Defanged by H.E. Edgmon

What worked:

This book offers an interesting take on vampire stories. Vampires walk the streets with humans, but they’re expected to be defanged when they reach the age of twelve. It’s not a law yet, but there’s a debate in the courts trying to guarantee their rights. The book becomes a civil rights story as Lux, the main character, tries to figure out if he really wants to be defanged. His parents take him to the Vampirism Sucks clinic for the procedure, but he thinks his father won’t like him no matter what he does. His best friend tells him about a secret location where vampires can live among themselves, but Lux still isn’t sure what he wants to do even after arriving there.

Nox Urbus is the underground city of vampires, and Lux must trudge through dark, smelly sewage to find it. He’s expecting murderous monsters full of bloodlust, so he’s apprehensive about his decision to go there. One of the first vampires he meets is a huge man covered in tattoos named Dog, which reinforces Nox’s grizzly expectations. Nox shares a room with two other young vampires, and these characters provide their own curiosities. Nox is wary when he’s around Cowboy, because there’s a mean, dangerous version and one that’s more normal. Nox can’t figure out Finnie because of her hairy knuckles and remarkable agility. The story will eventually reveal the hidden truths behind these characters, which adds to the mystery of Vampirism Sucks. VS is the real villain in the book.

Lux loves all animals, excluding rats, but he has a harder time dealing with humans. He can’t understand inferences and nonverbal signals, so he struggles to communicate appropriately. He’s apt to miss the meaning of facial expressions and blurt a comment that may be insensitive or inappropriate. He fears things he doesn’t know, so traveling to Nox Urbus is a huge change for him. He doesn’t understand bravery, but readers will notice he’s forced to show signs of it when things worsen. Young readers may appreciate his problems when interacting with other characters, because his thought processes are explained while trying to figure them out.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers might not be satisfied with the plot’s resolution. The plot reaches a climax but then immediately moves to the epilogue. It feels like there’s more story to tell, and readers might expect a sequel to answer lingering questions.

The final verdict:

Young readers enjoy stories with unusual creatures, and this book gives the vampires common emotions mixed with the drama of VS. The plot includes small twists that build to an exciting climax. I recommend you give this book a shot.