The set up was fun and immersive. There were articles and kpop profiles and lots of easter eggs for kpop fans. The second half, however, was boring — story and characters. Especially the male lead, who was also immature and a poor communicator and just uninteresting. He did not appeal to me, and the romance didn’t feel super believable.

Some of the plot too felt a bit unbelievable — and not in a ott way, i just kept thinking “hmm i think fans/antis/the internet would react differently”.

I also raised eyebrows when it came out that he “noticed” the FMC too as teens (when she was 13 and you were 16? Or when she was 15 and you 18? /neg).

I was very close to DNF-ing but I had already read so much and the climax was exciting. But yeah, wasn’t for me in the end. I’d rate this lower but i did genuinely enjoy roughly the first half.

3.75 stars. This book excited me lots, but frustrated me to no end too. Gah!

THINGS I LIKED:

-the atmosphere: dark and rotting, cold and gaudy. If this book had a taste/smell it would be black forest gateaux, smoke, soot, rotting vegetation, mist, blood.

-the writing style…most of the time. Poranek is good at exciting and tense moments, good at making you want to to read on. Was an unputtdownable read at times.

-the twist/reveal regarding the murder mystery

THINGS I REALLY DID NOT LIKE, AT ALL:

-there was no logic, no critical thinking in this book. The characters, particularly the MC, were so stupid. Yet I kept being told she was smart and a good actress. I do not believe it, sir. There were several points I was actually confused as to whether this was poor writing, an unreliable narrator, or suddenly I had poor analytical skills.

-similarly, everything illogical was super convenient. Plotting in public spaces? Discussing scandal in front of maids and guards? Not to worry, neither became a problem.

-overall, i think all the illogical-ness was poor writing, and made the story flow how the author wanted way too conveniently/a little unintelligently.

-i didnt understand characters’ motivations a lot of the time - not as clear or explored as should have been.

-i liked Marie, but their relationship read more platonic/budding to me, so the love part was a surprise, and I didn’t really believe it until the end.

-word in itallics to express discomfort/unfamiliarity/disgust. It was very forced and just not well done. Read younger than intended in these moments.

-the ending??? The space between the last chapter and the epilogue needed a whole sequel. I dont think I’m invested enough to read it but ? So confused that this is a standalone yet ended as it did