Defanged

Praise for Defanged:

School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025 Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2025

★ “Thoughtful details add realism to the vampires’ world, and the affection between quirky Lux and his compatriots brings fun and hope to a story that addresses serious, all-too-relevant issues … A clever, perceptive read that’s full of love for those who are different.” –Kirkus, starred review

★ “Edgmon injects optimism throughout … As Lux’s biological and found families overlap, they offer a reassuring sense of acceptance and belonging in the face of adversity and oppression.” –Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

★ “Edgmon makes deft use of the vampire as an allegory for the Other … suspenseful, timely, and thought-provoking.” –Horn Book, starred review

“This thoughtfully crafted fantasy is rooted in social justice and relevant to many real-world situations.” –BooklistPraise for The Flicker:

★ “Edgmon’s middle grade debut is a dystopian, anti-capitalist, Indigenous, gender nonconforming love letter to tweens … The writing is engaging, the plot is lively, and the social dynamics are believable, even when presenting lessons. Edgmon doesn’t pull any punches with this book … Through a story with some genuinely frightening moments, Edgmon helps readers explore identity. After all, who are we after all the systems we’ve used to define ourselves crumble?” –School Library Journal, starred review

★ “Incisive worldbuilding surrounding the climate collapse makes this middle grade debut a simultaneously cautionary tale and dystopian adventure in which Edgmon showcases the unflagging power of community in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Edgmon’s middle-grade debut skillfully blends action and emotion … A compelling coming-of-age story.” –Kirkus

“Bound up in a gripping page-turner, the soul of The Flicker is fierce, relentless love for chosen family, the natural world, and a humanity exploited almost to the point of extinction. With unblinking honesty, this story invites readers to hope, and hope tenaciously for a better way of living.” –Alder Van Otterloo, author of Cattywampus and The Beautiful Something Else

H.E. Edgmon did not sleep for several years and is now the author of copious novels and short works for tweens, teens, and adults. Their line-up includes The Witch King duology, the Ouroboros duology, and The Flicker, and their writing has been described as “monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional” by School Library Journal. Across genres, H.E. hopes to find readers in their darkest moments and help them start a fire. In their laughably limited free time, they’re likely hosting themed parties for no reason or trying to predict the future. They live in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by chosen family and giant dogs.