How to Die Famous

Book Review

A Glimpse into the Dark Side of Fame

Benjamin Dean’s How to Die Famous pulls readers into the neon-lit world of Hollywood’s young elite, only to expose the cracks beneath the glamour. Abel Miller, a British teen actor, is catapulted into the limelight when he is cast in Sunset High, a show surrounded by rumors of a curse, scandals, and mysterious deaths. Abel’s rise to fame is complicated by his true motivation: to uncover what really happened to his brother, Adam, who died under suspicious circumstances on the same show years ago. The story balances the cutthroat world of celebrity life with the thrill of a mystery that unfolds bit by bit.

Abel’s co-stars—Lucky, Ryan, and Ella—seem to have it all on the surface, but each harbors their own secrets, struggles, and pain. As Abel digs deeper, he finds that their connections to his brother’s death and the ominous workings of the show’s production company, Omni, may run deeper than he imagined. The novel artfully combines Abel’s personal mission with the competitive, sometimes toxic, relationships between the young stars, offering a compelling take on how fame can consume and corrupt.

Characters as Puzzle Pieces

Abel, the protagonist, drives the heart of the novel, and his struggle to navigate both stardom and his personal grief feels authentic. He is focused and brave, but also vulnerable, making him easy to root for. However, Abel’s portrayal as British isn’t very distinct, with few markers of his heritage, which might leave readers wondering about his background.

The supporting characters—Lucky, Ella, and Ryan—each bring their own intrigue. Lucky, struggling with the loss of his mother, teeters between vulnerability and self-destruction, making him a complex figure in the story. His romance with Abel provides a soft, human touch amidst the suspense, though the lack of closure in their relationship feels frustrating. Ryan and Ella, caught in a toxic on-again, off-again dynamic, illustrate the fragile nature of celebrity relationships. Their motives and emotions feel real, though at times, their development could have been deeper. There’s a sense that, much like Abel, they are all playing roles both on-screen and in their lives.

A Fast-Paced Thriller with Layers

Dean’s writing is fast-paced, keeping the reader hooked with short, punchy chapters that shift between different points of view. This choice helps maintain the tension as secrets are slowly revealed, though the abundance of perspectives can occasionally muddle the plot. There are moments when the storyline becomes convoluted, especially as the number of twists and subplots grows. However, this complexity also mirrors the chaotic, performative nature of fame that the book seeks to highlight. Dean’s background in celebrity journalism shines through in his depiction of the manipulative, media-driven world of young stars.

The glamour of LA is vividly painted in the novel, though it’s contrasted with the dark, exploitative nature of the entertainment industry. The author pulls no punches in showing how Omni controls its stars—creating fake relationships, manipulating the media, and using them like puppets for profit. The harsh realities of fame are depicted poignantly, giving the novel a chilling realism.

Final Thoughts

How to Die Famous offers a gripping, if somewhat chaotic, blend of mystery, fame, and personal loss. The thriller elements are well-executed, and the plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end. However, the open-ended conclusion, especially regarding Abel and Lucky’s relationship, feels unfinished, leaving the reader wanting more. Despite this, Dean’s exploration of celebrity culture and the toll it takes on young stars is thought-provoking and adds depth to the story.

Overall, fans of YA thrillers and celebrity drama will find plenty to enjoy in How to Die Famous. It’s a wild ride through the glamorous, yet dangerous world of Hollywood’s young elite—one that will leave you questioning how far people are willing to go to stay on top.