Bestselling author Kalynn Bayron brings readers the world of The Vanquishers, where vampires were history . . . until now.
Twelve-year-old Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of masked vampire hunters who wiped out the last hoard of the undead decades ago. For kids today, vampires feel more like fun comic book fodder than real life, and the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews are long gone.
But when a new student, Aaron, joins Boog’s crew, and goes missing after a school fundraiser, the kids suspect a vampire was involved. Boog is convinced their school counselor, Mr. Rupert, is hiding something and she is determined to save Aaron. No one ever expected The Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, they know who to call.
Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series.
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-7-Vampires are making a comeback in this sharp, lively paranormal middle grade debut from the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead. As far as Malika "Boog" Wilson and her squad are concerned, vampires have been extinct for years thanks to the Vanquishers, and their parents' extra vamp-proofing precautions are completely unnecessary. But when her group befriends the new kid in town and he disappears after a school event, the overprotectiveness of Boog and her friends' families reaches a whole new level, making it almost impossible for the squad to figure out what happened to their friend and if the creepy new school counselor has anything to do with it. Bayron's world where the monstrous undead existed but were vanquished by a powerful group of vampire hunters is convincing and believable, making this mystery adventure even more exciting. The delightful characters will charm readers with their distinct voices, and the close friendships not only of the kids but of their families elevate the plot dynamics and create a memorable cast. Primary characters are Black. With great humor and determination to help a friend even if it means facing the dangerous creatures that might still be lurking in the dark after all, Bayron's young crew will keep readers enthralled. VERDICT This inclusive and inviting opener of a modern vampire series is a surefire hit.-Hazel Ureta?(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.