Synopsis

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.

 

 

Review

 

4,5 « I had a blast » stars!

This is obviously a Buffy “fandom” or rather a “spin-off” series as Kiersten White told us. I have never watched Buffy *I know I know I have to hide in the box of shame now* but I can tell you that I enjoyed this story enormously!

 

Kiersten White packed it with humor (rescuing Demons in unicorn and rainbow pajama), action (hellhounds chasing you and demons landing at your feet), mystery (who is the hunter?), some romance and introspective thoughts with coming of age vibe (Nina has to find her place and define who she wants to be when he world is turned on its axis).

This is light, fun interesting and has never a dull moment.

It is character driven and plot driven!

 

We follow Nina (Athena) and her twin sister Artemis, sixteen years old and living among watchers. If you are a Buffy fan you probably know all about watchers and slayers but I had no idea and needed some time to find my way.

Buffy has left the world a mess as she has destroyed all seed of magic and closed the portals to other dimensions (demonic dimensions included yay!). Her action done for the good of mankind backfired and you don’t have one slayer alive now you have many slayers alive at the same time!

 

“Suddenly, every girl with the potential to become a Slayer did become a Slayer, or would become a Slayer when she was old enough.”

 

The Watchers society has been nearly destroyed and Nina lives among the last ones with her mom and sister.

 

Nina has always felt rejected by her mother. We will learn that she will choose Artemis above Nina in a dangerous situation and she is keeping Artemis close while ignoring Nina.

I loved reading about their complicated mother-daughter relationship and trying to guess what were the reasons to her mom’s behavior.

Artemis has always been the strong one. The one learning to fight while Nina has been kept separate from all council business. As she had to find a place, to feel useful, she learned to take care of wounds and is following all the medical training that she can.

An encounter with a hellhound will trigger a series of events truly starting the story and sending us on a frenzy pace, going from rescuing slayers from a fight pit to finding who is trading illegal demon stuffs and escaping death several times. All along while trying to resist Leo’s appeal. He is the first crush of Nina and is back at the compound with his mom.

 

Honestly this was the right mix between “teen” contemporary problems (your first crush, complicated relationships with your mom, finding your purpose, making the right choices) and action-packed fantasy story.

Time was flying by while I was reading and I just wanted to forget the world and kick some demon butts or slay big baddie vampires.

 

True to Kiersten White no character is truly white or black. I loved that cool ending even if it’s kind of a cliffy as it is perfect to keep the ball rolling and making us sweat while waiting for the second book!

Have you read this book? Are you a Buffy fan?

Thanks for reading.

Sophie

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33 Comments

  6. I’m a huge Buffy fan so I have been afraid to even order this one. I’ve heard that Nina doesn’t have the greatest thoughts about Buffy. This review made me a little more exited again about reading this (:

    Reply

  8. I watched a couple of episodes of Buffy, but just couldn’t get into it. (Let the pelting with the rocks and garbage begin.) I promised a friend I’d give it another try. But I seriously want to read this book.

    Reply

  10. Wow yay so happy to hear that this one is good! I didn’t enjoy White’s And I Darken series, but I love Buffy so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy this book more. Great review 🙂

    Reply

  16. I’m with you in that I’ve never seen an episode of Buffy but even so, this one sounds like it has a LOT going for it! Action and romance and humor and a chosen one… wow! And I’m still giggling over fighting demons in unicorn pj’s. Hee hee!

    Reply

  18. Love this! I have this to read but late arcs keep turning up so again, this has been pushed back! Can’t wait to read though!

    Reply

    1. Oh I think she would love this then Alexandra! If you gift this book would you mind giving me feedback (did he enjoy etc?)?

      Reply