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F angs and Stilettos
Anthony DiFiore
inGroup Press (2012)
ISBN 9781935725077
Reviewed by Madeleine Sullivan (age 18) for Reader Views (5/12)

I have read my fair share of the recently popular supernatural-themed books, ranging Irom the 'Twilight
series to 'The Zombie Survival Guide, some oI which were well done, and some oI which were... less
excellent to say the least. 'Fangs and Stilettos by Anthony DiFiore deIinitely Iell on the excellent side oI the
spectrum, and was a Iun take on vampires and 'supernaturals (a general term Ior zombies, vampires,
werewolves, mummies, oracles, and amazonions, to name a few of the categories).

In 'Fangs and Stilettos, supernaturals have been cursed to never reveal their identities and to only ever work
in the fashion industry, all to keep the supernaturals from wreaking havoc on the rest of the world. No one is
sure what would happen if a supernatural tried to break the curse, but the international organization Caligae
polices all supernaturals to make sure no one ever needs to find out.

Of course, where there is power, there are power-hungry people, and this is only too true at Caligae. The
leader of Caligae has a plot to unleash her own power and attain ultimate dictatorial world domination. Into
this backdrop are placed an unskilled, nave set of teenagers, just realizing their places in the chaotic fashion
industry. As nave as they are, they do not have the same fear of Caligae and may be the only people capable
of saving the world.

Throughout the book, I found the plot unpredictable, and felt myself carried along by the twists and turns.
Many young adult books tend to be driven by weak characters, written with formulaic plots, or dominated by
silly love triangles; 'Fangs and Stilettos had strong characters, and it was reIreshing to see a plot driven,
yes, partially by these strong characters, but also by dramatic schemes of world domination.

The writing was also excellent. I find that there are two types of good writers those you notice and those
you don`t. While I enjoy basking in witty word play, it is also enjoyable to Iorget that I am reading and just
enjoy the story, a task DiFiore did excellently. The pictures painted were vivid, the characters believable, and
the story central.

I would recommend 'Fangs and Stilettos to a variety oI readers in the late-middle-school to high-school
range, particularly those intrigued by fantasy, but looking for a light-hearted unique take. Of course, anyone
in love with Iashion, or head over heels with supernaturals should also read 'Fangs and Stilettos. Anthony
DiFiore has crafted a perfect vacation read, just in time for summer.