This was a fun, easy to read contemporary story. I loved how it was a retelling that followed the original plot of Cinderella accurately but still added a nice modern, nerdy twist. I enjoyed more the relationships that were already stablished, like the dynamics between Elle and her stepmother and stepsisters. The romance didn't feel believable at all, since we only see a few text messages between Elle and Darien. Both characters are way more interesting on their own and the voices and struggles are better than their romance.

The references to fandom culture and classic sci-fi shows were a nice touch that blended well with the story, and made Elle's love of Starfield more real. I also loved the inclusion of an f/f romance, although we don't get to see much of them, and Darien being of Indian descent. He was my absolute favorite in the book and it's a refreshing point of view, since Elle's story is so similar to the original Cinderella tale.

I’d say Geekerella had me front the beginning. It would be half true. As soon as I learned about this book, I wanted it. First of all, it’s described as a “love letter to nerd culture” (which it TOTALLY IS). But. When I finally sat down to read it and saw the opening quote, I put Geekerella back down. And tried to find out what Starfield is and why hadn’t I heard of it yet?! Was it really old? Brand new? So much of a cult show only its very special members knew of it? Nope! It only exists in Elle’s world. If this book is really popular, can they make the Starfield movie instead of one about Elle and Darien? That would be love, Ashley Poston. Beyond what you’ve already showered upon us.

Elle and Darien are mutual fans of Starfield. Huge fans. It’s more than just a show for them; it has has played an important role in both their lives. Elle blogs almost daily about the show while Darien gets to actually BE Prince Carmindor… in the new Starfield movie! THE Prince Carmindor. Elle has seen Darien’s previous work and thinks that some hot soap opera star is NOT Prince Carmindor material. From what’s she’s seen of Darien, she can’t believe he’s even bothered to watch the series. One misdirected text message leads to more, though. Both Elle and Darien are falling fast for each other as they talk about Starfield, themselves and the upcoming sci-fi convention. Only thing is, they haven’t bothered to tell each other who they are. Yet.

This book is full of sci-fi references. Oh! The references! While I’m not a fangirl, I’ve watched almost every show mentioned at least once. Admittedly, there was one ref that I still can’t figure out. If I could remember what it was, I would share it here. Someone would help me out, I’m sure. Sadly, Poston mostly mentions mainstream science fiction (Firefly, Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and was there a Doctor Who shout out? I feel like there was a Doctor Who shout out). It would have been fun to discover some new, lesser known shows through Geekerella. Plus, if Poston had thrown in something about, say, Dark Matter or Farscape, I may have flailed.

If you liked Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here (Anna Breslaw), you’ll probably like Geekerella. Mainly because they have a similar tone to them. Geeky girls fangirling over their favourite show online. Both have some kind of superiority/inferiority complex going on. Both get a hot boyfriend at the end. Both want to be writers and have a strong sense of their own value even though most of the people around them say otherwise. Alternatively, if you like Geekerella, check out Scarlett Epstein.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 4.5 stars

Contains some spoilers

I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings but I usually don't go in with high expectations. What drew me to this Cinderella re-telling was the geek factor of it. I'm a obsessive fangirl myself that goes to comic cons, and hopes to one day actually have the money to full cosplay. So with that I connected to Danielle in that level. I also connected with her reserved, introvert personality. To me it is important to connect with a character on that level and lately I haven't been feeling that in the books I have read recently.

I also like that the author paid homage to other retellings (intentional or not) of Cinderella like the movie "Ever After" starring Drew Barrymore, a film that is close to my heart, and the modern
"A Cinderella Story" with Hillary Duff. The vegan pumpkin food truck I also got a kick out of that was a clever way of including the 'pumpkin coach' that Cinderella uses as her getaway vehicle. Another is that the ending was more realistic than Cinderella ever was. She got the prince and lived happily ever after but in terms with this couple things are not so perfect as (view spoiler)

Why I didn't give this five stars was its predictability. Yes it is a retelling but it could have been a little more creative with the plot. I saw what was coming pages before it happened. I also thought the author tried a little too hard on making the geek side of Danielle and Darien stand out by constantly repeating the Captain Carmindor and Princess Amara facing the Black Nebula and Amara getting sucked into it scene and there wasn't really much focus on any other aspects of Starfield.

Another was how whiny Darien was. Oh-woe-is-me-I-am-famous kind of deal that had me rolling my eyes a little. Danielle's complaining was warranted way more. Other than all those factors it was a nice, quick read with some new elements on the over-used Cinderella plot.

I loved this story! it's such a fun twist on the Cinderella story. I enjoyed Elle with her hopes and dreams and fandom of Starfield.. I enjoyed Sage who doesn't really give a crap and helps Elle like a fairy godmother and I liked Darien Freeman who you kind of wonder if some child stars or any celebrities have issues like he does. I thought this was a lot of fun to read and if I had read it on the weekend I probably would have read it in a day. It's a very fast read but entertaining. Not a deep book but who cares, I like being entertained. I will say talking to a stranger over text messaging is a little creepy and you don't know who is on the other side. It could be a sex offender. This book just made me smile but it also made me tear up in a few places. I had such a great time reading it.

A modern-day geeky fairy tale, mashing up the classic tale of Cinderella with the world of Science Fiction fandom. On one side we have Elle, a life-long fan of Starfield, the Star Trek-esq TV show she grew up watching with her father. On the other side is Darien, teen heart-throb slated to play the leading role of Federation Prince Carmindor in the pending series reboot, closet nerd and written off as little more than brainless eye candy by the fandom. In between the two lie conniving step-family, a job on the Magic Pumpkin food truck, the internet, and the deep seated passion of fandom.

This book is absolutely adorable. I sat down and read it in a day. A must-read for fans of Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl or Jen Wilde's Queens of Geek.

A fun and adorable read, and if you're geeky and looking for something short and sweet this is perfect.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Publisher: Quirk Books

Elle is a huge fan of Starfield, the sci-fi show she and her father used to obsessively watch together before he died. Stuck with Catherine, her stepmother, and Chloe and Calliope, her evil twin stepsisters, Elle truly lives like a modern-day Cinderella. The only solace she has are late-night reruns of Starfield and her Starfield-themed blog Rebelgunner. A Starfield reboot is announced and Elle is thrilled until she hears about the casting of Darien Freeman, the teen heartthrob star of the OC-style show Seaside Cove. Furious that her favorite show is not only about to be ruined by an actor who has probably never even seen Starfield, Freeman will be filling the shoes of her hero Prince Carmindor. Soon Elle discovers that a cosplay contest at ExcelsiCon is the ticket to all her problems, but only if her family doesn't ruin her chances.

Darien Freeman is secretly a massive geek. He has been a huge Starfield fan ever since his lonely childhood in Los Angeles and he knows every episode and every line. He has managed to land his dream role, Prince Carmindor, however the die hard Starfield fans are furious at his casting. Knowing that he has to prove himself to the fans, especially the outspoken author of Rebelgunner, Darien decides that he'll judge a cosplay contest at ExcelsiCon as part of the press tour for his new film and can redeem himself to fans, face his past, and assert some independence.

I knew I had to read this book as soon as I learned about it. A geeky twist on the classic Cinderella story, Geekerella was everything I wanted it to be and more. It's not just a fun and fluffy retelling of the fairy tale -- although I did manage to read it in a single day -- it investigates the things that make geek culture so wonderful and so problematic. Elle is more than a Cinderella stand-in. She's not the most beautiful girl in the room, but she's a smart, funny, and strong young woman. Despite the years of emotional abuse at the hands of her stepmother and her stepsisters, she is not broken. Her passion for Starfield is something I think a lot of us can relate to in some way. She's just a normal girl -- she could be you or your friend or that quiet girl who sits at the back of the class.

Elle was great. but I really, and quite unexpectedly, loved Darien. His whole character and story line were incredibly well done. Far from the passive prince, Darien struggles with his controlling father/manager, his fame and the consequences it brings, and his identity as a public and private figure. I thought he had so much depth and his story can teach us a lot about not making assumptions and judgements based on how a person looks. He was a true, modern Prince Charming.

The elements of the Cinderella story are all present in Geekerella, but with a modern twist. The fairy godmother is a punk rock girl, the carriage is a pumpkin-shaped vegan food truck, the ball is a fan convention, and Cinderella's iconic dress is a cosplay. Poston manages to weave the familiar elements of the classic Cinderella tale together with modern touches and creates something new and relevant to her audience.

The best part of the book for me is how she tackled the darker side of fandoms. It's easy to write a love letter to geek culture, but much harder to acknowledge that it is problematic in a number of ways. Elle is far from a perfect character. She easily falls into the 'you are not like me therefore there's no way you are a fan/worthy of this thing I love' character type. She has absolutely no confidence that Darien can play this role because of his rise to fame in a cheesy teen TV show -- it actually reminded me a lot of the backlash against Heath Ledger when he was cast as The Joker. She isn't the only one; Dairen is approached by an angry fan early in the book and the online backlash, led by Rebelgunner, is high. Poston also challenges the idea of the 'fake geek girl' that many women face in the geek community, particularly at cons.

Filled with the power of fandom, friendship, and self-worth, Geekerella covers the heartbreak of losing a parent, the loneliness of being an outcast, and the power of fandom and friendships. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever been a part of a fandom, thrown themselves into the weird and wonderful geek culture, or has been treated unfairly by their peers because of what they love. Additionally, make sure you take a look at the acknowledgments at the end.

Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite!

Rating 4.5/5

This book was so adorable! While it was a little predictable I was addicted and couldn't put it down. The retelling of Cinderella with modern twists made this book so much fun and added a bit of nostalgia for me. I absolutely LOVED Elle as an MC and her trusty sidekick, Sage, was equally as lovable. A must read YA contemporary!

Great for teens (and has great crossover appeal for older readers), Geekerella follows seventeen year old Elle Wittimer, stuck in a social-climbing step-family. A long time fan of the sci-fi show Starfield, she's excited for the upcoming Hollywood adaptation and for the chance to attend ExcelsiCon, a fan convention established by her late father. Darien Freeman, the Hollywood heartthrob has been cast as Prince Carmindor. Secretly, a long time fan of Starfield, he wonders if he could do the role justice. A chance text-encounter brings our protagonists to explore themselves and their appreciation for their beloved sci-fi show.

Geeky and fandom-filled, Geekerella is a fun retelling of the classic Cinderella. Thoroughly enjoyable, sweet, and heartwarming at times, Geekerella not only follows our "cinderella", but our "prince charming" as well. Elle and Darien's voices are animated, touching, and inspirational.

Even if you're not in a science fiction show (and related) fandoms, I think nerds and geeks alike will appreciate the way fandom culture is portrayed in Geekerella. You don't have to be in a fandom to appreciate it of course. Everyone can enjoy the witty banter between the characters and the easy way Poston is able to pull us into the story.

I've been wanting to read a modern take on Cinderella and this book did not disappoint. Interesting enough, I found a lot of similarities between Geekerella and Ever After (the Drew Barrymore movie).

What I really liked was how we got read from both Elle and Darien's perspectives. With a Dual-POV book, it's sometimes hard to differentiate between voices, but Poston is able to give them unique voices, experiences, and their own trepidations and set-backs.

Also, in Dual-POV books sometimes you want to rush to the next character's perspective, but I couldn't wait to read from both Elle and Darien's point of view. The side-characters were given adequate page-time and we're given time to get to know and care about them too (at least, the ones we're supposed too).

Geekerella also features LGBT+ characters, POC rep (our Prince is of Indian heritage (if I'm wrong, please correct me) and the issue of white-washing in the Hollywood industry.

This contemporary-romance has doses of enemies-to-lovers, a pinch of star-crossed lovers, and, to my understanding, You've Got Mail elements (but, I can't be sure since I haven't seen the film).

Geekerella is downright cute and heartwarming read. A fun, modern, fan-filled take on the Cinderella story. Great for Cinderella and fandom geeks alike.

I didn't finish this. The premise sounds fun, but the voice did not grab me, and with everything else I need to read, I can't give it time to get better. I read the first three or four chapters before deciding to move one to something else.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Danielle Wittimer, a girl with a positively awful stepmother and two equally awful step sisters. Ever since her father died Elle has felt alone in the world, just trying to sludge through the days and save up enough money to move to LA. Her only outlet for her frustrations is her blog where she writes about Starfield, a show that her and her Dad would watch together. Her Dad even started a convention nearby in Atlanta years ago, a convention that Elle hasn’t been to in years. This year though there is a contest and the winner gets $500 and a chance to meet the new star of the upcoming Starfield movie, Darien Freedman. Elle could care less about meeting the previously unknown actor, she wants to win the cash prize to help her on her way to her dream. But she also wants to meet the boy that she’s been talking to for weeks, her own Prince Carmindor. But he turns out to be who she least expects.
Overall I really liked this book. It was an interesting and modern retelling of the Cinderella tale. The cast of characters in this book was awesome, I loved each of the characters and what they added to the story. There were a couple of frustrating points in the book for me and one of them was that I felt the villainous characters in the book, specifically Chloe, should’ve gotten a bit more punishment for their wrongs. At one point Chloe steals Elle’s life-savings (which is about $700) and NOTHING HAPPENS. If someone stole $700 from me I would call the cops and have her ass arrested. So there were certain points that I thought Elle (and Darien really) should’ve fought back a little more. But the parts about Elle’s Mom and Dad and keeping their memories alive were truly touching. And I loved the ending, how Darien came riding in on his “white horse” (LOL) to save the day. This was a really cute retelling of Cinderella’s tale with all the modern twists that will attract a fandom of its own.

Geekerella is a charming love letter to fandoms, optimism, and the blessing of finding your tribe.
The characters in Geekerella run the range from believable and endearing to overdrawn. I never could quite believe the stepmom, Catharine. She was a little overdone, as the "evil step-moms" often are. She filled a role but I didn't see exactly what power she had over Danielle, who had planned to run away to L.A. In fact, that was one of the only things I didn't like about Danielle's character, also. However, that tiny bit aside, I enjoyed the rest of the characters in the book. I didn't know going in that it was multiple pov but getting Darien's side of the story was a fantastic choice. I think I liked his characterization best of all.
One of the other things I liked is that the emotions were really explored. It wasn't just a cute plot with clever pop-culture references; the characters' feelings matched the action and the author took the time to let us see them all. In fact, my two favorite elements of the book were Danielle's relationship to her mom and dad and the emotional connection that left an imprint in her life and also the authors portrayal of fandom and the emotional connections we find in uniting behind what we love.
Also a bonus, a resolution that doesn't end at a happily-ever-after but actually moves us forward to get a real sense of closure.
It had its tiny flaws, but overall I can see this being a book that many people will enjoy. (It's also clean enough that I can recommend it to my students!)

Geekerella is a quirky, fun, romantic merging of Cinderella and a fictionalized obsessive syfy fandom, like Star Trek or Doctor Who. The main character, Elle, is likable and had just the right amount of depth to keep me interested. Even though the story was predictable, it was enjoyable, although some further editing could be done. Some of the supporting characters were inconsistently represented. Like the stepmother. Sometimes she seemed downright evil and other times she seemed to really care about Elle. And at times it was hard for me to follow the fictional fandom; I felt like an outsider, completely lost at all the inside jokes. But if you're in the mood for a different kind of fairytale, Geekerella might be the right pick for you.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen this book absolutely everywhere around the bookternet recently! Geekerella promised a swoonworthy romance with a healthy dose of fandom culture, and though I was left wanting a bit more from some elements of the story, overall, it delivered on those promises.

In Geekerella, we follow two different POVs. Our main character, Elle, has been a devoted Starfield fan her entire life. With a movie reboot of the fan-favorite sci-fi TV series in the works, she decides to enter a cosplay contest at ExcelsiCon in order to honor her late parents and her own love for the franchise. Our other main character, Darien (also a huge fan of the series, though he hides his geekiness to keep his “brand” consistent), has just been cast in the leading role of Prince Carmindor in the new Starfield movie. Through a series of coincidences, Darien and Elle begin anonymously texting, beginning a friendship that quickly turns into something more. The only problem? Elle thinks Darien is all wrong for the role of her favorite character, and Darien has no idea Elle is the blogger who published a biting criticism of him after his casting was announced. I thought the dual POVs were handled well. I never had any confusion as to whose story I was reading at any given point.

Geekerella utilized a lot of my favorite tropes in romances. Not only do we have the “pen pal” (in this case, it’s texting, but whatever), romance, but this is also a Cinderella retelling. I tend to be wary of fairytale retellings, but I think this is the rare book that gets it right. I always admire when classic stories are cleverly adapted to a modern setting, and the author definitely nailed that aspect. I do wish the side characters– especially Elle’s stepmother and stepsisters– had been fleshed out a bit more. I could never really understand their motivations; often, they just seemed like evil incarnate, with no other motive than to make Elle’s life a living hell. As for other retelling elements, I thought the Magic Pumpkin food truck was so, so unique and clever (plus, oh my gosh, I loved Sage and her role as the “fairy godmother” of sorts)! And, of course, the cosplay ball was awesome. I always love a good ballroom dancing scene.

Another thing I really adored about this story: it’s totally a love letter to fandom and fan culture. From the cosplay, to the con setting, to the quotes from Starfield at the beginning of each chapter, Geekerella really celebrates fandom culture and the people who make it so amazing. And, of course, there’s the nerd love! Not only is the main romance between Elle and Darien adorable, but there’s also a side f/f ship that I loved. Oh, and Darien himself is half Indian-American. Yay, representation!

I do wish the romance had been paced better. One minute, Elle and Darien were casually discussing the Starfield series, and the next, BOOM, they were in love. And maybe this is just me being overly paranoid, but I felt like there were some major safety concerns that went unaddressed??? Texting a stranger you’ve never once met, seen, or talked to seems pretty careless and unnecessarily dangerous, no matter what kind of *~gut feelings~* you have about the person they are (especially if you’re a minor!). But, I digress. I will say, I really enjoyed where the romance left off. I’ve seen some people say the ending left too many strings untied for their taste, but I personally love endings that are left the slightest bit open, especially in YA contemporary. I also think Geekerella reads like a bit of a younger YA, but this didn’t bother me.

All in all, Geekerella was pretty adorable, if a bit lacking in substance. However, what it lacked in substance, it made up for in heart! I would recommend this to any fellow geeks and fangirls/fanboys/fanbys out there. Definitely a fun, fluffy YA contemporary to pick up this spring!

Have you read Geekerella? If so, what did you think? If not, do you plan to pick it up anytime soon?

I feel like this book would be such a great read for people who maybe haven't read that many Cinderella stories before! It was such a quick and cute and geeky read, and I totally get why everyone is in love with it. For me, a lot of the elements felt overused, and there weren't enough original layers or aspects to the original tale for me to really enjoy this story.

This adorable geeky twist of a classic is outstandingly good. Geekerella centres around Elle and her true passion which is Starfield. Starfield is everything to her, after losing her parents Starfield is the only thing that connects her to them and their love story. When she hears the news that Darien Freeman is playing the leading character in Starfield, she's devastated. He is nothing like the Carmindor

Darien Freeman a teenage movie star wants nothing but to be a normal teenager. Oh what he would give to be a normal teenager again A secret Starfield fan, Darien wants to do justice to the part of Carmindor but he has self doubts and trust issues. Can he do justice to Carmindor?

So when Elle and Darien accidently connect via text, we see a blooming relationship that looks passed what is perceived and it breathtakingly refreshing to see a sensitive side to a male character. We see both Elle and Darien's insecurities and how they try to deal with those insecurities.

Geekerella isn't JUST a love story, it's so much more than that. We see the budding friendship between Elle and Sage. How friendships can blossom in the most unlikely of places How to not judge a person by what we think they will do. To open ourselves to others. To ask for help. To not be afraid.

What makes Geekerella a 5 star read? There's no words to describe the feelings the novel invokes, how deeply this novel touched me. The emotions, the feelings, the joy, the hurt. Maybe this passage will help you to understand....

“I'm half of my father. Half of my hero. And I am half of my mother. Half soft sighs and half sharp edges. And if they can be Carmindor and Amara--then somewhere in my blood and bones I can be too. I'm the lost princess. I'm the villain of my story, and the hero. Part of my mom and part of my dad. I am a fact of the universe. The Possible and the Impossible. I am not no one. I am my parents' daughter, and then I realize--I realize that in this universe they're alive too. They're alive through me. Fashioning my hands into a pistol, I point it at the ceiling, lifting my chin, raising my eyes against the blinding stage lights, and I ignite the stars.”


― Ashley Poston, Geekerella

I love the fact that Ashley Poston hits the nail on the head with I'm the villain of my story, and the hero and The Possible and the Impossible no true words could be said (or wrote in this case). It doesn't matter if you're young or old, this timeless tale with a twist will connect with you.

For me personally...what did I gain from reading Geekerella.... You are in control of your destiny Play the villain, play the hero but don't allow self doubt to hold you back.

“Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite.”

― Ashley Poston, Geekerella

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A great cinderella style retelling reminiscent of the film A Cinderella Story.

Elle doesn't fit in with her "family". Her father died and left her alone with her hateful step-mother who not only doesn't understand her, but in fact despises her. She also has to contend with step-sisters who are cruel, wretched, and utterly vicious. It's not fair and Elle wishes for an escape. That's where "Carmindor" comes in. He's the prince in her favorite t.v. show of all time. He also happens to be the anonymous guy who inadvertently texted her; well, it's the pseudonym he's using anyhow. Their one text conversation quickly spirals into a very consistent back and forth as they talk about their shared love of this old t.v. show and then more about personal aspects of their lives. Without ever truly giving away their identities, Elle and "Carmindor" begin to forge a special connection, one that surpasses a basic online friendship. Elle, looks forward to her daily texts from "Carmindor" and senses in him something she desperately needs- a kindred spirit, love, and freedom.

Geekerella is a classic fairytale retelling with a fresh, modern twist. There's a lonely girl treated like a slave by the ones who should care for her the most. There's a prince, a pumpkin carriage, a fairy godmother (of sorts), a fabulous gown, a beautiful ball- even a clock where time is running out. It's all here! If you're a fan of the original and enjoy a good re-envisioned tale, don't miss this cute book by Ashley Poston. Fangirls of classic and modern sci-fi/fantasy alike will also enjoy this romantic delve into geekdom.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me this review opportunity.

ARC from NetGalley

2.5 This YA remix of Cinderella stars Elle Wittimer, the family geek and scapegoat for her stepmother and two popular stepsisters who live in Charleston SC, and Darien Freeman, a young actor on a teen dramarama who is up for the role in a movie reboot of a classic television sci fi show, STARFIELD, a sort of cross between STAR TREK and STAR WARS, but with a man of color playing its star, Prince Carmindor. Elle, whose father also loved STARFIELD and who founded a major fan convention devoted to it and other sci fi pop culture, writes a blog about STARFIELD; her post criticizing the choice of Darien as potential star goes viral. Meanwhile, through an errant text message, Elle and Darien, unaware of the other's real identity, begin a text-message only long-distance relationship. The two meet up at the annual convention, complete with fancy dress ball, but Elle is devastated to find out her text-messenger's true identity. But Darien comes in pursuit, glass slipper in hand...

It seemed rather wish-fulfilling to think that a television sci fi show famous for featuring the first man of color in a leading role could be old enough to need a remake.

Elle is supposed to be a geek, but there is little here that suggests such an identity besides her interest in STARFIELD. We see her mainly in the context of her family, and said family is pretty flatly drawn (uncaring, unkind stepmother; one stepsister truly cruel, the other weak and unresisting); Elle is the heroine by virtue of being abused by these three women, rather than for anything interesting she is or does herself. The story thus ended up feeling more like a Disney Channel feel-good movie (complete with gay sidekick, multicultural cast, and the reformation of one of the stepsisters), but the feel-good only skims the surface of deeper, unexplored tensions.