Maddy's whole life fell apart when her parents divorced.
Money forced Maddy and her mom to move to her grandmother's
house, in a small town far away from her friends in New
York City. Bad enough that she's stuck going to a school
with kids she calls Aberzombies and Haters, but her
grandmother makes her change clothes the first day of
school and then embarrasses one of the popular boys, making
Maddy an outcast from the start.
Nicknamed the Freak by popular kids, Maddy is miserable.
Her NYC friends have already quit calling and texting. But
on her 16th birthday, her father finally gives her a long-
promised copy of the video game Fields of Fantasy and Maddy
dives in as Allora, an Elfin princess.
In the video game, Maddy is in control -- unlike her real
life where everything continues to fall apart. Online,
she's confident, happy and falling in love with another
player, SirLeo. He distracts her from the crush she's
formed on one of the popular guys at school who actually
seems to be a decent person.
Reading this book will remind every adult why they don't
want to be back in high school. It may also remind you to
be sympathetic to any teens living in your house. Maddy's
difficulty fitting in is heartbreaking and feels very real
for anyone who has ever lived that before. It's a new world
where kids can escape to an alternative universe online.
A well-written, entertaining and interesting look at gamers
today. Worth your time!
After Maddy’s parents divorce, she’s stuck starting over
at a new high school. Friendless and nicknamed Freak Girl,
Manga-loving artist Maddy finds refuge in the interactive
online game Fields of Fantasy. In that virtual world, she
reinvents herself as Allora, a gorgeous elfin alter ego,
and meets a true friend in Sir Leo. Maddy can’t hide
behind Allora forever, especially as a real-life crush
begins edging in on her budding virtual romance. But would
anyone pick the real Maddy, gamer girl and Manga freak,
over the fantasy?
This fresh, geeky/cool novel
includes online chats and exciting gaming, and features
Maddy’s Mangastyle artwork.