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So here's something to know about me. I am an absolute sucker for books about fame and famous people (see: my fame game and old Hollywood shelves). I am also always on the hunt for books with Asian rep. This book has both of these things, so naturally, I had to read it.
I am no Kpop stan, so some of the references to past famous groups may have been lost to me. Otherwise, I feel like a lack of knowledge about Kpop and Korea did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of the story at all. In fact, Rachel, our MC, was a foreigner (American) as well, a clever framing device to explain what the reader may not have known.
Speaking of Rachel, I found her an exceedingly average MC. There was nothing about her characterization that made her stand out particularly, but I still found her drive and want to be compelling (though I could say the same about the dreams of any aspiring singer/actress/theater kid- I will probably always find these narratives interesting).
The romance was predictable and I personally found the love interest uninspired. There is of course a perfunctory little sister relationship, mean girl, and subplot involving navigating teen friendship.
So I guess what I'm saying is this book was fine. It was certainly fascinating to look at the Kpop industry and the cost of pursuing fame. The best part of the books was definitely the training and record label politics. All in all, a fun, if somewhat predictable, addition to my Fame Game shelf.
P.S. If you want another teen popstar romance, look no farther than the amazing [b:When It's Real|30731416|When It's Real|Erin Watt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1478017369l/30731416._SY75_.jpg|51270010].
I am no Kpop stan, so some of the references to past famous groups may have been lost to me. Otherwise, I feel like a lack of knowledge about Kpop and Korea did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of the story at all. In fact, Rachel, our MC, was a foreigner (American) as well, a clever framing device to explain what the reader may not have known.
Speaking of Rachel, I found her an exceedingly average MC. There was nothing about her characterization that made her stand out particularly, but I still found her drive and want to be compelling (though I could say the same about the dreams of any aspiring singer/actress/theater kid- I will probably always find these narratives interesting).
The romance was predictable and I personally found the love interest uninspired.
Spoiler
The whole premise of the relationship makes little sense. Why would Rachel risk everything she works towards for some boy. No boy is that cute, worth that much.Spoiler
poor little rich, reformingSo I guess what I'm saying is this book was fine. It was certainly fascinating to look at the Kpop industry and the cost of pursuing fame. The best part of the books was definitely the training and record label politics. All in all, a fun, if somewhat predictable, addition to my Fame Game shelf.
P.S. If you want another teen popstar romance, look no farther than the amazing [b:When It's Real|30731416|When It's Real|Erin Watt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1478017369l/30731416._SY75_.jpg|51270010].