Title: Slayer

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Horror-ish/Urban Fantasy/YA Fiction

Series: Slayer

Connected to: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996-2003)

Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Summary: 

Into every generation, a Slayer is born…

Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. It’s hard to be when you grow up at the Watcher’s Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Here teens are trained as guides for Slayers—girls gifted with supernatural strength to fight the forces of darkness. But while Nina’s mother is a prominent member of the Watcher’s Council, Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Instead, she follows her instincts to heal, carving out a place for herself as the school medic.

Until the day Nina’s life changes forever.

Thanks to Buffy, the famous (and infamous) Slayer that Nina’s father died protecting, Nina is not only the newest Chosen One—she’s the last Slayer, ever. Period.

As Nina hones her skills with her Watcher-in-training, Leo, there’s plenty to keep her occupied: a monster fighting ring, a demon who eats happiness, a shadowy figure that keeps popping up in Nina’s dreams…

But it’s not until bodies start turning up that Nina’s new powers will truly be tested—because someone she loves might be next.

One thing is clear: Being Chosen is easy. Making choices is hard.

My Thoughts:

Can I start by saying that I never thought I would hear the word Merrick in connection with Buffy ever again?

I’m also going to admit something that not many fans of BtVS, the series, will admit.

I actually love the movie. Like sincerely. One of those reasons is Merrick.

The other reason is Luke Perry.

But I digress.

This book is an interesting addition to the Buffy-verse and one that actually excites me. I’m saying this as someone who didn’t read much of the season 8 comics, or beyond that but who was a huge fan of the original stories that came out during the show’s run. (And I don’t mean just the fan fiction.)

I was also sometimes not the hugest fan of Buffy as a person. She wasn’t always my cup of tea, but I always admired her strength.

I was more of a Willow girl.

That being said, Nina, in this book is my cup of tea. If I drank tea…

She is humble, and rash. She is fierce, yet sometimes withdrawn and she cares so, so much, even as she hurts due to the loss of her father, and the cold attitude of her mother.

This book is an adventure, and it is very much what Buffy was within season 1. It is a little bit of a risk, a little bit of a learning curve and a hell of a lot of fun.

I can see why some could not like it, but there are many characters in this novel and much like the show everyone can pick their own.

I eagerly await the sequel and am considering picking up Kiersten White’s other work.

Read This If:

• you like BtVS but not Buffy (just kidding)
• you love books about demons
• you like mysteries
• you love strong female characters
• you miss the WB