MAGIX

by K. McCoy

Hallyu: A Chinese term, which translates to ‘the Korean wave’, refers to the globally popular South Korean entertainment industry.

Mika Collins, a fresh out of work English teacher in South Korea, has her otherwise quiet life turned upside down at the unexpected arrival of her wildly outspoken yet lovable childhood friend Isabelle McGrant. The two spark the curiosity of a struggling actress after one random night on the town. They join a struggling agency and the two other girls not interested in being apart of a girl group. Will the new group rise to stardom, or crash under the Hallyu wave?

93 pages, ebook

Published July 2, 2019

About the author

**Librarian note: There is more than one author on Goodreads with this name.**


K. McCoy is an independent author who enjoys writing across several genres.
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In her many years of self-publishing, she has traveled around the world, crafting stories based on real-world experiences, combined with hopeful possibilities. Using the knowledge gained within her authorship, K. McCoy now speaks to others virtually and in-person on a variety of subjects within the author community. And through those workshops, she helps authors write drama filled, heart gripping, and authentic stories.

​​​​As a serial hobbyist, you can find K. McCoy studying other languages, tinkering with an old camera, or trying out a new Yoga pose when she’s not writing or working on another bittersweet yet somehow still loveable story.
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You can find out how to connect with K.McCoy by visiting her on all socials under authorkmccoy.

Reviews

[Jennifer Tooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Against all odds to pursue their dreams

Mika Collins is a newly out of work English teacher in South Korea. After finding herself wondering what she will do next she is visited by her impetuous childhood friend Isabelle who has schemed to visit her friend under less than honest reasons. After spending a night out in Seoul with a virtual stranger Mika is presented with an opportunity that she had never dreamed possible. But can her and Izzy overcome the inherent racism that a young African American woman faces in South Korea to achieve their dreams of becoming K-pop stars? With even their label mates seemingly against them, these two have their work cut out for them.

Magix is a fanciful imagining of two young ladies’ pursuit of achieving their dreams of becoming K-Pop artists. To be honest, where I am in this current stage of my life this was a very anticipated read for me. Having also recently immersed myself into “all things K” from music, food, television to even teaching myself the language I thought that this book would be the best of both worlds as all of my current interests come meshing together. Unfortunately, I was wrong, and I really hate to say that because this premise had so much potential, but I did not feel as it if was very well developed. The story overall was cute and I laughed out loud at times at Izzy’s antics and also openly gasped at some of the treatment girls received, but I felt most of the time that I was not reading a book that I had purchased, but a fanfiction.

Izzy’s character was almost a jarring stereotype of a “Koreaboo”, with her over the top dress, loud outbursts, and almost total disregard for the culture. Mika on the other hand felt more like Izzy’s mother instead of a lifelong best friend with her too strict attitude and scolding demeanor. I get that the difference between these two characters is part of what drives the book, and I get that Izzy’s passion basically slaps Mika out of her slump of “safety” to get her to take a chance but I didn’t feel a bond of friendship between the two girls. Xiao Mei, on the other hand, had so much potential to be the villainess in this story and it seemed that was here McCoy was taking her, but with the book clocking in at a little over 100 pages, I really felt that her development was lacking.

For me, this really did not feel like a complete story but a decent start to a larger series. I would like to see McCoy come back with a better fleshed out, more in-depth follow up that details MAGIX’s activities, hardships, triumphs, and challenges after debut. McCoy has only scratched the surface with this book and while I may not have loved it, I did like it enough that I am curious to see what happens next.

[Mchll Clrksn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a story that weaves fantasy with reality as young women from seemingly different words tackle their fears while doing what they can to reach the dreams many would say is impossible. Well every so often there’s people who go against the grain and that's how the world becomes better.

Izzy is a free-spirited young woman who just wants to do as she pleases even if it's not properly planned out. Lucky for her she has a few guardian angels to help guide her along as she makes one un-calculated decision after the next. Then there's Mika- seemingly the total opposite of her bestie who has dreams of her own, but still unsure how or when to just go for it. Their fates catapult the indecisive yet obedient Geegi into their lives who is spinning the wheels on her own destiny and taking them along for the ride. Last but not least- Xiao Mei and Ae Rin- both with careers that didn't go as planned who seem ready to do what they need to get there: good or bad. And since every story has a villain the kpop industry delivers nothing short of high-class drama I'd bet on Xiao Mei to kick it off. Ae Rin is the extra ray of hope the reader needs to push the story further.

As a hopeful writer and music enthusiast, this is the story I’ve been waiting for. Each character has their own role and it doesn’t feel forced just to make the story go.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a phenomenal read! I appreciated the way that the author gave us a chance to get to know each character before intertwining them in the story. The story flowed well and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I read it all in one sitting. I hope we get the next installment soon!

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