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!

Book Summary

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.