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Fame Game #3
Infamous
FAME COMES AT A PRICE.
Filming for season two of The Fame Game has begun, and star Madison Parker is doing something she never thought she'd do: avoiding the PopTV cameras. She knows Trevor will come groveling and that she'll go back to the show eventually - but on her terms. Fame can turn a girl into a pawn, and Madison knows that's not the life she wants.
Fame can turn a girl into a target, too, something her Fame Game costars are quickly learning. Up-and-coming actress Carmen is trying to figure out who's feeding gossip about her to the press, and all signs point to someone from her inner circle. Meanwhile, the tabloids have dubbed Kate "The Boring One", but if she's so boring, why is she the one with the boyfriend and a stalker? Help comes from an unexpected place as Madison gives Kate pointers about how to work the reality-TV system. But will Kate take the advice too far?
As the girls' careers heat up, so do their love lives, and they each discover that chasing their dreams almost always comes at a price. In the exciting conclusion to her Fame Game series, bestselling author and fashion designer Lauren Conrad pulls back the curtain on Hollywood to reveal that being glamorous isn't always pretty.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
58 people are currently reading
3815 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Conrad
38 books2,010 followersLauren Katherine Conrad, often referred to as "L.C.", is an American television personality and an aspiring fashion designer. She is best known for being featured in the MTV reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and for her spin-off show, The Hills, which follows her personal and professional life as she pursues a career in the fashion industry. She earns an estimated $1.5 million annually for her television appearances, fashion line, and product endorsements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
August 8, 2019
The final reread, I am sad it is over. It's been such a fun ride and I am glad I brought these books with me for my vacation. Reality shows, drama, friendship, love, family, character development which was something Madison did a ton, Carmen turned from a favourite to my least favourite girl because of what she did, I liked Gaby and Kate, wasn't a fan of Sophia, Ryan was nice but he went a bit too far at points, would like to see more of Madisons shows. 4 > 4.5.
The last book and also the final book I wanted/needed to read by this author. What a great ride this one was. It wasn't always good, at times I was frustrated, at times I was a bit bored, but mostly I was entertained, there was a big cast of great characters (and at times also impossible characters, I am looking at you Madison or Jane *stares*). There was lots of drama, backstabbing and also a lot of "reality" stuff.
I am kind of sad that this series and the other one is over. I kind of have to confess I am in some kind of book hangover case. I just wish there was a series like this one so I could continue my hunger for these kinds of books.
Now let's start with this last book. As I said in the previous one, Madison is surprising me with a wonderful behaviour, she is showing that she is human after all. Something that wasn't always apparent in the books, but that she has shown in this series. It kind of started with book 1, then she was so-so in book 2 and in book 3 she totally changed. She is still venomous and at times a bitch, but you can see that she is actually caring about people. She is actually helping people and making wise decisions that she should have done a long time ago.
I can also say that while Madison was my most hated character from the series, this changed with this one and the previous books. Suddenly, she became one of my favourites. A scary change, but also a happy one.
I do hope that Madison will have a good life, maybe we will meet her again in (hopefully) another book.
Then we have a whole cast of other girls. Gaby, who is still recovering from drugs overdose, who is still being pushed around to do things, but who is also trying to do something for herself. In this book that was going to practise for some dance show. Working hard, dancing and practising for hours a day just to get through the audition. It is admirable, as the Gaby we saw in the books was often ditzy and acted like an idiot. A front of course, but a very convincing one. I am so glad that we see that Gaby is smart, is making goals, is making something of her life.
Carmen, who is rekindling her relationship with her parents again. Who still has the mysterious stalker boy/girl after her who feeds everything she does to a blogger/press. I was quite stunned when we found out who it actually was. I was pretty much convinced it was another person.
Carmen is also finally picking up other roles. They might be a bit smaller, but I think it is a good thing that she is finally stopping with being so critical about things, I think she should be happy with any role. Especially as this creates a portfolio for her, something that other directors might look into and see what she has done. She is making a name for her, not one based on her parents name, but a name of her own.
I really love Carmen, though I think she makes the wrong decisions at times. I didn't like how she did that to Drew. Sure, she was drunk, but she also knew darn well that Drew was taken. By a friend.
Kate, ah Kate. Boring Kate who seem to still struggle with anxiety and stage fright. I didn't like this whole thing in the previous books. It mostly annoyed me. And it does the same thing in this book. I also don't really feel a connection or a liking with Kate. She is pretty boring and again, her going for pills instead of trying even harder made me dislike her. Especially with how she handled pills. She was just stuck to it. Instead of trying it out without pills, she kept using them. Luckily, in this book she isn't using them that much, and we see her grow. While I really was happy to see that, I also couldn't really care any more. For me, Kate was just Kate. Not interesting, had the most boring plotline and several other things.
Sophie/Sophia was the character that became the bad character for me. I didn't like her in the first series and I hated her in this series. Her action in the last part of this book made me just want to smack her on her head. She is a silly attention-seeking girl and I think it would be best that she never would show up on tv again. She ruins lives and will not keep her mouth closed. Not even for family.
The "reality" show and all the drama really made me love these books and I am happy that I have them in my bookcases. Now I can just pick them up if I feel like re-reading them.
The ending of the book? It was a good ending, it still left something open for possible sequels or a new series and I really like it. Now I can hear people go, urgh open ending. It isn't like that. All the girls have their things done, their careers are open again. They all have goals and new careers, and I think there could easily be another series about these girls, or even about a new group (of course with cameos from the other characters). This time not one made by Trevor, but by someone else (who that is... well read the book).
I would really recommend this series. It has ups and downs, but mostly it is a fun way to spend your time.
Review first posted at: http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The last book and also the final book I wanted/needed to read by this author. What a great ride this one was. It wasn't always good, at times I was frustrated, at times I was a bit bored, but mostly I was entertained, there was a big cast of great characters (and at times also impossible characters, I am looking at you Madison or Jane *stares*). There was lots of drama, backstabbing and also a lot of "reality" stuff.
I am kind of sad that this series and the other one is over. I kind of have to confess I am in some kind of book hangover case. I just wish there was a series like this one so I could continue my hunger for these kinds of books.
Now let's start with this last book. As I said in the previous one, Madison is surprising me with a wonderful behaviour, she is showing that she is human after all. Something that wasn't always apparent in the books, but that she has shown in this series. It kind of started with book 1, then she was so-so in book 2 and in book 3 she totally changed. She is still venomous and at times a bitch, but you can see that she is actually caring about people. She is actually helping people and making wise decisions that she should have done a long time ago.
I can also say that while Madison was my most hated character from the series, this changed with this one and the previous books. Suddenly, she became one of my favourites. A scary change, but also a happy one.
I do hope that Madison will have a good life, maybe we will meet her again in (hopefully) another book.
Then we have a whole cast of other girls. Gaby, who is still recovering from drugs overdose, who is still being pushed around to do things, but who is also trying to do something for herself. In this book that was going to practise for some dance show. Working hard, dancing and practising for hours a day just to get through the audition. It is admirable, as the Gaby we saw in the books was often ditzy and acted like an idiot. A front of course, but a very convincing one. I am so glad that we see that Gaby is smart, is making goals, is making something of her life.
Carmen, who is rekindling her relationship with her parents again. Who still has the mysterious stalker boy/girl after her who feeds everything she does to a blogger/press. I was quite stunned when we found out who it actually was. I was pretty much convinced it was another person.
Carmen is also finally picking up other roles. They might be a bit smaller, but I think it is a good thing that she is finally stopping with being so critical about things, I think she should be happy with any role. Especially as this creates a portfolio for her, something that other directors might look into and see what she has done. She is making a name for her, not one based on her parents name, but a name of her own.
I really love Carmen, though I think she makes the wrong decisions at times. I didn't like how she did that to Drew. Sure, she was drunk, but she also knew darn well that Drew was taken. By a friend.
Kate, ah Kate. Boring Kate who seem to still struggle with anxiety and stage fright. I didn't like this whole thing in the previous books. It mostly annoyed me. And it does the same thing in this book. I also don't really feel a connection or a liking with Kate. She is pretty boring and again, her going for pills instead of trying even harder made me dislike her. Especially with how she handled pills. She was just stuck to it. Instead of trying it out without pills, she kept using them. Luckily, in this book she isn't using them that much, and we see her grow. While I really was happy to see that, I also couldn't really care any more. For me, Kate was just Kate. Not interesting, had the most boring plotline and several other things.
Sophie/Sophia was the character that became the bad character for me. I didn't like her in the first series and I hated her in this series. Her action in the last part of this book made me just want to smack her on her head. She is a silly attention-seeking girl and I think it would be best that she never would show up on tv again. She ruins lives and will not keep her mouth closed. Not even for family.
The "reality" show and all the drama really made me love these books and I am happy that I have them in my bookcases. Now I can just pick them up if I feel like re-reading them.
The ending of the book? It was a good ending, it still left something open for possible sequels or a new series and I really like it. Now I can hear people go, urgh open ending. It isn't like that. All the girls have their things done, their careers are open again. They all have goals and new careers, and I think there could easily be another series about these girls, or even about a new group (of course with cameos from the other characters). This time not one made by Trevor, but by someone else (who that is... well read the book).
I would really recommend this series. It has ups and downs, but mostly it is a fun way to spend your time.
Review first posted at: http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 4, 2013
Spring/Summer has been the season of revisiting all things Los Angeles. From Entourage to Melrose Place, and all things Lauren Conrad from The Hills to LA Candy/The Fame Game. If it's about young Hollywood, I watched and I read it. Lauren's writing grew more stimulating with each book until I finished her last, Infamous, in less than a day. It was amusing and addictive to sit on the balcony in Hollywood sipping juice from Pressed Juicery as Lauren poked fun at LA neurosis, from the habitual juice fasting to the seemingly requisite elective surgeries.
Lauren comes off as a girl who played the Fame Game and emerged untainted and unjaded, with her feet on the ground; which is a rare grace in the fast-paced world of red carpets and culture phenomena. She closes the book with the line, "you write what you know"...Bravo, Lauren...well-played.
Lauren comes off as a girl who played the Fame Game and emerged untainted and unjaded, with her feet on the ground; which is a rare grace in the fast-paced world of red carpets and culture phenomena. She closes the book with the line, "you write what you know"...Bravo, Lauren...well-played.
October 11, 2017
First, this book - and both this series and LA Candy as a whole - never pretend to be something they're not. They're novels about life on a 'reality' show in Hollywood. So it baffles me why people rate and review the books so terribly, as though they were expecting something else. It seems like some wanted to rate these low, just because.
The books are not great literature, they won't be classics some day. But they're not supposed to be on par with novels like that. These are fun reads, easy and light, that give you a glimpse into what LC's life was like for many years. If you never watched Laguna Beach or The Hills, and you think reality shows are so stupid, then why waste your time reading something about that very subject? Some reality shows are really stupid - most are - but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for The Hills.
I was pleasantly surprised by Madison once again. I almost didn't read this series because I couldn't stand her, but she ended up being my favorite character. (I'll never say the same thing about Heidi in real life though. Ever.) she evolved completely, and it was a pretty great storyline. The only thing that bugged me was how quickly things were resolved in terms of her dad, mostly how it was so easy to find him...in Wyoming. But I was glad to see he wasn't a bad guy after all. Just needed some help.
Gaby could have been more interesting if they'd have given her a better story after rehab, though I was glad she stopped drinking, etc and was doing well. Dancing With the Stars, who knew.
Kate and Carmen were blech. Kate really was the boring one, stupid haircut and all. Having her be crippled by fear about performing was mildly interesting, and they could've gone somewhere with her Xanax prescription, but I guess one addict was enough? The stalker could've been so much more interesting but the way it ended was pretty funny.
And Carmen, spoiled bratty Carmen. You seriously don't understand why Kate was so mad TWICE?? She was the worst character of all. Honestly for a while I thought it could've been her own mom leaking the random stories to the press, with how the mother/daughter fame competition was played up.
I ended up liking The Fame Game as much, if not more, than LA Candy. Bummed they're over, maybe we will get a reunion in a few years.
The books are not great literature, they won't be classics some day. But they're not supposed to be on par with novels like that. These are fun reads, easy and light, that give you a glimpse into what LC's life was like for many years. If you never watched Laguna Beach or The Hills, and you think reality shows are so stupid, then why waste your time reading something about that very subject? Some reality shows are really stupid - most are - but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for The Hills.
I was pleasantly surprised by Madison once again. I almost didn't read this series because I couldn't stand her, but she ended up being my favorite character. (I'll never say the same thing about Heidi in real life though. Ever.) she evolved completely, and it was a pretty great storyline. The only thing that bugged me was how quickly things were resolved in terms of her dad, mostly how it was so easy to find him...in Wyoming. But I was glad to see he wasn't a bad guy after all. Just needed some help.
Gaby could have been more interesting if they'd have given her a better story after rehab, though I was glad she stopped drinking, etc and was doing well. Dancing With the Stars, who knew.
Kate and Carmen were blech. Kate really was the boring one, stupid haircut and all. Having her be crippled by fear about performing was mildly interesting, and they could've gone somewhere with her Xanax prescription, but I guess one addict was enough? The stalker could've been so much more interesting but the way it ended was pretty funny.
And Carmen, spoiled bratty Carmen. You seriously don't understand why Kate was so mad TWICE?? She was the worst character of all. Honestly for a while I thought it could've been her own mom leaking the random stories to the press, with how the mother/daughter fame competition was played up.
I ended up liking The Fame Game as much, if not more, than LA Candy. Bummed they're over, maybe we will get a reunion in a few years.
July 29, 2013
My feelings for The Fame Game series have changed so much since I read the first novel. Now that I’ve finished Infamous, I have to say that it was great to see the characters grow and evolve, but I was a bit disappointed by the subdued drama in the plot. Nevertheless, the writing style is very engaging and I just flew through it.
When I first read The Fame Game, I thought Kate would be my favorite character and expected her to be exactly like Jane Roberts/Lauren Conrad. Maybe Kate was at first, but by the time Infamous came around she bore almost no resemblance to the girl I liked so much in The Fame Game. Similarly, I really thought I would love Carmen, but she was basically just a backstabbing bitch. One of those girls who thinks they’re doing the right thing and honestly does mean well, but is just too selfish to truly care about anyone but themselves. The character that surprised me the most, however, was Madison.
I absolutely hated Madison in L.A Candy—she was a selfish, back-stabbing social climber. These qualities never fully disappeared in The Fame Game, but Madison evolved into a much more compassionate and caring person. We see why she put up so many walls and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure her success. She was by far my favorite character in the series and she had the most depth.
Those who read L.A. Candy will remember all of the drama that occurred—Jane Roberts constantly being betrayed by everyone, on camera surprises, etc. Where was that in Infamous? When I finished reading Infamous, I was actually thinking to myself, “is this the really end?” because nothing really happens. It does put a nice bow on all of the plot lines, but that’s really it. There were hardly any new story lines and the ones that were there were surprisingly boring.
While Infamous was sufficiently lacking in the plot department, I really enjoyed seeing where the characters ended up—particularly Madison. Even though the plot wasn’t great, the writing kept me entertained and I didn’t really want to put the book down. The ending was so lackluster that the series is practically begging for a fourth book, but since all of the plot points have been resolved there isn’t really any place for a sequel to go unless there is an entirely new spin off series.
When I first read The Fame Game, I thought Kate would be my favorite character and expected her to be exactly like Jane Roberts/Lauren Conrad. Maybe Kate was at first, but by the time Infamous came around she bore almost no resemblance to the girl I liked so much in The Fame Game. Similarly, I really thought I would love Carmen, but she was basically just a backstabbing bitch. One of those girls who thinks they’re doing the right thing and honestly does mean well, but is just too selfish to truly care about anyone but themselves. The character that surprised me the most, however, was Madison.
I absolutely hated Madison in L.A Candy—she was a selfish, back-stabbing social climber. These qualities never fully disappeared in The Fame Game, but Madison evolved into a much more compassionate and caring person. We see why she put up so many walls and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure her success. She was by far my favorite character in the series and she had the most depth.
Those who read L.A. Candy will remember all of the drama that occurred—Jane Roberts constantly being betrayed by everyone, on camera surprises, etc. Where was that in Infamous? When I finished reading Infamous, I was actually thinking to myself, “is this the really end?” because nothing really happens. It does put a nice bow on all of the plot lines, but that’s really it. There were hardly any new story lines and the ones that were there were surprisingly boring.
While Infamous was sufficiently lacking in the plot department, I really enjoyed seeing where the characters ended up—particularly Madison. Even though the plot wasn’t great, the writing kept me entertained and I didn’t really want to put the book down. The ending was so lackluster that the series is practically begging for a fourth book, but since all of the plot points have been resolved there isn’t really any place for a sequel to go unless there is an entirely new spin off series.
July 14, 2013
I am really disappointed with this book. And I was really looking forward to it. I think the problem is that they are written for a younger audience, and this one was actually shelved in the Children's section at my local library. As it isn't written for an adult audience some parts can come across as a bit boring and, compared to adults books, quite tame.
But I think the main problem is just the characters. I love Madison, despite hating her in LA Candy and I like Gaby even though she was hardly in this book! But it is Kate and Carmen I have the problem with, both of them are rubbish characters and I would rather watch paint dry than read about them. Neither of their story lives interested me one iota and Madison didn't really have any 'major' story lines. You could just read the Epilogue and you would know what happens without having to waste time reading the whole thing.
I don't know if the problem is because the book is written for younger readers as so was LA Candy and I loved those books but if Lauren is planning more books then I would prefer one for an older audience as I just think there is scope for more juicer stories and not the boring stuff written about here.
But I think the main problem is just the characters. I love Madison, despite hating her in LA Candy and I like Gaby even though she was hardly in this book! But it is Kate and Carmen I have the problem with, both of them are rubbish characters and I would rather watch paint dry than read about them. Neither of their story lives interested me one iota and Madison didn't really have any 'major' story lines. You could just read the Epilogue and you would know what happens without having to waste time reading the whole thing.
I don't know if the problem is because the book is written for younger readers as so was LA Candy and I loved those books but if Lauren is planning more books then I would prefer one for an older audience as I just think there is scope for more juicer stories and not the boring stuff written about here.
March 14, 2019
A guilty pleasure read.. I liked this series less than L.A. Candy, but it was still entertainment. :-)
May 24, 2023
Alle meiden beginnen zichzelf steeds meer uit te vinden. Madison realiseert dat ze niet eeuwig voor de camera wil staan. Kate geniet van het maken van muziek i.p.v. dat ze er extreme stress van krijgt. Gaby doet na een overdosis mee aan Dancing with the Stars en Carmen maakt het als actrice. Daarbij is er ook nog de nodige drama over een 'vriendin' die alle juice over Carmen & Drew deelt met de roddelpers en Sophia die de producer van the Fame Game van seksuele intimidate beschuldigt. In een korte tijd alle delen van the Fame Game boekenserie gelezen en heb er van genoten!
February 23, 2018
While this book was entertaining, and an easy read, like the others in the series, I was really really disappointed and offended by the ending. I had grown to love Maddison, and I was excited to watch her character progression and see where she ended up, and in that sense the ending was fulfilling. However, a whole lot of the ending circulated around Sophia being “insane”, and “psycho”. How did they explain this? How did they justify Sophia being a massively manipulative cold hearted bitch? Well by giving her a personality disorder of course! Namely, personality disorder. Not only did they diagnose her with BPD, but they had other characters comment on this diagnosis by saying “In layman’s terms, she was either bat-shit crazy, or utterly desperate, or both” and “She really is insane!”. Reading this just signals the Author’s naivety and small mindedness when it comes to mental illness. As someone with BPD, I do not like reading that having my mental illness makes me “crazy” or “insane”. It’s too easy to take a bitchy character and give them a mental illness to “justify” their behaviour, but it alienates your mentally ill readers! It furthers the stigma that mentally ill people should be avoided and are nasty people. I just thought this was poor writing and left the book, and the Author, as a bitter taste in my mouth. Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2016
The novel, Infamous, by Lauren Conrad is about the drama that goes on in the filming of season 2 of The Fame Game. The star, Madison Parker, is doing something that she would never do- avoiding PopTV cameras. She know that Revor will come back crawling to her and that she'll go back to the show-but on her own terms. Fame can turn a girl into a target which is a rule that her Fame Game costars are learning. Up and coming actress, Carmen, is trying to find out who is feeding gossip about her to the press. All the clues lead to someone from her inner circle. On the other hand, Madison's other costar, Kate, has been referred as "The Boring One." However, is Kate is so boring, then how come she's the only one with a boyfriend and stalker? In order to help Kate out, Madison comes to the "rescue," giving her tips on the reality-TV world. As Madison gives her pointers, Kate takes the advice too far. As the girls' careers heat up, so do their love lives. They each discover that chasing their dreams comes at a price. Lauren Conrad has written another awesome book! I really loved the drama that goes on between each of the girls, including the gossip. Personally, this book is definitely in my top favorite books.
October 24, 2019
Het is even geleden dat ik 'Starstruck' heb geleden, dus ik moest in het begin even nadenken waar het vorige boek ook alweer eindigde. Gelukkig kwam ik hier vrij snel achter en had ik er daarna geen last meer van.
Ik vond het erg raar dat ik nauwelijks merkte dat Madison was veranderd in 'Starstruck'. Pas tegen het einde van het boek merkte ik daar echt iets van.
Hele recensie van 'Infamous' en 'Starstruck': https://secretsofthetales.wordpress.c...
Ik vond het erg raar dat ik nauwelijks merkte dat Madison was veranderd in 'Starstruck'. Pas tegen het einde van het boek merkte ik daar echt iets van.
Hele recensie van 'Infamous' en 'Starstruck': https://secretsofthetales.wordpress.c...
July 2, 2013
Having read the LA Candy and Fame Game series I think this series was kind of thrown together and rushed just to complete some kind of book deal. The story was OK but not great and this last book was kind of silly and almost unnecessary. I don't know if she was rushing to write something or what but it wasn't good.
Want to read
November 26, 2017Book three!
January 27, 2014
Solid! I think Conrad's series is actually much stronger and better written than Gossip Girl and It Girl.
These are quick, enjoyable reads.
These are quick, enjoyable reads.
June 5, 2017
It is a nice conclusion and wrapped up all the storylines really well. I was left with no questions and really just enjoyed this series.
July 27, 2019
It wrapped up the series pretty well. Some characters development I didn't totally buy. Overall an entertaining series.
October 30, 2023
I'm very glad everything was wrapped up but it almost might be too pretty a bow. I kinda wished this had one more book so the drama could have exploded instead of taken a sharp turn to get to that happily ever after.
All in all a fun little book of a reality tv show but the main characters never go quite past the surface to feeling "real".
All in all a fun little book of a reality tv show but the main characters never go quite past the surface to feeling "real".
June 10, 2024
Only great thing out of this series was Madison’s amazing character development from LA Candy series to this.
March 26, 2014
Good news, everyone!!!! I have finished my dark journey into THE FAME GAME Novels!
I am sorry to report that this one was not as strong as the LA CANDY series overall, except for the fact that Madison Parker is my everything and I much preferred following her story than I did Jane's story in the first series. I just wish that the other characters in THE FAME GAME would have been as strong as those in LA CANDY. I know I've said this before. It's the same criticism. INFAMOUS, the last book in the trilogy, picks up a little bit after where STAR STRUCK left off; Madison has quit THE FAME GAME and the show is suffering for it. Well of course it is! Carmen is boring, Kate is boring, Gaby is a not-in-a-fun-way wreck, and Sophia is psycho. So of course the show comes back to Madison, begging her to rejoin. Which she does, but under the conditions that she sets. I was relieved that Madison came back. It's not like the book wasn't going to follow her, but whenever she is with the other characters she enhances them. Of course, she's a little glum because Ryan is still out of her life, and fame just isn't what it used to be. And given Carmen's constant hounding by the gossip columns (boring) and Kate's singing career taking a turn for the autotuned (also boring), who better but Madison Parker to be in scenes with them and make the book worth reading?
I give this three stars only because of Madison and her story arc. She became a well rounded, fully actualized character as the series went on, and I was very pleased where she ended up. Conrad kept Madison true to her ambitious and sometimes abrasive nature, but she also learned more about herself, learned to embrace some imperfection, and learned how to care about people other than herself. Madison Parker is the sole reason I kept going with these books, but it was a damn good reason. I'm not even going to bother with the other less well rounded people and just focus on the amazingness that is Madison. While I'm glad that I'm done with all this, I am really going to miss this protagonist who shows that ambition isn't always a bad thing and that women can be brazen and imperfect and still be perfectly great heroines who do have friends and people who love them. Goodbye, Madison Parker. I salute you.
I am sorry to report that this one was not as strong as the LA CANDY series overall, except for the fact that Madison Parker is my everything and I much preferred following her story than I did Jane's story in the first series. I just wish that the other characters in THE FAME GAME would have been as strong as those in LA CANDY. I know I've said this before. It's the same criticism. INFAMOUS, the last book in the trilogy, picks up a little bit after where STAR STRUCK left off; Madison has quit THE FAME GAME and the show is suffering for it. Well of course it is! Carmen is boring, Kate is boring, Gaby is a not-in-a-fun-way wreck, and Sophia is psycho. So of course the show comes back to Madison, begging her to rejoin. Which she does, but under the conditions that she sets. I was relieved that Madison came back. It's not like the book wasn't going to follow her, but whenever she is with the other characters she enhances them. Of course, she's a little glum because Ryan is still out of her life, and fame just isn't what it used to be. And given Carmen's constant hounding by the gossip columns (boring) and Kate's singing career taking a turn for the autotuned (also boring), who better but Madison Parker to be in scenes with them and make the book worth reading?
I give this three stars only because of Madison and her story arc. She became a well rounded, fully actualized character as the series went on, and I was very pleased where she ended up. Conrad kept Madison true to her ambitious and sometimes abrasive nature, but she also learned more about herself, learned to embrace some imperfection, and learned how to care about people other than herself. Madison Parker is the sole reason I kept going with these books, but it was a damn good reason. I'm not even going to bother with the other less well rounded people and just focus on the amazingness that is Madison. While I'm glad that I'm done with all this, I am really going to miss this protagonist who shows that ambition isn't always a bad thing and that women can be brazen and imperfect and still be perfectly great heroines who do have friends and people who love them. Goodbye, Madison Parker. I salute you.
December 19, 2015
‘Infamous’ is the last book in ‘The Fame Game’ trilogy. There were several interesting storylines with the potential for more character growth and overall development but they didn’t quite deliver.
Madison is back in the game and on her own terms. She’s not exactly the same old Madison though. She does scheme and find ways to grab more spotlight for herself but for the most part, she has certainly changed a lot. She doesn’t really backstab or say mean things that much anymore. Unfortunately that made the book a little less interesting than it otherwise would have been. By toning Madison down, there’s really no one else who has a strong presence and personality to keep the book as captivating as it could have been. Anyhow, Madison is also wondering about what’s left between her and Ryan. It’s good that she focused on branching out using her own skills.
As for Carmen, she’s struggling to find another good movie role and simultaneously she has to deal with sudden nasty stories about her in magazines. Therefore, she begins to suspect the people around her. Meanwhile, she also has to face seeing Kate and Drew being all lovey-dovey with each other while she wishes that he would treat her the way he used to. Her ‘relationship’ with Luke is left hanging. Carmen is still as likeable as ever. I really liked the fact that she did her best to fix her friendship with Kate as well as to avoid drama involving Drew.
Kate came across as annoying especially her constant dependence on Drew for support. She seemed to blow things out of proportion though her diva side was hardly seen this time. Her fight with Carmen over Drew was too drawn out as nothing much happened. It felt like a repetition and since Drew never seems to have any personality apart from being the guy that two girls are sort of fighting over, this whole love triangle was stale and should have been concluded in the previous book. The focus on Kate’s music was better but I felt like she overcome her stage fright too easily. Her stalker subplot was terribly wasted as it held so much potential.
There’s not much of Gaby but her dumbness is not obvious anymore and she starts afresh after the overdose in ‘Starstruck’. I think this is a good thing as it showed her slowly recovering and proved that she actually does have talent (dancing) instead of constantly portraying her as dumb or a comic relief. Madison’s sister, Sophia shows up in the book every now and then but I feel as though her personality changes way too much to be believable.
Overall, the book wrapped up the trilogy with everyone getting their happy endings. However, it could have been a lot better as it felt rushed.
Madison is back in the game and on her own terms. She’s not exactly the same old Madison though. She does scheme and find ways to grab more spotlight for herself but for the most part, she has certainly changed a lot. She doesn’t really backstab or say mean things that much anymore. Unfortunately that made the book a little less interesting than it otherwise would have been. By toning Madison down, there’s really no one else who has a strong presence and personality to keep the book as captivating as it could have been. Anyhow, Madison is also wondering about what’s left between her and Ryan. It’s good that she focused on branching out using her own skills.
As for Carmen, she’s struggling to find another good movie role and simultaneously she has to deal with sudden nasty stories about her in magazines. Therefore, she begins to suspect the people around her. Meanwhile, she also has to face seeing Kate and Drew being all lovey-dovey with each other while she wishes that he would treat her the way he used to. Her ‘relationship’ with Luke is left hanging. Carmen is still as likeable as ever. I really liked the fact that she did her best to fix her friendship with Kate as well as to avoid drama involving Drew.
Kate came across as annoying especially her constant dependence on Drew for support. She seemed to blow things out of proportion though her diva side was hardly seen this time. Her fight with Carmen over Drew was too drawn out as nothing much happened. It felt like a repetition and since Drew never seems to have any personality apart from being the guy that two girls are sort of fighting over, this whole love triangle was stale and should have been concluded in the previous book. The focus on Kate’s music was better but I felt like she overcome her stage fright too easily. Her stalker subplot was terribly wasted as it held so much potential.
There’s not much of Gaby but her dumbness is not obvious anymore and she starts afresh after the overdose in ‘Starstruck’. I think this is a good thing as it showed her slowly recovering and proved that she actually does have talent (dancing) instead of constantly portraying her as dumb or a comic relief. Madison’s sister, Sophia shows up in the book every now and then but I feel as though her personality changes way too much to be believable.
Overall, the book wrapped up the trilogy with everyone getting their happy endings. However, it could have been a lot better as it felt rushed.
September 11, 2019
This was a cute little trilogy, I very much enjoyed this series and good for Lauren Conrad for writing 3 great books. I suspect she pulled a few of these stories from her own 'reality TV' experiences and hey, good for her. Made the story that much easier to relate to. I liked how she ended it, definitely had all you need throughout the books. I would read something from her again.
August 6, 2018
Infamous termine la saga The Fame Game d'une très bonne façon. On retrouve nos 4 jeunes femmes en quête de réussite à la suite des nombreux rebondissements qui ont eue lieu dans les livres précédents.
Madison vient de terminer ses travaux d'intérêts généraux et avec ça, elle a mit également un terme à sa relation avec Ryan. Désormais elle veut se concentrer sur sa carrière et notamment son retour dans la TV réalité. J'ai aimé la voir évoluer et faire face à son passé pour enfin l'accepter. Elle n'est plus aussi obsédé par elle-même et l'image qu'elle peut renvoyer. A la fin du livre, on la retrouve sur un nouveau projet qui lui va très bien je trouve. Toutefois l'histoire avec son père fut un peu rapide en terme de conclusion.
Kate et Carmen vont devoir faire face à certains problèmes concernant leur amitié mais également leur vie professionnel. Tous se chamboule et de grande décision vont devoir être prise.
Concernant Gaby, suite à son overdose on la suit (de loin) sur le chemin de la guérison. On la quitte heureuse avec des nouveaux projets et de nouvelles fréquentations plus saine.
J'ai adoré suivre ces héroïnes à travers leurs histoires. J'ai aussi apprécié que sur la fin de ce dernier tome on s'intéresse également à Trevor et j'aurais encore plus aimé que l'auteur approfondisse cette histoire.
Madison vient de terminer ses travaux d'intérêts généraux et avec ça, elle a mit également un terme à sa relation avec Ryan. Désormais elle veut se concentrer sur sa carrière et notamment son retour dans la TV réalité. J'ai aimé la voir évoluer et faire face à son passé pour enfin l'accepter. Elle n'est plus aussi obsédé par elle-même et l'image qu'elle peut renvoyer. A la fin du livre, on la retrouve sur un nouveau projet qui lui va très bien je trouve. Toutefois l'histoire avec son père fut un peu rapide en terme de conclusion.
Kate et Carmen vont devoir faire face à certains problèmes concernant leur amitié mais également leur vie professionnel. Tous se chamboule et de grande décision vont devoir être prise.
Concernant Gaby, suite à son overdose on la suit (de loin) sur le chemin de la guérison. On la quitte heureuse avec des nouveaux projets et de nouvelles fréquentations plus saine.
J'ai adoré suivre ces héroïnes à travers leurs histoires. J'ai aussi apprécié que sur la fin de ce dernier tome on s'intéresse également à Trevor et j'aurais encore plus aimé que l'auteur approfondisse cette histoire.
May 13, 2021
This was a good way to end the series, all the characters' arcs are given equal attention to wrap up the series and I like how they all worked out. Also, Trevor having all the girls talking to a psychiatrist and in doing so finding out what Sophie's problem is.
Madison bounces back while retaining some of her nicer side and is able to have everything; her love interest, a new show, slowly forgiving her father and winning back her fans. Carmen and Kate are friends again, more confident in their talents and abilities. Carmen is single, happy and completely unaware of Drew's feelings. Gaby finally proves herself by kicking her pill popping habit, doing well in a dance competition and getting into a happy healthier relationship. Also she's stopped getting cosmetic surgeries, you go girl!
Madison bounces back while retaining some of her nicer side and is able to have everything; her love interest, a new show, slowly forgiving her father and winning back her fans. Carmen and Kate are friends again, more confident in their talents and abilities. Carmen is single, happy and completely unaware of Drew's feelings. Gaby finally proves herself by kicking her pill popping habit, doing well in a dance competition and getting into a happy healthier relationship. Also she's stopped getting cosmetic surgeries, you go girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Lauren did such an amazing job wrapping up this series. If you've read the other three books you're going to want to read this one. Follow Madison as she turned her life around, Kate as she reaches stardom, Gaby to see if she get back on the right track after what happened, and see if Carmen is still living in her parents shadows. The ending of this book will shock you but in a good way.
July 15, 2013
And so concludes the fame game series, but Lauren, it really doesn't need to end here we wanna know what Madisons life will be like afterwards, she did start her own production company, maybe the cycle continues, hint hint the book was good focused a little too much on Carmen and not enough on Madison, its funny I hated her in LA candy but in the Fame game shes my favorite
July 2, 2013
Pretty decent wrap-up to the series, but it didn't seem like very much really happened IN this book. They referenced a lot of things that happened previously and tidied up those storylines, but there weren't really new characters or events exclusive to this book. So, it kept me entertained, but not super interested.
August 11, 2013
I like how Lauren Conrad, and I'm assuming Farrin Jacobs, compile these books. I may also be obsessed with reality tv, which doesn't help. The story line is great, they are easy to read and they are somewhat exciting even for adults. This was a great wrap up to the Fame Game. I'm curious if Madison Parker will be the star of another trilogy for LC.
December 8, 2013
While the writing is very easy to read, to the extent that I literally flew through this book and finished in a few hours, the last installment of The Fame Game series was seriously lacking. There was no real excitement, no big dramatic storyline, it just felt kind of 'meh' and fizzled through to a sweet ending, leaving me disappointed.
July 2, 2013
Enjoyable but not the greatest.
I hate when books in a series don't recap because I started this book and read about 30 pages and I was so confused. Not there was new characters introduced but I just couldn't remember what had happened in the previous book.
Just cause I am a fan of Lauren, I will probably read her next series if she plans on writing another.
I hate when books in a series don't recap because I started this book and read about 30 pages and I was so confused. Not there was new characters introduced but I just couldn't remember what had happened in the previous book.
Just cause I am a fan of Lauren, I will probably read her next series if she plans on writing another.
July 6, 2013
I'm not sure what made me take up this series initially as this type of novel is really outside of my norm, but I really enjoyed it.
I'm not much for reality television, but the vantage point of these books is very different from that. I like that over the series the characters gained some depth and evolved. It's easy reading and perfect to throw in a your summer book bag.
I'm not much for reality television, but the vantage point of these books is very different from that. I like that over the series the characters gained some depth and evolved. It's easy reading and perfect to throw in a your summer book bag.
June 21, 2013
great ending to the fame game series.
typical LC book. no surprises with how the book was constructed or written which in this case is what you want.
LC's books are a good read if you want something easy and fun to read. nothing too serious and something you'll be able to get through quick without using much brain power.
i'll always love little LC...
typical LC book. no surprises with how the book was constructed or written which in this case is what you want.
LC's books are a good read if you want something easy and fun to read. nothing too serious and something you'll be able to get through quick without using much brain power.
i'll always love little LC...
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