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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read this if you’re fascinated by influencer culture, love sharp social satire, and don’t mind your realism bending into something stranger.
Julie Chan is Dead is a whip-smart, fast-paced dive into the glossy yet hollow world of social media fame. At first, the story feels grounded—wealth, curated lives, and the behind-the-scenes mess of influencers all ring uncomfortably true. But about three-quarters in, the novel takes a sharp left turn into the supernatural, making it more unpredictable and, honestly, more fun.
The writing is quick, biting, and unapologetic in its critique of influencer culture. It peels back the curtain on the perfect feeds and manicured brands to expose the messier realities beneath. The supernatural element doesn’t feel tacked on—it amplifies the sense that this world is already surreal, distorted, and maybe even dangerous.
It’s a wild ride, and while the tonal shift might not work for everyone, I enjoyed it. The supernatural twist kept me on my toes and elevated what could have been a straightforward satire into something more memorable.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Julie Chan is Dead is a whip-smart, fast-paced dive into the glossy yet hollow world of social media fame. At first, the story feels grounded—wealth, curated lives, and the behind-the-scenes mess of influencers all ring uncomfortably true. But about three-quarters in, the novel takes a sharp left turn into the supernatural, making it more unpredictable and, honestly, more fun.
The writing is quick, biting, and unapologetic in its critique of influencer culture. It peels back the curtain on the perfect feeds and manicured brands to expose the messier realities beneath. The supernatural element doesn’t feel tacked on—it amplifies the sense that this world is already surreal, distorted, and maybe even dangerous.
It’s a wild ride, and while the tonal shift might not work for everyone, I enjoyed it. The supernatural twist kept me on my toes and elevated what could have been a straightforward satire into something more memorable.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Fun premise, but as the story evolves the MC never develops any real relationships with other characters. The island onwards gets so unhinged and bizarre that the story defies genre, and not in a coherent way
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This debut is the perfect cocktail of glamour and menace.
Initially, the concept of a bitter sister taking over her deceased twin influencer's meticulously crafted life, filled with dark secrets lurking beneath glossy surfaces piqued my interest.
However, I quickly recognized it as a thriller that exploits influencer culture instead of merely using it as backdrop. The fast pace and high stakes create a blend of rising tension and moral rot in privileged spaces, that kept me hooked until the very last second.
Initially, the concept of a bitter sister taking over her deceased twin influencer's meticulously crafted life, filled with dark secrets lurking beneath glossy surfaces piqued my interest.
However, I quickly recognized it as a thriller that exploits influencer culture instead of merely using it as backdrop. The fast pace and high stakes create a blend of rising tension and moral rot in privileged spaces, that kept me hooked until the very last second.
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Written so well! I love this book so much.