Don’t Feed the Trolls by Erica Kudisch
Review by Lauren
source: copy from publisher (buy the book here); all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Gaming while female is enough to incur the wrath of the dude-bros, and they’ve come for me. Instead of fighting back, I’ve created an alternate account. Male name, male pronouns. And I’ve met this girl. I’ve always liked girls, and Laura’s adorable and smart and never gives up, and she likes me back. Or rather, she likes the man I’m pretending to be. But I can’t tell her I’m a woman without the mob coming after her too.
And besides: I might not be a woman, not really.
The truth is, I don’t know what I am anymore. I’ve spent my whole life being told how I’m supposed to act and what I’m supposed to be, but none of it feels right. And my lie is starting to feel truer than anything I’ve ever been.
There’s a convention coming up, but the closer it gets, the more I have to choose: lie or fight. But if I don’t stand my ground as a girl, am I letting the haters win?
Then again, those aren’t the only two ways to live.
Review: I was invited to take part in the blog tour for Don’t Feed the Trolls and I was very much excited. First off, how fun/awesome is that cover? Right? Right! Now, to the story! To be honest, I’ve never been a gamer. Despite this, I definitely heard a lot about #gamergate and how people were basically harassing female players…for being female. It was crazy and seriously messed up and I like the author’s take on something similar happening to her MC. What adds a bit of a twist is that Daphne – or as she eventually goes by Daphnis – isn’t even sure if she completely identifies as a woman. There is some mention of other people being transgender, but Daphnis isn’t given a label for how she feels and eventually expresses herself. I liked this though! Not everyone wants or even feels comfortable with labels.
As for the gaming aspect of the book, there were definitely some parts that I wasn’t 100% sure on – usually when characters are discussing games/gaming- but besides that, it really wasn’t that confusing. Maybe that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but basically, even with the things I didn’t really know, the author kept me from getting lost, and that’s obviously something I appreciated a lot.
This book is great for people that are gamers, but it’s also nice for anyone that feels “different” or loves geeky culture. After all, a big part of the book takes place at a convention! There are characters of all sorts of backgrounds in this book, so it’s full of diversity! Whether it’s gender, sexuality, or race – a lot of people will find themselves represented in this book.
A lot of people reading this review probably engage in some sort of online culture, whether that’s gaming or not, so I think this book is important for all of you. Trolls exist everywhere online and when it comes down to it…don’t feed them. They aren’t worth it. This book is worth it though!
nerds! Erica Kudisch here promoting my novel DON’T FEED THE TROLLS, a
genderqueer romp through internet drama. And if you keep up with the blog tour
and its bonus DLC, there’s a $50 prize package achievement for you to unlock.
Have fun!
what is fast becoming a tradition, I’m happy to provide drinks inspired by the
Musketqueers, the main characters of DON’T FEED THE TROLLS. While Daphnis,
Alain, and Jackie are much more likely to drink somewhat pretentious IPAs,
these cocktails are meant to represent their characters if they had a taste.
Or, taste, in general. That’s debatable.
a double-shot latte ready for adulteration. Either have the barista leave room
in the cup, or transfer it to a larger one. Very carefully, pour in two shots
of fireball whiskey. Add a pinch of cinnamon and the sweetener of your choice.
to mainline for all-night raids.
a pitcher filled with ice, pour out one bottle of Soju. Stir in a cup of
apricot nectar, a pinch of diced ginger root, and three tablespoons of sugar,
and top the pitcher off with seltzer.
four, or Daphnis.
a pint 3/4s of the way with the stout of your choice. Top off with a long spray
of sour mix, a splash of light rum, and a pinch of salt.
you’ve been throwing shade. Then he’ll just be literal about it. Drink at your
own risk.
celebrate the release of Don’t Feed the Trolls, one lucky winner
will receive a $30 Riptide credit and a $20 Steam gift card! Leave
a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at
midnight, Eastern time, on April 8, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S.
entries. Thanks for following the tour,
and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
- Facebook: Erica Kudisch
- Instagram: hardhandmaiden
- Tumblr:
shitmywriterwifesays.tumblr.com - Twitter: @EricaKudisch
I need this book in my life Lauren. I used to game and play Call of Duty online but found the gaming culture was so incredibly masculine and women gamers at the time had no option but to brave the constant barrage of insults which also included rape culture, or join what they called girl gaming groups and meet online at the same time. Strength in numbers. Gaming Gate was horrific. This isn't about women encroaching on male spaces because ALL spaces are basically male spaces. I think the same advice can also relate to social media where trolls and pack mentality are also prominent. Brilliant review Lauren, really looking forward to grabbing a copy now <3 <3
I can't understand what's wrong with women playing video games. I loved video games when I was younger, but at that time there wasn't so much internet so it was different. I think this book would help some of them realizing they have every right to play or be whatever they want!
I think it's great that women play video games. Great review!
I'm not a gamer either but I'm glad this explores a different side of the typical personalities we see all the time. Great review!
Ha! Yesterday, my boy was just telling me that he's mastered being a troll in a game and I wasn't quite getting what he's talking about because clearly, his definition of a troll is different than mine. Kids, I tell ya. 😀
Love the cover
LOL I just like the name of the book. I'm not a gamer but I would possibly read this one anyway!
Beth
http://www.thebethnextdoor.com
This book is new to me! It sounds like there is great representation in this book. I'm not a gamer so I don't think this book would be for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Wonderful post!
Have a great week. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Ahh… this sounds like such a fun read. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Ugh I'm just so over people wanting to not include others. It's gross!
Sounds like a fantastic read! I'm really keen to find out what happens when she goes to the convention. I can relate in some ways, as when I was younger I loved chat rooms, but my mum would never let me tell my real name, age, or anything really (not that I wanted to be someone different it was just for safety reasons) and there were times when I felt really guilty for misleading people.
I'm not a gamer, and thankfully haven't encountered trolls, but I see it all the time on twitter so I'm sure I would still enjoy this one.
For What It's Worth
The title is one of my mottos 🙂
This book sounds so interesting. I love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway!
Fantastic review. Thank you for sharing. I love the title and the cover. Awesome. Anyway, thank you for the giveaway. 🙂
I am not a gamer but I still think this sounds good. I love the cover 🙂 Great review!!
This sounds interesting. There are definitely tons of hobby spheres that are male dominated. It's tough! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
OK I need to buy this book and then leave a copy on my husband's pillow. I am so glad you shared this one!
Thank you for the review. It sounds great. Good luck with the release!
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for the review & the drink ideas!
legacylandlisa(at)gmail(dot)com
Congrats and thanks for the post, and review. I'm all for the Musketqueers, loved reading about them as a kid … oh wait, that was a different 3. Oh well, this book still sounds great. I haven't read many genderqueer stories but I like to broaden out, and I like the framing around gaming. –
TheWrote [at] aol [dot] com
This book sounds so good! And I love that cover too. I've been a big fan of books that have gamers in them lately. Glad to see that you enjoyed it! Great review!
Hope you have a great weekend!
artworkbyjm(at)gmail(dot)com
This an Awesome Review, definitely want to check it out. Thanks for hosting the Giveaway!
Tori @ In Tori Lex
I don't know too much about gaming but this sounds like a pretty fascinating read. Great review!