What do you think?
Rate this book
Young Blood
A young girl named Raven spends her days as a trader in a quarantined New York City that has been overrun by a deadly virus. She has a nice setup; she gets a room at the local gun shop and child care for her four-year-old autistic sister for the price of a few food tickets per week. Emily, the gun shop owner, has taken a liking to the two orphans and is willing to risk her life to keep them safe from New York's darker side.
The city was not only closed due to the virus; the United States cut ties with NYC because of the vaccine's mutated vampires. After the government and a billion-dollar company, Mantas, pushed the vaccine into the hands of New Yorkers, one in ten became vampires. The new night lords feed on whatever is left out after sunset. When a vengeful man brings vampires to Raven and Emily's door, one of them dies and the other takes their place.
Raven disguises herself as Emily to join the United States' new Slayer Army. This act is more about survival than honor, because without it, Raven and her sister, Star, would be homeless or in foster care. Raven must now adapt to military life, which includes early morning workouts, weapons training, leadership training, and, of course, a fight to the death with the city's bloodthirsty overlords.
If joining the military at sixteen and living a lie aren't enough problems, there's a traitor among them, and if they're not found, Raven's secret might very well cost her and everyone else their lives in this YA action-packed thriller that's like Buffy meets Mulan on the streets of New York.
The city was not only closed due to the virus; the United States cut ties with NYC because of the vaccine's mutated vampires. After the government and a billion-dollar company, Mantas, pushed the vaccine into the hands of New Yorkers, one in ten became vampires. The new night lords feed on whatever is left out after sunset. When a vengeful man brings vampires to Raven and Emily's door, one of them dies and the other takes their place.
Raven disguises herself as Emily to join the United States' new Slayer Army. This act is more about survival than honor, because without it, Raven and her sister, Star, would be homeless or in foster care. Raven must now adapt to military life, which includes early morning workouts, weapons training, leadership training, and, of course, a fight to the death with the city's bloodthirsty overlords.
If joining the military at sixteen and living a lie aren't enough problems, there's a traitor among them, and if they're not found, Raven's secret might very well cost her and everyone else their lives in this YA action-packed thriller that's like Buffy meets Mulan on the streets of New York.
255 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
34 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Sylvester Barzey
30 books130 followersHey Survivor! My name is Sylvester Barzey and I am a best-selling horror and fantasy author. I grew up in the Bronx, NY, lived in the smallest state in the country for a while, and then transplanted to Lawrence, GA.
I’m a military veteran with an addiction to all things horror. My overall goal is to shine a spotlight on BIPOC characters within the horror/fantasy genre. From a young age, I was obsessed with horror movies, mostly Slashers. The mythos of the “Final Girl” trope was always something that appealed to me. The act of taking someone and watching them overcome the greatest odds to be the ultimate survivor has been a strong attraction to the horror for me.
But, what I didn’t realize growing up was all these survivors were White. Seeing only one type of person rise, builds blocks within people’s minds, it causes them to think that surviving is a trait only in one race, which is far from the truth. The Black community (Black Women for sure) has survival built into their DNA. History has shown us that overcoming great odds is something Black people have always done.
Being that I couldn’t find the final girls I was looking for (There are some don’t get me wrong and they are amazing), I set out to create them. I want to produce Black heroes who overcome world-shattering events and rise above them. My goal is for people to say Catherine Briggs’ name in the same breath as they say, Sidney Prescott and Laurie Strode. It’s my mission to change horror so that my children can look at it and see themselves as survivors.
Random Facts:
I love The Golden Girls
I’m married and have one amazing little monster
I hate the snow
My Top Five Movies Are:
Scream, Candyman, Day of The Dead, Train To Busan & Mulan
I’m a military veteran with an addiction to all things horror. My overall goal is to shine a spotlight on BIPOC characters within the horror/fantasy genre. From a young age, I was obsessed with horror movies, mostly Slashers. The mythos of the “Final Girl” trope was always something that appealed to me. The act of taking someone and watching them overcome the greatest odds to be the ultimate survivor has been a strong attraction to the horror for me.
But, what I didn’t realize growing up was all these survivors were White. Seeing only one type of person rise, builds blocks within people’s minds, it causes them to think that surviving is a trait only in one race, which is far from the truth. The Black community (Black Women for sure) has survival built into their DNA. History has shown us that overcoming great odds is something Black people have always done.
Being that I couldn’t find the final girls I was looking for (There are some don’t get me wrong and they are amazing), I set out to create them. I want to produce Black heroes who overcome world-shattering events and rise above them. My goal is for people to say Catherine Briggs’ name in the same breath as they say, Sidney Prescott and Laurie Strode. It’s my mission to change horror so that my children can look at it and see themselves as survivors.
Random Facts:
I love The Golden Girls
I’m married and have one amazing little monster
I hate the snow
My Top Five Movies Are:
Scream, Candyman, Day of The Dead, Train To Busan & Mulan
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 5, 2024
This story is Corona virus and the Walking Dead series on steroids. The main character, teenage girl, joins this special military group in an attempt to defeat these vampirism monsters. Who has destroyed NYC. The story is fast-paced, and the world of NYC was definitely reminiscent of 2020.
Thank you, Netgally, for a digital copy and exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, Netgally, for a digital copy and exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Such an incredible story about a courageous and brave young woman who would do anything to protect herself and her little sister. When vampires take over NY Raven decides to enlist into the army so that her and her sister Star will have shelter and food. The only downside is that Raven will have to fight and kill to survive.
April 23, 2024
amazing read!
This was such a good read. Sorrow, surprise and fear in every chapter with a new take on vampires. Loved it!
This was such a good read. Sorrow, surprise and fear in every chapter with a new take on vampires. Loved it!
January 8, 2024
This was a fun adventurous horror YA with a strong but still flawed main character. It started out a tad slow for me but some needed world building took place. Once it got going I couldn't put it down and finished in one sitting.
Can't wait to read more and see where Raven and the others go next!
Can't wait to read more and see where Raven and the others go next!
February 17, 2024
The story is fast-paced and makes you keep moving to the next chapter. The world rules are well-defined and each twist keeps the plot moving forward in a coherent way.
My only "negative" comment would be Raven's age. I think the story could have been exactly the same with Raven being 20... Her childhood could still have been as tragic but her enlisting in the army with no formal training and being able to keep up with trained soldiers with years of experience would have been more "realistic". I understand the Buffy reference, but Buffy was the Chosen one by mystic forces. As far as we know, Raven was just an ordinary Black girl... I thought her being a higher rank and being treated as such by people who knew better and with so little setbacks was a bit too easy... But like I said, she was an ordinary girl as far as we know. Book 2 might reveal another layer... I'll stay tuned
My only "negative" comment would be Raven's age. I think the story could have been exactly the same with Raven being 20... Her childhood could still have been as tragic but her enlisting in the army with no formal training and being able to keep up with trained soldiers with years of experience would have been more "realistic". I understand the Buffy reference, but Buffy was the Chosen one by mystic forces. As far as we know, Raven was just an ordinary Black girl... I thought her being a higher rank and being treated as such by people who knew better and with so little setbacks was a bit too easy... But like I said, she was an ordinary girl as far as we know. Book 2 might reveal another layer... I'll stay tuned
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
What a ride! Young Blood by @sylvesterbarzey is everything you want in a YA horror novel.
✅ Apocalypse
✅ Vampires
✅ Black Female protagonist
✅ New York swag
Raven has MOXIE, talk about being a modern slayer! In an apocalyptic NY, this Bronx native, uses her street smarts and survival techniques to lead an army of slayers against categories of vampires! I don't know if Barzey is a genius or if he is just that crafty, because the chilling descriptions of the Creeps, Vamps, and Reapers creates a unique tone in the world of vampire themes. This is a MUST read! I was on the edge of my seat. I'm ready for book 2.
✅ Apocalypse
✅ Vampires
✅ Black Female protagonist
✅ New York swag
Raven has MOXIE, talk about being a modern slayer! In an apocalyptic NY, this Bronx native, uses her street smarts and survival techniques to lead an army of slayers against categories of vampires! I don't know if Barzey is a genius or if he is just that crafty, because the chilling descriptions of the Creeps, Vamps, and Reapers creates a unique tone in the world of vampire themes. This is a MUST read! I was on the edge of my seat. I'm ready for book 2.
May 9, 2024
Raven lives in a New York that has been decimated and forever changed by a pandemic. Not that one. One that “gradually eroded the infected individuals’ cognitive abilities, leaving them with only two instincts: fight and feed.” Those are the Creeps. Then the vaccine trials started. And for every ten people saved by the vaccine, one was turned into a bloodthirsty monster: a Vamp.
Raven’s parents were the first two recipients of the vaccine to turn into Vamps, and when they tried to attack Raven and her baby sister, Star, Raven grabbed her sister and went on the run. For the past four years, she’s been doing whatever she can to keep them alive amidst the chaos that New York City has become. When an opportunity arises to join a special military unit devoted to taking back New York City from the monsters, Raven enlists under a fake identity: after all, she’s only 16.
She starts training with the other recruits at a special compound (reminiscent of Divergent and Fourth Wing) as the military leaders work out a plan of attack. But before long, it becomes clear that there’s a traitor in their midst who’s feeding intelligence to the nests of Creeps and Vamps they’re trying to destroy.
This one was a lot of fun: we liked Raven and were invested in her story, and we were rooting for her and her ragtag group of recruits to successfully take back their city. The paranormal spin on the all-too-real pandemic was a nice twist, and the high levels of action kept us turning pages quickly. While the vampire craze has died down a bit since the Twilight days, we think this is a good paranormal story that will appeal to many students and touch on the edges of the horror genre without being too scary.
The book will appeal to and be appropriate for a wide range of readers, but it does include profanity, so know your community and your students before recommending.
Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
Raven’s parents were the first two recipients of the vaccine to turn into Vamps, and when they tried to attack Raven and her baby sister, Star, Raven grabbed her sister and went on the run. For the past four years, she’s been doing whatever she can to keep them alive amidst the chaos that New York City has become. When an opportunity arises to join a special military unit devoted to taking back New York City from the monsters, Raven enlists under a fake identity: after all, she’s only 16.
She starts training with the other recruits at a special compound (reminiscent of Divergent and Fourth Wing) as the military leaders work out a plan of attack. But before long, it becomes clear that there’s a traitor in their midst who’s feeding intelligence to the nests of Creeps and Vamps they’re trying to destroy.
This one was a lot of fun: we liked Raven and were invested in her story, and we were rooting for her and her ragtag group of recruits to successfully take back their city. The paranormal spin on the all-too-real pandemic was a nice twist, and the high levels of action kept us turning pages quickly. While the vampire craze has died down a bit since the Twilight days, we think this is a good paranormal story that will appeal to many students and touch on the edges of the horror genre without being too scary.
The book will appeal to and be appropriate for a wide range of readers, but it does include profanity, so know your community and your students before recommending.
Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
February 5, 2024
DNF at 60%.
I really tried to like this one, the premise is great, something I've thought of before: what if the virus for a cure actually causes more damage. Here some turn into Vamps as a side effect of a cure. The issue with the book is the writing. It's a lot of tell not show, a bunch of random time jumps that carry the story forward because we end up missing vital information. We some chapters will jump to a different character's POV without warning, which I found hard to follow.
My biggest complaint is with the premise that a 16 year old can get away with pretending to be a 28-30 year old veteran with 10 years of experience, a purple heart, and a handful of other military awards. While yes, it's likely most people just accepted that she wasn't who she said she was, that was just a blatant lie I couldn't get past it. She easily could have just lied about her age, said she didn't have documentation since ya know, New York is a plague zone now. The lie was too much. They needed bodies, so they would have taken her anyway.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I really tried to like this one, the premise is great, something I've thought of before: what if the virus for a cure actually causes more damage. Here some turn into Vamps as a side effect of a cure. The issue with the book is the writing. It's a lot of tell not show, a bunch of random time jumps that carry the story forward because we end up missing vital information. We some chapters will jump to a different character's POV without warning, which I found hard to follow.
My biggest complaint is with the premise that a 16 year old can get away with pretending to be a 28-30 year old veteran with 10 years of experience, a purple heart, and a handful of other military awards. While yes, it's likely most people just accepted that she wasn't who she said she was, that was just a blatant lie I couldn't get past it. She easily could have just lied about her age, said she didn't have documentation since ya know, New York is a plague zone now. The lie was too much. They needed bodies, so they would have taken her anyway.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
February 16, 2024
Frankly I loved this book. Combining your standard military story with pandemic horror and a side of Buffy The Vampire Slayer campy-ness creates a read that I couldn’t put down! 16-year-old Raven, a badass kid from the Bronx, balances taking care of her 4 year-old-sister and an apocalyptic wasteland version of New York. Add in some life lessons, intense action scenes, and the meaning of friendship and you’ve got a book I genuinely couldn’t believe would be as good as it is.
Any reader who’s been paying even a little bit of attention to the world these last four years will be all-too familiar with the pandemic-associated language in this book, which only heightens its horror-factor by grounding it into real life. Suddenly, this book doesn’t seem a sci/fi-fantasy but a maybe possible, terrifying future.
The changing POV between Raven’s 1st person view and a 3rd person omniscient narrator was a bit confusing at first, but ended up being something I liked a lot and found it balanced the story details well.
I eagerly look forward to the next book in the Generation Slayer series!
Any reader who’s been paying even a little bit of attention to the world these last four years will be all-too familiar with the pandemic-associated language in this book, which only heightens its horror-factor by grounding it into real life. Suddenly, this book doesn’t seem a sci/fi-fantasy but a maybe possible, terrifying future.
The changing POV between Raven’s 1st person view and a 3rd person omniscient narrator was a bit confusing at first, but ended up being something I liked a lot and found it balanced the story details well.
I eagerly look forward to the next book in the Generation Slayer series!
February 12, 2024
Freaky and Exciting
5 Star Rating
3 Skull Dread Rating
This book, "Young Blood" by Sylvester Barzey, takes you to a gritty post-apocalyptic New York where vampires rule the streets. The main character, Raven, is a tough sixteen-year-old who's just trying to survive and take care of her autistic sister, Star. They find shelter in a gun shop, but things go south when vampires attack, leaving Raven with no choice but to join a military unit to fight back.
The story is intense, with plenty of action and a strong bond between Raven and Star that tugs at your heartstrings. The characters are well-developed, and you can't help but root for them. Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It's a must-read if you're into post-apocalyptic stories with a touch of darkness and heart. Highly recommended!
5 Star Rating
3 Skull Dread Rating
This book, "Young Blood" by Sylvester Barzey, takes you to a gritty post-apocalyptic New York where vampires rule the streets. The main character, Raven, is a tough sixteen-year-old who's just trying to survive and take care of her autistic sister, Star. They find shelter in a gun shop, but things go south when vampires attack, leaving Raven with no choice but to join a military unit to fight back.
The story is intense, with plenty of action and a strong bond between Raven and Star that tugs at your heartstrings. The characters are well-developed, and you can't help but root for them. Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It's a must-read if you're into post-apocalyptic stories with a touch of darkness and heart. Highly recommended!
February 1, 2024
Young Blood by Sylvester Barzey is an exciting post-apocalyptic tale about an older than her years girl named Raven. she spends her time hustling goods within the black market, doing whatever she can to get precious food tickets to feed her autistic little sister, Star, even if that means slipping into dark places she shouldn't.
because light means life and darkness will kill you. welcome to a world filled with Creeps, Vamps and monstrous Reapers.
i have to say i flat-out loved this book. it had an amazing story with characters i almost immediately fell in love with and the relationship between the two sisters was heartbreakingly real. Young Blood is just stunning. it's just the berries.
so to sum up:
highly recommended
5 stars out of 5
because light means life and darkness will kill you. welcome to a world filled with Creeps, Vamps and monstrous Reapers.
i have to say i flat-out loved this book. it had an amazing story with characters i almost immediately fell in love with and the relationship between the two sisters was heartbreakingly real. Young Blood is just stunning. it's just the berries.
so to sum up:
highly recommended
5 stars out of 5
February 7, 2024
Amazing
Barzey never disappoints! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I love a strong, Black MC, and even though Raven is a teen, she was neither completely clueless nor a "chosen one". She shows the way Black girls often have to bury trauma to keep going while also showing her vulnerability in her love for Star and her fear of the Vamps, Creeps, and Reapers.
The story moves through conflict without Walking Dead type dragging leaving threads open for future books.
Barzey never disappoints! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I love a strong, Black MC, and even though Raven is a teen, she was neither completely clueless nor a "chosen one". She shows the way Black girls often have to bury trauma to keep going while also showing her vulnerability in her love for Star and her fear of the Vamps, Creeps, and Reapers.
The story moves through conflict without Walking Dead type dragging leaving threads open for future books.
August 18, 2024
This is an enjoyable read, a nice mix of zombies & vampires that are created by vaccines in a virus riddled world. So a bit of a mix of several apocalypses rolled into one! Bonus! A strong, but young female character, which for me, pushes this book in to the YA category, there is some angst which tends to come with this type of story. Overall a good fun read!
August 5, 2025
It's not the worst book I've ever read
The best thing I can say about this is that it isn't the worst book I've ever read. It's unrealistic, even for a dystopian fiction. I just found myself rolling my eyes in parts. It felt like a chore to read. As for content, it is graphically violent, but there's little language and no sexual content.
The best thing I can say about this is that it isn't the worst book I've ever read. It's unrealistic, even for a dystopian fiction. I just found myself rolling my eyes in parts. It felt like a chore to read. As for content, it is graphically violent, but there's little language and no sexual content.
February 12, 2024
A good story and a unique take on a post apocalypse world. A diverse group of characters all come together to face a common threat. Some of the scenes were a bit hard to picture but the character interactions, the journey Raven went on and the plot in general make up for it.
February 13, 2024
This book gives the feel of the walking dead or I am legend. I really enjoyed this book and the main characters. I loved that the fmc was a young fearless woman that fought so hard to survive and keep her sister alive. This seems like a great start to a fabulous series. Highly recommend!!
March 4, 2024
This pulled me in from the beginning.
Young Blood captured my attention right away. I felt an instant connection to all the characters. It was a rollercoaster of action and emotion from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a few typos, but I can ignore them for such a great story.
Young Blood captured my attention right away. I felt an instant connection to all the characters. It was a rollercoaster of action and emotion from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a few typos, but I can ignore them for such a great story.
March 29, 2024
A thrilling ride that keeps you on your toes!
Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Almost nonstop action from start to finish! Highly recommend!! Sylvester Barzey is one to watch!
Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Almost nonstop action from start to finish! Highly recommend!! Sylvester Barzey is one to watch!
June 4, 2024
Raven has a rough time trying to survive in a world with a deadly virus and vampires in it. She trys to keep the only thing that matters to,her safe. Pulse pounding read.
March 15, 2024
3.25 stars
This book was pretty fun to read. Raven, despite only being sixteen, is very courageous, and clever and tries her hardest to protect her little sister, Star. She impersonates a corporal to enlist in an operation so that it may not only provide shelter for her sister but it could help take down the infected that are roaming through New York.
I do love the cast of characters. Everyone has a special quality and you can’t help but laugh and fall in love with them.
And this is action packed and the pacing is great! Also love that Star is autistic. You don’t see many representations of people on the spectrum.
However, some things don’t make sense. Raven didn’t need to disguise as someone else. Especially since no one wanted to risk their lives for the operation. She could’ve easily just lied about her age and said she was 18. And the fact that she didn’t know anything about being in the army didn't raise enough suspicion that no one thought she was lying or anyone called her out on it. There are way too many things like this that took away from the story for me and it became unbelievable.
Overall, this was a good read but I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.
This book was pretty fun to read. Raven, despite only being sixteen, is very courageous, and clever and tries her hardest to protect her little sister, Star. She impersonates a corporal to enlist in an operation so that it may not only provide shelter for her sister but it could help take down the infected that are roaming through New York.
I do love the cast of characters. Everyone has a special quality and you can’t help but laugh and fall in love with them.
And this is action packed and the pacing is great! Also love that Star is autistic. You don’t see many representations of people on the spectrum.
However, some things don’t make sense. Raven didn’t need to disguise as someone else. Especially since no one wanted to risk their lives for the operation. She could’ve easily just lied about her age and said she was 18. And the fact that she didn’t know anything about being in the army didn't raise enough suspicion that no one thought she was lying or anyone called her out on it. There are way too many things like this that took away from the story for me and it became unbelievable.
Overall, this was a good read but I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.
April 14, 2025
When there is an outbreak in NY and the vaccine turns people into vampires, the government cuts the state off like an infected limb and abandons it. Until it becomes a potential threat to the rest of the country.
Raven, only 12 when she lost her parents to this, is now 16 caring for her baby sister when she learns that in exchange for serving against this threat, she’ll be able to regularly feed them both and eventually leave NY for a better life so she lies about her identity and signs up.
There is so much more to this story than monsters taking over New York. Written with loads of heart, and some fun references this one had me sucked in, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Raven, only 12 when she lost her parents to this, is now 16 caring for her baby sister when she learns that in exchange for serving against this threat, she’ll be able to regularly feed them both and eventually leave NY for a better life so she lies about her identity and signs up.
There is so much more to this story than monsters taking over New York. Written with loads of heart, and some fun references this one had me sucked in, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
February 3, 2024
This book was action packed from start to finish. The action started in the prologue and ended in the very last chapter, so when I say from start to finish, I truly mean it.
Not only do we have vampires in this book who are evolving, and of course, being the bad guys, but we have humans, who are also horrific beings in this book.
In a post apocalyptic world overrun by vampires, we have Raven who joins the military to try and bring back the city she loves and calls home, and to protect her sister Star.
This book absolutely made me reminisce about all the times I watched Buffy, and I loved the references to Blade and Buffy in this book. (The Blade movies are some of my favorites, and Buffy is a top tier vampire show. You can’t change my mind.)
I definitely was not expecting that twist at the end of this book, and I was left with my stomach in knots, and my heart in my throat.
Sylvester Barzey did an amazing job at writing this book. His ability to not only build a post apocalyptic world, but also bring together this group of people in the least likely of times and make a family out of this was truly amazing. His writing was phenomenal, and drew me in every step of the way.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 in this series now because I need more of this world. 👏🏻👏🏻
Not only do we have vampires in this book who are evolving, and of course, being the bad guys, but we have humans, who are also horrific beings in this book.
In a post apocalyptic world overrun by vampires, we have Raven who joins the military to try and bring back the city she loves and calls home, and to protect her sister Star.
This book absolutely made me reminisce about all the times I watched Buffy, and I loved the references to Blade and Buffy in this book. (The Blade movies are some of my favorites, and Buffy is a top tier vampire show. You can’t change my mind.)
I definitely was not expecting that twist at the end of this book, and I was left with my stomach in knots, and my heart in my throat.
Sylvester Barzey did an amazing job at writing this book. His ability to not only build a post apocalyptic world, but also bring together this group of people in the least likely of times and make a family out of this was truly amazing. His writing was phenomenal, and drew me in every step of the way.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 in this series now because I need more of this world. 👏🏻👏🏻
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews