Slayer(Slayer #1)
by Kiersten White
January 8, 2019
416 pages
Goodreads 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.
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
Like many others I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's a huge part of my childhood and while Slayer was not a book I intended to read I did enjoy my time with it. I like the concept of taking something on screen and giving it more story in book form.
Living up to its name, Slayer was full of action. Although the plot wasn't super engaging there were bits of humour sprinkled throughout the story. I laughed hard! It was also fun to pick up on references to the show. Whether it was the brief mentions of the characters or recaps of old events I was overcome with nostalgia.
I'm sure the tv series talked about Watcher history but I appreciate the closer look at them in the book. Their organization is impressive even if their ranks have been diminished/is diminishing. Despite the debate over the usefulness of Slayers and Watchers in a magic-less world, I love what they represented for humanity. They are knowledge and protectors at their core.
Nina has a kind heart but so much self-doubt I felt frustrated with her constant despondent thoughts. I gave her the benefit of the doubt given her past trauma and the Chosen One bombshell but I really wished she'd had more confidence. Her growth near the end was incredible so can we have more of that in the next book please! "It's different when you're the one with the power. The choices are so much harder and so much more important." (eARC, Loc 3644).
There was a range of secondary characters. I loved how fiercely protective Artemis was of Nina. As a twin myself their tight yet volatile bond was very accurate. The rest of the characters didn't feel all that necessary (*cough Honora cough*) but the surprising developments at the end of the story has me curious.
I see great potential in Slayer (pun absolutely intended)! Fans of the tv show will like this continuation while newcomers just might fall in love with the superpower badassery ;)
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way. All quotes were taken from the e-copy I received.
About the author:
Kiersten White is the New York Times bestselling author of many books for teens and young readers, including And I Darken, Now I Rise, Bright We Burn, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, and Slayer. She lives with her family near the ocean in San Diego, where she perpetually lurks in the shadows.
Website Authors Goodreads Twitter
Website Authors Goodreads Twitter
Giveaway
Rules:
1. This giveaway will run on my Instagram account until January 28, 2019!
2. It is open to residents of Canada ONLY.
2. It is open to residents of Canada ONLY.
3. The winner will receive a finished copy of Slayer by Kiersten White.
4. You must be 13+ or have parent's permission to enter this giveaway.
5. BookCatPin will not be held responsible for lost/damaged mail.
6. The prize will be sent out by Simon & Schuster Canada.
6. The prize will be sent out by Simon & Schuster Canada.
7. No giveaway accounts and please don't follow then unfollow.
8. I will check all entries so please be honest or you will be disqualified.
9. The winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or I will have to pick another winner.
Hop on over to my Instagram to enter to win a copy of Slayer! (Click on the graphic below for the direct link).
Hop on over to my Instagram to enter to win a copy of Slayer! (Click on the graphic below for the direct link).
Check out all the tour stops below :)
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