Hi fiction lover!
I’m starting this series on my blog to review various fanfics that I find, whether they be on Wattpad, AO3, or even Royal Road? But because reviewing fanfics somehow terrifies me, I cheated on the first installment. I’ll be reviewing The Star Seekers, otherwise known as TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s official story in collaboration with HYBE and Wattpad.
First of all, I have to start with my reaction when this book was released. Cue my screaming! Even thinking about it now, it’s crazy how my favorite group was collaborating with the home of many of the early fanfics that I read.
As the story was being released, I felt the excitement for this story die down a bit. I rarely hear a MOA talking about it. But spoiler… I definitely think it’s worth the read.
In case you need a reminder, or you haven’t come across it yet, here’s the official premise:
“The age of magic.
A world where magic idols prevail.
In these extraordinary times, Star One is one of the last non-magic idol groups left standing.
When they feel as though they’ve reached their limit, miraculous magic emerges.
And with it appears an unforeseen enemy, the Dragon Slayer Clan.
Suddenly, Star One must face these challenges to discover the truth.
Can they change their predestined fate?”
Um… yes? Give it to me now. If you don’t want to read it on Wattpad, there’s also the WEBTOON version. We love options and the visuals. Also in case it’s a bit confusing, each character has their own original name in The Star Seekers.
Soule — Soobin
Eugene — Yeonjun
Taho — Taehyun
Viken — Beomgyu
Avys — Huening Kai
We’re starting the chapter off strong with Soule, who goes through a dream state that involves blood, figures that want to end the world, “sharp wind,” and the thought about changing fate. After Soule wakes up, we get a stunning picture of Soobin (If you’re reading on Wattpad, get ready to be constantly distracted by the well-placed images of the TXT members). Okay, Soobin, you do look magical.
Soule’s in a van with the rest of his members. With some banter between Soule and Eugene, we really get the sense of the bond between the members of Star One. As the leader, Soule really doesn’t want his members to be worrying about him, which is why he notices that everyone in the van has stopped to pay him attention. It’s okay, Soule!
But as he says, “reality is scarier than a nightmare” for the boys of Star One. With the prevalence of magic idols, the Star One boys are sadly magicless. Now, they’re the only idols in the industry without magic, and they’re getting desperate.
I love the trope of being magicless in a magical world, and The Star Seekers are doing it a bit differently here, with magic being able to make idols sing majestically and even change their appearances. I wanted to scream several times to Soule and the other Star One guys: you are magical to me! Sometimes, that’s how I feel when making comments on Weverse.
After reading this first chapter, I did have some predictions. I knew the boys would find magic in some way, and that they would fight against the miserable fate that Soule had nightmares about. Okay… maybe this was clear in the blurb, but it’s nice to see the first chapter living up to the promises. At this point, I also wondered whether Soule would be the main character with his POV taking center stage. You’re going to have to read more to see if this is the case.
I longed to see a bit more personality from the other members besides Soule, but I can’t really complain since we really needed to zero in on Soule’s omen and a bit of backstory about their current situation as magicless idols. But did this chapter entice me to read more? Yes!
Have you read the first chapter of The Star Seekers yet? What were your first impressions? Were you also stunned by the (kind of sudden) picture of Soobin?