Friday, 13 January 2017
ReadItDaddy's Chapter Book of the Week - Week Ending 13th January 2017 - "Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale" by Ashley Poston (Quirk Books)
Ashley Poston's "Geekerella" is, undoubtedly, the sort of book that loves to break rules.
As you'd expect from publishers Quirk Books, it's a quirky book indeed. A thoroughly modern millennial-friendly retelling of the classic "Cinderella" fair tale? Before you run screaming into the trees cool your jets, this is a fangirl fairy tale with a difference.
Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes "Starfield", the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father.
Starfield is probably one of the most uncool things to be into, but Elle likes that about it. But you know what goes around comes around so when she sees a cosplay contest for a BRAND NEW "Starfield" movie, she simply has to enter!
The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her part-time job at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume nipped and tucked to fit, Elle is determined to win - unless her rotten nasty stepsisters get there first.
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| Switching gears between Elle and Darien, "Geekerella" is a hilarious thoroughly modern take on the classic fairy tale |
On the other side of the red carpet, teenage actor Darien Freeman used to live for conventions and cosplay events. Now they're nothing but a glorified meat market, an endless stream of autographs and awkward meet-and-greets.
Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob.
As ExcelsiCon drawsnear, Darien feels more and more like a fake until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. Guess who!
Ashley Poston has crafted a deliriously funny and at times quite bittersweet look at superfandom from both the fan and the famous sides of house. It's chock full of brilliant moments where sci fi nerds will nod knowingly at the "almost but not quite" reverent references, and of course the characterisations of Darien and Elle - beautifully transposed with the handsome prince and the winsome maid.
"Geekerella" by Ashley Poston is out on the 7th March 2017, published by Quirk Books. Set Geek Phasers to STUN!
(Kindly supplied for preview / review by Quirk Books)
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