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9781923212077

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"""A sometimes uneven but gleefully bizarre otherworldly story-in-progress."" Kirkus Reviews A much-beloved actor inspires fan fiction that takes on a life of its own in Dwyer's debut novel. In Australia, in the year 1998, Barb and her friends have been crushing on German actor Siegfried P. Hinkelheimer. When they can't get their ""Siegfried fix"" through theatrical releases or video rentals, they turn to the relatively new internet and quickly discover a fansite, enabling them to discuss all things SPH with fellow aficionados from around the world. Then Barb writes a story set in ""UnEarth,"" a virtual world in which her avatar, ""UnEarthly Barb,"" has a chance encounter with Siegfried. Others contribute ensuing chapters, including Barb's Aussie pal, Lottie, and webmaster Donna. Their collective narrative spins off into the SF/fantasy realm, with the Hinkelheimer fans as major characters and Siegfried himself functioning more like a supporting cast member. It's a zany, unpredictable tale boasting aliens, clones, Vulgarian sailors, a Fairy Queen, and a crocodile that may or may not devour someone. Their celebrity adoration soon turns into an obsession as they spin the never-ending story. Dwyer's novel smoothly alternates between the ""Fantasy Saga"" and the messages and thoughts from the women in the real world. The book cleverly satirizes fans' devotion as an undying infatuation-that may suddenly transfer to someone or something else. The author weaves in copious parodies of actors and movie titles, ranging from the genuinely funny (The British Are So Impatient) to the outright silly (like an actor called Nicolas Birdhouse). The women's ongoing story, though entertaining, is occasionally too cleverly meta as the characters/avatars question the ever-evolving plot, suggest others write themselves in or out of the narrative, and repeatedly check the ""Rule Book on [storytelling] Etiquette."" Still, there's plenty of humor, both within the UnEarthly fantasy and the reality of the women, as when Barb is offended by certain story directions others take (""'Thanks a lot, Lottie!' Barb yelled into the phone. 'Blowflies and an emaciated kangaroo, eh? How dare you try to ruin my outback mansion!'"") Most of the characters get their own UnEarthly backstories, as well as retro-style black-and-white illustrations of themselves and their more fashionable avatars. ""Science Fiction with a Good Dose of Humor"" ""Cyberchicks in Love"" is an eccentric combination of humor and sci-fi-fantasy that whisks readers away on an exhilarating journey. The story, revolving around a group of young women infatuated with a movie star, offers a spoof of various genres, from fanfiction to chick lit and science fiction. Dwyer's writing is refreshingly original, filled with clever twists that ensure the plot is unpredictable. This book is more than just a satirical take on fan culture; it's a wild ride through a cleverly imagined world, promising to be a future cult classic. A must-read for anyone who loves their stories served with a hefty dose of laughter. The Reader's Gazette ""A Rollicking Blend of Wit and Whimsy"" Dwyer's ""Cyberchicks in Love"" is an imaginative escapade that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, presenting readers with a vividly quirky universe. The prologue sets the tone for a story that is as self-deprecating as it is hilarious. The narrative, centered around Barb and her inadvertent creation of a virtual world called ""UnEarth"", is a mix of satire and slapstick humor. The book captures the essence of fan culture, transporting readers into an absurd yet strangely relatable world. Dwyer's playful manipulation of language, coupled with the eccentricity of her characters, makes for a read that is both engaging and funny. Hugh Spencer"

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"""Barb Dwyer"" is a published author using a pseudonym, because she doesn't want to ruin her reputation as a serious writer by being associated with this fluffy book of madness.She describes herself as a ""Virtual love-child of Douglas Adams, Nora Roberts, Terry Pratchett and Jane Austen, though unacknowledged due to implausible genetic mutations."" ""When I read, I want to laugh and feel good."""

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