Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Became A Big Star After I Quit The Entertainment Industry
First Impressions
I went into this novel expecting a lighthearted blend of sports and entertainment, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also presented some unexpected twists and turns. The premise is certainly intriguing: a former idol returns to the world of athletics with a system in tow. I was immediately drawn in by the idea of a hardworking protagonist overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
What Works Well
The author clearly did their homework when it comes to track and field. I found the descriptions of the races, the rules, and the overall sportsmanship to be quite engaging. I appreciated how the MC, Su Zhe, wasn't instantly overpowered. He had to work hard within the system to improve, spending countless hours training. The system, rather than just handing him skills, served as a tool to enhance his dedication and effort. I also enjoyed the well-developed side characters, especially the Jamaican player Holness.
Areas of Concern
While the sports aspect was well-executed, I found the romance to be lacking. The male lead's presence felt somewhat forced, and their interactions were minimal throughout the main story. I also noticed a repetitive pattern in the race descriptions, where the MC is underestimated, pushes himself, and then wows everyone. I can see how this might become tiresome after a while. Also, the blurb doesn't mention this but the MC is reborn at one point and has to pursue figure skating.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might be surprised by the significant plot twist involving reincarnation. The MC is reborn and switches from track and field to figure skating. While some found this to be a refreshing change, others were confused or disappointed, especially as it meant familiar characters from the first part of the story no longer remembered him. Additionally, the male lead is also reborn with his memories.
Final Verdict
Overall, I Became A Big Star After I Quit The Entertainment Industry is a mixed bag. The sports elements are well-written and engaging, and the MC's hard work is admirable. However, the weak romance, repetitive race descriptions, and surprising reincarnation plotline may not appeal to all readers. If you're primarily interested in the sports aspect and don't mind a slow-burn romance (or lack thereof), then this novel might be worth a try.