This book review contains spoiler for Shine!
Author: Jessica Jung
Series: Shine
Audience: YA
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Synopsis
Couture gowns, press parties, international travel. Rachel Kim is at the top of her game. Girls Forever is now the number-one K-pop group in the world, and her fame skyrockets after her viral airport styling attracts the attention of fashion’s biggest names. Her life’s a swirl of technicolor glamour and adoring fans. Rachel can’t imagine shining any brighter.
The only thing that’s missing is love—but Rachel’s determined to follow the rules. In her world, falling in love can cost you everything.
Enter Alex. When Rachel literally falls head over designer heels into his lap on a crowded metro, she’s tempted to give up her anti-love vows. Alex is more than just heart-stopping dimples and adorably quirky banter. He believes in Rachel’s future—both in music and in fashion.
But the higher you rise, the farther you have to fall. And when a shocking act of betrayal shatters her world, Rachel must finally listen to her heart.
Plot / Storyline
5 years have passed by since Shine. Girls Forever is doing well and Rachel is used to the life of a k-pop idol. A party in Shanghai and a conversation with Jason make Rachel think about what she wants to do after Girls Forever. She enjoys her career but knows that it will eventually end.
After Rachel’s airport outfit goes viral, a well-known designer invites her to a fashion show in Paris. She is inspired to start her own clothing line but that creates some tension. There has never been an idol with their own clothing line. In addition, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep her encounters with Alex, whom Rachel met through a mutual friend, a secret. Can Rachel find the balance?
Writing Style
Jessica’s writing style is clear and easy to follow. That makes it attractive to read this book in one go. There are Korean words in the book but there is a glossary at the back. Super handy!
Characters
Rachel Kim
Rachel is a Korean-American girl with the dream to break through in the k-pop world. When we meet her, she is a trainee in the middle of her training.
Rachel is a Korean-American girl who once had the dream to break through in the k-pop world. She’s is now an idol, just like the other girls from Girls Forever.
Mina Choo
Mina is a group member of Rachel. She belongs to one of the oldest and most powerful families in Korea. Rachel and Mina sort of get along nowadays.
Akari Masuda
Akari and Rachel became friends during their trainee period. Akari transferred to another label after Rachel’s debut. She’s now in a group called TeenValentine.
Jason Lee
Jason is the golden boy of DB entertainment. He’s no longer part of NEXT BOYZ and has a solo career now.
Leah Kim
Leah is Rachel’s little sister and a part of a k-pop group these days.
Romance
This book is full of romance and drama, in a pleasant way. A lot happens so it was difficult for me to put it down!
What I liked the most
Most k-pop books I’ve read are about trainees, but this time I’m reading about someone who has become an idol. I like it that we get to see a glimpse of that world. You’ve made a career but what comes next?
Conclusion
Best of YA books was kind enough to send me a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bright is the sequel to Shine. 5 years have passed by. Rachel’s group, Girls Forever is really popular. Unfortunately for Rachel, there’s a lot of drama. Paparazzi chasing her, jealousy within the group, a busy schedule. Rachel is an idol now, but it’s not an easy life. Finding a balance between work and private life is difficult as an idol. A boyfriend isn’t in the cards, is it? When Rachel goes to Paris, she gets inspired to create her own clothing line. That won’t be easy. There has never been an idol with their own clothing line.
I loved reading this book! A lot happens, making it difficult to put the book down. There was not a single dull moment for me. But I sometimes do wonder how much is fiction and which things Jessica herself has experienced.
Rachel has really grown up in this book. She has a career as an idol now and has some side jobs, like modelling. What I did miss a bit was steadfastness on her part. If you want something, you have to go for it.
Jessica Jung knows how to create a wonderful mix of K-pop, drama and romance. Bright is a delightful sequel to Shine and will suck you back into the world of k-pop!
Warning: This book covers intense topics such as bullying and intimidation.
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