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bibliophilogy 's review for:
Shine
by Jessica Jung
FULL REVIEW HERE
Thank you so much to Pansing for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book to review! All opinions are my own and keep your eyes peeled for this book because it will soon be available in all good bookstores!
Three-word description : K-pop, love, competition
My rating : 4 / 5 stars
Going into this book knowing that this is written by the former K-pop star Jessica from Girls Generation, I am so excited and thrilled because finally there is some inside scoop of the industry from someone who has been through it all! I find this book to be super fun and enjoyable to read, mainly because of the fast-paced tempo, and as a debut author, Jessica really writes well, the writing style is super easy to follow and you are just left wanting more after each chapter!
I absolutely love the main character, I find myself relate to Rachel a lot, a little unsure of her future but still striving to do her best. I feel like a lot of people would really love her as a character, she is really inspiring in a lot of ways, determined, a little shy and very down to earth. She struggled through tough times and finally she rise above all adversities and hardships and got her own happy ending. I am very happy for her, it feels like I’ve grown with her and I’m just so glad for her!
I loved the story, though I am not very sold on the relationship aspect of the book. I do like the love interest, but I just do not see much chemistry between them? Or maybe it could just be a me thing, I am somewhat immune to charming K-Pop stars I guess? *laughs* I also really love Rachel’s nemesis Mina, I feel like she is not just an “antagonist” here to make Rachel suffer but she has her own unique character arc as well! I do not want to spoil much but I genuinely root for her as well! You can really get to know some of the side characters in the story and I love that about the novel!
Also, I feel like Rachel’s little sister Leah also plays a big role in the novel, defining who Rachel is as a person and what her values are. I love that annoying little sister vibe of Leah but when Rachel needed her most, she is always right there, ready to face anything with her. I absolutely love the family dynamic as well, not just Leah but her parents, both super different from one another but all wanting Rachel to do well. We also get a glimpse of her mother’s past and her father’s future, and it really came full circle for me in this aspect of the book!
A little downside though, I feel like the ending was way too abrupt! I feel like everything suddenly comes crashing and then it was the end, I really was left surprised that the book ended without any more elaborate explanation because things are quite ambiguous towards the end. There are definitely loose ends that could be tied up better and I really hope we will have a spin off or sequel! I really love the cast of characters and I feel like another perspective would be a fun sequel or spin off! Overall, it was such a fun ride but I just hoped the ending was a little better wrapped up.
I really do encourage anyone who likes K-Pop or just drama in general to pick this up! You really get a sip of what’s happening in the industry and it really makes you think if there is any essence of truth hidden beneath the story as the author has been through it all. I think Shine is about being yourself and not let anyone dull your sparkle, this inspiring read will definitely need to be on your TBR
Thank you so much to Pansing for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book to review! All opinions are my own and keep your eyes peeled for this book because it will soon be available in all good bookstores!
Three-word description : K-pop, love, competition
My rating : 4 / 5 stars
Going into this book knowing that this is written by the former K-pop star Jessica from Girls Generation, I am so excited and thrilled because finally there is some inside scoop of the industry from someone who has been through it all! I find this book to be super fun and enjoyable to read, mainly because of the fast-paced tempo, and as a debut author, Jessica really writes well, the writing style is super easy to follow and you are just left wanting more after each chapter!
I absolutely love the main character, I find myself relate to Rachel a lot, a little unsure of her future but still striving to do her best. I feel like a lot of people would really love her as a character, she is really inspiring in a lot of ways, determined, a little shy and very down to earth. She struggled through tough times and finally she rise above all adversities and hardships and got her own happy ending. I am very happy for her, it feels like I’ve grown with her and I’m just so glad for her!
I loved the story, though I am not very sold on the relationship aspect of the book. I do like the love interest, but I just do not see much chemistry between them? Or maybe it could just be a me thing, I am somewhat immune to charming K-Pop stars I guess? *laughs* I also really love Rachel’s nemesis Mina, I feel like she is not just an “antagonist” here to make Rachel suffer but she has her own unique character arc as well! I do not want to spoil much but I genuinely root for her as well! You can really get to know some of the side characters in the story and I love that about the novel!
Also, I feel like Rachel’s little sister Leah also plays a big role in the novel, defining who Rachel is as a person and what her values are. I love that annoying little sister vibe of Leah but when Rachel needed her most, she is always right there, ready to face anything with her. I absolutely love the family dynamic as well, not just Leah but her parents, both super different from one another but all wanting Rachel to do well. We also get a glimpse of her mother’s past and her father’s future, and it really came full circle for me in this aspect of the book!
A little downside though, I feel like the ending was way too abrupt! I feel like everything suddenly comes crashing and then it was the end, I really was left surprised that the book ended without any more elaborate explanation because things are quite ambiguous towards the end. There are definitely loose ends that could be tied up better and I really hope we will have a spin off or sequel! I really love the cast of characters and I feel like another perspective would be a fun sequel or spin off! Overall, it was such a fun ride but I just hoped the ending was a little better wrapped up.
I really do encourage anyone who likes K-Pop or just drama in general to pick this up! You really get a sip of what’s happening in the industry and it really makes you think if there is any essence of truth hidden beneath the story as the author has been through it all. I think Shine is about being yourself and not let anyone dull your sparkle, this inspiring read will definitely need to be on your TBR