Tag: Reviews

Reviews

Book Review: The Princess and the Fangirl

Sonya

The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year’s ExcelsiCon isn’t her last, she’ll consider her career derailed.

When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That’s easier said than done when the girls step into each other’s shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these “princesses” race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.

Read (finished): May 8, 2019

Rating: ⭐ 5/5 stars

“Besides, you know what they say: Anything can happen once upon a con.” ~ The Princess and the Fangirl

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Reviews

Book Review: Geekerella

Sonya

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.

Read (finished): April 20, 2019

Rating: ⭐ 5/5 stars

“Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite.” – Federation Prince Carmindor

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Reviews

Book Review: The Gilded Wolves

Sonya

Paris, 1889: The world is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. In this city, no one keeps tabs on secrets better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier, Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. But when the all-powerful society, the Order of Babel, seeks him out for help, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To find the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin will need help from a band of experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian who can’t yet go home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in all but blood, who might care too much.

Together, they’ll have to use their wits and knowledge to hunt the artifact through the dark and glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the world, but only if they can stay alive.

Read (finished): January 25, 2019

Rate: ⭐ 5/5

Roshani Chokshi’s newest book had me running the streets of Paris — in 1889. There was adventure and mystery and tragedy, as well as a cliffhanger ending that left me eager for the sequel.

Before I started reading, I saw many reviews describing it as perfect for Six of Crows fans. My expectations grew with every recommendation I received, so I tried to start reading the book with a “blank” mind. Although there were similarities (fantasy heist story, crew of six), I found the plot to be amazing on its own. The diverse characters all had their own personal struggles to face, which led each to have their own motivation to take part in the heist. My favorites are Laila and Zofia! Individually, they are both strong females who must face their pasts, but the dynamics of their friendship also stood out to me. 

Another element I really enjoyed were the puzzle scenes. By including illustrations/visuals of the puzzles, I felt more involved in the solving of the riddles. Personally, I enjoy books with puzzles needing to be solved. They invite the reader into the action and thrill by challenging them to solve the mystery alongside the characters.

Without giving away spoilers, the book ends with a (HUGE and somewhat vague) reveal, leaving readers with questions and theories of what will happen next. I can’t wait to see what Roshani Chokshi comes up with for the fate of our wolves!

Until next time, happy reading! ♡