A Journey Inside the Snowglobe: A Review of Snowglobe (The Snowglobe Duology)
I stumbled upon Snowglobe by debut author Kim Hoon while browsing through a bookshop, and the intriguing description prompted me to dive right in. Dubbed “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game,” I couldn’t resist the urge to explore this dystopian tale that had captivated a global audience. From the moment I cracked open the stunning hardcover—a true treasure to behold, with its gorgeous double-cover—Snowglobe pulled me into its chilling, yet mesmerizing world.
Set within the climate-controlled confines of a futuristic society, Snowglobe explores a desperate scenario of survival and identity. Chobahm, our determined protagonist, lives in the icy wasteland outside the Snowglobe, where warmth is a luxury reserved for the privileged elite. The juxtaposition between the brutal cold outside the dome and the seemingly perfect life inside is striking, and it raises profound questions about sacrifice and the cost of societal acceptance.
One of my favorite aspects was the character of Chobahm. Initially enamored by the glitzy world of reality television, she quickly evolves into a complex character wrestling with deception and identity after she’s thrust into the role of the deceased star Goh Haeri—someone who seemingly had it all. As she navigates this treacherous new reality, it’s impossible not to empathize with her journey. The writing is vivid and immersive, made even more compelling by moments of tension that propel the narrative forward at a breakneck pace.
Kim Hoon’s storytelling shines through its intricate world-building and sharp social commentary. I appreciated how the plot cleverly weaved in themes of manipulation and the quest for personal identity in a society where reality is curated for entertainment. It reminded me of the thrilling unpredictability of Snowpiercer, igniting an urgency that kept me turning pages. The pacing was superb, effortlessly transitioning from moments of breathtaking action to quieter, reflective interludes.
Resonant moments in the narrative had me reflecting long after I turned the final page. When Chobahm realizes the dark underbelly of her new life, I felt a wave of emotional weight. The quote “Reality is a lie” lingers in my mind, encapsulating the essence of her struggle. It raises questions of authenticity in a world where lives are broadcasted for audiences outside, who cling to fantasies presented to them.
As I reached the cliffhanger ending, I couldn’t help but feel both exhilarated and slightly unfulfilled—an intentional choice by the author to set the stage for the anticipated sequel. I, like many others, am eager for the next installment. In many ways, Snowglobe struck a chord with me: it’s not just a work of fiction, but a mirror reflecting societal issues prevalent today.
This book will resonate with fans of young adult dystopian fiction and those intrigued by the intersections of identity and reality in a media-saturated world. If you revel in tales that meld adventure with social critique, then Snowglobe is a must-read.
Overall, my experience with Snowglobe was exhilarating. This immersive journey has reignited my love for dystopian narratives and left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Chobahm’s story. The chills from both the story and the wintery setting linger, and I can’t wait to return to the world that Kim Hoon has so brilliantly crafted.