We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso follows a group of teenagers who are investigating suspicious deaths, believing it links back to a curse of a horrific murder that happened many years prior.

I loved the premise of a curse, and was excited to see where it would end up. My main concern with the book was how many characters were being introduced in such a short amount of time, I had a difficult time trying to keep everyone straight. Additionally, I found the budding romance to really distract from the premise of solving the murders.

However, I did find the mystery itself to be interesting and it's what kept me turning each page. I would definitely recommend it for someone who likes supernatural-esque elements with a dash of horrific murders.

Creepy beach ruins, a curse saying whoever trespasses there will die by the hands of the ghost of a mother who killed her son, and multiple deaths that occurred there? I definitely would not want to visit, especially at night, but I can see how it would become a high school senior tradition, a rite of passage. This novel was wonderfully creepy and I could really feel the spooky vibes in the ruins and also the suspense as the group of teens races to uncover the truth before the killer or ghost strikes again. Lots of red herrings and twists that kept me guessing and it was nice to not know if it was a ghost, a mad sister, someone or something else. And though I got a little annoyed by how people treated Eden for her father's actions and how she built a high wall, her interactions with Caleb were cute (once everything was cleared up between them). The author did a good job of making the stakes high, with being unafraid of killing people off, or having them be injured. It wrapped up nicely too with a climax of blood and diabolical reasons, plus that extra last bit was totally unexpected but good.

The book was a good, spooky read and I am glad I got the chance to read it.

‘We were warned’ is a fast paced, easy to read YA thriller where a group of high school seniors is investigating the mysterious accident/murder of one of their classmates. Throw in an abandoned beach resort and a curse, and you get a creepy and atmospheric story with enough twists to keep you hooked. In real teenager style, there is also an enemy to lover romance. Our main character, Eden Stafford, hasn’t had an easy life but that only made her stronger and braver. She trusts nobody and is used to taking things into her own hand. I was routing for her the whole time. Every twist and turn had me thinking about what could possibly happen next. The action-packed end had me completely at the edge of my seat.
I liked the writing, the plot was nicely worked out, the characters well developed. A great suspenseful novel for young adults and coming of age readers.
I’m not usually reading YA but I truly enjoyed this book. It is a perfect combination of mystery, high school drama and paranormal suspense. I’m looking forward to exploring more from this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley. Sourcebooks Fire and Miss Chelsea Ichaso for gifting me a free advance copy. The above is my own opinion and honest review.

If Chelsea writes it I’m here for it.

This town and these people are kind of the worst. And was I the only one traumatized by Henry’s death? I mean he was in the book for like 3 seconds but man, I grieved him and what I thought his character would be.

Anyways. Eden sometimes I wanted to scream at and sometimes scream with.

And Caleb? Was I the only one swooning from the beginning? But ugh. Others girls. Some boys are clueless. I know he means well but geez.

The plots keep twisting and I kept guessing (wrong mostly)!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

i really enjoyed this !! i love me a good ya thriller and i did like this i was a bit bored at some parts but it would then pick up and i’d really enjoy it again.

I loved the friend dynamic and the characters parents i wish we got more insight into the parents at the beginning of the book I feel as though that would’ve gripped me more but i would definitley recommend

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.