Review: Slayer by Kiersten White

Title: Slayer

Author:  Kiersten White
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publishing Date: January 8th, 2019

Pages: 404
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Series: Slayer #1
Source:  Audio

 

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.

I have to admit that I wasn't too sure I wanted to read this book. I am a huge Buffy fan and I just didn't want something to try and follow in those footsteps to fail miserably... because it was Buffy and it was Joss Wheden... and It was just well it was pretty awesome. So this book wasn't Buffy Awesome... but it was close. It was really good and I feel it paid pretty great homage to the show I loved.  I enjoyed the story, the humor, the main character. All in in all it was a really good read. 

Nina and Artemis are twin sisters. One is seen as weak when the other is seen as strong. Nina is the week one. The one not so loved by her mother. The one that really has no purpose at the Watcher's Academy. Artemis is the strong one. The one that is the chosen child. The one being trained to be a watcher. Nina wants nothing to do with this world.She doesn't get it. There are no more slayers. That door has been closed. There are those that live now but no new ones are coming... so she thought.... until she discovers she is the last slayer ever. Her powers have come in and she now has to save the world.... or at least parts of it. With the help of her friends. They seek out to find who is behind a very bad demon fighting ring.... which leads them into so much trouble. Good thing Nina is a slayer. 

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I enjoyed the story. It was fun. Reminded me of Buffy in the humor and style. I felt the vibe and the world and could connect them. There were lots of strange demons that were fun to get to know. There was the watchers side of things that was interesting. It was well done with the world building. 

The characters were pretty great too. I loved the Scooby gang feel that was evident just like in the show. That was where the similarities ended. Each character held their own and I enjoyed getting to know each of them. I liked Nina. She was a bit overly dramatic at times but she was a good girl, she was stronger than she thought and she was brave and kind. I didn't much like Artemis but she started to come around in the end. She just seemed overly jealous and protective to me and I found I was rolling my eyes really hard in most of of her scenes. 

There is a start of a romance and it seems it will be good. It's long time crushes, separation for a couple of years, reunited , sparks flew kind of romance. It was sweet. Wasn't enough of it there to really talk about... it was just starting, but I can say. I do love Nina's love interest. 

This book has strong relationship vibes going on through out the entire book, family drama, friendships, (new and old) romance, enemies that really aren't enemies, work relationships, mentors.... so many in this book.  Which I think is one of the main reasons I loved it.... and of course the humor. 

It was exciting and thrilling and funny and just good. It did have a few issues with pacing but it may have just been my ADD coming out full force. I found myself failing at paying attention a couple of times in the middle. It didn't last long and I really did enjoy the read. Buffy I mean Nina for the WIN! 


A great and exciting read. 

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. Visit Kiersten online at KierstenWhite.com and follow @KierstenWhite on Twitter.