What Happens Online
What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore, published by Hot Key Books in April 2025, is a humorous exploration of identity in the digital age. This 320-page young adult fiction delves into the life of Fred, a teenager who transforms into the popular gamer Existor online, where he enjoys a life filled with followers and confidence. However, Fred’s offline existence is starkly different, marked by loneliness and family struggles. As Existor’s fame reaches his school, Fred seizes the chance to reshape his reality, leading to a series of outlandish rumors that change how his peers perceive him.
Readers will find a narrative that tackles themes of family dynamics, social interactions, and the consequences of online personas. The story highlights the challenges Fred faces as he navigates the slippery slope of his fabricated identity, ultimately questioning the authenticity of his relationships. With elements of humor and social commentary, this edition presents a relatable tale for young adults grappling with the complexities of both online and offline worlds.
Official synopsis Publisher
FROM THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF STEADY FOR THIS AND KING OF NOTHING COMES A HILARIOUS NEW TEEN COMEDY ABOUT FIGURING OUT WHO YOU ARE ONLINE AND OFFLINE! Existor is the most popular guy in school. Fred is the loser with no friends. And nobody knows they’re the same person. Online, Fred goes by Existor@stmarks. His alter ego is the best gamer around – constantly on a winning streak, with tonnes of followers, and the confidence to go with it. But offline, Fred’s life is miserable. His dad’s always working, his mum’s struggling, and at school, everyone looks straight through him. Until Existor’s notoriety spreads to his school, and Fred sees an opportunity: everyone listens to what Existor has to say, so why not use that? Soon, Fred is coming up with outlandish rumours about his classmates, and everyone’s lapping it up. His bullies are shunned, and people are finally taking notice of him. But it’s a slippery slope and Fred struggles to keep track of all the stuff he’s posted as his lies start to wreak unexpected havoc. Fred will have to answer for his crimes against reality, but will he ever find someone to like him for who he really is? PRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS: WINNER OF THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2024 WINNER OF THE CHILDREN’S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024 “Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore’s exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy.” – Guardian “Funny, original and heart-warming.” – The Times “An engaging, positive and heart-warming read.” – BookTrust PRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING: WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 “Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore’s second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer.” – Guardian “Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . an immensely readable book.” – The Observer “This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming.” – iPaper.
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