In Every Generation

November 8, 2021
Blake’s (All These Bodies) trilogy opener set in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe centers a new generation of Slayers. After a bombing at Slayerfest, “regular gatherings of all the remaining Slayers,” decimates existing Slayers and leaves the fate of Buffy unknown, white teen Frankie Rosenberg—daughter to original Slayer Willow—finds her Slayer abilities awakening. When “lanky and pale” Slayer Vi Larsson disappears after the same event, her half sister Hailey, a 16-year-old of Canadian and Saulteaux First Nations descent, goes searching for answers. Hailey soon ends up in New Sunnydale as a part of a new Scooby Gang with Slayer Frankie and werewolf Jake Osbourne, where they try to solve the mystery of the bombing and the recent crop of vampires in town. The explanations of show references might feel clunky to fans, but readers new to the franchise will appreciate the additional context. Blake successfully employs quippy one-liners that capture the tone and humor of the original Buffyverse while bringing it to a modern era. Though the ending satisfactorily utilizes the show’s “monster of the week” format, it also strikes an uneven balance with the greater mystery of who caused the Slayer explosion, in this entertaining addition to the Buffy canon. Ages 12–up. Agent: Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Folio Literary. (Jan.)■

November 15, 2021
Sunnydale has a new slayer. Set in the world of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this first installment in a new series focuses on a new generation. Frankie Rosenberg's mom is the powerful witch Willow, friend to famed slayer Buffy. Frankie's own minimal powers are mostly used for ecological purposes until there's an explosion at a slayers' meeting, leading Frankie to become the first ever slayer-witch. A slayer needs her crew of Scoobies, and under the guidance of Watcher Spike, Frankie is assisted by Hailey, half sister of missing slayer Vi; werewolf lacrosse player Jake; and Sigmund, a Sage demon. Frankie may be new to the gig, but she has to learn quickly because there's a new Big Bad in Sunnydale who is out for blood. The book provides enough information for patient newcomers to the Buffyverse to enjoy the story, but it will be most appealing to those with at least some background knowledge who will appreciate the references. Though the pacing is inconsistent, exciting action scenes abound, and the villain is intriguing and delightfully vicious. The characters' banter and observations are often cheeky and funny but sometimes fall flat, as when they are based on gender stereotypes. The abrupt ending satisfyingly wraps up some plots, but there are plenty left open for future entries. Most characters are White; Hailey's mom was Saulteaux First Nations, and Sigmund is Black. Enjoyable for Buffy fans and general paranormal enthusiasts. (Paranormal. 14-adult)

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Starred review from December 15, 2021
Grades 8-10 *Starred Review* ""In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer."" Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer know this refrain well, and they will not be disappointed with horror writer Blake's take on the Slayer mythos. The next generation of Scoobies--Frankie Rosenberg and Jake Osbourne--are the focus here, and they all know what really happens in Sunnydale after dark. Joining them is Hailey, the sister of another Slayer, and they're all hoping to find their missing "Aunt Buffy" alive; if she's not, that means Frankie is the next Slayer, which is not a responsibility she wants. Lurking in the background is a mysterious vampire called the Countess, who seeks to reopen Sunnydale's Hellmouth and restore it to its former glory. If that's not enough, there's an Instagram challenge that's actually feeding off of the students at New Sunnydale High. No matter who the Slayer is, she's got a lot to deal with. This is a worthy successor to the Slayer stories, and succeeds both as a love letter to existing fans and as a welcoming entry point for new readers. Blake has a great handle on the original characters and on the new Scoobies, too.

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