Thank you to @coloredpagesbt & @fiercereads for the gifted copy and Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

After a scandal that ended her popstar career, 18-year-old Sunny Lee spends her day longing for her previous life. When Sunny discovers her former teammate/BFF Candie is attending a K-pop workshop, she joins to get some closures. But their reunion doesn't bring the answers Sunny was hoping for. Instead, she's haunted by ghostly visions and bodily harm that start happening to her competitors.

FACES is a thrilling rollercoaster that takes readers behind the glitzy facade of the K-pop world, exploring the darker side that lurks beneath the dazzling smiles and perfect choreography. Cheng skillfully weaves a narrative that switches between the past and the present, unraveling Sunny's journey from a cheery and optimistic persona to someone disheartened by the harsh realities hidden behind the glamorous K-pop life.

Amidst the idol competition scenes and wild fantasy elements, Cheng explores the sapphic undertones of the story, adding another layer of complexity to Sunny's journey. The chemistry between Sunny & Candie is palpable, and Cheng navigates the dynamics of the relationship with finesse.

There are also plenty of scary scenes, such as mutilation and nightmares in FACES. And at times, it gets a bit intense, especially on audio. Nonetheless, I had a blast with the story and can't wait to see where the sequel will take me!