Foes and Cons

LoveReading Says

Brimming with feel-good energy, and boasting an adorable heroine who actually does wear a cape at every opportunity, Georgia Bower’s Foes and Cons celebrates the joy of friendship and euphoric fandom in a gloriously uplifting fashion.

After bonding over their shared love of cult TV show Vampire Falls, Eliza and Charlie’s relationship has gone off the boil as a result of Charlie reinventing himself as a ripped popular guy who mocks the very fandom he was formerly obsessed with. Still reeling from Charlie’s betrayal, Eliza and her other best friend Roxy throw themselves into enjoying the highlight of their year: the annual Vampire Falls convention, where they’re well and truly among their tribe.

A cat is set amongst the pigeons when Charlie turns up to chaperone his little sister and becomes Eliza’s rival in a fiercely-fought competition to win all-expenses paid trip to San Diego Comic Con. At the same time, a hot werewolf-costumed American comes into Eliza’s circle, along with a wonderful pensioner, setting the stage for all manner of fabulously funny farcical scenes.

Alongside being outrageously funny, Foes and Cons explores themes of friendship (“It feels like he’s hugging my heart”), change (“Change doesn’t just mean bad; it can mean good too”), and first love (“I can’t click back into place because there’s a jagged Charlie Chamberlain-shaped splinter sticking out of my soul”) through a life-affirming lens. In addition to being a brilliant book for readers who are obsessed with conventions and cos- play, it comes hugely recommended for YA readers who love humorous, wholesome stories and shows that centre friendship.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen’s lifelong love of reading and writing began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, and very much wished that witches (and Mrs Pepperpot) were real.
More reviews by Joanne Owen

About Foes and Cons

Set in the convention world of the fictional show Vampire Falls, this is a story that celebrates the inclusivity of conventions, the passion of fandoms and meeting friends for life.

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