Slayer

The first book in this new series by White (The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein) is an epic, relatable story that will appeal to new and veteran Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans as it follows events from the Buffy comics series. With the destruction of the Seed of Wonder “the source of all magic on earth,” the world’s magic has disappeared—and with it the ability for new Slayers to be chosen. Twins Nina and Artemis, 16, come from a long line of Watchers (the entities that guide Slayers), and after Buffy decimated the Watchers before the book’s start, the twins and their mother, who survived, move to the now mostly empty Watcher retreat in Ireland, where the last of the Watchers can regroup. Nina, a protected Healer, works as the castle’s medic, happily to be part of Watcher Support, while Artemis trains for the physical side of Support and keeps Nina safe. When it is revealed that she’s the last Slayer, chosen as the magic died, Nina quickly learns that being Chosen may not be as important as the choices one makes. Resplendent with quirky, endearing characters and imagination-sparking details, this novel feeds the soul of Buffy devotees, keeping the Buffy spirit alive. Ages 14–up. Agent: Michelle Wolfson, Wolfson Literary. (Jan.)