Book Review: “Geekerella” by Ashley Poston

“Geekerella” by Ashley Poston (2017)

Genre: YA, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Retelling

Page Length: 320 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she 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 gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad’s old costume, Elle’s determined to win – unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons – before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake – until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

I was so excited to read this book when I heard about its initial release. It is a book about geek loves and fandoms, so it’s right up my alley. What’s fun about this book is that the story is a mashup of if Cinderella went to a comic con.  The main character is Danielle who lives at home with her evil step mom and step sisters who she dislikes, plus they couldn’t be any different from her. Her only glimmering ray of hope is Starfield, which she loves dearly (think the equivalent of Star Trek, which I absolutely love). She used to watch the show with her dad who passed away and it’s one of the ways she feels connected to him.

Everything is ruined for Elle when hot-shot superstar Darien, gets the lead role in a reboot movie of Starfield. Darrien is an actor with big shoes to fill. He feels trapped by the Hollywood world due the constant spotlight and because of his overbearing dad who also happens to be his manager. He doesn’t feel as if he’s good enough to be the commander as he is a huge fan Starfield himself.

Though both characters come from different worlds I liked that they could confide in each other. They’re total strangers but they start out as fandom acquaintances. Eventually become friends due to feeling like outsiders as they help other out and cheer up one another. Their romance slowly developed instead of being rushed which I liked.

As a fan girl myself I could really appreciate this book and relate to Elle’s character. Despite some of the crummy stuff that happens in a fandom community it still bring people together at the end of the day. Though the story line is predictable is some ways (it’s a modern-day Cinderella) I liked Poston’s spin on the tale. It was fun, light-hearted ,and the romance is adorable. The two main characters felt realistic and any person in a fandom can relate to many aspects of the story.

I enjoyed it so much I practically read it in one whole sitting. If you love books about fandoms you will enjoy Geekerella!

Final Verdict: