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You've Awoken Her
“Cardinal’s tale lures you in with a great cast and then it wraps its tendrils around you."— Cynthia Pelayo, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Vanishing Daughters
"Quick, funny, with relatable teens and unknowable cosmic horrors." — Adam Cesare, author of the Clown in a Cornfield series
Fans of You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight and Your Lonely Nights Are Over will love this thrilling YA horror about a string of disappearances and "accidental" drownings in the Hamptons, the changing relationship between two best friends, and their desperate attempt to not be the next victims of a Lovecraftian monster terrorizing the coastline.
Gabi should be thrilled to be visiting his best friend for the summer. But with its mansions, country clubs, and Ruth’s terrible new boyfriend, Frost Thurston, the Hamptons is the last place he wants to be. And then Gabi witnesses a woman being dragged under the ocean by what looks like a tentacle . . .
When no one—not the police or anyone else—seems to care, Gabi starts to wonder if maybe the beachside town’s bad vibes are more real than he thought. As the number of “accidental” deaths begins to climb, the Thurston family name keeps rising to the top. And what’s worse is that all the signs point to something lurking beneath the water—something with a hunger for blood.
Can Gabi figure out how the two are intertwined and put an end to the string of deaths . . . before becoming the water’s next victim?
Perfect for Halloween readingIdeal for fans of the supernaturalFor teens who love dark and scary stories
"Quick, funny, with relatable teens and unknowable cosmic horrors." — Adam Cesare, author of the Clown in a Cornfield series
Fans of You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight and Your Lonely Nights Are Over will love this thrilling YA horror about a string of disappearances and "accidental" drownings in the Hamptons, the changing relationship between two best friends, and their desperate attempt to not be the next victims of a Lovecraftian monster terrorizing the coastline.
Gabi should be thrilled to be visiting his best friend for the summer. But with its mansions, country clubs, and Ruth’s terrible new boyfriend, Frost Thurston, the Hamptons is the last place he wants to be. And then Gabi witnesses a woman being dragged under the ocean by what looks like a tentacle . . .
When no one—not the police or anyone else—seems to care, Gabi starts to wonder if maybe the beachside town’s bad vibes are more real than he thought. As the number of “accidental” deaths begins to climb, the Thurston family name keeps rising to the top. And what’s worse is that all the signs point to something lurking beneath the water—something with a hunger for blood.
Can Gabi figure out how the two are intertwined and put an end to the string of deaths . . . before becoming the water’s next victim?
Perfect for Halloween readingIdeal for fans of the supernaturalFor teens who love dark and scary stories
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2025
16 people are currently reading
6453 people want to read
About the author
Ann Dávila Cardinal
13 books413 followersAnn is a Nuyorican, Vermont-based novelist with an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). She comes from a long line of Puerto Rican writers, including father and son poets Virgilio and José Antonio Dávila, and her cousin, award-winning fiction writer Tere Dávila.
Ann’s first solo novel, a young adult horror novel titled Five Midnights, was released by Tor Teen on June 4, 2019. Five Midnights won the 2020 International Latino Book Award in the category of Best Young Adult Fantasy & Adventure, an AudioFile’s Earphones Award for the audiobook, and was finalist for the Bram Stoker Award. The story continues in Category Five, also from Tor Teen, released on June 2, 2020. Category Five is a 2021 nominee for the same International Latino Book Award category. Her latest young adult horror novel, Breakup From Hell, was released by HarperCollins on January 3, 2023.
Her first adult novel, the Puerto Rican magical realist mystery The Storyteller’s Death, was released from Sourcebooks Landmark on October 4, 2022. Her second adult novel, We Need No Wings, is scheduled for release in October 2024.
Her stories have appeared in numerous anthologies, including Other Terrors: An Inclusive Anthology from HarperCollins (2022), Lockdown: Stories of Crime, Terror, and Hope During a Pandemic from Polis Books (2020) and the Latine young adult collection Our Shadows Have Claws from Workman Publishing (9/6/22),
Ann lives in Vermont with her husband in a lovely little house with a massively creepy basement.
Ann’s first solo novel, a young adult horror novel titled Five Midnights, was released by Tor Teen on June 4, 2019. Five Midnights won the 2020 International Latino Book Award in the category of Best Young Adult Fantasy & Adventure, an AudioFile’s Earphones Award for the audiobook, and was finalist for the Bram Stoker Award. The story continues in Category Five, also from Tor Teen, released on June 2, 2020. Category Five is a 2021 nominee for the same International Latino Book Award category. Her latest young adult horror novel, Breakup From Hell, was released by HarperCollins on January 3, 2023.
Her first adult novel, the Puerto Rican magical realist mystery The Storyteller’s Death, was released from Sourcebooks Landmark on October 4, 2022. Her second adult novel, We Need No Wings, is scheduled for release in October 2024.
Her stories have appeared in numerous anthologies, including Other Terrors: An Inclusive Anthology from HarperCollins (2022), Lockdown: Stories of Crime, Terror, and Hope During a Pandemic from Polis Books (2020) and the Latine young adult collection Our Shadows Have Claws from Workman Publishing (9/6/22),
Ann lives in Vermont with her husband in a lovely little house with a massively creepy basement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 21, 2025
I need more YA horror in my life as I'm really starting to fall in love with this genre. I thought this was so unique and different. I never would have thought of Chtuhlu in the Hamptons but this just really worked. The author wrote this to honor the influence of Lovecraft in her love for the genre but also reclaim the legends of the racist and sexist author from a Latine lens, and I think she really accomplished that goal with this fun book.
Gabriel and Ruth were inseparable childhood friends, until growing up and Ruth's family lucking into wealth made them grow apart. Gabriel is a goth Puerto Rican horror geek (a refreshing representation, I need to see more POC representation that defies stereotypes) from Queens who would much rather hole up in his cave with his Funko Pop collection and his movies. Ruth invites him to spend the summer with him in the Hamptons, but it becomes even more obvious how much they're different now. Ruth is dating a rich asshole and weird shit keeps happening in the beach resort town, and Gabe keeps seeing tentacles in the water.
The tone could be so casual and breezy that the scary parts could feel cartoonish rather than scary, but this gave it a cozy horror feel that I think really worked against the backdrop of spooky gentrification and class divides. I think this would easily appeal to a middle grade audience as well.
A fun, lighthearted romp in which a horror geek confronts his fears of sea monsters that just might be real, unlike what his abusive and distant father made him believe. This is a story about learning to trust your instincts and to listen and honor your ancestors, above all. I enjoyed the twist that flipped Lovecraftian monsters on their head and made them cultural appropriation. But it was never preachy, it was a celebration of cultural mythos and outcasts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gabriel and Ruth were inseparable childhood friends, until growing up and Ruth's family lucking into wealth made them grow apart. Gabriel is a goth Puerto Rican horror geek (a refreshing representation, I need to see more POC representation that defies stereotypes) from Queens who would much rather hole up in his cave with his Funko Pop collection and his movies. Ruth invites him to spend the summer with him in the Hamptons, but it becomes even more obvious how much they're different now. Ruth is dating a rich asshole and weird shit keeps happening in the beach resort town, and Gabe keeps seeing tentacles in the water.
The tone could be so casual and breezy that the scary parts could feel cartoonish rather than scary, but this gave it a cozy horror feel that I think really worked against the backdrop of spooky gentrification and class divides. I think this would easily appeal to a middle grade audience as well.
A fun, lighthearted romp in which a horror geek confronts his fears of sea monsters that just might be real, unlike what his abusive and distant father made him believe. This is a story about learning to trust your instincts and to listen and honor your ancestors, above all. I enjoyed the twist that flipped Lovecraftian monsters on their head and made them cultural appropriation. But it was never preachy, it was a celebration of cultural mythos and outcasts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2025
I recently read The Storyteller's Death and was quite intrigued by this author. You've Awoken Her has a premise that's more my style and genre. I was having a hard time deciding between 3 and 4 stars. I usually struggle with first person point of view but I didn't have any issues with it here. I really enjoyed the full scope of character development. The writing was consistent, but simple. The conclusion happened too fast, yet felt complete and satisfying. The lead up to the ending could have been more detailed and suspenseful with better foreshadowing. There was a side character that had major potential, and the story could have benefited from her being more complex, mysterious, and more involved throughout. Basically, this was a good story but I wanted even MORE. I will be reading more by this author, and keeping an eye out for future work; her ideas are quite interesting and unique.
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If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
July 8, 2025
I could give an elaborate review, or I could summarise the entirety of this book in just a few sentences.
MC: hey yo your evil ultracapitalist boyfriend who's entire family is comically evil and literally has murderous bodyguards is Sus
Ruth: OMFG you jealous HATER INCELLLL CRYYYYYYY OMG IM MORE THAN HIS GF (proceeds to have no personality or story outside of this)
Obviously evil dudes: do evil things
Ruth: I can't believe this how could this ever happen
MC: Lol yeah anyway sorry for being mean about Ur evil bf before
Goth girl: I am here also.
Cthulu: I'm a she/her slay girlboss queen! Rawr.
---
This book is the worst of YA horror. There's no horror whatsoever unless you think cartoon villains are scary—and sure, it's a book for children, but I'm also not sure with the way our MC keeps going on (very valid mind you) anti-gentrification rants who this is reaaaaally for. Not that I think you shouldn't teach kids to eat the rich early, but still.
I found it low-key crazy that the conflict between the MC and his bestie is treated as a "both sides" kind of thing when he's just. Understandably depressed after his dad left, and she, uh ... idk, gives up all her morals, makes him think she's drowning for the lols, and just overall only thinks with her horny brain lmao. Teenagers, FFS.
Teens are gonna teen, but she had literally 0 redeeming traits.
I'm giving it a second star just because I liked the idea of indigenous spirituality literally being gentrified, but the girlboss slayification of Cthulu was just a little cringe and mostly made me feel like in the end, everything still revolves around white people.
MC: hey yo your evil ultracapitalist boyfriend who's entire family is comically evil and literally has murderous bodyguards is Sus
Ruth: OMFG you jealous HATER INCELLLL CRYYYYYYY OMG IM MORE THAN HIS GF (proceeds to have no personality or story outside of this)
Obviously evil dudes: do evil things
Ruth: I can't believe this how could this ever happen
MC: Lol yeah anyway sorry for being mean about Ur evil bf before
Goth girl: I am here also.
Cthulu: I'm a she/her slay girlboss queen! Rawr.
---
This book is the worst of YA horror. There's no horror whatsoever unless you think cartoon villains are scary—and sure, it's a book for children, but I'm also not sure with the way our MC keeps going on (very valid mind you) anti-gentrification rants who this is reaaaaally for. Not that I think you shouldn't teach kids to eat the rich early, but still.
I found it low-key crazy that the conflict between the MC and his bestie is treated as a "both sides" kind of thing when he's just. Understandably depressed after his dad left, and she, uh ... idk, gives up all her morals, makes him think she's drowning for the lols, and just overall only thinks with her horny brain lmao. Teenagers, FFS.
Teens are gonna teen, but she had literally 0 redeeming traits.
I'm giving it a second star just because I liked the idea of indigenous spirituality literally being gentrified, but the girlboss slayification of Cthulu was just a little cringe and mostly made me feel like in the end, everything still revolves around white people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
This isn’t even horror if you have more than one brain cell you will figure it out and be irritated by the mc, the lack of any depth, and the narration style
lowkey just read it for the goodreads bookmark challenge
lowkey just read it for the goodreads bookmark challenge
May 4, 2025
I really do enjoy YA horror, and this book was a good one! This was an addictive read. It was a quick read and while the pacing could have been faster in some parts, it was still good!
We follow Gabriel, who is a true homebody and wants to stay home for the summer, but his friend Ruth has convinced him to go with her to the Hamptons. But while there, there are dead bodies. This one had good vibes and trying to figure out the mystery will leave you baffled.
We follow Gabriel, who is a true homebody and wants to stay home for the summer, but his friend Ruth has convinced him to go with her to the Hamptons. But while there, there are dead bodies. This one had good vibes and trying to figure out the mystery will leave you baffled.
May 25, 2025
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing me with an arc. The following is my own opinion.
It seems this book has gotten a lot of rave reviews. I personally did not jive with this one. Between the dialogue and writing style. I've found now a lot of YA just isn't for me. Perhaps it's because I've gotten older or maybe it's how it's being presented.
It seems this book has gotten a lot of rave reviews. I personally did not jive with this one. Between the dialogue and writing style. I've found now a lot of YA just isn't for me. Perhaps it's because I've gotten older or maybe it's how it's being presented.
August 6, 2025
Honestly this was a let down considering I've really liked other works from this author. This is my first YA from her I've read and I'll be sticking to her adult fiction from now on. This had a fun premise but was way too "Scooby Doo" levels of cheesy to get past it. It's also usually not a good sign if a book that should take me 1-2 sittings to read takes me over a week because of the frustrations. I generally find that any contemporary fiction that uses a ton of modern references tends to annoy me, and this wasn't an exception. It also felt like the teens should have been college age considering one was serving alcohol and they were regularly at alcoholic events. Just felt weird and kept making me second-guess things. The villains are very "hello, we're the villains" about things and there was no mystery... not even a little was left to the imagination. The most interesting things were the Cthulu mythology and Gabi confronting his trauma, but those took such a back seat to everything else that they didn't get the real exploration they deserved. I didn't really mind the ham-fisted commentary on capitalism, colonialism and urban development, but again-- there are more interesting ways to portray those things than having a snarky teen constantly quipping about them. Mainly giving stars because I like the author, I like the representation and the story had some interesting ideas.
June 22, 2025
2.5/5⭐️s
Just not for me, I think I expected this to have more like horror kind of elements with the sea monster kinda vibe but it was like barely that. It was mostly the main character having issues with people who have money, deciding that he kinda hates his best friend and was all around just a meh story.
Just not for me, I think I expected this to have more like horror kind of elements with the sea monster kinda vibe but it was like barely that. It was mostly the main character having issues with people who have money, deciding that he kinda hates his best friend and was all around just a meh story.
December 4, 2025
The writing was good.
The book cover is great and the title is catchy. That initially drew me to this book. I thought this novel was drawn out, and I didn't enjoy the blasphemy and profanity. But the idea of this money possibly not being a standalone novel was intriguing. It's good.
The book cover is great and the title is catchy. That initially drew me to this book. I thought this novel was drawn out, and I didn't enjoy the blasphemy and profanity. But the idea of this money possibly not being a standalone novel was intriguing. It's good.
October 27, 2025
Loveeeed this!
September 27, 2025
"They woke her. They woke her and she's angry!"
This book was such a fun and juicy YA horror full of Lovecraftian lore and I had a great time reading it!
Right from the get go, seeing our main character Gabi as a fish out of water going from Brooklyn to the Hamptons sucked me in right away, add in the old and new friendships, the richest of the rich, and a monster set on revenge - this book was such a ride!
This book was such a fun and juicy YA horror full of Lovecraftian lore and I had a great time reading it!
Right from the get go, seeing our main character Gabi as a fish out of water going from Brooklyn to the Hamptons sucked me in right away, add in the old and new friendships, the richest of the rich, and a monster set on revenge - this book was such a ride!
October 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this horror. While it is YA, it doesn't feel childish. I LOL'd at some of the references in the book which always adds to my enjoyment of a tale. It's a quick read and I felt well worth the time.
June 20, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! If you’re a fan of under sea creatures like Cathulu (probably spelled it wrong) then you’ll love this. The ending had me kind of giggling with everyone’s smart mouth. Love love love it
August 16, 2025
3.75 rounded up to 4
September 26, 2025
This book is better for the younger generation. No Spice, Semi-predictable plot line and cute antics between the main character. Had good growth for main character.
October 21, 2025
It was okay overall but definitely overly campy at times, especially near the end.
October 26, 2025
Całkiem spoko, ale miałam poczucie, że historia mogłaby być o wiele ciekawsza gdyby bardziej się w nią zagłębić.
December 24, 2025
Generationally bad.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
YA Eldritch Horror
Forced into spending a summer in the Hamptons, Gabi seriously regrets following his best friend Ruth's wealthy family to their new home by ocean. He doesn't belong there... he just doesn't. An awkward, goth, and nerdishly bookish boy, he feels even more on the outs as Ruth flourishes in this new environment, surrounded by all these shiny new people.
And as if an impending friend breakup isn't enough of an implosion on his terrible summer, people are turning up dead. Like way too many people to be a coincidence. Something sinister stalks the beaches of the Hamptons, and an even more horrifyingly outlandish entity resides beneath the waves. An avid fan of the horror genre, Gabi has no intention of being caught unawares.
The writing style is very evocative of Paul Tremblay's The Pallbearers Club but aimed at a younger audience. Due to this, I didn't have the best time reading; however the myriad of fans who love that style of narrative will be delighted here, I'm sure. What saved this for me was the continous digs at the wealthy elite... and the promise of something eldritch awaiting in the deep.
I finished this for you Cthulhu!!!
I really loathe stories that rely heavily on readers being told what is happening rather than having a chance to experience the narrative ourselves. When done well, a stream of consciousness narrative provides a dizzying glimpse into a character's declining mental state. Here, it just felt like boxes without substance were being checked off of things that needed to occur. The connection—for me at least—wasn't there, and I so rarely cared.
Additionally this had way, way, way too many pop culture references for my taste. Like yes Gabi is a weird boy, but we don't need continuous mentions of interests he falsely believes to be niche to prove this point. It makes him come off as shallow and lacking true character development. His entire being is that meme from Riverdale about being a weirdo and sort of liking the idea of the Horror genre.
When the narrative shifted to focus on the tentacles and uncovering just what's happening in the Hamptons, the story became significantly more enjoyable to me. Ultimately, I did enjoy the end of this novel enough to bump up the rating and do believe the narrative is solid. This style isn't quite for me, however that hardly means it's bad. If you've enjoyed Tremblay's work or are someone looking to get into horror without something too gorey, give this one a try... afterall she's awake now and waiting for you 🐙
YA Eldritch Horror
Forced into spending a summer in the Hamptons, Gabi seriously regrets following his best friend Ruth's wealthy family to their new home by ocean. He doesn't belong there... he just doesn't. An awkward, goth, and nerdishly bookish boy, he feels even more on the outs as Ruth flourishes in this new environment, surrounded by all these shiny new people.
And as if an impending friend breakup isn't enough of an implosion on his terrible summer, people are turning up dead. Like way too many people to be a coincidence. Something sinister stalks the beaches of the Hamptons, and an even more horrifyingly outlandish entity resides beneath the waves. An avid fan of the horror genre, Gabi has no intention of being caught unawares.
The writing style is very evocative of Paul Tremblay's The Pallbearers Club but aimed at a younger audience. Due to this, I didn't have the best time reading; however the myriad of fans who love that style of narrative will be delighted here, I'm sure. What saved this for me was the continous digs at the wealthy elite... and the promise of something eldritch awaiting in the deep.
I finished this for you Cthulhu!!!
I really loathe stories that rely heavily on readers being told what is happening rather than having a chance to experience the narrative ourselves. When done well, a stream of consciousness narrative provides a dizzying glimpse into a character's declining mental state. Here, it just felt like boxes without substance were being checked off of things that needed to occur. The connection—for me at least—wasn't there, and I so rarely cared.
Additionally this had way, way, way too many pop culture references for my taste. Like yes Gabi is a weird boy, but we don't need continuous mentions of interests he falsely believes to be niche to prove this point. It makes him come off as shallow and lacking true character development. His entire being is that meme from Riverdale about being a weirdo and sort of liking the idea of the Horror genre.
When the narrative shifted to focus on the tentacles and uncovering just what's happening in the Hamptons, the story became significantly more enjoyable to me. Ultimately, I did enjoy the end of this novel enough to bump up the rating and do believe the narrative is solid. This style isn't quite for me, however that hardly means it's bad. If you've enjoyed Tremblay's work or are someone looking to get into horror without something too gorey, give this one a try... afterall she's awake now and waiting for you 🐙
April 9, 2025
You've Awoken Her by Ann Dàvila Cardinal is an excellent and quick read. The story follows two best friends separated by circumstance (and money) as they attempt to reconnect over summer vacation.
I've been reading a bunch of YA horror books as of late and this one may be my favorite of the bunch. Does it have Cthulhu in the Hamptons? Yes. Are you interested? Don't lie. You are.
I found the twist on weird horror interesting and accessible in a way that Lovecraftian horror usually isn't.
I've been reading a bunch of YA horror books as of late and this one may be my favorite of the bunch. Does it have Cthulhu in the Hamptons? Yes. Are you interested? Don't lie. You are.
I found the twist on weird horror interesting and accessible in a way that Lovecraftian horror usually isn't.
Read
June 27, 2025Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Grossly Beautiful
Drinking Buddy: May I See the Whine List?
MPAA Rating: R (gore, horror, violence, alcohol)
Talky Talk: You, the Reader, is a Terrible Person
Bonus Factors: Cthulhu Mythos, Cool Librarian
Bromance Status: I’m Going to Stare into the Void
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Grossly Beautiful
Drinking Buddy: May I See the Whine List?
MPAA Rating: R (gore, horror, violence, alcohol)
Talky Talk: You, the Reader, is a Terrible Person
Bonus Factors: Cthulhu Mythos, Cool Librarian
Bromance Status: I’m Going to Stare into the Void
Read the full book report here.
June 23, 2025
The nitty-gritty: Cosmic horror with a twist, You've Awoken Her provides mystery, chills and relatable characters.
You’ve Awoken Her is the latest YA horror book from Ann Dávila Cardinal, and although I usually shy away from YA these days, I do take chances on YA horror from time to time, and this one did not disappoint. This is a fast-paced story with Lovecraftian themes, engaging characters and just enough mystery to keep readers flipping the pages.
Gabi is looking forward to a long, relaxing summer of reading, watching movies, and chatting with his online friends on the horror app Slasher, where they bond over horror movies, books and video games. But unfortunately his mother has other ideas. When she makes her own plans for the summer, she insists that Gabi go stay with his best friend Ruthie and her family in the Hamptons. Ruthie’s family hit it big after her dad had some success at work, and they’ve abandoned suburban life in Queens to live it up in the Hamptons. Gabi can think of nothing he’d rather do less, but it would be nice to see Ruthie again, so he grudgingly packs up and heads to the train station.
But a weird encounter on the platform almost makes him turn around and go home. An old woman comes up to Gabi and proclaims, “Don’t go to the Hamptons, you’re in danger!” And when he arrives at Gabi’s house and meets their chauffeur, an unpleasant man with a weird Cthulhu tattoo on his head, Gabi gets the feeling that something is going on. At a party hosted by Ruthie’s new boyfriend Frost, he sees—or thinks he sees—a woman being dragged under the water by a tentacled beast. Even stranger, no one at the party believes him or seems to care at all.
As Gabi starts his own investigation of the drowned girl, Frost and his goons seem to be covering something up, even going so far as to threaten Gabi. Gabi doesn’t trust Frost at all, and neither does his new friend Georgina, who tells Gabi some unbelievable stories about the history of the Hamptons. Gabi doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but he does believe that Ruthie might be mixed up in something dangerous. And it’s up to him to find out what.
You’ve Awoken Her is told from Gabi’s first person point of view, and I thought he was a fantastic main character. He’s got the snarky teenager vibe going on, but he’s also passionate about the things he care for: books, horror and collecting Funko Pops, but also his friendship with Ruthie and his Puerto Rican heritage. He feels like a fish out of water in the Hamptons, where everyone is white except the help staff, but he doesn’t let that stop him from digging into the weird things that keep happening. I also loved Georgina, whose identity is a surprise to Gabi, and I appreciated the fact that Cardinal didn’t feel it was necessary to start a romance between the two. In fact, there isn’t any romance in the story at all, unless you count Ruthie’s odd relationship with Frost, so adult readers who cringe at all the usual romance in YA can relax and enjoy the story.
And because this is horror, I was thrilled that those elements were front and center. As you might guess from the cover, this is a Lovecraft-influenced story with cult elements, and while I wouldn’t say anything really surprised me, I did love the suspense leading up to the finale. The author drops lots of hints about the monster and how it ties into Frost’s family and their financial success, and Gabi and Georgina make a great teen detective team as they follow the town’s lore and other clues to solve the mystery.
I did think Ruthie’s character was more on the shallow side, and I didn’t connect with her much at all. She almost felt like a prop, since the story needed someone innocent to act as the victim. But I did love her complicated relationship with Gabi, who is saddened by how her personality has changed since moving to the Hamptons. They eventually work things out and Gabi finally understands that relationships change and grow as time goes on, and he shouldn’t expect their friendship to remain the same forever.
This isn’t listed as a series, but there’s a strong suggestion at the end that Gabi, Ruthie and Georgina have more adventures in store, and I’m here for it!
Big thanks to Sparkpoint Studio and the publisher for providing a review copy.
You’ve Awoken Her is the latest YA horror book from Ann Dávila Cardinal, and although I usually shy away from YA these days, I do take chances on YA horror from time to time, and this one did not disappoint. This is a fast-paced story with Lovecraftian themes, engaging characters and just enough mystery to keep readers flipping the pages.
Gabi is looking forward to a long, relaxing summer of reading, watching movies, and chatting with his online friends on the horror app Slasher, where they bond over horror movies, books and video games. But unfortunately his mother has other ideas. When she makes her own plans for the summer, she insists that Gabi go stay with his best friend Ruthie and her family in the Hamptons. Ruthie’s family hit it big after her dad had some success at work, and they’ve abandoned suburban life in Queens to live it up in the Hamptons. Gabi can think of nothing he’d rather do less, but it would be nice to see Ruthie again, so he grudgingly packs up and heads to the train station.
But a weird encounter on the platform almost makes him turn around and go home. An old woman comes up to Gabi and proclaims, “Don’t go to the Hamptons, you’re in danger!” And when he arrives at Gabi’s house and meets their chauffeur, an unpleasant man with a weird Cthulhu tattoo on his head, Gabi gets the feeling that something is going on. At a party hosted by Ruthie’s new boyfriend Frost, he sees—or thinks he sees—a woman being dragged under the water by a tentacled beast. Even stranger, no one at the party believes him or seems to care at all.
As Gabi starts his own investigation of the drowned girl, Frost and his goons seem to be covering something up, even going so far as to threaten Gabi. Gabi doesn’t trust Frost at all, and neither does his new friend Georgina, who tells Gabi some unbelievable stories about the history of the Hamptons. Gabi doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but he does believe that Ruthie might be mixed up in something dangerous. And it’s up to him to find out what.
You’ve Awoken Her is told from Gabi’s first person point of view, and I thought he was a fantastic main character. He’s got the snarky teenager vibe going on, but he’s also passionate about the things he care for: books, horror and collecting Funko Pops, but also his friendship with Ruthie and his Puerto Rican heritage. He feels like a fish out of water in the Hamptons, where everyone is white except the help staff, but he doesn’t let that stop him from digging into the weird things that keep happening. I also loved Georgina, whose identity is a surprise to Gabi, and I appreciated the fact that Cardinal didn’t feel it was necessary to start a romance between the two. In fact, there isn’t any romance in the story at all, unless you count Ruthie’s odd relationship with Frost, so adult readers who cringe at all the usual romance in YA can relax and enjoy the story.
And because this is horror, I was thrilled that those elements were front and center. As you might guess from the cover, this is a Lovecraft-influenced story with cult elements, and while I wouldn’t say anything really surprised me, I did love the suspense leading up to the finale. The author drops lots of hints about the monster and how it ties into Frost’s family and their financial success, and Gabi and Georgina make a great teen detective team as they follow the town’s lore and other clues to solve the mystery.
I did think Ruthie’s character was more on the shallow side, and I didn’t connect with her much at all. She almost felt like a prop, since the story needed someone innocent to act as the victim. But I did love her complicated relationship with Gabi, who is saddened by how her personality has changed since moving to the Hamptons. They eventually work things out and Gabi finally understands that relationships change and grow as time goes on, and he shouldn’t expect their friendship to remain the same forever.
This isn’t listed as a series, but there’s a strong suggestion at the end that Gabi, Ruthie and Georgina have more adventures in store, and I’m here for it!
Big thanks to Sparkpoint Studio and the publisher for providing a review copy.
February 27, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC and exchange for an honest review!
Ann Dávila Cardinal’s “You’ve Awoken Her” is a fresh and compelling take on Lovecraftian horror, blending supernatural terror with social commentary on privilege and gentrification. With eerie seaside settings, chilling disappearances, and an ancient malevolent force lurking beneath the waves, this book offers a fast-paced and unique YA horror experience that is as much about personal growth as it is about monsters.
The story follows Gabriel “Gabi” Moreno, a goth Puerto Rican horror geek from Queens, who would rather spend his summer indoors with his Funko Pop collection than in the Hamptons. But with his mother traveling, he’s sent to stay with his childhood best friend, Ruth, whose family’s newfound wealth has strained their once-tight bond. The Hamptons is the last place Gabi wants to be—especially as Ruth’s personality shifts to fit in with her privileged surroundings, including her arrogant boyfriend, Frost Thurston. However, when Gabi starts witnessing strange occurrences—whispers in the wind, mysterious tentacles in the water, and a woman being dragged beneath the waves—he realizes something sinister is happening in the seemingly perfect beach town.
As Gabi digs deeper, he discovers a dark secret buried under years of wealth and power: an ancient entity demands a blood price, and with each new disappearance, it grows hungrier. The town’s elite have kept this dark pact hidden for generations, and now, it’s up to Gabi to uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim. The book intertwines classic horror elements with themes of social inequality, showing how the rich manipulate and exploit others—even to the point of feeding them to monsters.
Cardinal’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and immersive, creating an eerie sense of unease that builds throughout the novel. The book strikes a balance between being genuinely unsettling and accessible for younger YA readers, offering a “cozy horror” feel despite its darker themes. Gabi is a relatable protagonist, grappling with both supernatural horrors and the emotional struggles of feeling left behind by a friend. His dynamic with Ruth evolves in a satisfying way, making their friendship one of the book’s standout elements. Though Ruth is frustrating at times—especially in how she changes herself for Frost—her character growth adds depth to the story.
While the pacing starts slow and some mysteries could have been revealed sooner, the fast-paced latter half delivers a thrilling and rewarding conclusion. There’s even a hint at a possible sequel, with Gabi’s journey potentially continuing in Puerto Rico as he explores his supernatural heritage. The book also cleverly reclaims Lovecraftian horror from its racist and exclusionary origins, weaving in a Latine perspective that enriches the story rather than feeling preachy.
“You’ve Awoken Her” is a compelling YA horror-thriller that offers eerie suspense, social critique, and an engaging protagonist. If you enjoy stories of creeping dread, dark secrets, and monstrous forces lurking just beneath the surface—both literally and figuratively—this is a book worth diving into.
Ann Dávila Cardinal’s “You’ve Awoken Her” is a fresh and compelling take on Lovecraftian horror, blending supernatural terror with social commentary on privilege and gentrification. With eerie seaside settings, chilling disappearances, and an ancient malevolent force lurking beneath the waves, this book offers a fast-paced and unique YA horror experience that is as much about personal growth as it is about monsters.
The story follows Gabriel “Gabi” Moreno, a goth Puerto Rican horror geek from Queens, who would rather spend his summer indoors with his Funko Pop collection than in the Hamptons. But with his mother traveling, he’s sent to stay with his childhood best friend, Ruth, whose family’s newfound wealth has strained their once-tight bond. The Hamptons is the last place Gabi wants to be—especially as Ruth’s personality shifts to fit in with her privileged surroundings, including her arrogant boyfriend, Frost Thurston. However, when Gabi starts witnessing strange occurrences—whispers in the wind, mysterious tentacles in the water, and a woman being dragged beneath the waves—he realizes something sinister is happening in the seemingly perfect beach town.
As Gabi digs deeper, he discovers a dark secret buried under years of wealth and power: an ancient entity demands a blood price, and with each new disappearance, it grows hungrier. The town’s elite have kept this dark pact hidden for generations, and now, it’s up to Gabi to uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim. The book intertwines classic horror elements with themes of social inequality, showing how the rich manipulate and exploit others—even to the point of feeding them to monsters.
Cardinal’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and immersive, creating an eerie sense of unease that builds throughout the novel. The book strikes a balance between being genuinely unsettling and accessible for younger YA readers, offering a “cozy horror” feel despite its darker themes. Gabi is a relatable protagonist, grappling with both supernatural horrors and the emotional struggles of feeling left behind by a friend. His dynamic with Ruth evolves in a satisfying way, making their friendship one of the book’s standout elements. Though Ruth is frustrating at times—especially in how she changes herself for Frost—her character growth adds depth to the story.
While the pacing starts slow and some mysteries could have been revealed sooner, the fast-paced latter half delivers a thrilling and rewarding conclusion. There’s even a hint at a possible sequel, with Gabi’s journey potentially continuing in Puerto Rico as he explores his supernatural heritage. The book also cleverly reclaims Lovecraftian horror from its racist and exclusionary origins, weaving in a Latine perspective that enriches the story rather than feeling preachy.
“You’ve Awoken Her” is a compelling YA horror-thriller that offers eerie suspense, social critique, and an engaging protagonist. If you enjoy stories of creeping dread, dark secrets, and monstrous forces lurking just beneath the surface—both literally and figuratively—this is a book worth diving into.
June 16, 2025
Sometimes YA horror doesn't work for me, but this book is a great example of why I still keep giving it a chance. And come on, look at that cover! Not only are the colors great, but I love some good tentacles.
Gabi is spending the summer in the Hamptons with his best friend Ruth. Ruth's dad got a new job recently and came into some money so the family has settled into a new lifestyle. Gabi misses his best friend dearly but really would prefer to stay in his bedroom/cave all summer on the computer, chatting with his on-line friends and communities about his favorite subjects - horror movies, books, games and lore. While waiting on the train, he is approached by a scary old woman who warns him about going indicating that "she" is awake and Gabi isn't safe. Once Gabi arrives, not only does he have a hard time dealing with the "new" Ruth and accepting that she has changed, but on his first night he sees a woman in the ocean screaming for help right before she is grabbed by a giant tentacle. Is something else going on in the Hamptons this summer? Why do people keep on disappearing? And do the disappearances have anything to do with Ruth's new super-rich boyfriend Frost and his father's business?
This book was so much fun, and I loved the dark, creepy ocean vibes. The relationship between Gabi and Ruth was a little precarious because of all the changes and the author navigated it well by showing how people change and evolve over time, but that doesn't mean people have to be left behind. Even though Ruth has a very rich and very annoying new boyfriend, she herself stayed grounded for the most part and the aggravation she felt with Gabi at times was justified. It was also nice to see Gabi embrace his Puerto Rican heritage and I enjoyed learning more about the culture and their beliefs.
And finally, it's no real spoiler but this book relies heavily on Lovecraft and his Cthulhu. However, the author also addressed Lovecraft's sexism and racism which I found very refreshing. If you are looking for a summer horror read with some impact, definitely pick this one up.
Gabi is spending the summer in the Hamptons with his best friend Ruth. Ruth's dad got a new job recently and came into some money so the family has settled into a new lifestyle. Gabi misses his best friend dearly but really would prefer to stay in his bedroom/cave all summer on the computer, chatting with his on-line friends and communities about his favorite subjects - horror movies, books, games and lore. While waiting on the train, he is approached by a scary old woman who warns him about going indicating that "she" is awake and Gabi isn't safe. Once Gabi arrives, not only does he have a hard time dealing with the "new" Ruth and accepting that she has changed, but on his first night he sees a woman in the ocean screaming for help right before she is grabbed by a giant tentacle. Is something else going on in the Hamptons this summer? Why do people keep on disappearing? And do the disappearances have anything to do with Ruth's new super-rich boyfriend Frost and his father's business?
This book was so much fun, and I loved the dark, creepy ocean vibes. The relationship between Gabi and Ruth was a little precarious because of all the changes and the author navigated it well by showing how people change and evolve over time, but that doesn't mean people have to be left behind. Even though Ruth has a very rich and very annoying new boyfriend, she herself stayed grounded for the most part and the aggravation she felt with Gabi at times was justified. It was also nice to see Gabi embrace his Puerto Rican heritage and I enjoyed learning more about the culture and their beliefs.
And finally, it's no real spoiler but this book relies heavily on Lovecraft and his Cthulhu. However, the author also addressed Lovecraft's sexism and racism which I found very refreshing. If you are looking for a summer horror read with some impact, definitely pick this one up.
August 4, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: ✩ 3/ 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: There were moments where it was perfectly gritty and entertaining, and moments where it felt cozy horror-esque, and moments that left me wondering if it was worth it to keep reading. It was well paced and for the *most* part, *most* of the characters were believable. However, it was very clear from the beginning who the real antagonist was as they were borderline cartoonish in representation.
One thing I did appreciate in this book was the callout of well known horror authors and their problematic views/lives (looking at you HP Lovecraft). There was clear commentary on the intersectionality between the horror genre and cultural myths/legends/stories that horror authors often take their material from which gave the book more depth than several other YA horrors I have read.
There were a few points where the general 'bad guy' representation was outlandish and cartoonish to the point of 'how does no one else in this town notice this?!' and the trope of honestly almost did me in. I knew it was coming, and that almost turned the whole book into a hard DNF for me. But I decided to push forward. The ending also felt fairly rushed and glazed over certain pretty astronomical consequences. While a majority of the book was fun, it certainly had it's moments that left me questioning whether I wanted to continue.
Long story short:
⚝ Representation ⚝: Puerto Rican, Queer
⚝ TWs ⚝: Racism, murder, under aged drinking, blood, gore
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: ✩ 3/ 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: There were moments where it was perfectly gritty and entertaining, and moments where it felt cozy horror-esque, and moments that left me wondering if it was worth it to keep reading. It was well paced and for the *most* part, *most* of the characters were believable. However, it was very clear from the beginning who the real antagonist was as they were borderline cartoonish in representation.
One thing I did appreciate in this book was the callout of well known horror authors and their problematic views/lives (looking at you HP Lovecraft). There was clear commentary on the intersectionality between the horror genre and cultural myths/legends/stories that horror authors often take their material from which gave the book more depth than several other YA horrors I have read.
There were a few points where the general 'bad guy' representation was outlandish and cartoonish to the point of 'how does no one else in this town notice this?!' and the trope of honestly almost did me in. I knew it was coming, and that almost turned the whole book into a hard DNF for me. But I decided to push forward. The ending also felt fairly rushed and glazed over certain pretty astronomical consequences. While a majority of the book was fun, it certainly had it's moments that left me questioning whether I wanted to continue.
Long story short:
⚝ Representation ⚝: Puerto Rican, Queer
⚝ TWs ⚝: Racism, murder, under aged drinking, blood, gore
October 19, 2025
This one had so much potential to be deliciously creepy. A Lovecraftian monster lurking in the Hamptons? Yes, please! But it never quite hit the level of horror I was hoping for. It’s entertaining and atmospheric, with flashes of social commentary. There just wasn't enough creepiness or depth of commentary to feel satisfying. Maybe it’s because I’m pretty familiar with the Great Old Ones from tabletop games, but this didn’t really get under my skin the way cosmic horror usually does.
What did work was the exploration of privilege, wealth, and race threaded throughout the story. Those moments grounded the narrative in something real and gave it more depth than your average YA horror. I also appreciated the nods to Lovecraft’s problematic legacy; it’s rare to see that called out directly, and it added an extra layer to the story.
The characters are likable, and there’s a cozy horror vibe that occasionally sneaks in, which makes the book an easy, quick read. I just wish it had leaned harder into the dread and strangeness of its premise and the social issues it touched upon.
Overall, You’ve Awoken Her is an enjoyable read, but it left me wanting more.
What did work was the exploration of privilege, wealth, and race threaded throughout the story. Those moments grounded the narrative in something real and gave it more depth than your average YA horror. I also appreciated the nods to Lovecraft’s problematic legacy; it’s rare to see that called out directly, and it added an extra layer to the story.
The characters are likable, and there’s a cozy horror vibe that occasionally sneaks in, which makes the book an easy, quick read. I just wish it had leaned harder into the dread and strangeness of its premise and the social issues it touched upon.
Overall, You’ve Awoken Her is an enjoyable read, but it left me wanting more.
October 29, 2025
4/5
This was a fresh and modern spin on the Cthulhu mythology, done in a way that actually felt new. Ann Dávila Cardinal took Lovecraft’s world and reimagined it through a Puerto Rican lens, giving it a strong sense of place and cultural depth. The atmosphere leaned more toward eerie vibes than outright horror, but that worked for this story—it’s more about mood and meaning than scares. I also appreciated how it directly addressed Lovecraft’s racism and colonialist mindset without being heavy-handed.
While it’s clearly a YA book, and you can feel that in the dialogue and structure, it flowed nicely overall. There’s a definite “Scooby Doo” feel when it comes to spotting who the bad guys are, which makes the mystery element a bit predictable, but the themes of friendship, identity, and taking chances land well. The pacing stayed steady, and the characters were believable enough to keep me invested all the way through.
The ending wrapped things up neatly and left me feeling good about how it all came together, while still leaving the door open for a possible series if the author chooses to expand it. It’s not a book I’d reread, but I’d easily recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, atmospheric YA story with a cultural twist on Lovecraftian horror.
This was a fresh and modern spin on the Cthulhu mythology, done in a way that actually felt new. Ann Dávila Cardinal took Lovecraft’s world and reimagined it through a Puerto Rican lens, giving it a strong sense of place and cultural depth. The atmosphere leaned more toward eerie vibes than outright horror, but that worked for this story—it’s more about mood and meaning than scares. I also appreciated how it directly addressed Lovecraft’s racism and colonialist mindset without being heavy-handed.
While it’s clearly a YA book, and you can feel that in the dialogue and structure, it flowed nicely overall. There’s a definite “Scooby Doo” feel when it comes to spotting who the bad guys are, which makes the mystery element a bit predictable, but the themes of friendship, identity, and taking chances land well. The pacing stayed steady, and the characters were believable enough to keep me invested all the way through.
The ending wrapped things up neatly and left me feeling good about how it all came together, while still leaving the door open for a possible series if the author chooses to expand it. It’s not a book I’d reread, but I’d easily recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, atmospheric YA story with a cultural twist on Lovecraftian horror.
March 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
YOU'VE AWOKEN HER by Ann Davila Cardinal
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins Childrens for the earc (Jun 17)
Gabriel is a homebody. For summer, he just wants to stay home. But he can't. His mother and best friend, Ruth, have convinced him to go stay with Ruth in the Hamptons. When things take a turn: warnings and dead bodies, Gabi teams up with a local to uncover and stop what is happening.
The way I felt about this book was up and down. I loved the mystery that was entwined with the supernatural world. It reminded me of Amy Goldsmith's work: atmospheric and gothic. YOU'VE AWOKEN HER was also fast-paced with never a dull moment. However, the characters, specifically Ruth, were unlikeable. I mean, come on, Gabriel was there to see her and she kept shutting him down when he knew something was going on.
Despite how I felt about the characters, I really loved the vibes of this one, and how quick of a read this was. It was interesting, and though not your typical whodunit (because this was obvious from the get-go) figuring out the why it was done was where I was left baffled.
YOU'VE AWOKEN HER by Ann Davila Cardinal
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins Childrens for the earc (Jun 17)
Gabriel is a homebody. For summer, he just wants to stay home. But he can't. His mother and best friend, Ruth, have convinced him to go stay with Ruth in the Hamptons. When things take a turn: warnings and dead bodies, Gabi teams up with a local to uncover and stop what is happening.
The way I felt about this book was up and down. I loved the mystery that was entwined with the supernatural world. It reminded me of Amy Goldsmith's work: atmospheric and gothic. YOU'VE AWOKEN HER was also fast-paced with never a dull moment. However, the characters, specifically Ruth, were unlikeable. I mean, come on, Gabriel was there to see her and she kept shutting him down when he knew something was going on.
Despite how I felt about the characters, I really loved the vibes of this one, and how quick of a read this was. It was interesting, and though not your typical whodunit (because this was obvious from the get-go) figuring out the why it was done was where I was left baffled.
February 19, 2025
I reviewed an ARC of You've Awoken Her by Ann Davila Cardinal from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley
This books is a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings. Overall, I liked this book.
The main characters weren't ones I could really fall in love with but yet you still wanted to follow them and know how they progressed. The bad guys were easy to dislike from the beginning.
The beginning of this story was slow. Just when you thought it would pick up speed, it would fizzle back into a slower read. Every time you thought you got clues to progress the story, it would feel like the story would loop back around the other direction (so frustrating).
The story was easy to follow and read, hard to put down, and overall unique. While maybe not quite scary horror, this is definitely one thriller that's a blast to read.
This books is a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings. Overall, I liked this book.
The main characters weren't ones I could really fall in love with but yet you still wanted to follow them and know how they progressed. The bad guys were easy to dislike from the beginning.
The beginning of this story was slow. Just when you thought it would pick up speed, it would fizzle back into a slower read. Every time you thought you got clues to progress the story, it would feel like the story would loop back around the other direction (so frustrating).
The story was easy to follow and read, hard to put down, and overall unique. While maybe not quite scary horror, this is definitely one thriller that's a blast to read.
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