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Death of a Pop Star, Vol. 1
Perfect for fans of romantic comedies with a supernatural twist, debut YA graphic novel by Violet Karim follows the unusual journey of up-and-coming singer Sophie Lim after she dies and makes a deal with the Grim Reaper for a second chance at life and pop stardom.
Number one on the pop charts and in the hearts of fans world-wide, Sophie Lim is at the top of her game—until she takes a tumble from the top of the stairs. Now she's dead, and it turns out it's harder to build a career from six feet under. But lucky for her, the Grim Reaper's her number one fan!
After striking a deal with the Grim Reaper, Eli, to get her life back, Sophie must now embark on a journey of self-discovery as she takes on a new challenge: college. While she struggles to fit in with her classmates as a celebrity, bigger dangers lie in wait for her. The universe is out of equilibrium with Sophie’s soul unclaimed, and cosmic balance is just one unhappy accident away.
This volume collects episodes 1 to 22 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 27.7 million reads, Death of a Pop Star.
Number one on the pop charts and in the hearts of fans world-wide, Sophie Lim is at the top of her game—until she takes a tumble from the top of the stairs. Now she's dead, and it turns out it's harder to build a career from six feet under. But lucky for her, the Grim Reaper's her number one fan!
After striking a deal with the Grim Reaper, Eli, to get her life back, Sophie must now embark on a journey of self-discovery as she takes on a new challenge: college. While she struggles to fit in with her classmates as a celebrity, bigger dangers lie in wait for her. The universe is out of equilibrium with Sophie’s soul unclaimed, and cosmic balance is just one unhappy accident away.
This volume collects episodes 1 to 22 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 27.7 million reads, Death of a Pop Star.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
2584 people want to read
About the author
Violet Karim
4 books15 followersViolet Chan Karim is a comic artist and writer from Boston, Massachusetts. Her love for cartoons, books, and movies as a child led to her pursuing a career in writing and illustration as an adult. She graduated with a BFA in Sequential Art from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2020. Violet’s debut graphic novel, Summer Vamp, will be published in 2024 with Random House Graphic. She also creates the webcomic, Death of a Pop Star, with WEBTOON.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 14, 2025
this volume takes 24 of the webtoon chapters and shoves them in a book. (which i love when they come out with webtoon unscrolled 😛)
unfortunately i just really didn’t like this book, the artwork was amazing.. and you might say, “cyd, it’s a graphic novel.. the whole point of it being different from an actual book is that is has drawings in it” and yeah.. i know… 😔. but the writing also plays a huge part, and when the writings bad and the plot was non existent the drawings inside doesn’t do much for it.
way too long? ✅
speaking that this book is close to 300 pages, and that the whole point of this is the DEATH of a popstar.. we only get about 13 pages of her actually being dead. and she (Sophie) is so determined to get back to the living world that she sells herself to the grim reaper.
basically she agrees to become his wife (even tho they both look 15?? which is the drawing style but still) BUT the grim reapers wife lives like the grim reaper himself, she has to take part in sending the dead off. her soul doesn’t move on, she’s trapped for eternity. which to me didn’t make sense.
“the next time you die, you won’t move on to the afterlife.”
and she repeatedly says “YES, YES.. my debut single just came out I need to get back there.” and even with it being a book, she made it seem like she was selling me something because of how many times she brought up her song 😭😭😭😭
OH AND.. Auntie Grace is a guilt tripper, and i hated her for it. + she was playing the victim and was very manipulative.
"do you know how terrible this past week had been for me?" uhh Ms girl? she was the one in the coma... not you..
"so now will you take a break and go to college??" “I thought i LOST YOU!”
I feel like the author never really wanted to have a book about the actual death of a pop star and really she just wanted to write about a famous girl going to college with a dark gloomy boy she can call "the grim reaper"
I personally felt it was way too unrealistic (even for fiction) and all of these characters were weird.
the Aunt literally said that "college will be a great stress reliever" that is wild. I've personally never met anyone who thinks college is a "nice walk in the park! so nice and relaxing!!" MY QUESTION STILL STANDS: WHY DID THE AUNT EVEN THINK ABOUT COLLEGE?? ok so her niece falls down a flight of stairs. and she dies. (nobody knows that she rlly died bc in reality she sold her eternity to the grim reaper- but keep in mind he's like her superfan?) and she wakes up a 10 days later from a coma and this same day she wakes up, you recommend her go to college??
see where im getting at? like isn't that weird?? the author definitely just wanted to write about a college setting guys 💔
and the romance was so weird??
he was literally stalking her around, blushing when she was just being a decent person, and expecting her to remember that she agreed to be his wife when she was between life or death.
it's just a weird concept overall imo, BUT with how it ended i’m honestly hooked. the mystery aspect?? in the very first scene of her “falling” down the stairs you can literally SEE hands pushing her. i think i know who did it. so i fear i have to read the next one 😅
2/5⭐️🎤 (extra star for the animation)
unfortunately i just really didn’t like this book, the artwork was amazing.. and you might say, “cyd, it’s a graphic novel.. the whole point of it being different from an actual book is that is has drawings in it” and yeah.. i know… 😔. but the writing also plays a huge part, and when the writings bad and the plot was non existent the drawings inside doesn’t do much for it.
way too long? ✅
speaking that this book is close to 300 pages, and that the whole point of this is the DEATH of a popstar.. we only get about 13 pages of her actually being dead. and she (Sophie) is so determined to get back to the living world that she sells herself to the grim reaper.
basically she agrees to become his wife (even tho they both look 15?? which is the drawing style but still) BUT the grim reapers wife lives like the grim reaper himself, she has to take part in sending the dead off. her soul doesn’t move on, she’s trapped for eternity. which to me didn’t make sense.
“the next time you die, you won’t move on to the afterlife.”
and she repeatedly says “YES, YES.. my debut single just came out I need to get back there.” and even with it being a book, she made it seem like she was selling me something because of how many times she brought up her song 😭😭😭😭
OH AND.. Auntie Grace is a guilt tripper, and i hated her for it. + she was playing the victim and was very manipulative.
"do you know how terrible this past week had been for me?" uhh Ms girl? she was the one in the coma... not you..
"so now will you take a break and go to college??" “I thought i LOST YOU!”
I feel like the author never really wanted to have a book about the actual death of a pop star and really she just wanted to write about a famous girl going to college with a dark gloomy boy she can call "the grim reaper"
I personally felt it was way too unrealistic (even for fiction) and all of these characters were weird.
the Aunt literally said that "college will be a great stress reliever" that is wild. I've personally never met anyone who thinks college is a "nice walk in the park! so nice and relaxing!!" MY QUESTION STILL STANDS: WHY DID THE AUNT EVEN THINK ABOUT COLLEGE?? ok so her niece falls down a flight of stairs. and she dies. (nobody knows that she rlly died bc in reality she sold her eternity to the grim reaper- but keep in mind he's like her superfan?) and she wakes up a 10 days later from a coma and this same day she wakes up, you recommend her go to college??
see where im getting at? like isn't that weird?? the author definitely just wanted to write about a college setting guys 💔
and the romance was so weird??
he was literally stalking her around, blushing when she was just being a decent person, and expecting her to remember that she agreed to be his wife when she was between life or death.
it's just a weird concept overall imo, BUT with how it ended i’m honestly hooked. the mystery aspect?? in the very first scene of her “falling” down the stairs you can literally SEE hands pushing her. i think i know who did it. so i fear i have to read the next one 😅
2/5⭐️🎤 (extra star for the animation)
November 12, 2025
This book was not what I expected, in a good-ish way. I was concerned it would be TOO serious re: she's dead, but if anything, it wasn't serious ENOUGH. Like, did she forget that someone PUSHED her on PURPOSE and that it KILLED her??!? She KNOWS no one came to see if she was ok, ergo, it was a purposeful shove to her death. Why isn't she trying to see how people are reacting to her when they see she isn't dead? Nope, she just goes to college and finds out her aunt has been lying to her and makes weird friends and it's AAAALLLLLL ok.
Maybe the next volume picks the mystery thread up a bit more, as this volume was unsatisfying in that regard. I did enjoy her "found family" and how they all interacted with one another. The relationships were my favorite part of this I think.
3, not bad but the next volume needs to pick up the murder plot line for me to want to read anymore, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Unscrolled for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Maybe the next volume picks the mystery thread up a bit more, as this volume was unsatisfying in that regard. I did enjoy her "found family" and how they all interacted with one another. The relationships were my favorite part of this I think.
3, not bad but the next volume needs to pick up the murder plot line for me to want to read anymore, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Unscrolled for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
physical reread 💖
July 4, 2025
thx to netgalley + the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ i was not expecting to enjoy this as much as i did and let's be real, every second of it was goofy and cringy and so so ridiculous but also so cute? like imagine a grim reaper was your biggest fan. i mean, i wouldnt complain, he's also a goofball and hot to add as a bonus. so yes, this was a slay graphic novel and i will be buying the physical version. ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ i was not expecting to enjoy this as much as i did and let's be real, every second of it was goofy and cringy and so so ridiculous but also so cute? like imagine a grim reaper was your biggest fan. i mean, i wouldnt complain, he's also a goofball and hot to add as a bonus. so yes, this was a slay graphic novel and i will be buying the physical version. ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
April 25, 2025
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!
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!
October 21, 2025
I’ve always been fascinated with Korean and Japanese idol companies and the lifelong devotion to debuting. It’s amazing and kind of scary in a way, because kids could spend all of their formative years learning to sing and dance only to never work as a pop star. Needless to say, I’m a little obsessed with the idea of idols.
Death of a Pop Star is less about how she got there and more about what happens after she debuts and then… dies.
In volume 1, which collects episodes 1 through 24 of the Webtoon, we meet and learn all about Sophie Lim’s “near-death” mishap and step back from her career as an idol immediately after she debuted. Entering college and leaving everything she’s trained the past 18 years for is a new adventure that she may or may not be ready for. The only problem is, it looks like the universe is out to get her and near death experiences are a daily occurrence.
This is such a fun and cute romcom (light on the rom so far, but we know who the love interest is… I think) with paranormal elements and a bit of a mystery that I think will be solved over time. We shall see!
Thank you to WebToon Unscrolled for sending me a finished copy of the book.
Death of a Pop Star is less about how she got there and more about what happens after she debuts and then… dies.
In volume 1, which collects episodes 1 through 24 of the Webtoon, we meet and learn all about Sophie Lim’s “near-death” mishap and step back from her career as an idol immediately after she debuted. Entering college and leaving everything she’s trained the past 18 years for is a new adventure that she may or may not be ready for. The only problem is, it looks like the universe is out to get her and near death experiences are a daily occurrence.
This is such a fun and cute romcom (light on the rom so far, but we know who the love interest is… I think) with paranormal elements and a bit of a mystery that I think will be solved over time. We shall see!
Thank you to WebToon Unscrolled for sending me a finished copy of the book.
June 12, 2025
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... 🤣)
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... 🤣)
October 27, 2025
This webtoon isn't for me. It's very comedy forward, and looks like it's going to be a very slow burn love triangle eventually. Except that I'm more interested in the murder mystery that the narrative keeps forgetting about. Main character Sophie didn't just fall down the stairs, she was pushed. And even by the end of the volume, nobody's really thought about that. The readers seem to be the only ones who know somebody deliberately tried to kill her. I also thought that the portrayal of Sophie's college was really weird. It feels much more like a high school, including lockers in the hallways.
December 27, 2025
4.5 - Thank you so much to Wattpad WEBTOON for the complimentary copy of this book!
This book is out now!
I really dipped my toes in graphic novels this year of all themes. The title of this book immediately got my attention. And I have to say this was really enjoyable!
Sophie Lim is a pop star that gets pushed down the steps and the Grim Reaper aka Eli was there to greet her but turns out he is a fan of her and offered her a deal. To spare her life, she would need to agree to marry him. After being brought back to life, both sides are dealing with their new reality. Eli got in trouble with his boss for sparing her life and Sophie is forced to stop working by her manager/aunt and has to attend college for the next year.
I like the idea of seeing Sophie assimilate to this new life as a college student. She has 1 friend who is also another pop singer and does not know how to make friends. And is constantly being used for something. Part of Eli's punishment is that he is not allowed back to Earth and in return his boss's son, Julien has to kill Sophie. Ever since Sophie's accident, bad luck has been following her around and someone is always trying to save Sophie.
I have my suspicions on who was behind Sophie's fatal accident and I really want to know why. Sophie just seems so pure and is getting a lot more hate than she deserves. I know this is fictional but I just find it so hard to believe that a pop singer can get away with attending college like that without much fare. I'm excited to read the next volume! I'm also curious to see if a romance blossoms between Eli and Sophie or is Julien going to be in the mixed. Or perhaps Julien and Lina?
This book is out now!
I really dipped my toes in graphic novels this year of all themes. The title of this book immediately got my attention. And I have to say this was really enjoyable!
Sophie Lim is a pop star that gets pushed down the steps and the Grim Reaper aka Eli was there to greet her but turns out he is a fan of her and offered her a deal. To spare her life, she would need to agree to marry him. After being brought back to life, both sides are dealing with their new reality. Eli got in trouble with his boss for sparing her life and Sophie is forced to stop working by her manager/aunt and has to attend college for the next year.
I like the idea of seeing Sophie assimilate to this new life as a college student. She has 1 friend who is also another pop singer and does not know how to make friends. And is constantly being used for something. Part of Eli's punishment is that he is not allowed back to Earth and in return his boss's son, Julien has to kill Sophie. Ever since Sophie's accident, bad luck has been following her around and someone is always trying to save Sophie.
I have my suspicions on who was behind Sophie's fatal accident and I really want to know why. Sophie just seems so pure and is getting a lot more hate than she deserves. I know this is fictional but I just find it so hard to believe that a pop singer can get away with attending college like that without much fare. I'm excited to read the next volume! I'm also curious to see if a romance blossoms between Eli and Sophie or is Julien going to be in the mixed. Or perhaps Julien and Lina?
December 3, 2025
I had such a fun time reading Violet Karim’s graphic novel, Death of A Pop Star. Not only are the illustrations wonderful. I loved the plot line. Sophie hastily makes a deal with the Grim Reaper so she can return to life after a significant accident. What she doesn’t realize is that the Grim Reaper, Eli, has had a big crush on her for a long time. And when she wakes up, she doesn’t remember anything about the deal she made or with whom. The Prince of the Underworld, Julien, is in the human world learning about humans by attending college. Julien and Sophie meet there. Things get pretty wild when Julien’s father finds out about Eli’s deal and makes Julien correct it. It’s funny, there’s a mystery too that needs to be unfolded. There’s a mean girl as well. This story has it all, including a cliffhanger. It was a good time!
Thank you to Violet Karim, Wattpadd Books, and Webtoon Unscrolled for the gifted copy of Death of A Pop Star Vol. 1. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Violet Karim, Wattpadd Books, and Webtoon Unscrolled for the gifted copy of Death of A Pop Star Vol. 1. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
This is a YA Paranormal Graphic Novel and such a fun, easy read. Sophie’s life comes to an unexpected, tragic end and she ends up selling her soul to her number one fan. There is some cute banter, I love the bright graphics and the story was a bit predictable, yet satisfying. I will definitely be reading future volumes!
September 9, 2025
Death of a Pop Star is a cute and lighthearted read with touches of humor sprinkled throughout, at least in volume one. To give a quick background: I've read a lot of WEBTOONs in the past, and this is one that I had seen quite a bit but never got around to reading until now. So I have no idea what happens past volume one.
I'm really glad that this is how I get to experience this series, because with this volume I feel like I got a lot world and character building, and it was so nice to receive a large chunk of that information in the first volume. I have a really good sense of who Sophie is, and I have hefty understanding of other characters like Eli, Julien, and Lina, while still leaving room for more information to come in.
And the same goes with the world building elements, I have enough of an understanding of the world to get by, but there is a still a mystery. For example, after Sophie dies and is brought back to life, her life keeps being endangered. Because we know someone pushed her down the stairs, we know that was intentional, but what about all the other dangers that follow? Is a person doing that or is something mystical happening? Is there another grim reaper who is after her or is it the universe trying to correct a mistake?
It's an intriguing and engaging mystery.
Additionally, there is the mystery about Grace (I believe that was Sophie's aunt's name). I don't know about other readers, but she came off as shady the moment we saw her giving a press release about Sophie being in a coma. At this point, I really want to know what her motivation is.
All this to say, kudos to Violet Karim for crafting such an interesting story. You've captured my curiosity, and I appreciate that. I also appreciate the lovely art style of this series. It just looks so nice.
Also, thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read it.
I'm really glad that this is how I get to experience this series, because with this volume I feel like I got a lot world and character building, and it was so nice to receive a large chunk of that information in the first volume. I have a really good sense of who Sophie is, and I have hefty understanding of other characters like Eli, Julien, and Lina, while still leaving room for more information to come in.
And the same goes with the world building elements, I have enough of an understanding of the world to get by, but there is a still a mystery. For example, after Sophie dies and is brought back to life, her life keeps being endangered. Because we know someone pushed her down the stairs, we know that was intentional, but what about all the other dangers that follow? Is a person doing that or is something mystical happening? Is there another grim reaper who is after her or is it the universe trying to correct a mistake?
It's an intriguing and engaging mystery.
Additionally, there is the mystery about Grace (I believe that was Sophie's aunt's name). I don't know about other readers, but she came off as shady the moment we saw her giving a press release about Sophie being in a coma. At this point, I really want to know what her motivation is.
All this to say, kudos to Violet Karim for crafting such an interesting story. You've captured my curiosity, and I appreciate that. I also appreciate the lovely art style of this series. It just looks so nice.
Also, thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read it.
July 18, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Webtoon UnScrolled for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
💭 My Thoughts
This book was a great mix of cute, hilarious, and sometimes even bizarre. Having the grim reaper be a huge fan of you has its perks. However, that only goes so far when legitimately everything is out to kill you. The art style does a great job accompanying the fun vibes of the story. The FMC is very loveable. While the potential villain is predictable, the motives behind their actions still remain a mystery. I can’t wait to see where this goes!
💭 My Thoughts
This book was a great mix of cute, hilarious, and sometimes even bizarre. Having the grim reaper be a huge fan of you has its perks. However, that only goes so far when legitimately everything is out to kill you. The art style does a great job accompanying the fun vibes of the story. The FMC is very loveable. While the potential villain is predictable, the motives behind their actions still remain a mystery. I can’t wait to see where this goes!
October 2, 2025
I loved this so very much. The art, the characters, the storyline, and the humor were all exactly the how I love them in graphic novels. I can’t wait for the next volume!
October 18, 2025
a blend of Mystery, romance, comedy, and paranormal in a kpop setting. such a fun introduction to the series!
November 20, 2025
Cute! Love a grim reaper romance
January 5, 2026
The artwork is great but I'm not really interested in the love triangle.
January 7, 2026
I think I know who pushed Sophie comment if you want more information pls comment please please please please please please please please please please please don't make me cry
October 13, 2025
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review:
Ah, I remember how much I was so obsessed reading this when it came out that I brought webtoon coins for advanced chapters. This brought me good memories T-T
So excited to have a physical copy soon, and I can't wait for the next volume ;3
Definitely worth recommendation, after all, there will be a new adaptation coming soon <3
Ah, I remember how much I was so obsessed reading this when it came out that I brought webtoon coins for advanced chapters. This brought me good memories T-T
So excited to have a physical copy soon, and I can't wait for the next volume ;3
Definitely worth recommendation, after all, there will be a new adaptation coming soon <3
December 1, 2025
Thank you to Wattpad for the gifted finished copy!
⭐⭐⭐
The premise of this story is so fun. Sophie has an accidental death, only for the Grim Reaper to let her live, if she agrees to something. Her life truly changes forever at a time it was already changing, since she is debuting and gaining traction in her career as a pop star.
As much as I love Sophie and the artwork, this story felt a bit all over the place for me at times. There are some great throughlines, particularly when it comes to her aunt/manager and what she might be hiding from Sophie, and the push and pull of Elijah and the king of the underworld, which set up dynamics I’m curious to see more of. Sophie’s personal story is a bit more chaotic, with things constantly popping up, and it became a bit jarring as I was reading. I do think it’s meant to replicate the struggles she’s having with her life as she tries to be “normal.”
The cliffhanger we left on has me worried for Sophie. What is going on that she doesn’t know about, and how long has it been going on for? Is someone trying to deliberately sabotage her career as an idol? I can’t wait to see what happens next.
⭐⭐⭐
The premise of this story is so fun. Sophie has an accidental death, only for the Grim Reaper to let her live, if she agrees to something. Her life truly changes forever at a time it was already changing, since she is debuting and gaining traction in her career as a pop star.
As much as I love Sophie and the artwork, this story felt a bit all over the place for me at times. There are some great throughlines, particularly when it comes to her aunt/manager and what she might be hiding from Sophie, and the push and pull of Elijah and the king of the underworld, which set up dynamics I’m curious to see more of. Sophie’s personal story is a bit more chaotic, with things constantly popping up, and it became a bit jarring as I was reading. I do think it’s meant to replicate the struggles she’s having with her life as she tries to be “normal.”
The cliffhanger we left on has me worried for Sophie. What is going on that she doesn’t know about, and how long has it been going on for? Is someone trying to deliberately sabotage her career as an idol? I can’t wait to see what happens next.
August 30, 2025
This was fun. Sophie Lim has finally debuted as an idol after 18 years of practise (which I found a bit excessive, to be honest.) She has one hit song and her first commercial gig. And then she falls down the stairs and dies. But she strikes a deal with the grim reaper, Eli: if he lets her live, she’ll marry him when she dies for good.
After her miraculous recovery, her manager aunt sends her to college for a gap year. It doesn’t start well. If people don’t hate her outright, she manages to anger them other ways. And she’s a total pushover with no spine. On top of that, she keeps getting into near fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, Eli has his own problems. His roommate Julien, the son of the king of underworld needs training in all things human. So he sends Julien to college, which happens to be the same one Sophie goes to. And the king learns that Eli has spared a soul and orders Julien to collect it. But Eli doesn’t want Sophie to die.
All three end up in the same college. Friendships are formed and fatal accidents prevented. Their sheer numer makes Julien suspicious though. And as the readers already know, he’s right to be. Because Sophie was pushed down those stairs.
This was fun and a bit all over the place with everything that happened. It was originally a webtoon, so readers had to be lured in with all sorts of twists. Sophie was a bit annoying with her complete cluelessness, but other characters made up for it. I might continue with the story, if only to find out who is after Sophie’s life and why. (Well, I’m pretty sure about who.)
I wasn’t a fan of the art, though it was full colour and nice enough, and I found it annoying that the publisher had set the panels left to right. The review copy I read also didn’t have front and back matters, but I hope the published version will have those.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
After her miraculous recovery, her manager aunt sends her to college for a gap year. It doesn’t start well. If people don’t hate her outright, she manages to anger them other ways. And she’s a total pushover with no spine. On top of that, she keeps getting into near fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, Eli has his own problems. His roommate Julien, the son of the king of underworld needs training in all things human. So he sends Julien to college, which happens to be the same one Sophie goes to. And the king learns that Eli has spared a soul and orders Julien to collect it. But Eli doesn’t want Sophie to die.
All three end up in the same college. Friendships are formed and fatal accidents prevented. Their sheer numer makes Julien suspicious though. And as the readers already know, he’s right to be. Because Sophie was pushed down those stairs.
This was fun and a bit all over the place with everything that happened. It was originally a webtoon, so readers had to be lured in with all sorts of twists. Sophie was a bit annoying with her complete cluelessness, but other characters made up for it. I might continue with the story, if only to find out who is after Sophie’s life and why. (Well, I’m pretty sure about who.)
I wasn’t a fan of the art, though it was full colour and nice enough, and I found it annoying that the publisher had set the panels left to right. The review copy I read also didn’t have front and back matters, but I hope the published version will have those.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2025
*3.5* Super cute art, fun story. I’m sure the marketing of this as a rom com comes from the entire webtoon, beyond the first 24 Webtoon episodes, because I wouldn’t call this volume a romcom. It’s got to be light on the romance because this is just the beginning of the story, so I’ll give it that. I like Sophie, Julien, and Lina, but I’m less sold on the rest of the characters. We’re supposed to like Eli I think, but his motivations don’t exactly excuse his weirdo behavior. Lina’s friends whose names I’ve already forgotten are cartoon high school mean girls. Sophie’s aunt is a really strange character as well. I think the biggest hangup I was having with the whole thing was that they’re calling it college but it so clearly functions like a high school. Class blocks, lockers, cafeteria lunches, school nurse… it doesn’t affect the story much, it’s just noticeable. I still found this cute, and I think the story starts to pick up a little bit as you see the cast of characters around Sophie really take shape. I’d probably keep reading. I ordered this for the library’s YA graphic novel collection because of how popular K-pop and webcomics have been, and I can see it being something the teens will enjoy.
August 29, 2025
What happens when the world’s biggest pop star dies at the height of her fame and then strikes a deal with the Grim Reaper to come back? That’s the setup for Death of a Pop Star, and honestly it’s just as wild, fun, and heartfelt as it sounds!
Sophie Lim has everything: chart-topping hits, adoring fans, a glittering career. Then one tumble down the stairs later, she’s face-to-face with Eli, the Grim Reaper, who just so happens to be her biggest fan. Their deal gives Sophie another shot at life, but it comes with a twist: she has to navigate college life, a world far removed from stadium lights and screaming crowds.
What I loved is how Violet Karim balances humor and heart. Sophie’s fish-out-of-water struggles are laugh-out-loud funny, imagine a diva trying to survive group projects, but beneath that glitz and sass is a deeper story about identity, belonging, and what it means to live authentically. Add in Eli’s quirky, endearing energy, and the cosmic stakes simmering in the background, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts supernatural comedy and emotional coming-of-age.
✨Bold, witty, and surprisingly tender, Death of a Pop Star, Vol. 1 is the perfect start to a series that asks: what do you do when the universe gives you a second chance?
⚡️Thank you Wattpad Books and Violet Karim for sharing this book with me!
Sophie Lim has everything: chart-topping hits, adoring fans, a glittering career. Then one tumble down the stairs later, she’s face-to-face with Eli, the Grim Reaper, who just so happens to be her biggest fan. Their deal gives Sophie another shot at life, but it comes with a twist: she has to navigate college life, a world far removed from stadium lights and screaming crowds.
What I loved is how Violet Karim balances humor and heart. Sophie’s fish-out-of-water struggles are laugh-out-loud funny, imagine a diva trying to survive group projects, but beneath that glitz and sass is a deeper story about identity, belonging, and what it means to live authentically. Add in Eli’s quirky, endearing energy, and the cosmic stakes simmering in the background, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts supernatural comedy and emotional coming-of-age.
✨Bold, witty, and surprisingly tender, Death of a Pop Star, Vol. 1 is the perfect start to a series that asks: what do you do when the universe gives you a second chance?
⚡️Thank you Wattpad Books and Violet Karim for sharing this book with me!
September 15, 2025
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the number one pop star in the world, Sophie Lim has it all. However, when a tumble down the stairs turns deadly, it takes one special fan (a grim reaper) to save the day. With her soul saved, Sophie returns to life, and under her aunt's instructions, she enrolls in an arts college. A place where she meets Eli (that grim reaper turned janitor) and Julian (the prince of the Underworld), yet things turn strange still, when mysterious accidents start fatally haunting Sophie.
As a big fan of the Webtoon app, I immediately jumped into this graphic novel of the first twenty-two episodes of “Death of a Pop Star” volume one—an absolute joy to read, and just as hilarious and comedic as it was intended to be. Bright colors meet deadly situations for Sophie, but what happens when it turns more sinister? With growing friendships and a personality change, Sophie has her hands full at the arts college: mean girls, accident-prone students, and one suspicious janitor. I can’t wait for Volume Two - except I might catch up on Webtoon instead!
As the number one pop star in the world, Sophie Lim has it all. However, when a tumble down the stairs turns deadly, it takes one special fan (a grim reaper) to save the day. With her soul saved, Sophie returns to life, and under her aunt's instructions, she enrolls in an arts college. A place where she meets Eli (that grim reaper turned janitor) and Julian (the prince of the Underworld), yet things turn strange still, when mysterious accidents start fatally haunting Sophie.
As a big fan of the Webtoon app, I immediately jumped into this graphic novel of the first twenty-two episodes of “Death of a Pop Star” volume one—an absolute joy to read, and just as hilarious and comedic as it was intended to be. Bright colors meet deadly situations for Sophie, but what happens when it turns more sinister? With growing friendships and a personality change, Sophie has her hands full at the arts college: mean girls, accident-prone students, and one suspicious janitor. I can’t wait for Volume Two - except I might catch up on Webtoon instead!
August 29, 2025
4.5 Stars
This was such a lovely graphic novel! It was so entertaining, silly in the best way, and actually had me laughing out loud.
I love the character dynamics. Sophie was basically the sunshine, and Eli & Julien are like the grumps who have the soft spot for her. It was so entertaining to watch them interact with each other considering one of them is the Grim Reaper. I also loved watching Sophie try to make friends at the college. My heart melted with sympathy watching her try to make friends while also dealing with the effect fame had on her. The art style is gorgeous! Honestly, when I hit the last page, I kept swiping because I didn't believe it was over.
The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is because it felt slightly incomplete. Like there could been more in the backstory or the overall plot to be said or explored. But, the mystery element kept me interested. And it also just makes me even more excited for the sequel.
This book reminded me exactly why I adore graphic novels.
This was such a lovely graphic novel! It was so entertaining, silly in the best way, and actually had me laughing out loud.
I love the character dynamics. Sophie was basically the sunshine, and Eli & Julien are like the grumps who have the soft spot for her. It was so entertaining to watch them interact with each other considering one of them is the Grim Reaper. I also loved watching Sophie try to make friends at the college. My heart melted with sympathy watching her try to make friends while also dealing with the effect fame had on her. The art style is gorgeous! Honestly, when I hit the last page, I kept swiping because I didn't believe it was over.
The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is because it felt slightly incomplete. Like there could been more in the backstory or the overall plot to be said or explored. But, the mystery element kept me interested. And it also just makes me even more excited for the sequel.
This book reminded me exactly why I adore graphic novels.
September 2, 2025
A-FREAKING-DORABLE!! That's it. That's my review. I can't sing any higher praises. If you, like me, adore fun and romantic graphic novels, this is premium content, guys! I want all the books in this series on my shelf! ALL. OF. THEM.
In the meantime, you can read more on @Webtoons !
Buy now - https://amzn.to/41z5Y0r Death of a Pop Star
Perfect for fans of romantic comedies with a supernatural twist, debut YA graphic novel by Violet Karim follows the unusual journey of up-and-coming singer Sophie Lim after she dies and makes a deal with the Grim Reaper for a second chance at life and pop stardom.
Number one on the pop charts and in the hearts of fans world-wide, Sophie Lim is at the top of her game—until she takes a tumble from the top of the stairs. Now she's dead, and it turns out it's harder to build a career from six feet under. But lucky for her, the Grim Reaper's her number one fan!
After striking a deal with the Grim Reaper, Eli, to get her life back, Sophie must now embark on a journey of self-discovery as she takes on a new challenge: college. While she struggles to fit in with her classmates as a celebrity, bigger dangers lie in wait for her. The universe is out of equilibrium with Sophie’s soul unclaimed, and cosmic balance is just one unhappy accident away.
This volume collects episodes 1 to 22 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 27.7 million reads, Death of a Pop Star.
*Thank you to @webtoons and @VioletKarim for sharing this title with me
after the F25 Influencer Preview Event!
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
In the meantime, you can read more on @Webtoons !
Buy now - https://amzn.to/41z5Y0r Death of a Pop Star
Perfect for fans of romantic comedies with a supernatural twist, debut YA graphic novel by Violet Karim follows the unusual journey of up-and-coming singer Sophie Lim after she dies and makes a deal with the Grim Reaper for a second chance at life and pop stardom.
Number one on the pop charts and in the hearts of fans world-wide, Sophie Lim is at the top of her game—until she takes a tumble from the top of the stairs. Now she's dead, and it turns out it's harder to build a career from six feet under. But lucky for her, the Grim Reaper's her number one fan!
After striking a deal with the Grim Reaper, Eli, to get her life back, Sophie must now embark on a journey of self-discovery as she takes on a new challenge: college. While she struggles to fit in with her classmates as a celebrity, bigger dangers lie in wait for her. The universe is out of equilibrium with Sophie’s soul unclaimed, and cosmic balance is just one unhappy accident away.
This volume collects episodes 1 to 22 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 27.7 million reads, Death of a Pop Star.
*Thank you to @webtoons and @VioletKarim for sharing this title with me
after the F25 Influencer Preview Event!
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
June 22, 2025
Volume one contains episodes 1-22 of the Webtoon Death of a Pop Star.
Sophie Lim is a World wide idol sensation. She can sing, she can dance, and shes loved dearly by her fans. Sophie is breaking into doing commercials as apart of her idol work. The commercial shoot comes to an end , this also the end of Sophie Lim's life......Almost.
After Sophie takes a spill at the top of the stairs and dies, she meets her number one fan. The grim reaper. Sophie isn't ready yet to leave this world as she doesn't want to leave her aunt ( also her manager ) all on her own after being there for her since she was young. Lucky for her , she was able to strike a deal.
After the world thinks Sophie is pretty much done for after being in a coma, she awakes and this is where our real story begins. As her waking has taken the world and those close to her by surprise, the biggest changes are yet to come. Where Sophie has tackled the Pop Star world , she now is tackling going to school and trying to fit in. The universe does not make this easy on her.
The ending leaves you with a shocking truth, that makes you wonder if everything is truly an accident or is there something else going on that Sophie has yet to discover.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story , and I'm already looking forward to volume two. The characters are fun and you can see the personalities of all of them and how they connect with each other. I love the whole story line going on with Eli and cant wait till Sophie fully remembers who he is. I do wish we got more of the story of Sophie and her long time bestie who is making her debut. I can see that they have a connection but I wish we got a bit more background with the two of them. We also dont really know to much about Sophies Aunt or her family history in general, I am going to assume we will get more of that in the next volumes.
I also think it would be cool if we got more of Elis story, was he always a reaper? How is he being a reaper and a janitor, are there alot of grim reapers? I think going down the lore of him and the whole reaper story line would bring alot of the story together as well, I'm hoping his backstory doesn't just fall to the side until the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | WEBTOON Unscrolled for the Digital ARC for review.
Sophie Lim is a World wide idol sensation. She can sing, she can dance, and shes loved dearly by her fans. Sophie is breaking into doing commercials as apart of her idol work. The commercial shoot comes to an end , this also the end of Sophie Lim's life......Almost.
After Sophie takes a spill at the top of the stairs and dies, she meets her number one fan. The grim reaper. Sophie isn't ready yet to leave this world as she doesn't want to leave her aunt ( also her manager ) all on her own after being there for her since she was young. Lucky for her , she was able to strike a deal.
After the world thinks Sophie is pretty much done for after being in a coma, she awakes and this is where our real story begins. As her waking has taken the world and those close to her by surprise, the biggest changes are yet to come. Where Sophie has tackled the Pop Star world , she now is tackling going to school and trying to fit in. The universe does not make this easy on her.
The ending leaves you with a shocking truth, that makes you wonder if everything is truly an accident or is there something else going on that Sophie has yet to discover.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story , and I'm already looking forward to volume two. The characters are fun and you can see the personalities of all of them and how they connect with each other. I love the whole story line going on with Eli and cant wait till Sophie fully remembers who he is. I do wish we got more of the story of Sophie and her long time bestie who is making her debut. I can see that they have a connection but I wish we got a bit more background with the two of them. We also dont really know to much about Sophies Aunt or her family history in general, I am going to assume we will get more of that in the next volumes.
I also think it would be cool if we got more of Elis story, was he always a reaper? How is he being a reaper and a janitor, are there alot of grim reapers? I think going down the lore of him and the whole reaper story line would bring alot of the story together as well, I'm hoping his backstory doesn't just fall to the side until the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | WEBTOON Unscrolled for the Digital ARC for review.
May 4, 2025
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.
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.
September 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the digital copy for review!
Sophie Lim is a pop star who just debuted. She is on the set of a commercial and gets pushed down the stairs. She ends up dying and meets the grim reaper. She makes a bargain with him that if she can return to her life when she dies again, she will become his bride for all eternity. What she doesn’t know is that Eli (the grim reaper) is a fan of hers. After he spares her life, Sophie wakes up with no memory of their interaction, only little snippets that she thinks are dreams.
After her traumatic injury and near-death, her aunt, who is also her manager, tells her she needs to take a break from being a pop star and recommends college.
When the King of the Underworld finds out that Eli spared Sophie’s life, he tasks his son, Julien, to reap her soul. Eli finds out about this and goes to the human world to save Sophie. Julien and Sophie end up at the same college and Eli takes a job as a janitor to keep an eye on them both. Sophie also makes a new friend called Lina.
I am OBSESSED with the characters and plot of this graphic novel. The characters are lovable and goofy and you just want to see what shenanigans they will be up to next.
The art is also very fun and easy on the eyes.
Overall this graphic novel was a hit for me. It was witty, funny, cute and quirky! I highly recommend it if you enjoy graphic novels like Cursed Princess Club and True Beauty.
I’m excited for future volumes to become available!
Sophie Lim is a pop star who just debuted. She is on the set of a commercial and gets pushed down the stairs. She ends up dying and meets the grim reaper. She makes a bargain with him that if she can return to her life when she dies again, she will become his bride for all eternity. What she doesn’t know is that Eli (the grim reaper) is a fan of hers. After he spares her life, Sophie wakes up with no memory of their interaction, only little snippets that she thinks are dreams.
After her traumatic injury and near-death, her aunt, who is also her manager, tells her she needs to take a break from being a pop star and recommends college.
When the King of the Underworld finds out that Eli spared Sophie’s life, he tasks his son, Julien, to reap her soul. Eli finds out about this and goes to the human world to save Sophie. Julien and Sophie end up at the same college and Eli takes a job as a janitor to keep an eye on them both. Sophie also makes a new friend called Lina.
I am OBSESSED with the characters and plot of this graphic novel. The characters are lovable and goofy and you just want to see what shenanigans they will be up to next.
The art is also very fun and easy on the eyes.
Overall this graphic novel was a hit for me. It was witty, funny, cute and quirky! I highly recommend it if you enjoy graphic novels like Cursed Princess Club and True Beauty.
I’m excited for future volumes to become available!
June 3, 2025
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 ♡
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 ♡
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