A review by kellysrambles
How To Die Famous by Benjamin Dean

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is insanely good!! I love a YA thriller and this one has it all: a plot full of twists and turns, revenge, secrets, the highs and lows of stardom and an epic conclusion. 

It wasn’t long before I was hooked on this book. A reboot of the classic Sunset High, infamous for its curse. Previous stars of the show have had breakdowns, gone missing and an assistant fell to their death… or did they? Abel is desperate to discover the truth of what happened to his brother but little does he realise what he is about the uncover in this thrilling read. 

There were definitely parts of this book that made me so happy not to be famous in any way, shape or form. This story contains a searing look into the downsides of being famous - the coersion, the control, abuse of power - at times it was sickening to read. It really makes you think more carefully about what you see in the media and gets you wondering how do celebs really feel? 

As far as characters go I loved our leading 4: Abel, Lucky, Ella and Ryan. It didn’t take me long to really adore each of them as their individual POVs gave me the chance to empathise with their personal circumstances behind the famous personas. 

I adored the mystery and the determination of our 4 leading characters to serve justice. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I thought the conclusion to this novel was incredible and the epilogue literally made me gasp! So so good! 

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Benjamin Dean and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.