I have always loved the whole Buffy universe. I loved the Slayer diaries and all the books that went with it. The only thing I never finished was the comic book series. As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t feel the same snark and emotion from those that I did from both the tv series and the books, and even the movie. So this book, well let’s just say I have been excited since I first heard about it last year. So much so that I stalked the books for trade hashtag on Twitter until I found someone willing to trade me a copy. They gave in even though I didn’t really have anything they wanted because of my Twitter handle, Buffywnabe. So thanks to them!

Right away I was hooked and didn’t want to do anything but just sit and read. Even with the explosion at the beginning that brought about a whole new world yet again in this universe, and gave us a brand new slayer, it felt as if we were back in the Buffy-verse that I remember and loved. There were so many little references to things from the show that I adored, as well as maybe a few to some outside influences, like was the Rimbauer grave/crypt possibly related to the story by Stephen King about Ellen Rimbauer? Whether it was actually meant or not, Jake is our werewolf character, um, Twilight anyone? And there were others that I didn’t stop to make a note on because I was too busy devouring this story!

The author brought back the hilariousness of Oz and his quirky and snarky remarks and way of contributing to conversations. And Spike, oh man how much I loved the silliness/snarkiness of Spike. When Spike was called “Giles Jr.” that brought back the memories of the episode when Willow’s spell caused everyone to forget who they were. His banter and dealings with other original beloved Scooby gang members, such as Xander, again I was once again transported into the world I used to be constantly obsessed with and watching reruns and my own DVDs of over and over.

The big bad of this one, the Countess, brought to mind the episode with Dracula. And all the different characters mentioned here and there, like Andrew, Faith, and Dawn, just really lined up for the title of Scooby Gang to be handed over to the next generation. The whole Instagram challenge helped bring the series up to date technology wise and to take away from the dated-ness possibly to be seen when watching the tv show these days. Oh, and then the Hunter of Thrace? We get a little tidbit of him possibly being connected to another slayer, and without knowing who it might of been, I kind of wonder if it was someone we met in the Tales of the Slayer book series that I loved reading too!

I could gush and gush on and on, but I will again just say that I loved this, loved being back in this world, and can’t wait for more of this new Buffy world! Kendare Blake totally did the Buffy-verse justice in the way she brought us back to New Sunnydale.

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.