Last year Striker9, one of his followers, became his secret admirer. Raffy is so entrenched in pop culture that he even has his own cosplay streaming channel with almost 10,000 followers.

The themes of creating one's own reality and fighting against the rules imposed by the world you're born into will ring powerfully true for many young readers.Raphael Odom is a nerd: a cosplaying, con-going, card-carrying nerd-and he is in love. 'The story's many LGBTQ characters are prominently represented and powerfully nuanced.'-Publishers Weekly 'This fantasy offers readers something wonderfully new and engaging.a gem of a novel that is as affirming as it is entertaining.'-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 'This outstanding debut novel will light readers' imaginations on fire.Imaginative, bold, and full of queer representation, this is a must-purchase for YA collections.'-School Library Journal *STARRED REVIEW*

Now, Raffy is after the perfect comeback, one that Luca can't ruin.īut when Raffy is forced to partner with Luca on his most ambitious build yet, he'll have to juggle unresolved feelings for the boy who broke his heart, and his own intense self-doubt, to get everything he's ever wanted: choosing his art, his way.ī&N's YA Book Club Pick * Walmart Buzz Pick * Indie Next Pick * Book of the Month Club YA Box But Luca's insecurities and Raffy's insistence on crafting perfection caused their relationship to crash and burn. They almost made the perfect team last year after serendipitously meeting in the rhinestone aisle at the local craft store-or at least Raffy thought they did. Raffy's ex-boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition.

If he can wow there, it could lead to sponsorship, then art school, and finally earning real respect for his work.

He's always chosen his art over everything-and everyone- else and is determined to make his mark at this year's biggest cosplay competition. Not just bedazzling, but sewing, stitching, draping, pattern making-for creation. Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story from the author of Reverie about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala