Kindle
$11.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$18.11
Paperback
$15.63
Buy new:
-9% $18.11
FREE delivery Monday, May 6 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$18.11 with 9 percent savings
List Price: $19.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 6 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Saturday, May 4. Order within 1 hr 52 mins
In Stock
$$18.11 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.11
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$14.27
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Book in very good condition. Pages are crisp and clean with no markings. Dust jacket in good condition. Cover is in good condition. Binding is tight. Ships direct from Amazon! Ships from USA, 30-day return for any reason! Book in very good condition. Pages are crisp and clean with no markings. Dust jacket in good condition. Cover is in good condition. Binding is tight. Ships direct from Amazon! Ships from USA, 30-day return for any reason! See less
FREE delivery Monday, May 6 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 6 hrs 37 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$18.11 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.11
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Linda Cheng
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces Hardcover – November 7, 2023

by Linda Cheng (Author)
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 87 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.11","priceAmount":18.11,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"11","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YMiQkbz7%2FFQJ5zcZid6s09RmMcgaCr42fvEcXhyyi49Odn1gvUnbC79WHSQSUVuPXTZt7AfLREQ01vkp1G%2F0hl6ze84WR62rr33j2g0uEm67HJ36OjN3UbQCESHq4fY1RW%2FRT6rjztJshVltZ3eK9Q%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$14.27","priceAmount":14.27,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"27","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YMiQkbz7%2FFQJ5zcZid6s09RmMcgaCr42%2BSCk2lGHusyn%2BAlexSfhGeeLuxyCyQGC7JMGIgzuECI%2FP0LXw5o7FT4%2B6UIi9facWeYPFtXiesGoNVSh3MKlpTEIjYLFwEA%2B0ZOozfZbBV%2FVupkMWiZfLRktRKShuRTadU%2BvNqSU3uljelT%2F6UodaTYcQBiJFQEA","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A cutthroat K-pop competition leads to a dark obsession in this twisty horror-romance, perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting

"A perfect blend of folk horror and dazzling showbiz that will grip you from page one." ―Trang Thanh Tran, New York Times-bestselling author of She is a Haunting

"The sweetest spot between horror and romance." ―Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights

You’ll love them to death . . .

THEN:

Sunny Lee is on the top of the world. She’s one third of Sweet Cadence, the hottest up-and-coming teen pop group, alongside her new BFFs, Candie and Mina. The three are inseparable as they ride their way to the top of the charts, even as Candie and Sunny fight to resist the growing spark between them. But when a shocking scandal breaks, the group is suddenly torn apart. Then the unthinkable – Mina dies tragically right before Sunny and Candie’s eyes. And Sunny suspects the dark and otherworldly secrets she and Candie were keeping may have had something to do with it . . .

NOW:

For the past two years, Sunny has spent her days longing for her former life and her nights wondering just what caused Mina's death. So when she discovers that Candie is attending a new K-pop workshop right in her hometown, Sunny has no choice but to follow her there. Candie might be chasing stardom again, but Sunny is only after one thing: answers.

At the workshop, the lines between nightmare and reality start to blur as Sunny is haunted by ghostly visions and her competitors' bodies turn up bizarrely maimed and mutilated. To survive the twisted carnage, Sunny will have to expose the ugly truth behind the workshop’s spotlights and the sinister forces swirling around Candie. Stitched with cutting commentary on the ugly side of stardom and impossible beauty standards, Linda Cheng’s mind-bending thriller will have readers screaming and swooning for more.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Roaring Brook Press
  4. Publication date
    November 7, 2023
  5. Grade level
    7 - 9
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. Dimensions
    5.8 x 1.1 x 8.55 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    1250864992
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1250864994
  10. Lexile measure
    840L
  11. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

GGF Header

Lu Review

Gong Review

Lin Review

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Gorgeous Gruesome Faces
*A PopSugar Best YA Book of the Year*
*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year*
*A CrimeReads Best of the Year Pick*

★ "Haunting and magnetic . . . an example of masterfully executed psychological horror that readers will find difficult to put down." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This is the kind of horror that will haunt you―a searing portrayal of the damage of impossible beauty standards, the crushing pressure of perfection, and the cruelty of online culture. Mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and absolutely terrifying." ―Marie Lu, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Legend

"A perfect blend of folk horror and dazzling showbiz that will grip you from page one. Cheng unravels how the exquisite sweetness―and toxicity―of female friendships is both dangerous and key to survival." ―Trang Thanh Tran, New York Times-bestselling author of She is a Haunting

"Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is a seductive and darkly glittering exploration of the price of fame and friendship, set against the spectacle of a deadly K-pop competition.” ―Julie C. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

"Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is a thrill ride―but it’s also so much more. If you peel back its slick and flawless skin, you’ll find a nuanced portrait on fandom and idols, obsession and love, and how easily all lines can blur." ―Joan He, New York Times-bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant to Find

"So perfectly titled. Gorgeous Gruesome Faces has found the sweetest spot between horror and romance, hitting the mark in every manner." ―Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights

"Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is a rollercoaster of a story that had me screaming at the final, stomach-dropping descent. Cheng pulls back the shiny surface of the K-pop world to reveal the darkness and terror hidden underneath. An imaginative horror for readers who enjoy books that take them on wild, unforgettable rides." ―Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison

"Gorgeous Gruesome Faces goes to places I never expected. A haunting meditation on love and fame from a fresh new voice in horror." ―Goldy Moldavsky, New York Times-bestselling author of The Mary Shelley Club and Lord of the Fly Fest

"A darkly addicting and deliciously twisty tale of horror and romance infused with East Asian mythology and set in the dazzling world of idol competitions. Will make for a decadent addition to the YA thriller category.” ―Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

"A glittering, gory page-turner, Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is your next obsession." ―Gina Chen, New York Times-bestselling author of Violet Made of Thorns

"An electrifying debut made of sweat, sparkles, and blood – and an unsettling look at the bone-crushing pressure young girls face in the world of entertainment. Cheng’s debut is a chilling tale full of turns you’ll never expect." ―Andrew Joseph White, New York Times-bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us

"Gorgeous Gruesome Faces peels away the seemingly flawless skin of pop stardom and exposes the grisly insides of navigating an industry known to sacrifice hopes and dreams at the altar of fame. Chen delivers an unflinching look at the struggle of coming of age in the spotlight under the crushing pressure to succeed and at the same time delivers an emotional story of first love and genuine female friendships. Cinematic, gripping, and downright terrifying, this is a performance that you won’t want to miss." ―Liselle Sambury, author of Blood Like Magic and Blood Like Fate

"Thrilling...and harrowing." ―Publishers Weekly

"In addition to nuanced characterization, this fast-paced sapphic thriller tackles themes of the social media preoccupation with celebrity love lives, the impossible beauty standards expected of teen idols, and a culture that ruthlessly wields power over teens girls desperate for their own agency." ―BCCB

"Cheng’s writing is hypnotizing, and the eerie feeling permeates the story...Full of ghosts, drama, and danger, this is a great choice for horror lovers." ―Paste Magazine

"A fantastic exploration of the true cost of fame, where there will be blood." ―The Nerd Daily

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
A Nerd Daily Most Anticipated Book of the Year
An NYPL Best Book for Young Adults

About the Author

Linda Cheng was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood moving between cultures and continents. She received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and worked as an art director across South Carolina and Georgia where she developed a deep love for sweet tea, grits, and Southern Gothic stories. She currently resides in Vancouver, Canada with her family. Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is her debut novel.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roaring Brook Press (November 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250864992
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250864994
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 840L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.8 x 1.1 x 8.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 87 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Linda Cheng

Linda Cheng

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Linda Cheng was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood moving between cultures and continents. She received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and worked as an art director across South Carolina and Georgia where she developed a deep love for sweet tea, grits, and Southern Gothic stories. She currently resides in Vancouver, Canada with her family.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
87 global ratings
A good read
4 Stars
A good read
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. I knew that it was about K-pop and that I've read some really good K-pop books before. The book had K-pop characteristics that I've come to expect but with a suspense-filled twist that left me glued to the pages. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of the past and present stories that Sunny unfolds as she tells this story. I really enjoyed the dark elements and the fact that Sunny was a somewhat morally grey character. This added to the mystery and suspense of Sunny's connection to and relationship with Candie and the K-pop universe that the reader is getting a peek into. What also surprised me were the magical ans mythical elements that were added into this story that further cemented its difference from standard/typical K-pop themed books. I would definitely recommend this book.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Shradha
5.0 out of 5 stars Great YA Horror
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2024
I have often felt that YA horror is a grossly overlooked genre that needs more attention. I am glad to say that not only is "Gorgeous Gruesome Faces" a good addition to said genre, but it is also a great addition for diversity in horror literature, both from an Asian and LGBT representation perspective. Is it a bit campy? Perhaps. But that is part of where the fun lies!

The best way for me to describe this book is to think of the sapphic vibes of "Jennifer's Body" (with thankfully less queer-baiting), the uber capitalistic/exploitative themes of "Squid's Game," and the horror elements of another great YA book I read recently "I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me" all joined together. If any of those elements appeal to you, then more likely than not, "Gorgeous Gruesome Faces" will as well, regardless of whether you are into the K-pop/K-drama scene.
Helpful
 Report
Devin
3.0 out of 5 stars Good But Not Great
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2023
THEN:
Sunny Lee is on the top of the world. She is part of the hottest up-and-coming teen pop group, Sweet Cadence, alongside Candie and Mina - her new best friends. The three become inseparable as the climb their way to the top of the charts, even as Sunny and Candie fight to resist the spark that is growing between them. The group is suddenly torn apart when a shocking scandal comes to light. Then Mina dies tragically right in front of Sunny and Candie. Sunny suspects the dark secrets she and Candie were keeping may have something to do with it.

NOW:
Sunny has spend the past two years longing for her former life and wondering what caused Mina's death. When she discovers that Candie is going to be attending a new K-pop workshop right in her hometown, Sunny feels she has no choice but to follow her there. Candie may be chasing stardom again, but Sunny is just looking for answers.

At the workshop, Sunny is haunted by ghostly hallucinations and her competitors start to mysteriously get injured. To survive, Sunny will have to expose the ugly truth behind the workshop.

I enjoyed this one up until the ending, where I feel like it fell flat. It didn't really go in the direction I thought it was going to go and wasn't a huge fan with how it ended.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ashley
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. I knew that it was about K-pop and that I've read some really good K-pop books before. The book had K-pop characteristics that I've come to expect but with a suspense-filled twist that left me glued to the pages. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of the past and present stories that Sunny unfolds as she tells this story. I really enjoyed the dark elements and the fact that Sunny was a somewhat morally grey character. This added to the mystery and suspense of Sunny's connection to and relationship with Candie and the K-pop universe that the reader is getting a peek into. What also surprised me were the magical ans mythical elements that were added into this story that further cemented its difference from standard/typical K-pop themed books. I would definitely recommend this book.
Customer image
Ashley
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. I knew that it was about K-pop and that I've read some really good K-pop books before. The book had K-pop characteristics that I've come to expect but with a suspense-filled twist that left me glued to the pages. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of the past and present stories that Sunny unfolds as she tells this story. I really enjoyed the dark elements and the fact that Sunny was a somewhat morally grey character. This added to the mystery and suspense of Sunny's connection to and relationship with Candie and the K-pop universe that the reader is getting a peek into. What also surprised me were the magical ans mythical elements that were added into this story that further cemented its difference from standard/typical K-pop themed books. I would definitely recommend this book.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Helpful
 Report
Jim C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Hideously Gorgeous
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023
The title Gorgeous Gruesome Faces didn’t tell me much what the story is about. Then, the ending of the prologue really piqued my curiosity, and I anxiously wanted to find out more about these three besties - Candie, Sunny and Mina!

As I read on, I discovered more hidden secrets among these young ladies who belong to a famous K-Pop inspired musical band, including some twisty cult-like myths and folktales!

I was hooked on the elements of horror and gruesomeness of this story that were unexpectedly hideous, considering this is Linda Cheng’s debut!

I am not a big fan of nowadays trending K-Pop industry, but the author Linda Cheng has given me some insights about the culture, the intense training and the unsavory part of such pop culture groups! However, I enjoyed the unforeseen chilling twists and turns that kept me up at night!

If you enjoy horror thrillers, the horrifying and heart-pounding journey of this trio is perfect for you.
Helpful
 Report
Fallon
4.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Gruesome Faces
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
This is the first book in a sapphic horror thriller series by Linda Cheng. The story revolves around Sunny, a former K-pop icon who has been out of the limelight since one of her band members died in a terrible incident. Sunny, along with Mina and Candie, was part of a TV show turned K-Pop girl group that was highly popular worldwide. The story opens with Mina’s untimely and gruesome death, after which Candie and Sunny lose contact. Two years later, when Sunny sees that Candie will be at a local workshop, she decides to join the group, and everything just goes downhill from there. The story features lots of teenage angst, gruesome deaths or disfigurements, and a bit of folklore.

This book has a story that unfolds in two different timelines – “then” and “now”. Towards the end of the story, the “then” timeline helps to make the “now” timeline more understandable. It seems like the author intentionally avoided a linear timeline to keep the story interesting with its twists and turns. Although I’m not a big fan of horror because of all the gory bits, I think this book was able to strike a balance to keep me engaged without putting me off. Despite the horrific incidents that occur, there is an underlying message about the pressure young girls face to conform to certain societal standards, causing them to lose their identity.

The book is a captivating read, with a plot that will keep you engaged throughout. Although there is a romantic relationship in the story, it doesn’t become the primary focus until the end, which sets the stage for the sequel. The narrator has done an excellent job of bringing the characters and their world to life, adding a layer of intensity to the story.

Despite the characters being 16-18 years old, the book doesn’t feel like a typical young adult novel. It’s more of a crossover between YA and adult fiction, with mature themes that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The folklore elements add an extra layer of depth to the story, making it even more intriguing.

The dual timeline is one of the book’s highlights, with the author executing it flawlessly. It’s easy to follow and adds an extra level of complexity to the plot, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the end.

Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, and folklore. It’s a well-written, immersive, and engaging story that will leave you craving for more. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the sequel!
Helpful
 Report