Big news: if you read EPIC FAIL and are craving just a little bit more, check out this brand new chapter in honor of Valentine’s Day! Elise and Derek, together again . . .
My first YA novel is out and the reviews are . . . well, judge for yourself:
“Epic Fail, Claie LaZebnik’s YA debut is a Pride and Prejudice inspired bit of super cute, enjoyable fun.” Read more at The Book Splot.
“This re-telling of Pride and Prejudice is a definite must read. It’s fun, flirty and flat out hilarious at times.” Read more at Books Complete Me.
“Epic Fail is a perfect, cute read for the summer and I’m sure you won’t want to miss out on reading it!” Read more at Midnight Bloom Reads.
“If you’re looking for a quick, fun, lighthearted read, then I suggest picking up Claire LaZebnik’s Epic Fail.” Read more at GReads.
“Claire LaZebnik joined the YA genre with a bang! Epic Fail was an Epic Win.” Read more at The Crazy Bookworm.
And, you know, so on . . .
My thanks to all these kind and supportive book bloggers! Click on the link for me, stay for the great reviews.
And here’s the book synopsis:
EPIC FAIL
• As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.
• As the daughter of the new principal, new-girl-on-campus Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.
When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long. Fans of Susane Colasanti (When It Happens), Polly Shulman (Enthusiasm), and, of course, Jane Austen will love finding out if Elise’s love life will be an epic win or an epic fail.
I want to read this SO badly!!!
I’m so glad! It really should be in stores in the very near future!
I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT!!!!……♥
Just a few more weeks!
Read it!! LOVED IT!!!!
I loved this book!
BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!!! I BOUGHT THIS BOOK A DAY AGO AND AM GLAD I DID WISH I HAD A BOYFRIREND AND FREIENDS LIKE THAT!!!!
P.S. I AM A NEW FAN AND PLAN ON READING MORE!!
I am so glad you guys are liking it! And thanks for bringing me to this page with your comments–it’s out of date!
AM-AZING! I HOPE U DO A SEQUEL!!!!
um… btw my name is also Claire!
Hi, Claire! We have a good name, don’t we? It’s good your whole life–it’s cute for a little girl and it’s great for an adult woman. And no one can give you a nickname without your permission (my mother was a Cynthia who HATED being called Cindy but people did it anyway). I’m so glad you liked EPIC FAIL. I have a similar novel coming out next fall–not a sequel, but if you liked this, I think you’ll like that one.
seriously one of the best books i have ever read I love the characters and the story line. Please keep writing books targeted to teens!
Please do a sequel, or what is the name of the other book that it similar ?
Thanks, Emma and Hailey! My next YA book should be out in fall, 2012, if all goes well. More details to follow . . .
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honestly one of the cutest books i’ve ever read, PLEASEEE write more YA romance books
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I finished reading Epic Fail at midnight last night and loved it! Great characters and plot–liked everything about it. Anxious to read your next YA book!
THANK YOU!
Love Epic Fail!
Love the book. I am 14 and its really good i love derek.
I really liked Epic Fail. You made me really feel in touch Elise, made me think, and made me care about the characters. I think that I would enjoy more YA books from you
Thanks! I’m working hard on one right now.
I did not read it yet, but once I get my new kindle (the other one broke, thank god for one year warranty) first thing I am going to get. <3
^^^^same person as above….I AM EXCITED!!!
Thanks, anonymous! Hope your Kindle works better the second time around.
I don’t usually buy books but this book was definitely worth it!! I will surely be on the lookout for your next book, good luck!
P.S. where can I meet a guy like Derek Edwards?!
Thanks, Jade. As for finding a guy like Derek Edwards . . . hmmm. Sadly, he’s fictional. But I can tell you from firsthand experience, there ARE some good guys out there! I promise.
I LOVED IT, will there be by any change a sequel ?
Not a sequel–at least not planned–but another novel coming out in a year or so that I hope you’ll enjoy equally!
Great book! One of my favorites for sure!
OMG i love this book…… it is really good and you can really feel the emotion
absolutely terrific!!! loved it from the start!! great job!
Amazing, amazing book!!! I absolutely LOVED Elise and Derek – their personalities meshed so well together! I can’t wait for the next novel. I’ll definitely look out for it! (I did a book talk on it for my english class…I complimented this book like crazy so hopefully others shall read it =])
Thank you so much, Dani! That’s terrific.
I LOVED EPIC FAIL! Can you please write a sequel??
Dear Author,
Just a note to tell you how much I really enjoyed Epic Fail. I got the book through the Book Perk site along with a copy of Pride and Prejudice. Thanks so much for this offer. I’ve been a Jane Austen fan for decades and Epic Fail did justice to P&P, in my view. I’m not your usual demographic, being 72, married with two grown daughters, but I’m not senile and know a good story and appreciate great homage to the master (mistress?). I’ve read many “continuations” of her novels, most set in their original times but none like yours, updated. It was pure genius to choose a ritzy private girls’ school in LA for the setting. My only criticism: it was too short! Thanks for a funny and often-wise read.
Dear Author,
Sorry I mischaracterized the setting for Epic Fail. It wasn’t a ritzy private girls’ school; it was ritzy private co-ed high school. Much more fun that way. Must have been a “senior” moment for me to make that mistake in my earllier post. Gene
Thanks so much, Gene! I’m so glad you liked it–and really thrilled that the Book Perk thing brought me a new reader!
this is one of the best books ive ever read. i chose this book to be my book report book and i could not put it down!
Wow. This book was one of those that I couldn’t put down! I loved that it was a more modern tale which is something a lot of teens like right now. I woul love a sequel in the future but I’m also looking forward to future novels that I hope provide me with the same feeling this novel gave me! Great job
Three words.
BEST. BOOK. EVER.
I bought Epic Fail for my birthday and read it at my Grandma’s dinner party, and when I got home, read till 2 in the morning. I am officially hooked to your writing! I want to read it again and again. It was so hard for me to put the book down (even while I was cleaning). I love all the characters so much! Except for Webster and Chelsea and Layla…(: When you release your next one I’ll be the first to buy it! Guaranteed. If you write a saga to epic fail though, I’ll buy it right away! Amazing job! God bless you(:
Wow, what a wonderful note to get on a beautiful Sunday morning! Thank you so much!
This was an amazing story. I absolutely love Derek, and hope you write some sort of sequel!
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL!
i <3 this book
Just finished this book! I picked it up because I absolutely love Jane Austen and I found your take on P&P to be so fresh and a wonderful read! (Though I did miss Mary and the comedy of Mr. Collins.) Derek was wonderful – a perfect blend of Mr. Darcy and the modern era (and some just plain “Aw!” moments
) – and Elise was as well. This was a perfect example of what a young adult romance should be and I can’t wait to read your other novels, now that I know how much I enjoy your novels.
Thanks so much for writing a wonderful book!
LOVED this book, I read it in only a day and a half. Out of all of the books I have read this would definetly be number one. I love your writing, Claire LaZebnik. One day I hope to be as good a writer as you. You are my inspiration. Please, please, please, write a sequel.
Wow, all of these comments are making me so happy! Thank you all for taking the time to let me know you’ve enjoyed EPIC FAIL. I just delivered another YA novel to my editor–it should be out in around a year . . . This makes me want to write more and more and more! xoxoxo
My daughter just finished EPIC FAIL (in less than 24hrs) and we came here immediately to hunt up your backlist. She’s crushed there are no other YAs to glom, but be certain we’ll be buying all future books.
Thanks for keeping my daughter’s nose in a book!
Read it..Loved it… OBSESSED WITH IT!!!!!! <3
That’s the perfect review, Maya! Thanks!
oooh this book is sooo good
i lovee it! finished it in 2 days.
OMG! I LOVE this book sooo much. I finished it in less than 24 hours! I could not let go. I literally spent the whole entire day reading this book! Please, PLEASE make a sequel. I think I’ll die if I never get to read about Elise and Derek again. OMG I’m starting to cry just thinking about it. Love it. My favorite book ever!
THANK YOU, Isabella! I promise more romance in the future–maybe not with Derek and Elise, but something satisfying . . .
CAN YOU PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL!!!!!!! THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IVE READ IN AGES!!!! i feel like I’ve been friends with the Benton girls for my entire life and I want to see more of Elise and Derek as a couple. so PLEEAAAASSSSS write another!
Thanks!
I LOVE THIS BOOK and I wish they would make a sequal about maybe Derek going to college and their relationship continuing…. But anyway THIS BOOK IS AMAZING
This looks like a really great book! I want to read this because well I’m a big book worm and my nose is always in a book!:)
Hi, Claire!
I think you should make a movie out of this book. I finished it today and I L-O-V-E-D it! You should make a movie of it and more future books of Epic Fail. – Tootsie
I love Epic Fail sooo much. I got it on my birthday. I didn’t feel like eating cake but I felt like reading Epic Fail because I love books. When I was finished I wanted more Epic Fail books. I’d have to agree with Tootsie you should make a movie out of Epic Fail. The only weird thing is. . . My friends name is Georgia. Now my little sister shes 12 is reading out, and I’m kinda of worried because theirs cuss words but, I think she’ll get use to it. Just hope so.
Did you just say you liked EPIC FAIL more than cake, Kourtney? Now that’s a compliment that means a lot to me, personally, since I love cake! Thank you so much! Sorry about the cuss words–I tried not to use too many.
Epic Fail is like one of the BESTEST books out of all my other books, I’d have to admit.
EPIC FAIL is my all time favorite book. Nice work, Claire!
Hi Claire!
I finished Epic Fail today and it was Fantastic and Interesting. I can really relate to Elise for so many things. When I began reading Epic Fail I didn’t want to drop the book down. I traveled everywhere with that book. Bedroom, dinner, living room, and school. I LOVED it sooooooo much. I read it like 5 times already and I just keep loving it even more. Claire you are now my idol. I wanna become an author just like you. Pretty, smart, creative, talented, and generous. 
Can’t wait to get new books from you! 
– xoxo Piper ♥
Piper, that comment has made me smile all day long! I don’t think I deserve all those compliments, but thank you for them and I’m SO glad you like EPIC FAIL that much!
Best book ever. It was such a page turner. Absolutely loved it!!!! <3
Best book I have ever read (besides the Hunger Games)! I finished it in less than a day and is one of the few books i would actually read again! As I read this in my mind I can only imagine as being a movie so I hope in the near future it is!
Nina, Hunger Games is my favorite book in the world (well, favorite one written in the last decade) so that means a lot to me!
Hi Claire, I’m one of Nina’s friends and she ran up to me at school and begged me to read it and when I did, one word: AMAZING! I could not put it down I mean the action between Derek and Elisa was so real I felt like it was happening right in front of me! The book just felt so until my sister walked in and asked why I was smiling and giggling so much!(that was embarrassing) But yeah Nina and read everything together and honestly right now she is reading it for a 3rd time! Love your book and even after I finished it, I would still just think of the endless things that could go on in the book and what would happen next! Also I loved the Hunger Games just as much as I did this book, but maybe even more considering the fact that I, but mainly Nina too are suckers for a good romance story, but surprisingly we don’t like Nicholas Sparks considering the fact we like happy books that involve romance and the fact that someone always dies is a total bummer like in A Walk To Remember, sweet but so so so sad! Anyways love your book!
I remember when my sister and I use to take turns reading this book. Even though, we read separately but, somethings we read it together. We both enjoyed it soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo x 1,000,000,000 MUCH! I always got ahead of her but, she catches up to me real fast. We both could relate to Elise just like Piper but, I’m not sure about “so many ways”. This book was such a page turner. Even though, I liked sharing I still had to put down the book so my sister could read it and that’s what I really hated about sharing. I was NON-STOP reading. So, if you every see with a book named “EPIC FAIL” you could never see my face because I’m so into the book. Claire, one HUGE favor, could you make EPIC FAIL into a movie. I’d be so happy. If it was in theaters and I didn’t have a enough tickets to see the movie I would have begged the register to death to give me tickets to go in. Can’t wait to get new books from you!
Thanks, Bridget! I would love to see this made into a movie–I just dropped a gentle hint to a couple of Hollywood agents. But I don’t have the power to get it made! Thanks for your wonderful note.
Absolutely, totally loved it! You are a great writer, and I hope you keep writing more in the future.
NOLTC,
Annie:)
My friend gave me this book telling me
I had to read it. I stay up last night (A school night) just to read it ! I loved it ! I can’t wait to read your other books !
I’m so glad! I love ruining someone’s sleep!
Wow Claire, you have a TON of comments. And you deserve each and everyone of them. I picked up your book and began reading it around 11p.m. last night, I didn’t stop until I had finished which btw was around 4a.m. I have been tired all day, but it was SOOO worth it, please,please,please,please write a sequel-it would seriously become the second best book ever (after Epic Fail). I can’t wait to read your next ya book-2012 cant come soon enough. Can you at least consider writing aa sequel to Epic Fail-for all your adoring fans??
I hope you have happy writing days and holidays!! Thank you for writing the greatest book I have ever read in the past year!!
Thanks for your lovely note, Catherine! Get some sleep and I’ll keep working on this next novel–due out next winter. I’m so glad you liked Epic Fail so much!
I love this book a lot and find that the romance is interesting I like the fued between Webster Grant and Derek Edwards i have to say when I read chapter 18 it was a shock to see how cruel Webster was.
ohmigod.. im so jealous of everyone who has read this.. I haven’t read it but i really want to
If any of you are from Singapore and you have read it, could you please tell me where to buy it.. PLEASEEE?!
Claire, on your future books, could you please sell them worldwide? Including in singapore? Please? Really can’t wait to read Epic Fail. If you found it online, please, please tell me
Thanks,
Elise
My bestfriend had this book in her desk soo I picked it up an started toread it….I read it all in one day amazing loved the characters and the story and I wanted more I wat to know what happens after when he goes to college…..definetly loving the book I recomend it to everyone
I loved the book!! it made me start to love reading again!!! i love the book and i cant stop thinking and talking about it
! love love love 
i used the word “love” 3 times just to show that i <3 it 
I LOVED IT. I really think you should write sequel!! I love this book, I read it in a day I was so into it!
Hello ! My name is Autumn ! Well first off i loved your book epic fail BY FAR !!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write a sequeal !!!! With an epilogue of how it turns out !!! Im SOOOOO begging u !!!!! We all know you can write an awesome book so please write another !!! PLEASE !!! <3 P.S. LOVED EPIC FAIL WILL LOVE THE SEQUEAL !!! Plus !!! Call it EPIC WIN ??? IDK
XOXO, Autumn !
Thank you all for the lovely comments! Elise, I’m sorry it’s not available in Singapore! Believe me, i would love to see the book sold everywhere! I’m glad so many people have fallen in love with Elise and Derek (especially Derek). I love them too!
This reminded me of Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg!!!
OMG! I seriously loved this book soo much just bought it two days ago and I finished it yesterday. But I keep reading over it again and again. I loved it. Please keep writing more romance books like this because I love how complicated it is to figure out Derek’s character, and I love how the romance is still mixed in with the huge rush of action with Webster and his ..creeper ness..lol!! I cant wait to read your other books
) Thank you!!
omg book was epic!!!!
We need a sequel, Claire!
I loved this book so much! I got into it really well, and well…. IT WAS AMAZING! I keep rereading it… SEQUEL PLEASE! 
It would be an Epic Fail if you didn’t… O.O
Oh, the irony…
Can you please write a sequeal. I love this book soooooo much. It’s my new favorite book
I’ve been reading all these comments and I;m amazed, You all make me want 2 read it.
AHHH CLAIRE THEEE BEST BOOK EVER!!! And I don’t believe there were many curse words, right? Thats life! I’m so into all these romantic books and I cant stop reading them. Wish there were some boys out there like the ones in the books! Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read this absolutely amazing book! … P.s Keep writing
Best book ever!
Claire, you are the writer of all writers. i can’t wait for the new sequael. love you and your writing the first word i read!
So I was at the library over my Christmas break and I was looking at books to take home I randomly saw this one (it being the only white one on the shelf) and read the back, it sounded good so i put it in my stack of books when I was leaving I realized I had a couple to many books and I started to put them away and I came to that one and I started to put it away but I couldn’t so when I went home that was one of the first books I read and it was amazing and I finished it that night then the next morning I bought it to school and read it again then I even brought it to work (Iwork at Chick Fil A so not much reading time lol) and on the way home from work my mom asked me what it was about and I told her the whole thing and she’s like how do you know the ending and I said I already read it yesterday and she’s like then why are you reading it again and I said because I LOVED IT!!!!!!!
That’s so great to hear, Kelsey! I’m really pleased and touched.
Ok.. I am obsessed with this book!!! Can you please write a second book about these characters!!! How Georgia is back and Derek is going to collage!! Please please I would be soooooooo happy!!! Please!!!
Thanks, Brianna! Don’t know if I’ll be writing a sequel but I DID write an extra romantic scene that will be on a blog soon–will post with more info as we get closer to the date.
Such a good book. Please please please write more YA novels, you are just so good at it not to.
I got a sneak preview of the cover of the next one and it’s really cute! Can’t wait until I can share it . . .
im only on capter 3 and im already in love!!!!!
Honestly the best book of all time
so cute
This book is fantastic you’ll get hooked in reading every chapter. I’m only on Chapter 16 but I’m sooooooooo “KILIG”-(kilig is that shivery, fuzzy, chilling [positive] feeling that you get when you’re “in love” or infatuated.) I even made a page on Facebook to inform everyone about this book ^_^
this book i the best book i have EVER read. PLEASE write more books like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never read but when i got this book i read nonstop untill 3 in the moring untill i finished it. I LOVE IT SOOOOOOO MUCH <3
I wish this book has part 2. i love it so much ! <3
I love this book soooo much, it is LIFE, like legit! YOU HAVE TO WRITE A SEQUAL!! I MUST NO MORE!!!!!! pleasee pleaseee pleasee pleassee!! I love it!!!<3
LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys are the best. I love these comments! Thank you!
I have been waiting since I finished the book in Nov. 2011 for you to respond so I checked back today and noticed i didn’t leave my right email.
Silly me. Anyways, I just want to tell you agin what an amazing book it was and I have recommended it to a few of my friends and they all agree it was an amazing book, hope you have been thinking of a sequel. I personally love how you are talking to your audience. Great Job!
Thanks again for writing an amazing book.
Hi Claire! My name is Sarah, I totally enjoyed this book it was amazing!
And I really think you should write a sequel..I know you said you aren’t BUT please please think about it! .. I’m obsessed with these teen romance books so keep writing! When is you next book out? EPIC FAIL WAS AN EPIC WIN! xoxo
Greetings Claire.
How are you? Hopefully, great. I remember getting this book on October 19 which was my birthday that I shared with my cousin. After opening all the presents and cake, I went into my room and predicted what the book would be about. So, I began reading up to page 21, and I had already loved the book. So, after October 19, I began reading it again and I made it to page 37. This book is a page turner. I’m so addicted to reading your books. They just remind of real life events that could happen with peoples lives. Your amazingly an awesome author. I wish I was just like you. But, sadly I’m not that creative and talented. Right now, I’m already done with the book and I’m begging my cousin to read this book so, it could be passed down to generation and to generation. Your book will never get old to me. I never really liked books until, you made Epic Fail. I think you should make an book called Epic Fail 2. But, the older version of Elise and Derek. I would love to read another book of Epic Fail. 
– Frances Lee Vain xoxo
HELLO! I just read your book! its really good. i finished it like in a few hours. its so addicting. HAVE A SEQUEL!
So glad you liked it–check out the new chapter I wrote. It’s fun. http://readmebookmarkmeloveme.blogspot.com.au/
I loved this book sooooo much! anyone know more books like this one?