First, I want to express my gratitude to KSL for the care and sensitivity with which she addressed such a difficult subject. The author's note at the beginning of the book set the tone beautifully, reminding readers that stories like this must be handled with respect and understanding—and she succeeded in doing just that.
I absolutely loved Fang Fiction. Tess, is a woman whose life has been upended after an assault, leading her to flee from a future she had once fought for. She finds herself working the night shift at a hotel, becoming obsessed with vampire novels, which offer her an escape from her reality. But when one of those very vampires seemingly steps out of the pages and into her world, the story takes a fantastical turn that leads Tess on a mission to save the vampires who have become her solace.
What stood out to me most was how Tess’s journey on the Isle—where the vampires had been banished—became a metaphor for her healing. The supernatural elements were not only thrilling but also deeply symbolic. The isolation, the danger, the mystery of the Isle all mirrored her internal struggles, and through this journey, she confronts the trauma she’s been carrying. The way Kate weaved these two storylines together—Tess’s real-world pain and her fantasy-world mission—was thoughtful and, at times, nerve wracking. It added so much depth to what could have easily been just another supernatural romance.
I was quite sad about what happened with Tess' friendship with Joni early on. Their falling out was heartbreaking, and while I wanted them to find a way back to each other sooner, I understand why it happened the way it did. It was a necessary part of Tess’s personal growth, and seeing them come back together as if no time had passed was incredibly true to life.
Was the story a bit predictable? Yes. But to be honest, most romance stories are. And while this book certainly had its romantic elements, it was about so much more than that. It’s a story about a woman’s strength, perseverance, and her ability to heal—even if it comes from the most unexpected places.
If you enjoy books that mix fantasy with real-world emotional depth, this one is for you. Tess’s journey is one you’ll want to follow, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her from start to finish. Thank you again, Kate Stayman-London, for this poignant, magical, and ultimately hopeful story.
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