Apple Hair: A Boy Band Fantasy Novel

by Airen Ho

Van, Corrin, Kaden, Seiya, and David are determined to make it in AWE Entertainment—the first company of its kind in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Inspired by K-pop companies, the rigid training system is too much for most trainees to bear. But the boys promise each other they’ll debut and create a special universe for them and their fans.

As the training grows tougher, filled with eerie incidents, the five members of Apple Hair ask, “Why not start now?” They begin writing the story of their universe, including the various adventures they want to set out on in their canon and music videos.

As the guys write, the universe opposes. The training gets tougher. Rivals and instructors seem to conspire against them. Old ghosts come out to haunt, and the members almost quit altogether. But what they began was a magic spark, and soon it sets fire to reality. It turns out that the Apple Hair universe has more power than originally assumed. The physical world changes bit by bit each time they create. To debut, the boys must not get lost in the fantasy that threatens to swallow them. But staying grounded is hard, and it’s even harder to do so when they’re tempted by mind-bending dreams.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

257 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2025

About the author

Airen Ho was born to two loving parents but somehow became ravenous for a good, loving protagonist. He loves everything to do with boy bands and gaming. He also has a passion for makeup and beauty. Airen lives with multiple cats under the bright sunshine. He can be found writing, reading, or trying to increase his vocal range.

Reviews

[Airen Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you greatly for supporting my debut novel! 🩷 I love all five members of the band, and I hope you do too!

[Christina Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

✓ Great for K-pop fans
✓ Great for teens and older
✓ Mix of reality and fantasy
✓ Asian American representation (Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and Filipino reps)
✓ 5 POVs
✓ Mental and Physical Health representation
✓ LGBT representation

Okay, this book was for sure something absolutely different than anything else I've read before. The mix of reality and fantasy is really interesting, the groups 'dreamworld' is similar to inner thoughts and monologue. The hate they receive from other trainees, staff and fans is 100% accurate to what idols deal with during training for debuting.

I like that each member is of a different heritage, has their own beliefs, mental or physical issues, sexuality and position in the group.

Van Lee: is Vietnamese and the leader
Corrin Chang: is Chinese and the lead vocals
Kaden Reyes: is Filipino and the main vocals
Seiya Morimoto: is Japanese and the main rapper and main dancer
David Cho is Korean and the center and sub vocals

You can find all of this information on Airen Ho's instagram.



I love that in the end they will be debuting, but the shit they went through because of Leo Pak was so uncalled for, same as the bullying they received from the other trainees. I loved that Airen introduced the coaches and staff that was helping Apple Hair to become the group that they are.

Now the whole everyone having a dream about the group, some good and some bad, was really strange and probably the whole point to keep the guys pushing forward.

I liked that Airen put the self-doubt, health issues, and the hate from others in to push the group forward, I've realized that a lot of k-pop groups have these issues and have to push through it just like Apple Hair in order for them to reach their goals.

I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 for Apple Hair.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple Hair is a quick, fun, and easy read. It's perfect for anyone interested in K-pop! My favorite part about the novel was seeing from each character's perspective. The POV switches between a different member every chapter, and soon, I was able to tell the differences between them easily. From the way they talked, their slang, their interests, and even the way they thought. Plus, as someone from Hawaii, it was fun to hear of the characters visiting known locations. 4 out of 5 stars.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This was such a fun read!
I never read anything in this genre but I was very intrigued by the concept and blurb so I was like why not let’s see what it is and I’m so glad I did! Great read, loved every page and it’s really entertaining.
Very much recommend !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love K-pop or boybands then this book is for you. Apple Hair is about 5 Asian American boys who wish to debut but obstacles stand in their way. I found it interesting that each chapter was told through one of the members view point. The pacing of the book was good. I'm giving it a 3 out 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential and an original concept. But the writing lacked finesse. Every chapter is narrated by a different character who keeps repeating their back story to us. I honestly skimmed a lot of it. Some of the characters were also very stereotyped, using "girl" or "bruh".
I think younger readers would love this book, though.

[D. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical K-Pop

OK this book was really confusing at 1st I actually have to read it twice To fully understand what was even happening But this was a super cute book and I think it would target possibly like Middle school some of the language suggest high school but it was pretty cute and the ending left room for us to imagine things.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch how these they get on as they try to get their band up and successful. The training will get tougher and tougher as they try to get the best out of it. See where the training will take them and if they can be a success
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it was a wonderful read