Read: June 10th - June 12th
Format: E-book
Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read the first 25-ish chapters of this webtoon when it originally went up. I've not read on Webtoon for a long while, so I have no idea what point it's at now, but it was so nice to read it again. The art is silly goofy while still being appealing to look at. I enjoy the characters being set up as well as the bits of plot sprinkled in. Julian has a theory that I have a feeling is correct, and I want to see it unravel and come together.

A really good webtoon that I look forward to seeing where goes :D

(also, sorry, Eli, but I find Julian more attractive... Definitely not making me bias toward future ships maybe... 🤣)

This webtoon is on the silly side of things. Sophie Lim faces blunder after blunder, but are they accidents or something more sinister? I have my theories. This graphic novel was super cute and easy to read. I love that the Grim Reaper is a pop star stan. I’m excited to see where this series goes. Especially after that ending!

🎶🎤🍀🪦👣
pub date: sept 2025

my opinion:
first thing i noticed as soon as i opened the e-ARC, the illustrations are so cool looking, the characters are also very expressive; which helps me understand the story and emotion better, and it's all so colourful.

personally, i think the plot of the story is rather simple with predictable plot points but since the execution is good, i'm interested to read on the continuation in the next volumes of the story.

thanks to netgalley and the author and the publisher for giving me a chance to read and review this e-ARC.

my rating: 3.5

First, thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel is a quick and light read. The plot is pretty unique. I was very interested in receiving this ARC but I didn't end up enjoying it much. I felt that the main character was a little boring for me. She is meant to be a pop star but she is just an anxious young adult like all of us. That's a good thing because it means she's relatable but honestly I just didn't see anything new or intriguing to her character that would make me care about what happens.

The MMC (at least I think he is), is the grim reaper. He's a fan boy of her music and it's honestly a cute character to have BUT... i felt like he was lacking in any 'grim reaper' aspects. At the beginning, when he's first introduced to our pop star FMC he goes on about not upsetting the balance of the world and life and death and whatnot and seems to take his job pretty seriously. Only to then abandon all his duties to follow her around and act like a normal adult. It's contradicting and strange to me.

The art style didn't appeal to me out of personal preference.

I won't be continuing with this series but I do think it might lead to a great story. Unfortunately, the first volume just didn't hook me.

I would still recommend others to check it out if they're interested in the plot because it is unique and interesting to see.

Again, thank you for the ARC ♡

Sophie Lim is a newly debuted idol, who after a stumble down the stairs, makes a deal with the grim reaper. I really enjoyed the premise, and Sophie is such a fun and energetic protagonist. The humor and pacing really reminds of other similar webtoons, like the Cursed Princess Club and True Beauty, and it really works for me. The illustration style is so quirky and fun, and really reminiscent of other popular graphic novels and manga right now. K-pop is also so big right now, and a series about an idol for young adults was sorely missing. I'm really excited for Sophie's story to continue (I may even have to jump over to Webtoon!), as we're left with a pretty big cliffhanger!

Perfect for younger teens looking to get into manga!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON book group for early copy for review*

This was okay. Nothing spectacular. Sophie as a character is kind of boring and has been done multiple times.

The art style was okay. Not my favorite with harsh lines that reminded me of a "How to draw manga" guide. The color style was vibrant and easily identifiable as a comedy webtoon.

The overall plot was basic with nothing added to it by the writing. There is a mystery element, but I'm not intrigued enough to continue on with it.

Nothing was bad about this it was just very mid.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad/Webtoon for the e-arc!

Death of a Pop Star is a whacky tale following Sophie Lim, a debuting idol whose life is cut short due to a an accidental fall. Instead of letting her die, the Grim Reaper Eli decides to let Sophie live as his is one of her biggest fans. We now follow Sophie as she is given a second chance at life but it might not be for long if she can't manage to survive a few death attempts. I enjoyed this title as it doesn't take it self too seriously and pokes fun at the supernatural genre. Sophie is a quirky character but so is Eli and I can't wait to see their relationship develop. I recommend giving this a read when it publishes!

Death of a Pop Star

This book feels like a nicely baked cookie, a dash of romance, a hint of afterlife mystique, and an idol trying to figure everything out! This was a super cute quick Read a Great pick me up after a long day! This is a book that you can just sit down and enjoy with a nice cup of hot chocolate!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Death of a Pop Star is such a fun graphic novel! This was my first experience with the series and I can’t wait to read more. It was cute, it was funny, it was paranormal, and it just felt so lighthearted.

Death of a Pop Star follows Sophie, a new debut popstar who dies under mysterious and unfortunate circumstances. But does she? The Grim Reaper has a bit of a crush on Sophie, so he bends the rules and allows her to continue living as long as she agrees to a marriage contract with him once she dies again.

Sophie doesn’t get to immediately rejoin her popstar life though. Those plans are derailed by her aunt pushing her to go to college. Sophie has never really been a normal girl and her first day at school definitely shows that. Between mean girls, trying to make real friends, yearning for her popstar life, and continuingly and unknowingly dodging death, will Sophie really get to make the most of her second chance at life?

This was super cute! The story follows Sophie, a newly debuted popstar, who ends up tragically dying before she got to experience traditional things people her age get to experience (relationships, school, more of her career, etc). However, the Grim Reaper that comes to reap her soul has a little crush on her and they make a deal that if Sophie agrees to become his fiancée, then she can come back to life.

...then she proceeds to forget the entire conversation and continue to get herself into many situations that almost result in her dying again.

The story is really funny, however, she is VERY naive and inobservant. Others are constantly having to save her because she doesn't watch out for herself very well.

I would have given the graphic novel 5 stars, but there is very little romance between her and the Grim Reaper. The story leans more into found-family and comedy than it does romance. I hope to see more romance develop as the story goes on.

Such a cute read! I adored the art, and some of the panels had me giggling!

This story follows Sophie Lim and her journey through university — all while avoiding danger and trying to make new friends. After the Grim Reaper spares her life, Soph is forced into a marriage contract that lasts into the afterlife. With no recollection of him, Soph is thrust into college life at the request of her aunt.
She’s determined to make it through college so that she can return to her dream of being a famous pop star!

I’m intrigued by it and I look forward to reading the rest of this series as it comes out!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This book was super cute! It was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. I wish there was more of a focus on her friendships rather than just the men. Would definitely recommend for someone looking for a cute, short read.

So cute! I love all three of our main characters already, and I'm so excited to see where this story goes. It's a unique and fun concept that will draw in many teen readers. It's a creative story that will no doubt grow past its popularity on Webtoon now that it's in graphic novel form.

A touch of humor, a dash of Afterlife mystique, and the hints of romance create a light read to get lost in and enjoy.

Sophie has reached her dream and enjoyed being a popstar for the last year, but a simple trip on the stairs brings her face to face with the Grim Reaper and her death. Sophie can't believe that everything her aunt and her strived for has ended so quickly. Luckily, she makes a deal a escapes death, but her continued life isn't exactly what she expected thanks to her aunt's claim that she needs to steer clear of the celebrity life for a year. Instead, she has to deal with school drama, rediscovering herself, and a strange tug-a-war with those from the afterlife. Worse yet, her soul is unclaimed, and that brings dangers no one expected.

This is an easy, light-hearted, and fun read. It begins right in the middle of Sophie's celebrity life as she's in the middle of creating a commercial. The accident comes quick, letting the characters and situation fall into place right away. Still, there's just enough time to get to like both Sophie and the Grim Reaper before her new problems start. While this first volume concentrates on her acclimation into a normal school life and learning how to become 'normal', there are very gentle hints at a much more dangerous plot to come.

The graphics bring across the scenes and personalities nicely. They flow quickly and go right along with the light-read atmosphere. The text is easy-to-read within each one and drives the story forward effortlessly. There's just enough character depth to like (or dislike) each personality, but this tale reads quickly and enjoyably. It's lays the foundation for the coming series, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Sophie and her friends next.

Death of a Pop Star by Violet Karim is a fun, easy read with just a hint of mystery. It's light, entertaining, and perfect if you're looking for something quick and enjoyable.

I liked the art work and felt like it was a fun read. Part of me didn't like the book that much, but it was more a me and my atmosphere issue. I think this would be a good book to recommend.

4.5/5 ⭐️
The first volume of the collected webtoon, this follows Sophie, a pop star, who dies unexpectedly. However, the Grim Reaper is a huge fan and she manages to strike a deal with him. After she wakes up from a coma, her aunt/manager makes her stop working for a minute. Now she is faced with a new world of being a college student and trying to fit in. Little does she know that there are two supernatural beings looking out for her.

I really liked this! I thought the premise was fun, and once all the characters were on the scene, I thought it read quickly. I was confused about if college was like college in the US or more like US high school? Sophie is 18 so it could go either way. I definitely will look out for the second one in this series when it comes out!

I received my copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

3.5 stars

i enjoyed this first volume of a new series about a popular idol, sophie lim, who tragically dies after falling down a flight of stairs at the height of her pop career. however, she manages to strike a deal with the grim reaper and gets a second chance at life. despite her second chance, it seems someone or something is out to get her — sophie continuously escapes near death scenarios.

the dialogue and plot progression was a little weak and cringey, but i’m eager to see where this series goes!

This was fun. I enjoyed it. The art was really bright and fun and perfectly matched the story. The mystery and darker elements were off set by the humor and wit of the main character. Overall this was just a really fun comic. I look forward to seeing the next volume has in store.

Thanks to Wattpad and NetGalley for letting me read and enjoy this one.

Death of a Pop Star was a super cute and fun read. I enjoyed it from start to finish even that cliffhanger of an ending that left me wanting volume 2 and volume isn’t even published yet (crying emoji). Elijah is my fave haha! I just keep laughing at the grim reaper saying his biggest crush who is a pop star. I can’t wait to find out what’s up with Sophie’s aunt and why she lied and who keeps trying to kill Sophie.
I would recommend this read for sure.