Title: Geekomancy
Author: Michael R. Underwood
First published July 10, 2012
255 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781451698138 (ISBN10: 1451698135)
Rating: 3.48
Overview
Geek culture meets supernatural powers in this thrilling urban fantasy novel, Geekomancy by Michael R. Underwood.
Ree Reyes is a barista and aspiring screenwriter, just trying to make ends meet. But when a scruffy-looking guy storms into the comic shop she works at, asking for a specific comic, Ree is thrown into a world she never knew existed.
With the power of Geekomancy, humans can derive supernatural abilities from pop culture references. Ree joins forces with Eastwood, the mysterious stranger from the comic shop, to investigate a string of teen suicides.
But as they delve deeper, Ree begins to question whether Eastwood is truly the hero she thought he was. With astral cowboy hackers, rubber-suited werewolves, and Gothic Lolita witches all wielding nostalgia-powered props, Ree must use her newfound powers to stop the suicides and save Eastwood from himself.
Can she uncover the truth and still keep her job? Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Clerks won’t be able to put down this exciting adventure.
About the Author
If you’re a fan of science fiction, urban fantasy, or epic fantasy, then you might want to check out Mike’s writing. He’s the author of several books, including the Genrenauts series, which was a finalist for the Stabby Award in r/Fantasy.
The series follows a group of storytellers who travel between dimensions to fix broken stories. If you’re interested in urban fantasy, you might want to check out Mike’s Ree Reyes series, which follows a group of magicians who channel the power of popular culture.
If you prefer political action fantasy, you might enjoy Mike’s co-written series, The Witch Who Came In From The Cold. In this series, duelist diplomats fight for their nation’s interests in a world on the brink of war.
Mike’s other works include Shield and Crocus, a superheroes-meets-epic fantasy novel, and The Younger Gods, a supernatural thriller about a family of demon-worshippers. Mike’s love for storytelling began when he was a child, and he hasn’t stopped since.
He grew up playing video games, RPGs, and CCGs, and spent most of his teenage years in his local game store. Mike has a B.A. in Creative Mythology and East Asian Studies from Indiana University, and a M.A. in Folklore Studies from the University of Oregon.
He’s also a graduate of the 2007 Clarion West Writers Workshop.
Mike has worked as a barista, bear builder, sales representative, and the North American Sales & Marketing Manager for Angry Robot Books. He currently lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife and their dog.
If you’re interested in supporting Mike’s writing, you can check out his Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/michaelrunder…
Editoral Review
In Geekomancy, Michael R. Underwood delivers a delightful pop culture-infused urban fantasy that will leave readers feeling thoroughly entertained.
Underwood, a writer and publishing professional with a degree in religious studies, is known for his blend of literary genres and eclectic storytelling. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Geekomancy introduces us to Ree Reyes, a barista and struggling screenwriter with a penchant for geek culture.
After a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger, Ree discovers that she possesses the ability to summon powers from her favorite movies, TV shows, and video games. As she navigates this new world of magic, Ree finds herself drawn into a conflict between rival factions of geeks who use their powers for different ends.
Along the way, she must also contend with supernatural threats, romantic entanglements, and a host of other challenges. Underwood’s writing style is brisk, witty, and highly accessible.
He deftly weaves together references to beloved geek touchstones like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a fast-paced, action-packed narrative that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. Fans of Neil Gaiman, Lev Grossman, or Jim Butcher will find much to enjoy in Geekomancy.
One of the book’s standout strengths is its characters. Ree is a relatable and likable protagonist, with a sharp sense of humor and a refreshing lack of pretension.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with each figure possessing distinct personalities, quirks, and motivations. Plot-wise, Geekomancy is perhaps less ambitious than some of Underwood’s later works, but it nonetheless succeeds in holding the reader’s attention from start to finish.
The climactic scenes are thrilling and impactful, and the resolution is satisfying without being too neat or predictable. The themes of the book are largely centered around the idea of identity – both individual and collective.
Ree’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to embrace her inner geek and harness her newfound abilities. Meanwhile, the factions of geeks she encounters represent different approaches to community and belonging, with some seeking to exclude or dominate others.
Though these themes are not explored with great depth, they add an extra layer of resonance to the story. Overall, Geekomancy is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will appeal to a broad range of readers.
Its mix of humor, action, and nostalgia make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read. I give it a score of 8/10.
