Reviews

K-Pop Confidential by Stephan Lee

apenguinkeeper's review

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5.0

I love all of the different elements in this book! Romance and a training academy… definitely reading the next one!

daramillz's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 for me, and one I’ll definitely add to my classroom library for all my Kpop obsessed students. This was a fast-paced read and I can see the series getting better in the next book as the plot line becomes a little more complex. The snapshot into the intense (bordering on dystopian) life of the idol trainees was fascinating, but it did feel like things fell into place a little too easily for the MC. Overall, though, it was a fun read and I’d love to see it adapted into a Kdrama. I’ll read the next one!

taegen's review against another edition

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3.0



The world of K-Pop is I N T E N S E !

I'll admit I went into this with absolutely zero knowledge of K-Pop including its own vocabulary! Because of this, I particularly loved the way Lee wrote his main character; the fact that she's American and needed to learn about her Korean culture, language and all the craziness of being a trainee. Super clever because it meant the reader could learn alongside her and it didn't restrict the audience to only K-Pop fans.

The story was great, the characters were awesome and I'm blown away by the fact that most of this "behind the scenes" look at the life of idol hopefuls is based on actual research and interviews. I mean, it's legitimately crazy what goes on.

Including a K-Pop playlist at the end is a brilliant addition and I immediately googled some to see what it's all about. It's pretty damn cool.

Overall, an easy fun read but I also love the messages in this book and that I learnt so much along the way.

kitkatadele's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m a person who enjoys listening to Kpop. I already know what it’s like for the trainees and artists. I see it all over the internet and YouTube. But reading from this girls Candance’s point of view gave more insight on how exhausting it is. It makes me appreciate every artist even more. They go through hell. It’s their dream.

I recommend everyone to read this.

jlbailey831's review against another edition

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4.0

I mostly loved this book. It was fast paced and interesting and showed (but didn’t glorify) the dark side of kpop and stardom. I loved all the references to groups I love and songs I listen to. The side characters were great as well.

But. The author referring to Candace’s period as “that time of the month” multiple times was very like. Tell me you’re a male author writing a female MC without telling me you’re a male author writing a female MC. That and the “she hulk,” “guyliner,” and wearing “virginal white” were very eyeroll-y. Small complaint though.

Very excited for the next book.

ceryni's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Fast-paced and entertaining, but most of the characters feel rather flat and the story is lacking depth. 

kaylareadsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I really loved this!! I have been on such a Kpop kick lately and I have been loving all the different kpop novels! The writing in this one was a lot of fun and easy to read. It was fun, easy and great! I highly recommend this one!

mayavenice's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

thenextgenlib's review against another edition

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5.0

“Why is it that the generation before us gets to decide our worth? Aren’t we enough?”

haitalourbear's review against another edition

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3.0

Okay this book was a good time. It read a bit corny I cannot lie. Like Candace's friends... so unserious but it was interesting I can't lie. I like how it showed that being a kpop trainee is not all rainbows and butterflies which most people that are into kpop know but it was a nice look into it. I do feel like it left off on a cliffhanger which was irritating but i just put the sequel on hold at the library. All and all a cute lil easy read. 3.25 stars~