The RIB: A Demon to Save Me by HS Kallinger
I have this love/hate relationship with LGBT fiction. Either it's too sugary sweet for me, or so bitter and miserable that I want to lie in bed with the covers pulled over my head and not turn another page. I was trying to describe this to a friend, and they explained the concept of queer fiction being ‘hug-boxing' – as in everything is bright and shiny with rainbows – or scab-pulling, where it looks at the messy side of being an outsider in a world that isn't really made for you. (Apparently this was from a Twitter thread centuries ago in internet time.)
This book by HS Kallinger strikes a medium approach. There's trauma and depression, but it's more about getting over it and forming connections with others. Gabriel Belmont, our protagonist, is a high school-aged dhampir (half-vampire, via Dad), who starts the book with no friends and has to cut himself to feel things. And then he summons a demon, Lex, using a pentagram made of his own blood. But when the demon arrives, there's no violence or soul-stealing. Instead, the pair have a deep and meaningful conversation that lasts all night (like Before Sunrise). And that moment of connection enables Gabe to get his act together. Cut to two years later: Gabriel has a successful group of poly-partners lined up, he's getting ready to go to college, and has decent relationships with his parents and best friend Jackie. And he's keen to explore his genderqueer and bisexual side.
I enjoyed the book when it focused on Gabriel's relationship with his vampire father. He's a strong, assertive male, but in a protective, family-oriented way. It was great to see Dad rescue Gabriel after he goes on an ill-advised date with a vampire, which leads into a heartfelt discussion of depression, anxiety, and the secrets families share. After that, Dad gives Gabriel an admin job at the police station, which helps him focus. I did like seeing how there was a special vampire division of the police. I was less interested in the story around Gabriel's relationships with his poly-partners, which also gets a fair focus.
I was also keen to see how Gabe would meet up with the demon Lex again. By the law of mirroring in writing, I'd assumed that as Lex saved Gabriel, the favour would be returned. That plays out, but it feels a bit rushed, and I wish that this had been a stronger focus in the book, with a less ‘easy win' solution.
Still, it was fun, and I really enjoyed meeting Vampire Dad. Overall, I'd recommend this to people who want to read about a young queer person finding themselves after high school, overcoming depression and anxiety to get into a good place with their friends and family. There's also a sequel out, Blood Dhampir, where Gabe is off to college and on to new adventures.