samone2's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Mental illness, Blood, and Violence
internationalreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Car accident, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Blood, Mental illness, and Stalking
theappalachianbookworm's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho is a cutesy YA novel following Elena Soo, an anxious teenager who feels like she’ll never be out of her sibling’s shadows and her childhood best friend who is a K-Pop idol now. With overzealous fans, band mates with secrets, and stylish pink hair, Robbie Choi definitely isn’t the kid that Elena remembers. What will happen when Robbie shows up at her door to keep a promise he made to Elena years ago?
What I loved:
• Elena was incredibly relatable. I grew up with a mother who favored my younger brother (most of the time if not all) so I understand the struggle she has with feeling like she’s stuck in the shadow of her sisters and her twin brother.
• I loved Robbie and Elena’s friendship! I loved that they picked up where they left off but also still had to learn one another and how they would fit into each other’s lives. I loved their chemistry and their inside jokes.
• This was a quick and easy read that made my heart feel all soft.
• All of the references to Korean culture and language, especially as a K-Pop fan!
What I wish were different:
• There were a few storylines that didn’t feel like they had been finished or wrapped up enough, like everything with Elena’s mom still felt like a frayed edge. Their relationship definitely needed more work.
• I wish there hadn’t been any miscommunication between the two main characters but they’re teenagers so maybe I’m not entirely mad about it.
Overall, Once Upon a K-Prom was a cute story with cute characters! I definitely would recommend it to anyone who enjoys K-Pop or K-Dramas, friends-to-lovers or overly sweet, cheesy romance novels!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness
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