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Chameleon

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When Jenny Bell turned eighteen, she vanished from a suburban town in New York without a trace.

After nearly a decade of erasing her identity behind wealth, solitude, and scars, she's ready to destroy the people who buried her. Jenny returns to the elitist organization that recruited her as a teenager under the guise of communal unity and feminine worship.

The hunt begins with the help of Annie Lockwood, a brilliant MIT graduate. Together, they build a powerful software designed to trace, track, and erase. But when Annie unexpectedly becomes more than an asset, Jenny must choose between justice and an impossible love just dangerous enough to believe in.

The storm swells. The Club waits.

CHAMELEON is a dark psychological thriller-romance about trauma, love, and the violent reckoning of a girl they thought they buried. A brutal coming-of-age story in which a missing girl turned vigilante learns what it means to sacrifice everything to protect the ones she loves.

Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2026

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About the author

Savi Gribbin

1 book5 followers
Savi Gribbin is the author of CHAMELEON.

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5 stars
12 (48%)
4 stars
9 (36%)
3 stars
3 (12%)
2 stars
1 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Kristin Scearce.
838 reviews26 followers
October 3, 2026
This book is definitely a long one, but it's so good! We start out with a quick "present" introduction to our girl Jenny, then immediately backtrack to several years before so we can start her story from the beginning and learn how she got to be at the point in her life from the opener, and boy, does she go through a lot. Suffice it to say, there's a definite reason for the length of this book.

At times, I wish the pacing had been a bit more consistent, as there are some parts that felt a little slower compared to the majority, but it's still a very interesting and intriguing read, and I went through a variety of emotions over the course of the story. I laughed, I cried, I raged at the world, I laughed and cried some more, and then I raced through to the end to see how it all came together for everyone involved. And I was not disappointed.

I will certainly be looking for more from this author in the future.

4 stars

**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
Profile Image for elowenreads65.
120 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 19, 2026
I was hooked from the start and kept finding myself picking this book up whenever I had a spare moment. The emotions felt so real that I found myself feeling everything right alongside the FMC. I got completely invested in her story and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Definitely a book I’d recommend!
150 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2026
I don’t say this lightly, Chameleon is my favorite book I’ve read this year, and I’ve read a lot. (200 books this year, give or take.) Yes, Chameleon was long at over 800 pages. It could easily have been separated into two books as a duet, or with a little more tweaking made into a trilogy. But is that necessary? Nope. Don’t be discouraged by the length of this book. The pacing was nearly perfect for me and the book captured and held my attention the entire time. There were many moments and late nights I had to force myself to stop reading. Even now I’m up late writing this review because I had to get my thoughts out after just finishing the book. There was excitement, suspense, thrills, chills, twists I didn’t see coming, and romance just to narrow it down. The writing was so descriptive and thoughtful and I could really picture it all. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a movie, and thought the book would make a great movie or tv series. There is a lot of difficult subject matter in Chameleon, including but not limited to grooming, sex trafficking, cult behavior, torture, and murder. Check the content warnings and take care of yourself.

The book starts with our main character Jenny in present day, then flashes back to when she was a teen. We get all of her backstory including how she was groomed and initiated into a cult called The Club. We see the evils of The Club as they post their horrific acts on the dark web. When Jenny realizes the truth about them she barely escapes. She lives a very isolated life but always planned to eventually get her revenge. She doesn’t look at it as simply revenge though. She hires a brilliant coder to help her create a software called Chameleon. Over the year it takes to create the software she and Annie fall in love. But Annie doesn’t know about Jenny’s past or the real reason for the software. Jenny is smart with strong survival skills, but she’s not that smart, and her past comes back to get her. This book was full of excitement with so many ups and downs. I wanted to cry, scream, and sometimes both at once. I was tempted several times to skip ahead just to make sure everything would be ok, but I didn’t. I savored every moment of this story, even the moments that had me feeling super anxious.

I’m really impressed this is Savi Gribbin’s debut novel and I look forward with anticipation to read anything she writes next. I’m so glad I took a chance on this ARC!
98 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5 Stars

This was a difficult book to rate because there were aspects I really appreciated, but it never fully pulled me in the way I hoped it would.

Jenny is a deeply sympathetic protagonist. Neglected by her mother, overlooked at home, and bullied by her peers, she's desperately searching for a place where she belongs. That need to be seen and valued sits at the heart of the story, and it makes many of her choices, even the frustrating ones, understandable.

One of my favourite parts of the book was Keith. Their friendship brought some much-needed warmth to an otherwise dark and often heartbreaking story. He was one of the few people who genuinely cared about Jenny without wanting something from her, and I found myself looking forward to their scenes together more than any others.

The book tackles some very heavy themes, including manipulation, exploitation, and the damaging effects of loneliness. Watching Jenny become entangled with people who offer her the attention she's been denied her entire life was both compelling and uncomfortable. The author does a good job of showing how vulnerable someone can become when they're desperate to feel important to somebody.

My biggest issue was the pacing. At nearly 800 pages, there were stretches where I struggled to stay fully engaged, and despite the dark premise, I never reached the point where I couldn't put it down. I was interested in Jenny's journey and wanted to know how things would unfold, but the story lacked the sense of urgency that would have made it truly gripping for me.

The ending wasn't quite the resolution I had been hoping for, particularly regarding certain character relationships. While I can appreciate the direction the author chose, it didn't provide the emotional payoff I personally wanted after spending so much time with these characters.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and often unsettling exploration of loneliness, belonging, and the consequences of seeking validation from the wrong people. It didn't completely win me over, but it gave me plenty to think about and left me invested in Jenny's story.
Profile Image for Jackie Noyes.
7 reviews
November 4, 2026
Review of an advanced readers copy and contains spoilers

Chameleon – A Long, Twisting Journey of Survival, Revenge and Love

First off, this is a LONG book! But despite its length, it’s incredibly well written, with a storyline that pulls you into Jenny’s world and keeps you invested in what happens next.

Jenny’s story is heartbreaking, intense, and full of twists. Groomed at a young age into a world she never should have been exposed to, she eventually finds a way out of The Club, but escaping doesn’t mean escaping her past. What follows is a fight for survival, justice, and ultimately revenge. The creation of Chameleon, a digital weapon designed to bring down the very organization that destroyed so much of her life, sets off a chain of events that is anything but predictable.

Along the way, Jenny finds love with Annie, someone who sees her beyond her trauma and offers her the kind of love and connection she deserves. But Jenny’s determination to finish what she started comes at a heartbreaking cost. Her choices lead her down a dark path, filled with violence, betrayal, capture, and more than one fight for her freedom.

I loved how the story continued to evolve. Just when you think Jenny might finally be free, another obstacle appears. There is action, suspense, emotional turmoil, and plenty of drama. And while the technological side of the storyline adds another interesting layer, at its heart this is a story about a woman trying to reclaim her life from the people who took so much from her.

What I appreciated most was the ending. After everything Jenny has endured, watching her finally allow herself to be loved, to feel safe, and to leave her past behind was incredibly satisfying. Annie’s determination and the role she plays in bringing everything full circle made the ending that much more meaningful.

A long read, absolutely, but one that delivers on its story. It’s about survival, resilience, revenge, second chances, and learning that you deserve more than simply surviving.

A story that takes you through the darkness but ultimately leaves you with a little hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Allison King.
174 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2026
This was a long, crazy intensive read. And the roller coaster it takes you on? Omg. The emotions, the twists & turns - everything. Some of it may seem a little drug out, but it is all sooooooo worth the read in the long run.

Jenny is a teenager, lost in the shuffle of life. Bullied by the “popular” girls at school, mom has basically checked out, dad is dead, mom’s boyfriend is a drunk deadbeat. She works at the local diner, that is hanging on by a thread.
Keith & his twin sister Naomi move to town, in the house across the street from Jenny. Keith starts working at the Diner with Jenny & they become best friends, while on the track for maybe more an older mysterious man starts frequenting the diner 3 days a week & leaving $100 tip for a cup of coffee…. Dax starts showing interest in Jenny, giving gifts, giving rides & pulling her away from Keith.
Soon Jenny’s whole world is turned upside down & she’s living the good life with Dax. Parties, designer clothes, anything she wants. Until she gets nosy. Then everything changes. Again.

When I say this was an intense read, I mean intense. There are triggers, so read the list for sure. Jenny has been through it - and she continues to go through it until the very end of the book. She fights, she plots & plans. She does not give up. But neither does the Club or Dax Green. And just when you think that everything has finally calmed down, because how else can it go wrong & screw her over?! Another twist of chaos is rained down on her.
There was so much drama, so many betrayals & secrets that Jenny uncovered.

This was a slow burn, psychological thriller, with some good spice. And again, so worth the read!

i received this book as an ARC & I am writing this review voluntarily
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
I received this book as an ARC reader. Chameleon is a beautifully tragic coming-of-age story that had me laughing, bawling my eyes out, and biting my nails in anticipation. It's truly a fantastic character story, and it's quite the ride following the main character Jenny as she grows, develops, and adapts through everything life throws at her.

There's an undeniable amount of cathartic schadenfreude within the covers of this book. Sometimes it's nice to see bad things happen to bad people, and given current real world events, one might find certain displays of gory justice to be quite satisfying. As far as fictional displays of vigilantism go, this one will not leave the reader wanting.

This book deals with heavy topics such as lost childhood, mental health disorders, misogyny/gender-based-violence, and human trafficking. Yet it does so in a way that does not exploit, rather it invites the reader to really feel what the characters are going through. Chameleon is also well balanced; you'll witness horrific physical and psychological torture, alongside the joys of love and friendship. It's certainly an emotional rollercoaster that, while satisfying, left me looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Brandi Lynn.
1 review
October 15, 2026
I was lucky enough to see this authors process up close and personal. You can tell that every word in the book was carefully thought about. Each detail holds so much value in this story. The author’s passion to tell Jenny’s story seeps through the pages. The story is so well written that I can feel what every character is feeling. For anyone who has been through or can relate to Jenny’s childhood, even a little bit, this book gives a sense of strength and justice that we can only hope translates into our real life. The author is truly inspirational. Seeing the evolution of CHAMELEON first hand has been one of the most poignant moments in my life so far. I will read this book over and over because the story will never get old. When I need strength when the world is unjust, I will look to Jenny. When I need love beyond circumstances, I will lean on Annie. When I need someone who will find a way to pull every string to help someone, I am calling upon Oscar and Keith. I love these characters like they are my life long friends. Thank you, Savi. Thank you for your love and dedication and putting this masterpiece out there for us to experience. I can’t wait for all the future stories to bloom in full soon!
Profile Image for Jade.
190 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
ARC- DNF at 50%

I really tried with this one, but getting to the halfway point was a struggle.

The story starts further in the future and then takes you right back to when the FMC was younger to show how everything began. I understand why that structure was used, especially with the revenge storyline, but for me it just became too drawn out.

I found myself struggling to keep track of what was happening because the story seemed to jump from one aspect straight into another without giving me enough time to properly grasp what was going on.

I understood the FMC wanted revenge, but the further I got, the harder I found it to follow.

By the halfway point, I realised I was forcing myself to continue rather than actually enjoying it.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me, so I decided to DNF.
Profile Image for Rose Wood.
1,328 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 7, 2026
This is the author's dubut novel. It is a dark psychological thriller where a 14 year old girl is groomed into this cult and once she realizes what it is she spends years trying to disappear until she is ready for her revenge. This is a long read but one that you can't put down. The pacing is not consistent and the main female character is frustrating but the author is good at keeping you in the book. The amount of emotional range I felt while reading this was impressive. I think I felt every emotion. My favorite section was part one. Part two was the most emotional and longest feeling section. Part three I discovered how much I wanted the "bad guys" to feel everything Jenny, the main character had felt and gone through. I look forward to future books from this new author.

This was an ARC and I just want to thank the author for letting me read this.
Profile Image for Liza.
244 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2026
Wow! *currently reading* but need a little break before finishing.

This is an intense read. Jenny is who we are first introduced to and she is confident and focused. We then backtrack 15 years to her teens. She is suffering due to a rough home life and is picked on at school.
I felt like watching a car crash in slow motion. Some of the highlights were off but not overtly and that is the main reason I truly have enjoyed this read. Savi is taking me on this adventure with horrific consequences while slowly feeling like they are highlights in life and that is incredible.

So if you are up for a LONG book that absolutely will gut you and put you back together slowly. This is it...so good!
Profile Image for Amanda Jones.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book.

I was hooked from the very first page! I found myself reading this book everywhere—at home, at work, even at my kids’ soccer practice. I needed to know what was going to happen next on every single page.

The author did such an amazing job bringing the emotions to life. I didn’t just read about what the FMC was feeling, I felt it right along with her. I hated who she hated, loved who she loved, and found myself completely invested in everything she was going through.

This is one of those books that pulls you in and makes you forget you’re reading. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Qaaa~4.
79 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 4, 2026
ARC copy recieved by author

This book is everything I want from a cult, child abuse ring destroying story. Savi has such an atmospheric way of writing, I could easily envision every scene she wrote.

Jennys backstory, though prolonged, was so well thought through and accurately showed how easily these things can happen to vulnerable women who have nowhere else to go. The rage on the page transferred through me and at times I felt I was screaming at my kindle, begging things not to happen (or TO happen)

This is a long book, but it draws you in almost wishing Jennys story won't stop.

What an incredible, well written book.
Profile Image for The Writing Wormhole.
32 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 5, 2026
Chameleon was so entertaining! The way that I was hanging on to every word by the end. This is one of those books where I really recommend you look at the triggers and take breaks if you need to because there are some heavy heavy things discussed within this novel and it may be triggering for survivors to read if they're not fully prepared.

It's a masterful way that Savi plays with form in this book that is so so well done. I was gripped by every change, every movement, every little element she placed in there. I was rooting for the triangles at all times, and this was one of those times where I was like why not, why choose?
Profile Image for Dee Layton.
1,594 reviews30 followers
October 12, 2026
This was an amazing book. I really wasn't sure what to expect I read the little bit of the blurb and my brain just was trying to process.
Then I got the book and started to deep dive in it and realize that it was way more than I thought it would be. It was absolutely a great book. Not something I normally read so it was quite different but in a really good way.
The author did a fabulous job with this book I loved how things started to how they end how the plot flowed and the characters everything just worked so amazing together.
Profile Image for Stephanie Sousa.
35 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2026
This was definitely a long book but so worth it. I sometimes questioned if everything was necessary but I can say that it absolutely was! It was all needed to understand Jenny.
Jenny was a teenager who just wanted to be loved and accepted. She found this through someone unexpected which totally ruined her. One day she disappeared and everyone thought she was dead.
This is a story of losing one's self and the lengths someone will go to to reclaim the life they lost and getting a life they never expected!
Profile Image for amber stitt.
49 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 5, 2026
i was gripped from the start and kept finding myself picking this book up whenever I had a spare minute. The emotions felt so real that I found myself feeling everything alongside the FMC. I got completely invested in her story and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Definitely a book I’d recommend! the writing flowed so well.
Profile Image for Makayla.
250 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 8, 2026
This book was a LONG one. And I am by no means even the slightest bit upset by that. In fact, I loooooooove a good long book!!

I must say, the pacing at some points weren’t as consistent as others and it felt slower. But hey, I can overlook all of that because the emotional rollercoaster this took me on was worth it.

I promise you will not be disappointed in this one
Profile Image for Heather Knight.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
I was given this book as an arc to read. It really grabs your attention and keeps it. Im usually a faster reader but this one made me wanna read it slower to savor it all. Definitely 4 stars!
Profile Image for Lisa.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 27, 2026
Words can't even describe how much I loved reading this! From the trauma, the love, the twists and turns! Jenny is an absolute machine! Thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Crystal Harbour.
81 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
A great premise and storyline. A wonderfully broken-yet-hopeful FMC. However, it drags on. Needs a bit of editing, 752 pages is just too long for this story and writing. #ARC
Profile Image for Stacy.
27 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2026
Was a long read. There was a lot of her back story before the present time. It helped the reader know why and how she became who she is. Was a good read.
Profile Image for Amber Karaberis.
5 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2026
My favorite book I’ve read this year! It gave me allllllll the feels; it made me anxious, excited, sad, happy. It’ll be hard to move on from the Chameleon world!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews