Queens of Geek (Swoon Novels)

by Jen Wilde

Charlie likes to stand out. She's a vlogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this is her chance to show fans she's over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet famous cool girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie's long-time crush on her isn't as one-sided as she thought. Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there's one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie - no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favorite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.

• ISBN10: 1509831029
• ISBN13: 9781509831029
• Publish Date: 14 March 2017
• Publish Status: Cancelled
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

Well, that totally hit the spot. I was looking for something cute and fun, but still with some depth, and I found it in Queens of Geek.

I am always up for going to a convention, and I had a great time at SupaCon. We went to same panels, made some friends, entered a contest, attended a gala, and even did a zombie run. Wilde did a fabulous job immersing me not only in the action of the con, but also the culture of the con. There were a few fangirl moments, that I definitely got carried into and there was also a great fandom vibe throughout.

This may have been set at a convention, but it was the friendship between Charlie, Taylor, and Jamie that took center stage. I love when an author creates a great friendship dynamic, and Wilde did it so well, she had me aching to be part of this group. They listened to each other, gave their time to each other, and were great sources of support throughout.

There were also two romances, and they were both so adorable. I was shipping both couples hard, and I adored watching both these love stories unfold. There were so many examples of how healthy these relationships were too, and by featuring Charlie's ex, I really got to see the difference between a good and a bad romance.

Yes, lots of fun, friendship, and romance, but there were also a ton of other ideas. One that stood out the most, was about being true to yourself and not letting others dictate your happiness. That will always be a wonderful message, and I liked getting to see how both Taylor and Charlie dealt with these bouts of self-doubt, and found the courage to be happy on their own terms.

I have to say, I wouldn't mind catching up with this group, when they they make their move to LA, because I found them utterly enchanting, and want them to have the best futures possible.

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[paperbackjedi]

3.5

[goodnghtmoonx]

"People like us ... we're brave. We're the ones who get up and face our worst fears every day. We keep fighting."

This book can be so important to so many people, and really, it should be. While the writing is average and the plot is cheesy, there are so many important messages woven into this story. From a girl with the high anxiety on the autism spectrum to the bisexual girl who was emotionally torn from an ex-boyfriend. Taylor and Charlie are two characters I hadn't thought I needed until I was presented with them.

Jen Wilde did manage to write a completely and utterly adorably dorky and cheesy story set inside SupaCon, where everyone binds together with the security of their fandoms. As a self-declared "geek", whose friends are also self-delared geeks, I was drawn immediately to the plot of the story. While it seems like the culture of geeks and nerds are becoming more and more appreciated in society, there still seems to be more stories about the popular kids, or the nerdy kids who don't go into their worlds as much as this story did. I truly appreciate Wilde for bringing this world into play.

The two plot lines are simple, but incredibly cute. One is with the cliched best friends, and the other with two girls who had unknowingly had crushes on each other. Both of them were done really well, while also being realistic. I wished there could have been a bit more external conflicts running a round, but since the story really only takes place over the course of two-three days, I suppose I can't be too upset about it.

I orignally hadn't intended on writing a review for this, but I felt the need to gush over how well Wilde had been able to send out hte message in this book of not being ashamed of who you are. There are so many lines and conversations involving the encouragement of the individual self. And, honestly, I don't feel like I've ever related to a character more than I had with Taylor. Wilde had written her so incredibly well. I've experienced every single one of those struggles she's faced. I cannot, however, truly speak for those who do have Asperger's, as I have not been diagnosed with it and I prefer not to relate everything to my boyfriend's own diagnosis, but for the anxiety aspect alone, she did amazing. It was really nice to see a character I can sympathize with and really understand her struggles along her journey. I am unfortunate to say, I can't say too much for Taylor's story line. I am not the outgoing type, and I haven't really experienced too much with my own bisexuality.

Anyway... this story is truly cute, and I really love the message that stands out among it. It's a nice little reminder to have.

[bryannaleigh]

"People like us ... we're brave. We're the ones who get up and face our worst fears every day. We keep fighting."

This book can be so important to so many people, and really, it should be. While the writing is average and the plot is cheesy, there are so many important messages woven into this story. From a girl with the high anxiety on the autism spectrum to the bisexual girl who was emotionally torn from an ex-boyfriend. Taylor and Charlie are two characters I hadn't thought I needed until I was presented with them.

Jen Wilde did manage to write a completely and utterly adorably dorky and cheesy story set inside SupaCon, where everyone binds together with the security of their fandoms. As a self-declared "geek", whose friends are also self-delared geeks, I was drawn immediately to the plot of the story. While it seems like the culture of geeks and nerds are becoming more and more appreciated in society, there still seems to be more stories about the popular kids, or the nerdy kids who don't go into their worlds as much as this story did. I truly appreciate Wilde for bringing this world into play.

The two plot lines are simple, but incredibly cute. One is with the cliched best friends, and the other with two girls who had unknowingly had crushes on each other. Both of them were done really well, while also being realistic. I wished there could have been a bit more external conflicts running a round, but since the story really only takes place over the course of two-three days, I suppose I can't be too upset about it.

I orignally hadn't intended on writing a review for this, but I felt the need to gush over how well Wilde had been able to send out hte message in this book of not being ashamed of who you are. There are so many lines and conversations involving the encouragement of the individual self. And, honestly, I don't feel like I've ever related to a character more than I had with Taylor. Wilde had written her so incredibly well. I've experienced every single one of those struggles she's faced. I cannot, however, truly speak for those who do have Asperger's, as I have not been diagnosed with it and I prefer not to relate everything to my boyfriend's own diagnosis, but for the anxiety aspect alone, she did amazing. It was really nice to see a character I can sympathize with and really understand her struggles along her journey. I am unfortunate to say, I can't say too much for Taylor's story line. I am not the outgoing type, and I haven't really experienced too much with my own bisexuality.

Anyway... this story is truly cute, and I really love the message that stands out among it. It's a nice little reminder to have.

[bestmessever]

This was absolutely fantastic. I loved all the references to Supernatural and Felicia Day and all the things nerdy. It's also nice seeing such positive bisexual rep in this book as well as mental health being discussed in a good way. Taylor completely captured the feelings that I have doing everyday things. If you haven't read this book you totally should :)

[katie]

Full review to come at kaitgoodwin.com/scintillatingreads but short version is HOLY (insert expletive here) THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!! It is truly amazing to be able to really see myself in characters, and this book feels like a letter to me. 3

[liz089]

I liked reading this one, it was cute and fluffy and very endearing. As a regulair Con visiter myself I LOVE reading about this kind of things, it makes me feel all happy and stuff ^^

But apart from that.. And I dislike saying this, but it did not really have much depth. The characters were a bit too perfect for me, did everything right, there weren't really that much struggles they did not overcome easily... That made it all to simple and not complex/dramatic enough for my taste.

And yes, there are some issues in here, with autism (asperger) and bi-sexual stuff.. I loved how she discribed the autism and let other people know, that even though you can't see it it doesn't mean that they don't have daily struggles.. But it was all too easily solved.

Mainly it is just a nice in-between read that is cute and fluffy and full of fandom.

3.5 stars, but I just can't round it up to 4... it isn't good enough for me to rate it 4 stars, so rounded down to 3.

[Kelly]

Eighteen year old Charlie is an internet sensation and has been invited to attend the premier fan based pop culture convention to promote her debut independent film. Escorted by best friends Taylor and Jamie, the convention is an opportunity for Charlie to establish her career after her relationship dissolved with actor Ryan, who is also in attendance.

Taylor stands in line at her first convention, sharing her experience on her Tumblr page, a inspiration for societal anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder. While Chalie attends promotional panels to promote her independent film, Taylor and best friend Jamie are left to immerse themselves, the pinnacle is fictional Queen Fireheart, a heroine that fought alongside Taylor during her moments of need.

Two vibrant, realistic and remarkable young women.

Positive friendships are quintessential in young adult literature and should be celebrated and encouraged. Charlie and Taylor are contrasting characters, both determined young women who share a quiet resilience to our ever changing societies. Jamie and Taylor have a wonderfully gentle friendship, encouraging, supportive and quite flirtatious. Jamie was tremendous support for Taylor and although has never experienced anxiety, is compassionate and considerate of Taylor's needs.

The relationships were beautifully portrayed. Taylor's narrative explored her relationship with Jamie, the anxiety and hesitation. Charlie's relationship with her fellow actor Ryan has dissolved, celebrating the emergence of her independence. At the tender age of fourteen Charlie identified as bisexual, a positive and affirming realisation that she has embraced despite Ryan's biphobia. Internet sensation Alyssa Huntington is a wonderful character, tenacious and comfortable within her sexuality. A passionate intersectional feminist, the attraction between Alyssa and Charlie was captivating. I appreciate a relationship in which characters communicate and although Charlie is hesitant to embark on another public relationship, Alyssa is a wonderful support for Charlie.

It also addresses sexism, especially within the entertainment industry. Male actors are revered for their capability to perform whilst their female counterparts are distinguished by their appearance.

Queens Of Geek is magnificent and an own voices narrative. Author Jen Wilde also identifies as Autistic, Bisexual, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety. A resounding applause from readers for affirming and positive portrayals. Charlie, Taylor and Jamie are Australian and although the convention transpires in San Diego, the narrative is universal. Friendship, relationships and a sense of belonging.

For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I have to try to fit in, because I'm surrounded by people who are as passionate and excited about the same things I am. For the first time, I'm not totally alone in my weirdness. My weird is normal here. My weird is embraced, accepted, and expected. You guys, I'm starting to love my weird.

Bisexuality, Chinese Australian protagonist, sex positive, same sex female relationships, positive friendships, support networks. Queens Of Geek breaks down the barriers of body shaming, toxic relationships, slut shaming, Austism, mental illness, societal illnesses and the reality of expectations young adults place upon themselves.

[Leah]

As soon as I started Queens of Geek, I knew it was my kind of read. I love fandom, and nerdiness and being geekish to the max, and I especially like books that deal with all that kinda stuff because it’s nice to know you’re not alone! And Queens of Geek is not only absolutely fantastic and chock-full of nerdy references that got my heart pounding, but it was also incredibly diverse! It deals with anxiety, bisexuality, autism and one of the MCs is Chinese! This book is just an all-around WIN, for everything. The only thing that bugs me? Why is none of it represented in the cover. I mean, the cover is gorgeous and Charlie’s hair IS pink, but I mean why not have a Chinese girl on the cover? WHY, WHY, WHY? Celebrate the diversity of this book, don’t hide it away.

I loved everything about Queens of Geek – the way Taylor’s anxiety was handled was incredible and opened my eyes a lot. I am so ignorant to anxiety, and I’m trying to do better and each new book I read that deals with it is helping me become a better, more understanding person. I liked that Jen wrote Taylor so well, but so real. I’ve had no experience of anything Taylor goes through, but the way it comes off the page, means you can feel her terror, and how uncomfortable she is, and how being out in a social situation is a big deal for her. Also, her friendship with Jamie had me squeeeing so freaking hard. I liked that Jamie didn’t magically *fix* Taylor, because you can’t just fix anxiety, but I liked how he knew when to leave her alone, when to come closer, when she needed help.

Charlie, though! I absolutely loved her. I felt her pain, at having to be around Reese again and then I felt her contentment at meeting Alyssa, a fellow Youtuber. Their flirting was adorable, I honestly couldn’t get enough because they were just so freaking cute together, man! I just loved everything – the topics tackled (say that three times fast, I DARE YOU), the whole experience of being at a ComicCon type event (I was so green with envy) and I was sooooo imagining Skyler Astin as Sarah J Maas in my own head, because I adore her. Side note: I would totally read the Firestone books. Just in case Jen Wilde is thinking of writing them: I AM ON BOARD WITH THAT.

This book was just incredible. The characters, the themes, the romances were so cute, it was all A+++++ for me. Jen Wilde gave Taylor and Charlie such incredible, strong voices, and am I the only one seeing a sequel?! Because I mean, there’s so many places it can go – as long as all the romances STAY AS THEY ARE OK? Queens of Geek was amazing, I need more cute f/f romances and adorable geekiness in my life.