Queens of Geek (Swoon Novels)

by Jen Wilde

[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.