I really enjoyed the dimensions in this story, past/present, enemies to crush, finding the truth, etc. The story definitely had multiple aspects that would translate well on the big screen! The pacing was on point and with enough suspense to keep the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this to those that enjoy YA without any restrictions. Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this arc!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Chelsea Ichaso for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for We Were Warned coming out March 4, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoy this author. She writes a lot of interesting spooky stories. I really love the first half of the book. I thought there was a lot of mystery. I think something went in a different direction than I was thinking. However, I thought Eden was an interesting character. She had a lot of things that she went through. I would say this was more on the YA side of things. I would definitely read more books by the author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA mysteries.

Anything that contains a documentary is right up my alley. So, the premise really hooked me. This was such a creepy and atmospheric read, and I truly flew through it. I was so compelled by the sense of dread and unease that permeated the story. I love a good YA thriller and this really scratched an itch for me. With a great setting, characters and plot, this story was a wonderful and fast read.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso is an intense and creepy atmospheric read! A YA thriller that definitely had me hooked!

Twenty years ago a murder shut down Fairpoint Village, a little beach resort town. Since then the property has been abandoned and rumored to be haunted. Now when Eden decides to help a classmate film a documentary about Fairpoint Village, the senior party falls on the same night. But instead of fun times and shooting scenes for the documentary, a classmate of Edens ends up dead. While the police are quick to call it an accident and close the case, Eden knows there's much more to it than that. Can Eden and a group of her former friends figure out the truth of what really happened that night, or will Eden be left alone to chase a killer by herself?

This was such a creepy but well written book! I absolutely found it impossible to put down. I really liked the sense of unease and dread that was prevalent throughout the entire novel. Filled with tension and twists this is definitely a YA thriller book that I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Chelsea Ichaso, and Sourcebooks Fire for this ARC. Publication date is March 4th 2025.

I am a big fan of this author and was excited to read her latest novel. This book fulfilled and exceeded all of my high expectations! Ichaso created a deeply atmospheric setting where I was instantly immersed in the abandoned beach resort. I loved the parallel plot points of the murder twenty years ago with the supposed "accidental" death in the current timeline. I also loved the suspense of being followed by someone who knows the truth, similar to "I Know What You Did Last Summer." I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed every thrilling page!

The story begins in a small town haunted by a murder from twenty years ago, along with a curse that won’t let go—this YA mystery grabbed my attention right away! When a group of teens starts investigating the death of a classmate, they soon realize the dark truths surrounding the crime are far more dangerous than they could have imagined.

The plot is fast-paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn’t put it down, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist hit me out of nowhere! YA thrillers always pull me in, and this one was no exception. With plenty of secrets, tension, and even a touch of romance, this book is everything I love in a suspenseful read.

The narration was top-notch! Jennifer Jill Araya did an amazing job bringing the story’s suspense and tension to life. She perfectly captured the eerie mood of the setting and conveyed the emotions of the characters with such authenticity. From Eden’s inner struggles to the haunting atmosphere, Jennifer’s voice made everything even more intense and immersive. With her ability to switch between different voices—male and female, young and old—each one felt distinct and real, making the story come alive.

If you’re into fast-paced YA mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read (and must-listen)! It’s a gripping page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very last twist. I highly recommend We Were Warned to anyone who enjoys creepy small towns, shady characters, a suspenseful vibe, and a group of teens working together to unravel a town’s dark secrets.

Twenty years ago, a brutal murder shut down Fairport village. A mother was accused of killing her son, and before she could stand trial, she took her own life in jail. Ever since, the abandoned property has been plagued by eerie whispers - some say Mrs. Blackmore's spirit still lingers, cursing anyone who dares to trespass.

Eden never expected to be part of the story. But when she helps a classmate film a documentary about Fairport's haunted past, she ends up at the ruins on the same night as the senior party. What should have been a night of legend hunting and cheap thrills ends with one of their classmates dead. The police are quick to call it an accident, but Eden knows what she saw.

After that night, something feels off. Eden can't shake the feeling that she's being watched - and she's not alone. Her former friends feel it too. If they want to survive, they need to uncover the truth about what really happened at Fairport Village. But after everything they've done to her, can Eden trust them? Or will they leave her to face a killer alone?

This book was creepy, intense, and impossible to put down! I absolutely devoured it, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. The eerie atmosphere, the slow-building dread, and the constant sense of something lurking in the shadows had me hooked. Chelsea Ichaso once again delivers a YA thriller packed with tension and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. Overall, I gave this book 5 stars and HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you love fast-paced mysteries with high stakes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This book really kept me guessing until the end. I didn't see that ending coming.
The author weaves a complex story, where every person could be guilty. There are a lot of characters to get to know. New people were constantly popping up! The author did a great job crafting a creepy atmosphere. I enjoy thrillers that involve old mansions on cliff-sides!

I found Eden to be a likable character. I think young readers will find her relatable. Her budding romance with Caleb was woven throughout the story. Some of Caleb’s dialogue was a bit stilted, but he was still an enjoyable character.

If you are looking for a compulsive YA thriller with a touch of romance, then I recommend picking this book up!

3.5 rounded down

Eden Stafford, rejected by her peers because of a family scandal, reluctantly attends a party for local high school seniors at an abandoned resort that is shrouded in a dark deadly local lore. When a student unexpectedly dies at the party, Eden suspects foul play, but the death is ruled a suicide. Feeling like she is being stalked by a stranger, Eden is forced to team up with her former enemies to uncover the truth about the resort. She must decide if she can trust them or risk facing the killer alone.

It is a good YA thriller with fun twists and insufferable characters. I found this plot and setting to be really engaging, and the twists to be exciting if not slightly rushed when revealed. I predicted some of this but definitely not all. I read this quickly as the mystery kept me wanting to come back, and it was fun trying to figure out if this was going to be a realistic mystery or a supernatural occurrence. However, the relationship between the two main characters was so annoying. I hate a "will they/won't they" romance, especially when it interrupts my thriller books! There is a way to write teenage characters who are more likeable than they were in this book. And with that being said, the adult characters might have been worse. This was my first Chelsea Icasho book, and while it didn't blow me away, I liked it enough to come back to this author in the future! If you are a fan of Karen McManus, you will likely enjoy this one too.

This was a delightfully spooky YA thriller. I love murder mysteries with paranormal elements woven in during the story.

Eden Stafford goes to a party in an abandoned beach resort where a horrific murder happened 20 years ago. Another murder occurs and she and her friends start being stalked by a dark ghostly figure.
This was a great story that I hated to put down.
Thanks NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this eARC that will be released March 2025!

I really enjoyed this book. I am definitely not a youth but the YA aspects and characters of this book were still intriguing. I loved the paranormal and haunting aspects of the book and the romance behind the main story was good as well.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

This started fairly slow for me but did build on the pacing towards the 25% mark. I really enjoyed the friendship group dynamic and the writing style. I really love a small town mystery type book and this had all the hallmarks of that! There was just something missing for me for it to be REALLY good, but it’s still a quick, enjoyable YA thriller!

We Were Warned is a gripping YA thriller that delivers suspense and intrigue from start to finish. The pacing is spot-on, keeping the tension high, while the eerie atmosphere and compelling mystery make it hard to put down. The story masterfully keeps you guessing about the killer’s identity until the very end.

That said, I would have loved more insight into the adult characters earlier in the book, as their backgrounds felt like a missing piece of the puzzle. Additionally, I wish the FMC had been able to fully uncover the answers to her lingering questions by the end. Despite this, the novel remains a chilling and addictive read that thriller fans will enjoy.

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Fire for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso is a thriller about deaths at an abandoned village.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Sourcebooks, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The grounds of Fairport Village have seen death.  In the 1800's, a plague struck the area. Years later, the area was built up.  Twenty-five years ago, Nicolas Blackmore was murdered, apparently by his deranged mother, although she never admitted it, nor was the weapon found.  Before killing herself, she cursed anyone that would trespass on the land.  It is said she haunts the Village, which has become a ruin with recent plans to be bulldozed.

Ten years ago, Fairport high senior class held the first over-nighter on the grounds of the ruins.  Farah Palmer did not survive that night.  Two years ago, Esther Lamb was dead on the site.  There was a note attached to her body that said that "they had been warned".

Eden Stafford is working with Henry De Rossi on a documentary about Fairport Village before the ruins are bulldozed. Although she doesn't really want to be there, she needs the money Henry promised.   The pair soon realize that another over-nighter of kids from school are there, among them the bullies that have made Eden the butt of their jokes since her father had cheated a number of co-owners of a cleaning company, and then run away. 

But when another body is found dead on the site, police rule it as a suicide.  Eden and her group of tormenters know this isn't true, and they will have to work together to find the murderer, because they are being watched.  But Eden doesn't know who to trust.

 
My Opinions:
Yes, this is definitely aimed at the YA crowd, sappy teenaged romance and all.  But the story was still good.

The premise of the story was very good.  It was very atmospheric, very creepy.

The characters could have been a little deeper, their backgrounds were a little under-developed.  I did like both Eden and Caleb, but the others were somewhat shallow (both in the writing, and their personality).

Even though it has been many decades since I have been a member of the YA crowd,  I still read quite a number of books aimed at those readers, and I try to rate them fairly.  This was a fast and entertaining read.