Synopsis

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.
Sounds right up my alley. Thanks for sharing the great review.
sherry @ fundinmental
A complicated Mother/Daughter relationship. I can attest to this. =)
I wanted to get this one before but more so now after your review.
Mary
Awesome review!
It’s not my sort of book, but i can sure as hell can get behind the idea of going on a mission in unicorn pjs 😀
Great review! Glad you liked the book. Did you draw the pic at end? It’s good
This sounds like so much fun. I loved Buffy and wouldn’t mind picking up this kind of book. Glad you enjoy this one. Happy weekend!
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 (:
Oh Jamsu that’s true that Nina does not like Buffy but …you wait and see 😉
Great review, Sophie! I’ve been hearing mixed reviews about this book but I’m glad to hear that you loved it! I hope I’ll get to it soon! 🙂
Raven I hope you’ll love it as much as I did!
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.
Teri I will be really really curious to read your thoughts about it!
I am so glad you were able to love this one so much and that you were addicted to reading 😀 I love the Buffy retelling vibes and I am going to have to read this one gor sure now. Great review x
I can’t wait for your review Olivia!!!
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 🙂
Well Amy this is completely different from And I Darken! So fingers crossed for you here!
So glad you read and enjoyed this one Sophie! It was one of my favourites from Kiersten, and so true to the Buffyverse.
I loved it Sha! It was different from And I Darken but as good!
Loved your review and this sounds like such a fun read. Got it on my list!
Oh yes it was just that Laura!
Wait, wait, wait…rescuing Demons in unicorn and rainbow pajamas??? Oh my goodness, my imagination just exploded! Love this! 🙂
Me too Trisy!!!
Yes, this was so fun! I was a big Buffy fan growing up in the 90s so I was like wriggling with glee from all the references 🙂
Now I just have to watch it Mogsy!!!
Yay, I’m glad this was such a great read for you! 🙂
Oh yes Suzanne! Give it a chance and I promise you’ll love it 😉
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!
Exactly Tanya! I had a blast.
Your title alone has me super excited to check this one out. I am glad that you loved it so much! 🙂
Me too! 😀
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!
Oh I know all about the ARC struggle Caro!
I think this might be one for my niece, who’s a huge Buffy fan. 😉
Oh I think she would love this then Alexandra! If you gift this book would you mind giving me feedback (did he enjoy etc?)?