As much as I enjoyed the premise of this book I feel like it was too long, for me I have to be hooked in the first 20% but there was far too much build up to only be given little hints in that time. Plus there was far too many pov’s to follow as well there could have been 2 and the story could have been just as good. Apart from those 2 points I did enjoy the book and would recommend to others if what I mentioned didn’t bother them.

Absolute stunner of a book! I raced through it in 2 days, desperate to find out what happened next. It’s very easy to get involved with the characters via their multi narratives and you soon get hooked into the ways that they are being manipulated by Omni. A brutal insight into fame and the lengths to which a production company will hold actors to a contract and control their every move, all in the name of promoting their product. Everyone lies, faking their identities and love lives. Enter Abel, desperate to discover why his brother died and solve the mystery of the tv shows' curse. Gripping, savage and brutal, I loved it!

Thrilling, pacy, and addictive.
How to Die Famous peels back the veneer of celebrity and fame and asks what is the real cost of being a famous young person. Fabulous queer representation and four distinct POVs, HTDF keeps the reader guessing the whole time, layering mysteries on mysteries and asking how far would this Disney Channel-esque company go to control their stars. The epilogue had me gasping and cursing that I didn't work out the twist sooner. Exceptional.

Between How to Die Famous and The King is Dead, Benjamin Dean has established himself as the one to watch for YA contemporary narratives with glitz, glamour, backstabbing and plenty of blood. Yet again, this is a tense and twisty peek behind the velvet curtain of privilege and power to expose its underbelly of exploitation and pretence.

Dean excels in writing such complicated, yet charismatic characters. I fell in love with everyone here so quickly and loved seeing how they moved from their pigeonholed stereotypes as celebrities. They have all been moulded to fit those archetypes, but humans are so much more nuanced than that. One of my favourite things here was seeing the contrast between the constructed reality of fame and the messy authenticity beneath. It is all about optics and aesthetics. The resulting power imbalance was fascinating and gut-churning at the same time. I also have to shout out the representation here. Basically, I was not expecting the book to be as queer as it was and that made me so happy. Dean has proven that representation is something key to his writing. For me, that makes you an instant favourite in my heart.

The actual storyline is scandalous, salacious and sinister. Dean rips aspects from the headlines and presumably some of his own experience to concoct a story that slides under your skin. This is a story that does not let up. There are so many fantastic twists, including a jaw-dropping sting in the tale that I did not see coming. The very first chapter ensures that you will not be going anywhere. From there, the stakes only rise higher and the acts get more and more despicable. I was racing through the pages, caught up in this tumultuous storm. That invasion of privacy and lack of identity, aside from the one prescribed to you, is sickening and because you are aware of the reality, it makes it that much more horrifying.

How to Die Famous is a breakout star of summer YA releases and cements Dean as an instant-buy author for me.

This was a really good read. The story moved at just the right pace to keep you interested, nothing was too dragged out which is something I enjoy about YA books. You felt something for each character, whether you felt sorry for them, loved them or hated them (all of which are feelings you definitely experience in reading this). You wanted the four main characters to get justice for how they've been treated, and for the people that had controlled them for so long to get what was coming to them. It definitely gives a bit of insight into the life of celebrity and how really in that lifestyle you don't always have control of your own life. It makes you consider your own perception and attitude towards people like this. I also liked that there was a little bit of a twist at the end, and that there was more than one person behind the events that transpired and never one you would have suspected. A really good read.

Benjamin's first book. The King is Dead, focused on the experiences of the first Black heir to the British crown. We've moved to America this time around and the characters are media darlings, not royalty in the same sense, but they're very much in the same sphere; that weird place where so many people know who you are they think they own you.

Celebrity nowadays is very much a two edged sword and this book shows it brilliantly. On the face of it, our characters have everything they want ... they're rich, talented, adored by millions. But it comes with a complete lack of privacy or control over their lives; they're dolls for teh studio to move around as they want.

This is a completely fictional studio, of course, but it has a whiff of Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel about it...young stars moving from project to project within the same studio until they get to be too old. The studio head is deeply creepy and I loved watching the stars slowly figure out what was going on, everyone contributing one piece of the puzzle.

The only thing I didn't like was how quickly the girls turned on each other...it felt like the old 'bitchy girls catfighting' trope...but they were both under a lot of strain and they did talk things out later, so it does make a kind of sense.

This is a murder mystery thriller social media contemporary with some romance and I couldn't put it down! I'm really looking forward to Benjamin's next piece.

I love a thriller based around fame and celebrity so this was right up my street. I have had Benjamin's other novel The King Is Dead on my kindle for quite a while and I will bump it up my tbr after enjoying this so much.

It's based around a 'cursed' TV show which is going back into production. The main character Abel is a newbie to the industry and working undercover as a journalist to find out the real truths of what went on on set previously. He's thrust straight into the spotlight with the other cast members; Lucky, Ella and Ryan who we get chapters from too. They make a great core four.

Just when you think this is wrapped up nicely at the end there's an epilogue which leaves the door open for a potential sequel which I would definitely be interested in reading.

This was an easy enough read but I found it quite slow and there were too many POV characters for the depth of the story/world. I loved the premise.

I would definitely recommend this book to people older than the children I work with. It is amazing, but the language is a little too much for them. First, I couldn't put this book down, and now I've finished it, I keep wanting to read more. It is really well written and so full of intrigue and mystery. It's a brilliant example of starting a story in the middle and then using flash backs and it kept me guessing all the way through. I feel that this is a book that we may see on our screens at some point. I loved Benjamin Dean's first book and this one is just as good. And the best part... was there a hint of a potential sequel at the end? I really hope so!

A second reboot of a show that is reportedly cursed finds four actors hiding secrets. The protagonist is purportedly Abel, a London actor, who has signed on to the project with an ulterior motive - to find out what happened to his brother, who was part of the first reboot and died mysteriously. I found though that while Abel had the most chapters proportionally, the other three actors also had chapters in their perspectives. I’m not sure I found these as effective, especially since Abel was the only one really investigating. I also found this more about the dark side of Hollywood more than a thriller. I was missing the suspense and twists I wanted from a thriller. Because of this, it often felt slow, especially if it wasn’t Abel, or maybe Ryan’s, chapter. It had promise, but for me, it didn’t deliver.

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

How To Die Famous is a multi point of view book centred around the Gen Z cast of Sunset High. Omni Channel’s flagship show has suffered in past seasons from an ominous “curse”. A star mysteriously disappeared, a cast member fell to his death from the roof… are any of them safe?
Someone on set is determined to get to the bottom of what’s happened, but will they succeed?

I enjoyed the twists and turns in this, especially the epilogue! I didn’t see that coming AT ALL!
Believable Hollywood drama, glitz and glam with a sprinkling of queer romance and teen troubles.

A fun young adult read, but if you’re used to your thrillers a little more fast paced, this might be a little slow for you.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy.

How to Die Famous is a YA thriller that follows that lives of modern day young movie stars, and the dark side of fame in a 24/7 social media world.

A lot of the experiences of the young stars felt authentic; the judgment, harrassment and pressure they were under. The difference in experiences based on race, sexuality and gender, the need to live up to expectations, the people in power turning from supportive to manipulative, all that was interesting and felt very real. Whilst I found these 'behind the scenes of fame' parts interesting, the rest of it just didn't thrill me. The mystery/murder aspects of the plot often felt unbelievable to me, and I didn't buy the ending. I do seem to be in the minority in this, looking at other reviews, so clearly there is a lot to love if you get hooked into the drama of it all.

This is a pacy, fun read, recommended for fans of YA thrillers.

A compelling and page turning read for anyone loves sticking their teeth into YA thrillers.

The balance between mystery and the characters' lives was perfect for me and I'm dying to see if there's gonna be a sequel. That epilogue? GAGGED.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5
What a story! This had me hooked from the get go and didn’t disappoint at all throughout! I loved reading all 4 main characters perspective and loved the twists that happen throughout! This was well written and is perfect for YA’s getting into reading, YA’s in general and anyone my age -26! If you enjoy YA books, definitely give this a try when it’s released!
I’ll end the review with saying Benjamin, please!! I need a sequel!

Sunset High is the name on everyone's lips. The original series broke a woman; the reboot caused another to vanish, and a man to die. After all that, it's less "third time lucky" and more "who will the curse take this time?". Ryan and Lucky, the golden couple, are old hands when it comes to fame, in particular when it's manufactured by Omnificent. Ella is newer to the fame, but determined to ride her rising star. And Abel? To the world, Abel is the newcomer, plucked out of obscurity and catapulted into an unimaginable world. But Abel is also grieving, and out to uncover the truth of his brother's tragic death: whatever Omnificent, and his co-stars, might be hiding. This is picturesque Hollywood, where no-one can hear you scream; and where the only type of bad publicity really is no publicity.

How to Die Famous ticks a lot of boxes: mystery, queer, LA glitz and glamour, a (fictional) expose of the realities of fame. And in a lot of ways, it absolutely delivers. It's a gripping read that's all too easy to devour in one go. It is wonderfully queer! The LA glitz and glamour is there, in particular with the gorgeous descriptions of "the City of Angels". And it does take an unflinching look at the harsh truths beneath that glimmering facade, courtesy of Dean's own background in celebrity journalism.

I do think that, ultimately, my hopes were not completely fulfilled, but let's be honest, my hopes were probably unfairly high! I also read a LOT of YA thrillers and mysteries; so whilst it's easy for me to say that I wasn't surprised by many of the twists, that's probably because I've become too cynical and hardened for my own good. And that being said, the end of the book? Absolutely got me. I can only assume (and hope) that that's setting the scene for a sequel...

A really enjoyable book based in Hollywood. A famous teen show us making a comeback but it has been dogged by rumours of past curses. Abel.is trying to find out about what happened to his brother and delves into the secrets of the production company.
I was really drawn to the characters and found it a gripping read.

From the moment I read the synopsis of 'How to Die Famous,' I knew it was a book made for me. The premise intrigued me, and as someone who has worked in the industry, I always find showbiz novels particularly fascinating. Benjamin Dean's insights, drawn from his previous career, were exactly what I was looking for. In fact, I could almost envision myself swapping stories with the author!

The main character was endearing, and I found myself rooting for him as he sought to gain favour amongst the stars and unearth hidden secrets. Yet, it was Lucky who stole the show for me. Who can resist a damaged heartthrob? The female characters were also great, displaying strength and serving as positive role models for younger readers.

The plot of this captivating 'whodunit' mystery took me on a rollercoaster of twists and turns. I was consistently engaged, and the story kept me guessing until the very end.

I applaud both the author and the publisher for tackling the topic of stardom and shedding light on its many pitfalls and dark corners. It is crucial for our emerging adults to glimpse behind the veil of celebrity. Personally, I am unsettled by the growing number of youngsters who aspire to be 'famous' at any cost, driven by societal influences. I sincerely hope that Benjamin Dean continues to create engaging works that educate young adults about the perils of blindly chasing fame. I will be looking into his backlist whilst crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel to this one. You can't leave it like that guys, c'mon!

'How to Die Famous' is a thought-provoking novel that explores the captivating and treacherous world of stardom. Benjamin Dean's expert storytelling and insightful commentary make it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the price one pays for fame and it's industry

I was so excited to have been sent an ARC of How to Die Famous by Benjamin Dean, by NetGalley. This book is classed as a YA Mystery and is set to be released in July 2023.

This book needs a Netflix adaptation and a sequel, like, yesterday, and it hasn’t even been released yet!!!!

Honestly, I think I have a new favourite book. I was immediately drawn in by the premise and the opening of the novel does not disappoint. I loved everything about this book, I found the twists (both good and bad) absolutely thrilling and found myself immersed in the world of all things Omni. Anybody who loved books like One of Them is Lying or A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will definitely love this book and I cannot wait for it to be released.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

London-born Abel has landed the role of a lifetime for an upcoming blockbuster. On the face of it he’s Hollywood’s latest teen star, but below the surface he’s an undercover journalist on a mission to expose the ‘squeaky clean’ entertainment industry and the part they played in his brother’s ‘accidental’ death. As Abel steps into the spotlight alongside fellow actors Lucky, Ryan and Ella, he soon discovers that beneath the glittering surface of fame and riches lies a darker world of secrecy, scandal and murder. Nobody is who they seem when the cameras are off, and everybody has something to hide. But who’s next in line to die famous? 

Abel wants to find out what happened to his brother. Ryan wants to wriggle out from under Omni’s thumb. Ella wants to be her own person, not what someone else wants her to be. Lucky wants to hide away and finally grieve his mother’s death properly. All four characters are vastly different from each other but are thrust into a situation none of them want to be in. Each of their POVs are engaging and thrilling, offering vital insight into their personal stories and how they entwine into the greater plot with the others. I really liked how in the end, all of their goals merged into one and they could successfully work together. What a team they made! I think they were some brilliant characters that felt well fleshed out and realistic.

I love me a good murder mystery kind of book so when I read the blurb, I knew I needed to jump in and read this one. I do think the plot was very solid and the flow was excellent. If I had the time, I probably could have blazed through this in only a couple of sittings. The building suspense was great and came to a great climax. There were quite a few POVs which I was a little skeptical of but I don’t think they were confusing in any way. I’ve had experiences with other books in the past where multiple POVs have just been too much to handle to maintain a good story (and flow) but this was not the case with this book. There were one or two smaller characters we suddenly got the POV of which was a little jarring but didn’t hurt the story in any way. The ending was definitely unexpected! It seems like it has been set up for a potential second book, though it could also just be a very interesting open end as well. I think Dean has done a very good job with this book.

Overall, How To Die Famous is a great, suspenseful story that keeps you hooked throughout.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s UK for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day.

This is a great story about the realities of Hollywood and how young stars navigate their way through the minefield of showbiz.

The story follows four young starlets all signed with a huge Hollywood studio in reviving a popular but cursed TV show. There is mystery, scandal and lots of drama. And although this is purely fiction, when reading it feels like it could be reality. It is compelling, exciting and was fantastic to the very last page.

As a secondary school librarian this is the exact sort of book which the kids love, so I can’t wait to have it available to them. I’m also hoping there will be sequel, as I’d love to know what happens next.