Fanged and Confused relates the story Kedah – a newly-turned vampire- and her struggle to understand the new world she lives in, its rules, and her immortality.
The book opens with her attempt to steal blood, and Jensen catches her. Their interaction is quite misleading because it’s not Jensen but Doran who’s the love interest. Jensen invites her to a refuge where she learns about the paranormal world, and, as such, makes a lot of mistakes.
The gist of the book is also about Kedah’s struggle with her ‘sire’, Max –the vampire who turned her. He’s vicious and ruthless. Vampires are vulnerable to silver here –which defies the norm (silver affects werewolves). Kedah is a well-developed character, and when, tortured by Max, she suffers from the silver cuffs, we empathize with her.
Doran’s intensity, the concept of soulmates (Anam Cara), newborn’s lack of control (Kedah), and mind control (Max’s) remind me much of Twilight –Bella, like Kedah, talks in her sleep though Edward is no Celtic God. As in Twilight, the rogue vampire (Max) is building an army. The ending was somewhat predictable.
Even though the book feels familiar, I like the fact there’s no swooning or you’re-my-savior reaction from Kedah. She’s a strong heroine and tells Doran that she can’t be committed to a long-term relationship. Such a commitment deserves some thought after all, given they’re immortals.
The prose is well-written, though, at times, I feel it languishes as there are too much description and inner thoughts. Things, of course, pick up when Max enters the scene, which is past the halfway mark.
It was an enjoyable read and an excellent debut for YA paranormal/vampire romance. I look forward to more of Kedah’s adventures.