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Geekerella by Ashley Poston is a fresh retelling of Cinderella that incorporates fan culture and a relationship that blossoms via text. I loved how the author outlines what Starfield means to different characters, and the main character is strong and likeable. I would definitely recommend this one, especially to those who enjoy fairy tale retellings.
Title: GeekerellaSeries: Once Upon a Con #1
Author: Ashley Poston
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genres: Contemporary, Retelling, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Rating:
Series Rating:
Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.
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. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi 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’s ever wanted, but the 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.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston
This modern retelling of Cinderella follows two people who end up texting by mistake but soon become very close, only they have who idea who the other person is. What ties them together is a love for the show Starfield and a convention dedicated to the franchise. Both of them have their reasons for attending the convention: Elle is there to hopefully win a cosplay contest and escape her evil stepmother, and Darien attends as an actor in the upcoming Starfield reboot, there to meet fans. I thought the updated elements from Cinderella are really well-done, like the magic pumpkin that is reincarnated as a food truck, and the cosplay elements are original.
❀ Digs deep into fan culture
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. I worried the fandom elements would be cringey, but this ended up being one of my favourite parts. What I believe saved the fandom aspects from being cringey is the fact that the author understands fan culture and how much a show can impact a person’s life. Starfield truly feels like a real show, and I loved getting many different characters’ accounts of what the show means to them. For Elle, Starfield is a connection to her parents, and participating in the cosplay contest gives her the chance to get closer to them and to potentially leave her stepmother. I haven’t seen a book about fandoms dig as deep into the significance of fan culture as this one did, which I really enjoyed.
❀ Strong Main Character
As for Elle, she is such a strong main character, and I really sympathized with her. Anyone familiar with the story of Cinderella knows about the hardship the main character must endure from her stepmother and stepsisters. Despite their torment, Elle works hard to finish her costume and achieve her goals. I also thought that the love she has for her parents is a really wholesome aspect of the book. I did find that her relationship with Darien a little insta-lovey, but I was willing to let it slide because I suppose Cinderella’s relationship with Prince Charming was, too.
❀ A fandom spin on Cinderella
Geekerella by Ashley Poston puts a fandom spin on the classic story of Cinderella in an entertaining and touching manner. I ended up loving the fandom elements, and the main character is easy to root for. This is a really fun read that is perfect for those who are into fandoms, or for those looking for a cute romantic read this fall.
About Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston’s is a part-time author and full-time fangirl. She was born in rural South Carolina, where you can see the stars impossibly well...
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I’ve wanted to read this one since it released but still haven’t gotten around to it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Sacrifice by Katee Robert
Same! It is worth the wait! 🙂
I have seen this one a bunch, but I think I shied away because of those fan elements you were saying weren’t ban. I sometimes don’t like those either. If they work well, then that’s great. I’m glad it turned out that way for you.
It definitely surprised me! I wasn’t too sure at first. 😉
I read this as an ARC (so, a while ago), and I just remember it making me so happy. It was all the fluffy goodness. I also really liked the way Poston explored fandoms from all sides, and I have loved reading all the books set in this world.
Sam@wlabb recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Being Bookish
Yes! I am really excited to read the other books in the series! 🙂
This sounds like a cute book to read! The cover looks nice
The cover is perfect! 🙂
I have this one on my TBR and can’t believe I haven’t read it yet!
I hope that you enjoy it when you get to it! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your review!
I love reading twists on fairy tales! My adult kiddo would enjoy this book, I think!
Absolutely! It is so much fun! 🙂
Wonderful review! I haven’t read this book yet but heard great things about it! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I really need to get to it soon.
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…One of Us Is Next (One of Us Is Lying #2) By Karen M. McManus [Review]
I hope that you enjoy it when you get the chance! 🙂
Loved this one, and still need to read the others in the series! Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…The Looooong and the Short of It with a Giveaway: September 2020 Wrap-Up Post and What to Expect in October
I can’t wait to give the others a try! 🙂
This book sounds great and I think my niece would like it too.