Ever wondered what it’d be like to step into the pages of your favorite vampire novel? To trade your mundane life for one filled with danger, passion, and immortal hotties? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Kate Stayman-London’s “Fang Fiction” is about to take you on one hell of a ride.
A Bloody Good Time: Overview
Stayman-London, who burst onto the scene with her delightful debut “One to Watch,” has traded plus-size fashion for fangs in this sophomore effort. And let me tell you, she’s nailed the landing. “Fang Fiction” follows Tess Rosenbloom, a grad school dropout and assault survivor who’s more comfortable managing a swanky Brooklyn hotel by night than facing her demons by day.
Tess finds solace in the “Blood Feud” novels, a vampire series that makes “Twilight” look like a kindergarten picnic. She’s even part of an online community that believes these books might be real (because who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory, right?). But when an actual vampire from “Blood Feud” shows up at her hotel, Tess’s world gets turned upside down faster than you can say “I want to suck your blood.”
Fangs for the Memories: Plot and Pacing
The story kicks off with a bang and rarely lets up. Tess agrees to help rescue Callum, the sexy bad-boy vampire from “Blood Feud,” and soon finds herself on a secret island where the sun never shines (convenient for the undead, less so for her vitamin D levels).
Stayman-London weaves a complex tapestry of plot threads:
- Tess’s growing attraction to Callum
- The political machinations of the vampire clans
- A parallel storyline involving Tess’s estranged BFF and another vamp back in New York
- Tess’s struggle to overcome her past trauma
It’s a lot to juggle, but for the most part, the author keeps all the balls in the air. The pacing is relentless, with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, Stayman-London pulls the rug out from under you.
Bite Me: Characters and Relationships
Let’s talk characters, shall we? Tess is a fantastic protagonist—flawed, relatable, and struggling with some serious baggage. Her journey from fearful survivor to badass vampire slayer (eat your heart out, Buffy) is both empowering and heart-wrenching.
Callum, our resident brooding vampire hottie, could have easily fallen into cliché territory. But Stayman-London gives him depth and nuance that elevates him above your standard paranormal love interest. Their slow-burn romance is steamy enough to fog up your e-reader, but it’s the emotional connection that really sinks its teeth into you.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Standouts include:
- Joni, Tess’s ex-bestie who gets her own sapphic vampire romance
- Octavia, Callum’s sister and resident ice queen with a heart of… well, not gold, but maybe silver?
- Flora, a witch with secrets of her own
Worldbuilding That Doesn’t Suck
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its richly imagined vampire world. Stayman-London has clearly put a lot of thought into her supernatural mythology, and it shows. The Isle, where most of the action takes place, is a Gothic wonderland of moonlit forests, crystal bridges, and opulent vampire strongholds.
The magic system, centered around “glamours” that allow vampires to manipulate their surroundings, is both inventive and internally consistent. And don’t even get me started on Bar Between, a mystical waystation that puts the Mos Eisley Cantina to shame.
Sink Your Teeth Into This: Themes and Subtext
“Fang Fiction” isn’t just a romp through vampire land (though it is that, in spades). Stayman-London uses her supernatural setting to explore some weighty themes:
Trauma and Recovery
Tess’s journey to overcome her past assault is handled with sensitivity and nuance. The vampire world becomes a metaphor for her fears, and her growing strength in that realm parallels her healing process.
The Power of Fandom
The novel is a love letter to fandoms everywhere. It explores how stories can provide comfort, community, and even a roadmap for personal growth.
Consent and Power Dynamics
In a genre often criticized for romanticizing problematic relationships, Stayman-London puts consent front and center. The vampire/human dynamic becomes a lens through which to examine power imbalances in relationships.
Found Family
Both Tess and Joni find acceptance and support in unexpected places, highlighting the importance of chosen family.
A Stake Through the Heart: Critiques
No book is perfect, and “Fang Fiction” does have a few weak spots:
- The plot can occasionally feel overstuffed, with some subplots not getting the attention they deserve.
- A few secondary characters veer into two-dimensional territory.
- The final act relies a bit heavily on convenient coincidences to tie everything together.
But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise engrossing read.
The Final Bite: Conclusion
“Fang Fiction” is a bloody good time (pun absolutely intended). It manages to be both a love letter to and subversion of vampire romance tropes. Stayman-London has crafted a story that’s equal parts sexy, scary, and surprisingly moving.
If you’re a fan of:
- “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
- “True Blood”
- “A Discovery of Witches”
…then you need to sink your teeth into this book ASAP.
Bonus Round: Easter Eggs and Pop Culture References
For the eagle-eyed readers out there, “Fang Fiction” is packed with nods to vampire lore and pop culture. See if you can spot:
- A cheeky reference to Edward Cullen’s sparkling skin
- A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it homage to “Interview with the Vampire”
- More than a few winks to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (including a character watching the show!)
The Author’s Bite: About Kate Stayman-London
Kate Stayman-London burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, “One to Watch,” a refreshing take on reality dating shows featuring a plus-size protagonist. With “Fang Fiction,” she proves she’s no one-hit wonder.
Stayman-London’s background as a political strategist and television writer shines through in her sharp dialogue and keen understanding of human (and vampire) nature. Her writing style is witty, engaging, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny.
Sink Your Teeth Into More
Can’t get enough vampire romance? Here are a few recommendations to keep you satiated:
- “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness
- “Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead
- “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” by Charlaine Harris (the basis for “True Blood”)
Final Thoughts: A Bloody Good Read
“Fang Fiction” is the literary equivalent of a midnight snack—indulgent, satisfying, and leaving you hungry for more. Kate Stayman-London has crafted a world you’ll want to revisit again and again, populated by characters who feel like old friends (or frenemies, in some cases).
So, grab a copy, lock your doors (you never know when a sexy vampire might come knocking), and prepare to lose yourself in this deliciously dark romance. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a newfound interest in black capes and an aversion to garlic.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch “Buffy” and contemplate the pros and cons of immortality. Happy reading, fellow fang fans!