Now a Major Motion Picture

Iris Thorne wants nothing to do with her grandmother's fantasy novel legacy. The beloved book series written by M.E. Thorne has spawned a devoted fandom and is now being adapted into a film in Ireland, but Iris avoids both the fans and the franchise. When Iris and her younger brother head to the movie set, she plans to remain uninvolved with the production. The arrival of an enthusiastic teen castmate and a charismatic young actor begin to challenge her resistance to her family's creative heritage. As filming progresses in the Irish countryside, Iris confronts her complicated feelings about fame, family expectations, and artistic creation. She must decide whether to embrace or reject the story that has shaped her family for generations. The novel explores themes of legacy, creative ownership, and the relationship between artists and their audience. Through Iris's journey, McCarthy examines how stories can both burden and liberate those connected to them.

Readers highlight the book's exploration of fandom culture and the relationship between art and its adaptation. On Goodreads, multiple reviews note the strong character development of protagonist Iris and her growth throughout the story. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of Irish filming locations - Family dynamics, particularly sibling relationships - Commentary on book-to-film adaptations - Feminist themes and discussions of sexism in media Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Romance subplot feels underdeveloped - Some found the protagonist initially unlikeable Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (40+ ratings) Several readers noted the book works better for those familiar with fandom culture. As one Goodreads reviewer stated: "It captures both the joy and toxicity of fan communities without taking sides." Multiple reviews mentioned appreciating how the story addresses grief and family legacy without becoming overly heavy.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell A college freshman navigates her identity between writing fanfiction and finding her own voice while dealing with family expectations.

Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green A teen lands a job at a struggling theme park and gets caught between saving the park and protecting his grandmother's rival business.

The Counselors by Jessica Goodman A summer camp counselor uncovers secrets about her friends and her past while investigating a mysterious death at the camp where her mother works.

Love and Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean An American teenager embarks on a literary scavenger hunt through England, following clues from classic novels while questioning her future plans.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach A high school journalist confronts the intersection of feminism and tradition when she runs for editor-in-chief against a less qualified male peer.

🎬 Author Cori McCarthy wrote this novel after working as a screenwriter, bringing authentic film industry details to the story. 📚 The book explores the tension between book purists and film adaptations, drawing parallels to real-world debates over series like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. 👵 The protagonist's grandmother is based on famous fantasy authors like Diana Wynne Jones and Ursula K. Le Guin, who were sometimes skeptical of film adaptations of their work. 🎭 The fictional fantasy series within the book, "Underfoot," was partially inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. ✍️ McCarthy deliberately chose to set the story in Ireland, not just for its mystical atmosphere, but to examine how Hollywood often romanticizes and stereotypes Irish culture in films.