What do you think?
Rate this book
In Every Generation #3
Against the Darkness
This epic finale to the The Next Generation trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns) features the next generation of Scoobies and Slayers who must defeat a powerful new evil.
For generations, the Slayer was supposed to be the chosen, the one girl in all the world with the power to stand against the vampires, demons, and forces of darkness. When Willow used the scythe to call up all the potential slayers at once, it changed everything. For years, the slayers have been working and fighting together as a team.
Then the Darkness came, killing many slayers and trapping the rest in an alternate dimension. And Frankie Rosenberg, the world’s first Slayer-Witch, found herself fighting evil alone. Sort of.
After their latest confrontation with the Darkness, the Scooby gang is more fragmented than ever. Jake is having a werewolf identity crisis, and the return of his troublemaker brother Jordy is only making things worse. Hailey is off pretending to be one of the rogue slayers. Sigmund is burying his broken heart in books. And Frankie's mom, Willow, and Watcher, Spike, only seem to care about bringing Buffy back.
Now, Frankie must forge her own path, save the slayers, reunite her friends, and lead the charge to defeat the Darkness once and for all.
For generations, the Slayer was supposed to be the chosen, the one girl in all the world with the power to stand against the vampires, demons, and forces of darkness. When Willow used the scythe to call up all the potential slayers at once, it changed everything. For years, the slayers have been working and fighting together as a team.
Then the Darkness came, killing many slayers and trapping the rest in an alternate dimension. And Frankie Rosenberg, the world’s first Slayer-Witch, found herself fighting evil alone. Sort of.
After their latest confrontation with the Darkness, the Scooby gang is more fragmented than ever. Jake is having a werewolf identity crisis, and the return of his troublemaker brother Jordy is only making things worse. Hailey is off pretending to be one of the rogue slayers. Sigmund is burying his broken heart in books. And Frankie's mom, Willow, and Watcher, Spike, only seem to care about bringing Buffy back.
Now, Frankie must forge her own path, save the slayers, reunite her friends, and lead the charge to defeat the Darkness once and for all.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2024
55 people are currently reading
1956 people want to read
About the author
Kendare Blake
43 books55.3k followersSo, I write books. The Anna Dressed in Blood duo is horror, The Goddess War trilogy is mythology, and Three Dark Crowns is fantasy, because the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for you, may not be right for some. Love to read, too. Fiction, philosophy, good books, bad books, because you take the good you take the bad you take them both and there you have a stack of books and stuff. I mean, you've got to be adventurous. There's more to life that what you're living, so take a chance and face the wind.
There's more coming soon like ALL THESE BODIES and a new fantasy series, so don't waste another minute on your cryin. We're nowhere near the end.
My likes include animals, food, and nostalgia. I mean, whatever happened to predictability? The milkman, the paperboy, the evening TV? Used to be everywhere you look, there's a heart, a hand to hold on to.
Anyway, I love to hear from readers so drop me a line here or at my website and we'll talk about friends to know, and ways to grow, and how if you threw a party you would see that the biggest gift would be from me and the card attached would say, thank you for being a friend.
We can also talk about all the sitcom theme songs in this bio. Sha la la la.
There's more coming soon like ALL THESE BODIES and a new fantasy series, so don't waste another minute on your cryin. We're nowhere near the end.
My likes include animals, food, and nostalgia. I mean, whatever happened to predictability? The milkman, the paperboy, the evening TV? Used to be everywhere you look, there's a heart, a hand to hold on to.
Anyway, I love to hear from readers so drop me a line here or at my website and we'll talk about friends to know, and ways to grow, and how if you threw a party you would see that the biggest gift would be from me and the card attached would say, thank you for being a friend.
We can also talk about all the sitcom theme songs in this bio. Sha la la la.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 20, 2024
This was everything I could have hoped for in the finale of this fabulous trilogy.
I was both devouring this and making myself set it aside so I didn't blow through it too fast.
I am super sad the series is over, but I am already excited for my next reread!
I was both devouring this and making myself set it aside so I didn't blow through it too fast.
I am super sad the series is over, but I am already excited for my next reread!
May 21, 2024
This is the final book of a trilogy that is set in the Buffyverse. This one picks up from the ending of the second book and I advise reading them in order. In this one the new Scoobies are left wondering if and when will Aspen return to gain all the powers of the slayers. And they still have the issue of getting Buffy and the other slayers home from the other dimension.
I liked this book but I did not think it was as strong as the previous book. If you have read the other two novels in this series you know what you are getting from this one. We follow the adventures of the new group of heroes while some members from the television show are here to help out by advising and mentoring. Right away I was back in this world as the author has carved out her niche in this universe with her new characters. It just felt right. I was ready for the final confrontation with the big bad. And that is where this book somewhat faltered. The big bad was on the periphery for most of the story and it seemed like the author was delaying the inevitable. Even the scenes with the antagonist were basically just dialogue with the intent of delay instead of forward momentum. Instead we get new sub plots with side characters and their drama. I have no problem with these plots but not in a final book. These should have been tackled in the previous books. My enjoyment definitely did rise when we get to the third act and the battle. We get appearances from beloved characters and this was what I signed up for.
I liked this book and I enjoyed the whole trilogy. But I do wonder if maybe there was not enough material for a trilogy. This book seemed to back up that theory as for the most part we dealt with aspects that really did not belong here. I did get the feels with the triumphant return of our beloved hero. That totally encapsulates how I feel about this book and trilogy. The next generation is nice but they are not the og. This book was a nice read that let me spend more time in my beloved Buffyverse.
I liked this book but I did not think it was as strong as the previous book. If you have read the other two novels in this series you know what you are getting from this one. We follow the adventures of the new group of heroes while some members from the television show are here to help out by advising and mentoring. Right away I was back in this world as the author has carved out her niche in this universe with her new characters. It just felt right. I was ready for the final confrontation with the big bad. And that is where this book somewhat faltered. The big bad was on the periphery for most of the story and it seemed like the author was delaying the inevitable. Even the scenes with the antagonist were basically just dialogue with the intent of delay instead of forward momentum. Instead we get new sub plots with side characters and their drama. I have no problem with these plots but not in a final book. These should have been tackled in the previous books. My enjoyment definitely did rise when we get to the third act and the battle. We get appearances from beloved characters and this was what I signed up for.
I liked this book and I enjoyed the whole trilogy. But I do wonder if maybe there was not enough material for a trilogy. This book seemed to back up that theory as for the most part we dealt with aspects that really did not belong here. I did get the feels with the triumphant return of our beloved hero. That totally encapsulates how I feel about this book and trilogy. The next generation is nice but they are not the og. This book was a nice read that let me spend more time in my beloved Buffyverse.
April 23, 2024
Here we are! The story that began in
In Every Generation
and continued in
One Girl in All the World
concludes here with Against the Darkness. Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kendare Blake, who will also return as a guest on my Buffy rewatch podcast,
Prophecy Girls
a couple of weeks after this review is published. I’d like to think I’m still providing a fair review of these books, however—and while Blake has perhaps tempered my general aversion towards media tie-in novels, I still remain skeptical on the whole.
As usual, spoilers for the first two books in the trilogy but not for this one.
Frankie Rosenberg is a slayer-witch living in New Sunnydale with her mom, Willow. Together with the next generation of Scoobies and her watcher, Spike, Frankie has uncovered the nefarious plan of this season’s—I mean trilogy’s—Big Bad, the Darkness. It’s connected to the disappearance of all the remaining slayers, including Frankie’s Aunt Buffy. Now, Frankie and the Scoobies need to find a way to defeat the Darkness and bring Buffy and the other slayers home, or else serious badness could descend upon Sunnydale. Again.
When I started the book, I had briefly forgotten how One Girl in All the World ended, as I am wont to do a year later. So I was a little confused by Frankie and Hailey being enemies and Hailey hanging out with Aspen. Thankfully, Blake catches the reader up pretty quick—that being said, I would have loved a little “previously…” synopsis at the start of the book. Those seem to be coming back into vogue. Are you listening, Disney?
In addition to the main conflict, Against the Darkness focuses on numerous conflicts and plots that have run through the series since book one: Frankie settling into her role as the slayer; Hailey grappling with her role as a non-superpowered Scooby; Jake learning to control his inner wolf, with Oz’s help; and Willow’s addiction to magic and power. Most of my criticisms of the first two books involved the details around characterization, especially of the legacy characters like Willow and Oz. Now that we are comfortably into book three, I’m admiring of how Blake has managed to make these characters her own (as much as one can make intellectual property owned by The Mouse one’s own).
Willow’s arc is probably the most salient and satisfying in this regard. Against the Darkness sees Willow embrace and work the “magicks with a K” (as we call them over on Prophecy Girls) in bigger ways than ever before, to her psychic detriment. She faces temptation and relapse, and the comparisons to other types of addiction are manifest. There’s a moment leading up to the climax where Willow hits a nadir, and for a moment I sat there and thought, “It has been sixteen years since she tried to destroy the world.” And then it hit me that this is must be what addicts experience. Sixteen years or sixteen hours—addiction is one day at a time, and relapse can happen after decades of sobriety. So my hats off to Blake for capturing the harsh truth of addiction.
Jake and Hailey’s arcs were less interesting to me. Jake’s swings towards morally dubious territory, something that Blake acknowledges but doesn’t fully unpack or appropriately address, in my opinion. (Without spoilers, Jake unwittingly causes a fair amount of harm to people he cares about, and the Scoobies basically shrug it off. Then again, that happened in the show on the regular, so who I am to judge?) Hailey’s story has a couple of layers: her romance with Sigmund and her evolution as a fighter. There’s also her relationship with Vi to consider, though that understandably receives less time in this book. All in all, I think Blake faced a challenge trying to squeeze in as much characterization as she could in the word count she had to work with: I get the impression that Hailey deserves, and would have received, more pages if possible.
Frankie and Grimloch’s hot-and-heavy romance, emphasis on the heavy rather than the hot (or is it on the hot rather than the heavy?—why would I expect myself to know this?), has its ups and downs here as well. I was really fascinated by the outcome to this one. Their initial attraction was always a nod towards Buffy/Angel, particularly the latter half of Buffy season 1. So I’m reading in the developments here a commentary, but I’m not sure if it’s a commentary on Buffy/Angel circa season 1 or just on how our society’s tolerance for age-gap relationships might have changed in a quarter century.
But Kara, you ask, what of the, you know, actual plot? What of the Big Bad, the missing slayers, the Darkness? (It’s still a silly name for an evil organization, but then again, Blake’s competition on that one was the Trio, so I guess she wins this round.)
Hailey’s credulity in the face of Aspen’s obvious iniquity annoyed me. That being said, I have the benefit of the limited third-person omniscient narrator backing me up. I wonder if I would be so critical had the book kept Aspen’s cards closer to its chest instead of letting the reader peek. As it is, I enjoyed Aspen as an antagonist, and her motivations make a lot of sense as a Buffy villain. If anything, as Frankie and the others observe, Aspen actually has a legitimate beef with Buffy and the slayers—her origin story has a kind of tragedy that echoes back to Adam, albeit with less gruesome … parts (pun intended). However, as Frankie and others observe, while this makes her sympathetic, it does not excuse her nefarious and violent actions.
Aspen’s true value, though, is only apparent towards the end of the book when Frankie ends up in direct conflict with her. In this respect she again echoes the Big Bads of the series, who were always ultimately reflections of Buffy’s own obstacles as she grew up. Aspen is a foil for Frankie, who probably has more power than a typical slayer (owing to her witchy ways) yet also harbours many more doubts. When Aspen and Frankie finally face off, it’s a worthy spectacle, one that Blake carefully sets up over several chapters before the final payoff.
Along the way, we receive the usual nods and allusions to the original series. Other fan-favourite characters (including a big one!) make an appearance or receive a mention. The ultimate fate of Miss Kitty Fantastico is revealed. Frankie borrows a lie from Dawn’s book of excuses for why Buffy was sick back in the day (though Dawn told it better). Spike and Buffy have a scene, and I won’t say more other than that I really liked how awkward it was and how carefully Blake walked that line.
Like any legacy media tie-in, this trilogy has a lot of heavy lifting to satisfy new and old fans at the same time. While I can only really speak for the latter group, I would hope that Blake’s style and voice appeals to the former as well. Against the Darkness, like the first two books, is a worthy homage and continuation to one of the most memorable television series ever made. At the same time, this series introduces a new generation of slayer, Scoobies, and story.
Each volume in this trilogy has been better than the last. I dearly hope Disney continues with this expansion of the Buffy universe, and I hope Kendare gets to write it. Frankie has more stories to tell, as do Hailey, Sigmund, Jake, and all the others I’ve come to adore.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
As usual, spoilers for the first two books in the trilogy but not for this one.
Frankie Rosenberg is a slayer-witch living in New Sunnydale with her mom, Willow. Together with the next generation of Scoobies and her watcher, Spike, Frankie has uncovered the nefarious plan of this season’s—I mean trilogy’s—Big Bad, the Darkness. It’s connected to the disappearance of all the remaining slayers, including Frankie’s Aunt Buffy. Now, Frankie and the Scoobies need to find a way to defeat the Darkness and bring Buffy and the other slayers home, or else serious badness could descend upon Sunnydale. Again.
When I started the book, I had briefly forgotten how One Girl in All the World ended, as I am wont to do a year later. So I was a little confused by Frankie and Hailey being enemies and Hailey hanging out with Aspen. Thankfully, Blake catches the reader up pretty quick—that being said, I would have loved a little “previously…” synopsis at the start of the book. Those seem to be coming back into vogue. Are you listening, Disney?
In addition to the main conflict, Against the Darkness focuses on numerous conflicts and plots that have run through the series since book one: Frankie settling into her role as the slayer; Hailey grappling with her role as a non-superpowered Scooby; Jake learning to control his inner wolf, with Oz’s help; and Willow’s addiction to magic and power. Most of my criticisms of the first two books involved the details around characterization, especially of the legacy characters like Willow and Oz. Now that we are comfortably into book three, I’m admiring of how Blake has managed to make these characters her own (as much as one can make intellectual property owned by The Mouse one’s own).
Willow’s arc is probably the most salient and satisfying in this regard. Against the Darkness sees Willow embrace and work the “magicks with a K” (as we call them over on Prophecy Girls) in bigger ways than ever before, to her psychic detriment. She faces temptation and relapse, and the comparisons to other types of addiction are manifest. There’s a moment leading up to the climax where Willow hits a nadir, and for a moment I sat there and thought, “It has been sixteen years since she tried to destroy the world.” And then it hit me that this is must be what addicts experience. Sixteen years or sixteen hours—addiction is one day at a time, and relapse can happen after decades of sobriety. So my hats off to Blake for capturing the harsh truth of addiction.
Jake and Hailey’s arcs were less interesting to me. Jake’s swings towards morally dubious territory, something that Blake acknowledges but doesn’t fully unpack or appropriately address, in my opinion. (Without spoilers, Jake unwittingly causes a fair amount of harm to people he cares about, and the Scoobies basically shrug it off. Then again, that happened in the show on the regular, so who I am to judge?) Hailey’s story has a couple of layers: her romance with Sigmund and her evolution as a fighter. There’s also her relationship with Vi to consider, though that understandably receives less time in this book. All in all, I think Blake faced a challenge trying to squeeze in as much characterization as she could in the word count she had to work with: I get the impression that Hailey deserves, and would have received, more pages if possible.
Frankie and Grimloch’s hot-and-heavy romance, emphasis on the heavy rather than the hot (or is it on the hot rather than the heavy?—why would I expect myself to know this?), has its ups and downs here as well. I was really fascinated by the outcome to this one. Their initial attraction was always a nod towards Buffy/Angel, particularly the latter half of Buffy season 1. So I’m reading in the developments here a commentary, but I’m not sure if it’s a commentary on Buffy/Angel circa season 1 or just on how our society’s tolerance for age-gap relationships might have changed in a quarter century.
But Kara, you ask, what of the, you know, actual plot? What of the Big Bad, the missing slayers, the Darkness? (It’s still a silly name for an evil organization, but then again, Blake’s competition on that one was the Trio, so I guess she wins this round.)
Hailey’s credulity in the face of Aspen’s obvious iniquity annoyed me. That being said, I have the benefit of the limited third-person omniscient narrator backing me up. I wonder if I would be so critical had the book kept Aspen’s cards closer to its chest instead of letting the reader peek. As it is, I enjoyed Aspen as an antagonist, and her motivations make a lot of sense as a Buffy villain. If anything, as Frankie and the others observe, Aspen actually has a legitimate beef with Buffy and the slayers—her origin story has a kind of tragedy that echoes back to Adam, albeit with less gruesome … parts (pun intended). However, as Frankie and others observe, while this makes her sympathetic, it does not excuse her nefarious and violent actions.
Aspen’s true value, though, is only apparent towards the end of the book when Frankie ends up in direct conflict with her. In this respect she again echoes the Big Bads of the series, who were always ultimately reflections of Buffy’s own obstacles as she grew up. Aspen is a foil for Frankie, who probably has more power than a typical slayer (owing to her witchy ways) yet also harbours many more doubts. When Aspen and Frankie finally face off, it’s a worthy spectacle, one that Blake carefully sets up over several chapters before the final payoff.
Along the way, we receive the usual nods and allusions to the original series. Other fan-favourite characters (including a big one!) make an appearance or receive a mention. The ultimate fate of Miss Kitty Fantastico is revealed. Frankie borrows a lie from Dawn’s book of excuses for why Buffy was sick back in the day (though Dawn told it better). Spike and Buffy have a scene, and I won’t say more other than that I really liked how awkward it was and how carefully Blake walked that line.
Like any legacy media tie-in, this trilogy has a lot of heavy lifting to satisfy new and old fans at the same time. While I can only really speak for the latter group, I would hope that Blake’s style and voice appeals to the former as well. Against the Darkness, like the first two books, is a worthy homage and continuation to one of the most memorable television series ever made. At the same time, this series introduces a new generation of slayer, Scoobies, and story.
Each volume in this trilogy has been better than the last. I dearly hope Disney continues with this expansion of the Buffy universe, and I hope Kendare gets to write it. Frankie has more stories to tell, as do Hailey, Sigmund, Jake, and all the others I’ve come to adore.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
December 15, 2025
I want moooooore!!! I would happily take 20 more of these!!! Think of all the stories and adventures Frankie and the Scoobies can go on! Oh, I have loved reading this trilogy... The Buffyverse will forever be a favourite, and this was such a fantastic little addition to the universe.
First thing though, I refuse to believe *REDACTED* is dead. Nope. They are alive, just not found. Nope. Hate it. They are NOT dead. Okay? Okay.
Moving on... What a fantastic story end. Everything came to a head in this final installment. Slayers returning, Aspen being all super, massive fight between good and evil, Scoobies being Scoobies. Just all tied up and wrapped with a bow. I loved the arc of Frankie and each member of the Scoobies. I have grown to absolutely adore this little group, they echo so much of the original Scoobies. Each character brings something different, and I love them all. The end battle was awesome, badass and just what you'd expect from a season finale on BtVS!
Again, the easter eggs throughout, such nostalgia and has giving me the yearly itch to rewatch BtVS again. The blend of drama and humour is perfect and echos the show so much. I cannot stress hard enough how much I love it.
I would most definitely read these again, and as I said, would gladly take more! I just love being in this world so much.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves the Buffyverse.
First thing though, I refuse to believe *REDACTED* is dead. Nope. They are alive, just not found. Nope. Hate it. They are NOT dead. Okay? Okay.
Moving on... What a fantastic story end. Everything came to a head in this final installment. Slayers returning, Aspen being all super, massive fight between good and evil, Scoobies being Scoobies. Just all tied up and wrapped with a bow. I loved the arc of Frankie and each member of the Scoobies. I have grown to absolutely adore this little group, they echo so much of the original Scoobies. Each character brings something different, and I love them all. The end battle was awesome, badass and just what you'd expect from a season finale on BtVS!
Again, the easter eggs throughout, such nostalgia and has giving me the yearly itch to rewatch BtVS again. The blend of drama and humour is perfect and echos the show so much. I cannot stress hard enough how much I love it.
I would most definitely read these again, and as I said, would gladly take more! I just love being in this world so much.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves the Buffyverse.
April 9, 2024
You know a book is very good, when you finish it in one day!
February 8, 2025
Although the trilogy felt overly long to me, the story is solid and I maintain would be a great way to reboot the show.
December 4, 2023
Listened to with Audible, which is a recommendation!
Although I enjoyed the first book a little more, this has plenty to offer also as we follow Frankie and gang on their path to saving the Hellmouth residents from demons, some old fiends from the past take us down memory lane and some new.
Looking forward to the conclusion, and hopefully a little bit of Buffy.
Great idea of how life after 2003 went down.
Although I enjoyed the first book a little more, this has plenty to offer also as we follow Frankie and gang on their path to saving the Hellmouth residents from demons, some old fiends from the past take us down memory lane and some new.
Looking forward to the conclusion, and hopefully a little bit of Buffy.
Great idea of how life after 2003 went down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
I loved it! This is actually my first five star read of the year. It wrapped up plot points well, had a formidable foe, contained all the heart, drama, action and humour this the Buffyverse. A satisfying conclusion to the Buffy: The Next Generation trilogy, but I wish it wasn't the end. This is probably my favourite of the series.
October 15, 2024
I'm really sad this is the final book in this series, it was a great conclusion though.
May 26, 2024
My hot take with this book is that I don’t think it had enough substance to exist as it does; instead of a trilogy, I think this should have been a duology. The first 2/3 of this one felt like the wheels were spinning, especially with all the eye-rolly romance drama. The mind control and werewolf plots felt half baked, and the villain never really clicked for me. That said, the third act really got fun, and the last few chapters are really rewarding. I’d actually love to see the story continued in some way, as this ending felt like the beginning we’d been waiting for. Willow’s plot line here felt the most interesting to me, but I think it could be hit or miss for people depending on how they feel about the season 6 metaphor of magic/drug addiction. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and I will say the narrator did a fantastic Buffy Summers interpretation/impression; the way she read the dialogue was so on point! Might be the closest I’ll get to hearing new Buffy Summers content… ever? And lastly, Faith being killed off screen for realsies is unforgivable, I’m sorry to say; I hope they retcon that in a future story, if made. This is probably the weakest entry in the trilogy, imo, but it’s a good ending for anyone who enjoyed anything about this series. 3/5.
May 23, 2024
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Paranormal
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Against the Darkness, by Kendare Blake, is the third installment in the authors In Every Generation series. For generations, the Slayer was supposed to be the chosen, the one girl in all the world with the power to stand against the vampires, demons, and forces of darkness. When Willow used the scythe to call up all the potential slayers at once, it changed everything. For years, the slayers have been working and fighting together as a team.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Paranormal
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Against the Darkness, by Kendare Blake, is the third installment in the authors In Every Generation series. For generations, the Slayer was supposed to be the chosen, the one girl in all the world with the power to stand against the vampires, demons, and forces of darkness. When Willow used the scythe to call up all the potential slayers at once, it changed everything. For years, the slayers have been working and fighting together as a team.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 28, 2024
A terrific wrap-up to the trilogy -- a must for Buffy fans.
January 9, 2025
it’d be kinda tea if frankie did die ngl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars
A disappointing start to this one, but it got better and ended well. Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy a lot--the mix of old and new Scoobies, Frankie's hilarious fighting style, and the snappy dialogue that just nailed the tone of the show. Buffy fans shouldn't miss it!
A disappointing start to this one, but it got better and ended well. Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy a lot--the mix of old and new Scoobies, Frankie's hilarious fighting style, and the snappy dialogue that just nailed the tone of the show. Buffy fans shouldn't miss it!
August 24, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up **
❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️
Against the Darkness is the 3rd-and reportedly, final, installment to Kendare Blake's In Every Generation series.
I have enjoyed this series from the very first moment, but this is my favorite of all. These audiobooks are so much fun!
I was in college when the iconic Buffy series, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, first aired. My best friend and I were obsessed with it, and her, and it became part of our routine to watch it together every week.
Understanding the level of nostalgia that I feel for the tv show, I actually entered this series with a bit of trepidation, but it was quickly apparent that the Buffyverse was in good hands. You can tell Blake is a fan.
Blake was able to channel the vibes and humor of the original series without ever coming even close to copycat territory. This is a Slayer story for a new generation and that theme is carried throughout.
I love how it felt like a true passing of the torch from one generation to the next. The new Slayer, determined in the first book and by no means a spoiler, is Frankie Rosenberg, Willow's daughter. She's the first ever Slayer-Witch and she knows she has big shoes to fill.
Throughout the series there are some constant character arcs, so you definitely need to start at the first book and work your way through the trilogy. They're all so good though, it's definitely worth a read for long-time Buffy fans, or to newer fans looking for additional content.
Many characters from the original series are included within these books. My favorite being Spike. I felt like he got a lot of page time in this one as Frankie's Watcher. I was living for every snarky, sexy moment of it!
I mentioned the humor above, but feel it's worth mentioning again. I was really impressed with how Blake was able to make the stakes feel high, while also channeling so many funny moments. Listen, if you can't laugh while slaying demons and battling the darkness, when can you?
There was a very interesting aspect of this plot involving Willow that definitely brought me back a bit, say to Season 6. I had concerns. I loved how Blake wrote that whole thing. There were some nail-biter moments, for sure.
This also tugged at the heart-strings a bit, being the finale. There was this one scene, it was fairly short, but still made an impact, involving Spike and Giles. It really got me. It was just the sweetest moment.
At the end of the day, I am so sad that this is the final book, but I do think it's a perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I actually wish it could have been longer. I am not ready to say goodbye to this new Scooby gang.
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. The audiobooks are fantastic. The narration by Sarah Mollo-Christensen is a great match to these stories. I definitely recommend that format as well.
Kendare Blake, if you change your mind and decide to write more of these, just know, I will be first in line for a copy!!!
❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️
Against the Darkness is the 3rd-and reportedly, final, installment to Kendare Blake's In Every Generation series.
I have enjoyed this series from the very first moment, but this is my favorite of all. These audiobooks are so much fun!
I was in college when the iconic Buffy series, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, first aired. My best friend and I were obsessed with it, and her, and it became part of our routine to watch it together every week.
Understanding the level of nostalgia that I feel for the tv show, I actually entered this series with a bit of trepidation, but it was quickly apparent that the Buffyverse was in good hands. You can tell Blake is a fan.
Blake was able to channel the vibes and humor of the original series without ever coming even close to copycat territory. This is a Slayer story for a new generation and that theme is carried throughout.
I love how it felt like a true passing of the torch from one generation to the next. The new Slayer, determined in the first book and by no means a spoiler, is Frankie Rosenberg, Willow's daughter. She's the first ever Slayer-Witch and she knows she has big shoes to fill.
Throughout the series there are some constant character arcs, so you definitely need to start at the first book and work your way through the trilogy. They're all so good though, it's definitely worth a read for long-time Buffy fans, or to newer fans looking for additional content.
Many characters from the original series are included within these books. My favorite being Spike. I felt like he got a lot of page time in this one as Frankie's Watcher. I was living for every snarky, sexy moment of it!
I mentioned the humor above, but feel it's worth mentioning again. I was really impressed with how Blake was able to make the stakes feel high, while also channeling so many funny moments. Listen, if you can't laugh while slaying demons and battling the darkness, when can you?
There was a very interesting aspect of this plot involving Willow that definitely brought me back a bit, say to Season 6. I had concerns. I loved how Blake wrote that whole thing. There were some nail-biter moments, for sure.
This also tugged at the heart-strings a bit, being the finale. There was this one scene, it was fairly short, but still made an impact, involving Spike and Giles. It really got me. It was just the sweetest moment.
At the end of the day, I am so sad that this is the final book, but I do think it's a perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I actually wish it could have been longer. I am not ready to say goodbye to this new Scooby gang.
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. The audiobooks are fantastic. The narration by Sarah Mollo-Christensen is a great match to these stories. I definitely recommend that format as well.
Kendare Blake, if you change your mind and decide to write more of these, just know, I will be first in line for a copy!!!
April 10, 2024
A campy, vampy conclusion to the next generation Buffy trilogy. I hope we get more, but I'm so glad we got these.
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 17, 2025
We've reached the ending for Frankie and the New Scoobies! I have some mixed feelings over how this final book decides to tackle some things, but it is overall a pretty good conclusion to the trilogy.
My main problem is the pacing. The first half is slow going and filled with teenagers doing teenage things: angsting and being reckless. At this point in the series, I do expect more from the New Scoobies and their ability to realize when certain things aren't that important and when not to trust (evil) people. It's a little difficult to follow the story along when important plot points are left to the sidelines in favor of teenage conflict.
The second half, however! The action picks up quite a bit and the writing is wonderful at making readers feel like they're in a real Buffy episode. I do love that Blake doesn't shy away from the big guns--or should I say, people: Giles and Buffy. An issue I've had with the other Buffyverse books is their aversion to have Buffy be a character in her own universe. Here, that's not the case at all! Buffy gets her time to shine, but in a way that complements Frankie's own character arc and doesn't take away from the core cast of characters: New Scoobies. That's very well balanced and such a treat for Buffy fans!
There are some choices throughout the novel that I, personally, could have done without:
Even so, the way the story wraps up and how it brings (mostly) everyone together is so good. I love the little nods to show episodes and other characters, but it's the feeling of found family and love that warms my heart.
My main problem is the pacing. The first half is slow going and filled with teenagers doing teenage things: angsting and being reckless. At this point in the series, I do expect more from the New Scoobies and their ability to realize when certain things aren't that important and when not to trust (evil) people. It's a little difficult to follow the story along when important plot points are left to the sidelines in favor of teenage conflict.
The second half, however! The action picks up quite a bit and the writing is wonderful at making readers feel like they're in a real Buffy episode. I do love that Blake doesn't shy away from the big guns--or should I say, people: Giles and Buffy. An issue I've had with the other Buffyverse books is their aversion to have Buffy be a character in her own universe. Here, that's not the case at all! Buffy gets her time to shine, but in a way that complements Frankie's own character arc and doesn't take away from the core cast of characters: New Scoobies. That's very well balanced and such a treat for Buffy fans!
There are some choices throughout the novel that I, personally, could have done without:
Even so, the way the story wraps up and how it brings (mostly) everyone together is so good. I love the little nods to show episodes and other characters, but it's the feeling of found family and love that warms my heart.
April 11, 2024
4.25ish stars
This book was a solid conclusion to a very fun trilogy (but if the Powers That Be wanted to extend the series, I would very much be in favour of that). I liked the characters and their continued development, and although I didn’t feel super invested in most of the romantic relationships, I think that might be more about my own age (it is YA, after all) as well as my continued attachment to and nostalgia for some of the romances from the original series. I was a fan of most of the characters in their own right, though, and enjoyed how they interacted with one another and strengthened their non-romantic bonds.
I loved the adjusted plot line for Miss Kitty Fantastico- she deserved much better than she got in the show, so that piece made me happy. The whole reveal where the major conflict with the big bad, along with the fact that it was presented as being about choice/bodily autonomy while really just being about power and control for an individual with bad intentions, felt very fitting. I liked that we finally got some actual Buffy moments, brief though they were. I appreciated Willow getting to spend a bit of time exploring some magical power again, and I loved that the new generation of scoobies required some assurance and teaching but ultimately still saved the day (mostly) as a younger group. I loved the Supernatural reference. I appreciated the continued character development for Spike and the fact that, ultimately, he didn’t take off on his own (graphic novels…ugh). I adored the brief but nevertheless valid Spuffy scene at the end- no, it wasn’t romantic, but there was potential in the moment, and I’ll cling to that.
I don’t love that Faith appears to truly be dead in this series. I really like her and would have enjoyed seeing a bit of her character in these stories. Sigh.
I’m still hoping there can be more stories to come from this universe, and if that ever becomes a reality, I’ll be eagerly waiting in line for the newest additions. In the meantime, I’m sure I’ll revisit these three stories myself at some point, and I’ve already purchased the first book for my classroom library (with plans to get the other two as well). This series was a fun, updated, and much-needed extension of one of my favourite, nostalgic fandoms. Thanks, Kendare Blake!
An ARC of this book (audio version) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a solid conclusion to a very fun trilogy (but if the Powers That Be wanted to extend the series, I would very much be in favour of that). I liked the characters and their continued development, and although I didn’t feel super invested in most of the romantic relationships, I think that might be more about my own age (it is YA, after all) as well as my continued attachment to and nostalgia for some of the romances from the original series. I was a fan of most of the characters in their own right, though, and enjoyed how they interacted with one another and strengthened their non-romantic bonds.
I loved the adjusted plot line for Miss Kitty Fantastico- she deserved much better than she got in the show, so that piece made me happy. The whole reveal where the major conflict with the big bad, along with the fact that it was presented as being about choice/bodily autonomy while really just being about power and control for an individual with bad intentions, felt very fitting. I liked that we finally got some actual Buffy moments, brief though they were. I appreciated Willow getting to spend a bit of time exploring some magical power again, and I loved that the new generation of scoobies required some assurance and teaching but ultimately still saved the day (mostly) as a younger group. I loved the Supernatural reference. I appreciated the continued character development for Spike and the fact that, ultimately, he didn’t take off on his own (graphic novels…ugh). I adored the brief but nevertheless valid Spuffy scene at the end- no, it wasn’t romantic, but there was potential in the moment, and I’ll cling to that.
I don’t love that Faith appears to truly be dead in this series. I really like her and would have enjoyed seeing a bit of her character in these stories. Sigh.
I’m still hoping there can be more stories to come from this universe, and if that ever becomes a reality, I’ll be eagerly waiting in line for the newest additions. In the meantime, I’m sure I’ll revisit these three stories myself at some point, and I’ve already purchased the first book for my classroom library (with plans to get the other two as well). This series was a fun, updated, and much-needed extension of one of my favourite, nostalgic fandoms. Thanks, Kendare Blake!
An ARC of this book (audio version) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2024
Like the second part of this trilogy, its conclusion was okay, but not as good as I'd hoped. Too much of the first half felt like filler, with unnecessary subplots and teenage drama dragging things out.
October 22, 2024
Loved this series, and it definitely ended on a high note. I admit, I got a little frustrated with Hailey in the middle, because of who she was starting to trust, but it all pulled together in the end for me.
November 3, 2024
This book was a nostalgic trip down memory lane that I desperately needed. From the iconic quotes to the subtle hints and episode references, it captured the essence of Buffy perfectly. Blake’s writing brought back the joy and excitement of watching the show for the very first time. This final book of the trilogy was an emotional rollercoaster that took me back to my childhood. One moment I’m laughing and the next I’m crying. Blake’s writing is so evocative, it feels like you’re right there in Sunnydale with the Scooby gang. I couldn’t put it down, savoring every page. While I’m sad to see it end, I’m grateful for this wonderful journey back to the Buffyverse. I am traumatized, though. I need more Buffy. I have an intense book hangover. Maybe a little PTSD, but definitely a great desire to rewatch Buffy. Again. Thank you, Blake, for taking me back into the Buffyverse one last time. If you’re a Buffy fan, this book series is a must-read!
July 9, 2024
A fun conclusion to the trilogy! I was satisfied. Willow was the best part:)
September 2, 2024
I'm not ready for this series to be over!! I need more adventures with the New Generation!!
September 15, 2024
Excellent ending to this nostalgic trilogy! A must for Buffy Fans. ❤️
June 16, 2025
This is such a fun series, a must for any fan of the show 🙌🏻
June 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this series.
July 17, 2024
This series is a fun, light return to a franchise that gave me a lot of joy and identity as a kid. I'm glad to see it move in more modern direction and away from the things that tainted the franchise in general. The younger Scoobies are a great addition to the verse and I would absolutely read more if the author returned to a new series.
April 11, 2024
From one Buffy Fan to another!
Wow! Just wow. This book was fantastic. The whole series is fantastic. It is so nice to be put back into the Buffyverse. The characters are so well written! New and old characters mesh perfectly. All of the callbacks were amazing. I truly felt like I was watching a Buffy season unfold, and rooting on the new scoobies!
If you are a Buffy fan, this series is for you. It will enchant you, and take you back to sunnydale, or new sunnydale, and you will once again feel the magic of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or in this Case Frankie.
I have always wanted a sequel to the event of ‘chosen’ and the comics, and Kendra Blake delivers it flawlessly.
From one Buffy fan to another, immediately go read this series and becomes a scooby once more with feeling!
Wow! Just wow. This book was fantastic. The whole series is fantastic. It is so nice to be put back into the Buffyverse. The characters are so well written! New and old characters mesh perfectly. All of the callbacks were amazing. I truly felt like I was watching a Buffy season unfold, and rooting on the new scoobies!
If you are a Buffy fan, this series is for you. It will enchant you, and take you back to sunnydale, or new sunnydale, and you will once again feel the magic of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or in this Case Frankie.
I have always wanted a sequel to the event of ‘chosen’ and the comics, and Kendra Blake delivers it flawlessly.
From one Buffy fan to another, immediately go read this series and becomes a scooby once more with feeling!
January 6, 2025
A great finale to the series and my favorite of the three books!
November 19, 2024
I very much enjoyed this YA novel. It was a fantastic addition to the Buffyverse and the final book in a great trilogy. It's a well paced and descriptive novel. It was fun and light-hearted, an uplifting read that I really enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews