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Slayers of Old
Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Golden Girls in this humorous contemporary standalone fantasy about a group of former Chosen Ones coming out of retirement to save the world one last time
Three former Chosen Ones have joined together to spend their retirement in peace and quiet, running Second Life Books and Gifts in Salem, MA. A calm, peaceful, tourist-filled oasis, where they never have to worry about saving the world. Until some of the locals start summoning ancient creatures best left where they were…and they discover that their bookstore basement just may be the portal to the underworld. These ex-heroes may have thought they were done…but if they want to finish their retirement in peace, they’ll have to join together to save the world one
last time.
Fun, funny, and heartwarming, this is a story of community, second chances, and the healing power of scones.
Three former Chosen Ones have joined together to spend their retirement in peace and quiet, running Second Life Books and Gifts in Salem, MA. A calm, peaceful, tourist-filled oasis, where they never have to worry about saving the world. Until some of the locals start summoning ancient creatures best left where they were…and they discover that their bookstore basement just may be the portal to the underworld. These ex-heroes may have thought they were done…but if they want to finish their retirement in peace, they’ll have to join together to save the world one
last time.
Fun, funny, and heartwarming, this is a story of community, second chances, and the healing power of scones.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2025
124 people are currently reading
9894 people want to read
About the author
Jim C. Hines
95 books2,395 followersJim C. Hines began his writing career with a trilogy about the irrepressible Jig the goblin, which actor and author Wil Wheaton described as "too f***ing cool for words." He went on to deconstruct fairy tales in his four-book Princess series, made all the world's literature a grimoire in the Magic ex Libris series, and explored the heroic side of spacecraft sanitation in his Janitors of the Post Apocalypse trilogy. His short fiction has appeared in more than fifty magazines and anthologies. Jim has been outspoken about topics like sexism and harassment, and was the editor of the Invisible series—three collections of personal essays about representation in sf/f. He received the Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer in 2012. Jim currently lives in mid-Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
October 23, 2025
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have never read anything of Jim Hines and went into this completely blind and the cover is 100% what made me eye this book up at first. I am a simple woman. I like both cats and tentacles so I was very happy when my request got accepted.
Slayers of Old is about a group of three people and each of them have lived their lives as "the Chosen One" at some point. Nowadays their best days are over and they have settled into a more or less quiet life in their shared house. The cast consists of one wizard, one half succubus and a former hunter of Artemis. One Squidward and a haunted van come along as star guests. And then everything goes to sheet when suddenly they have to save the world one final time.
When I started reading I didn't expect the humor part to actually make me chuckle, but I soon realised how wrong I was. There are many funny moments woven into this story and they come naturally. Although the novel claims to be a cozy comforting read (which is true) it is far from boring, but the action is well balanced. The characters Jim Hines brought to life are far more than witty; each of them has depth.
I was proven wrong multiple times throughout this book. I was afraid the cozyness might be too boring, I worried the humorous parts might be blunt and I didn't expect a funny, cozy fantasy novel to deliver gut punches through emotionally loaded prose. And I guess that's on me for underestimating Jim Hines.
This book shares such a variety of ideas that I definitely recommend checking it out.
Bonus Quote because I wholeheartedly relate to that dog:
4.5/5
Publication date: Oct 21 2025
I have never read anything of Jim Hines and went into this completely blind and the cover is 100% what made me eye this book up at first. I am a simple woman. I like both cats and tentacles so I was very happy when my request got accepted.
Slayers of Old is about a group of three people and each of them have lived their lives as "the Chosen One" at some point. Nowadays their best days are over and they have settled into a more or less quiet life in their shared house. The cast consists of one wizard, one half succubus and a former hunter of Artemis. One Squidward and a haunted van come along as star guests. And then everything goes to sheet when suddenly they have to save the world one final time.
When I started reading I didn't expect the humor part to actually make me chuckle, but I soon realised how wrong I was. There are many funny moments woven into this story and they come naturally. Although the novel claims to be a cozy comforting read (which is true) it is far from boring, but the action is well balanced. The characters Jim Hines brought to life are far more than witty; each of them has depth.
I was proven wrong multiple times throughout this book. I was afraid the cozyness might be too boring, I worried the humorous parts might be blunt and I didn't expect a funny, cozy fantasy novel to deliver gut punches through emotionally loaded prose. And I guess that's on me for underestimating Jim Hines.
“Last night was nice. It’s good to feel like you matter again for a few minutes.” He shrugged one shoulder. “For everything there is a season. I’m deep into winter, and it’s getting colder.”
This book shares such a variety of ideas that I definitely recommend checking it out.
Bonus Quote because I wholeheartedly relate to that dog:
“Our lives are fraught, full of danger and loss,” said Temple. “My mother was taken in a feud with the Wild Hunt. I only see her once every ten years. My father lost his mind during an expedition to Wonderland. The real one, not the bastardized version from Carroll’s book. My sister vanished into a mirror when she was twelve years old. My cousin Jackie was transformed into a swarm of carnivorous butterflies. My pet collie was bitten by a werewolf and spent the rest of his life turning into a very confused human every full moon.”
4.5/5
Publication date: Oct 21 2025
May 25, 2025
You can't just put a six-eyed tentacle cat on a cover and expect me not to read a book. That's really all it takes to get my undivided attention, and I'm glad I found this fun, cozy, horror-adjacent book because of it. The premise of three aged protagonists had me right away too. First there's Jenny, a 56-year-old woman who spent her teen years as a devoted Hunter of Artemis, but who is nowadays patching up the monsters she once fought. Then there's Annette, a 60-year-old grandma and retired private investigator and not-retired half demon. And don't forget Temple, a sorcerer with 99 years of experience, and he might be getting a little frail but he still has all that big magic. More or less retired from supernatural life, the three of them own a bookstore and live together in a magical, maybe sentient house. (Hands down one of my favorite things in fantasy novels. If you can think of any books with magical / sentient houses, let me know. I will read them.) But when there might be yet another apocalypse nearing, because some amateur occultists just keep worshipping an ancient great being, Jenny, Annette and Temple are being dragged back into action. The overall plot wasn't that clear to me at first, but that got way better in the second half of the book. There are many different plot points that appear separately at first, but they make for a coherent story in the end. I liked not knowing what would happen next. There's talk of the apocalypse, but then we also have a haunted van, and these mice that hunt birds of prey, and a spell made out of LEGOs. I had a lot of fun while reading. And boy, was I glad when the tentacle cat from the cover finally appeared in the second half of the book, because my disappointment would have been immeasurable if it wasn't actually part of the story. I can barely find anything negative to say about this book. I didn't like that every POV was first person, because all the characters read the same, really. I found myself often forgetting whose perspective I was currently reading from, but it also wasn't that bad. I too think that the protagonists could have been even older, because Jenny and Annette were still unrestrictedly badass without any age problems. I mean, they are 56 and 60 respectively, that's hardly even retirement age. But it was a pleasure to read from characters who lived a whole life and just had their shit together. All in all, a super fun time. The story wrapped up nicely, but I would most definitely read a sequel.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2025
✉️ A very private message to Jim C. Hines: There better be a sequel to this story, or else...
➽ Review to come and stuff.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
September 16, 2025
With a six eyed tentacle cat on the cover & it being described as Buffy x golden girls I'm a little underwhelmed.
While the cozy/Buffy vibes were there & it was packed with action, magic & witty banter, I really struggled to connect with the characters & the story... the writing didn't really pull me in. Jenny, Annette & Temple all felt really one dimensional to me & all the povs being in first person made everyone feel kind of the same?
I loved the premise, all the different monsters & that it takes place in Salem. I thought the concept of temple being connected to his house was really cool & unique as well. Even though it wasn't a hit for me, I definitely see why others would really enjoy this & it's something I can still recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted, occasionally funny, cozy fantasy read 🍂
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
While the cozy/Buffy vibes were there & it was packed with action, magic & witty banter, I really struggled to connect with the characters & the story... the writing didn't really pull me in. Jenny, Annette & Temple all felt really one dimensional to me & all the povs being in first person made everyone feel kind of the same?
I loved the premise, all the different monsters & that it takes place in Salem. I thought the concept of temple being connected to his house was really cool & unique as well. Even though it wasn't a hit for me, I definitely see why others would really enjoy this & it's something I can still recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted, occasionally funny, cozy fantasy read 🍂
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2025
Slayers Of Old is the fourth stand-alone novel by award-winning American author, Jim Hines. Second Life Books and Gifts is to be found on Essex St in modern-day Salem, and stocks the range of goods tourists might expect. But it’s also home to Jenny Winter, one-time Hunter of Artemis, and now a Healer of magical and other-worldly creatures. She’s in partnership with Annette Thorne, retired PI and succubus, and Temple Finn, last in the line of a family of powerful sorcerers.
When a mortally-injured harvester arrives on the doorstep, it takes all Jenny’s knowledge, and some of Temple’s expertise to save her: the creature has been stabbed with a magically-poisoned blade. A bit of expert detective work, and the culprit is tracked down, actually doing covert surveillance of Second Life. Ronnie Kensington is fully human, but with an arsenal of magical tools, and is described by Artemis as the Harbinger. Of what, his dreams eventually reveal.
Meanwhile, Annette is almost killed by three teens in hoodies using holy-water-filled squirt guns, and when her grandkids come to visit, their rough play uncovers some major deterioration of the basement walls of the Finn house. This is of concern because ninety-nine-year-old Temple and the house are one: is he dying?
So begins another brilliantly imaginative fantasy tale which manages to include lots of magic, spells, and paranormal, plenty of action, a truly dramatic climax, appealing protagonists and sidekicks, and a generous dose of (often black) humour.
It features militant mice, a live gargoyle, a van possessed by a ghost, a magic portal made of LEGO, teens fed pills with unusual effects, a hearth devil with amazing engraving skills and creative insults, metal from a meteorite older than the planet, and a cat with too many eyes and tentacles (see cover).
And, in aid of connecting with a world -devouring forgotten god, people and animals are being turned into Shoggoths which “existed before time and space. Many of the rules of our universe don’t apply. They’re the color of time moving sideways with spots the color of forgotten stars. If you look at them closely, you go mad.” Luckily, Temple has his rather voracious copy of Stuart Little, which contains a lot more than one child’s fantasy story. Clever, exciting and very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and DAW.
When a mortally-injured harvester arrives on the doorstep, it takes all Jenny’s knowledge, and some of Temple’s expertise to save her: the creature has been stabbed with a magically-poisoned blade. A bit of expert detective work, and the culprit is tracked down, actually doing covert surveillance of Second Life. Ronnie Kensington is fully human, but with an arsenal of magical tools, and is described by Artemis as the Harbinger. Of what, his dreams eventually reveal.
Meanwhile, Annette is almost killed by three teens in hoodies using holy-water-filled squirt guns, and when her grandkids come to visit, their rough play uncovers some major deterioration of the basement walls of the Finn house. This is of concern because ninety-nine-year-old Temple and the house are one: is he dying?
So begins another brilliantly imaginative fantasy tale which manages to include lots of magic, spells, and paranormal, plenty of action, a truly dramatic climax, appealing protagonists and sidekicks, and a generous dose of (often black) humour.
It features militant mice, a live gargoyle, a van possessed by a ghost, a magic portal made of LEGO, teens fed pills with unusual effects, a hearth devil with amazing engraving skills and creative insults, metal from a meteorite older than the planet, and a cat with too many eyes and tentacles (see cover).
And, in aid of connecting with a world -devouring forgotten god, people and animals are being turned into Shoggoths which “existed before time and space. Many of the rules of our universe don’t apply. They’re the color of time moving sideways with spots the color of forgotten stars. If you look at them closely, you go mad.” Luckily, Temple has his rather voracious copy of Stuart Little, which contains a lot more than one child’s fantasy story. Clever, exciting and very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and DAW.
January 25, 2026
This book has so many things that I like. It's urban fantasy, so there's all kinds of nonhuman beings. There is found family—Jenny, Annette, and Temple live in Temple's family home and take care of each other. And all of them are older folks with creaks and pains, moving slower than they used to.
Jenny was trained as a Hunter in her youth, but she lost her trust in the Council that oversaw her activities. She regrets many of her early decisions, including initiating three of her friends into her paranormal world without permission. She hasn't seen any of them for years. Annette is a half-succubus with an uneasy relationship with her son and two grandchildren. They live in the same town, but there's still distance between them. Temple, the wizard, is the oldest of them at a hundred years and he is slow to get going in the morning, prone to falling asleep after a big spell, and addicted to sugary desserts. The house is linked to him and his magic.
A quiet retirement is interrupted when high school students start to get sick and disappear. When Annette's granddaughter asks for her help, the three housemates are drawn into a battle with eldritch horrors.
The tentacle business reminded me a bit of Tanya Huff's Direct Descendant, which I also enjoyed. Plus I loved the eldritch cat, christened Squidward. Genius name!
Jenny was trained as a Hunter in her youth, but she lost her trust in the Council that oversaw her activities. She regrets many of her early decisions, including initiating three of her friends into her paranormal world without permission. She hasn't seen any of them for years. Annette is a half-succubus with an uneasy relationship with her son and two grandchildren. They live in the same town, but there's still distance between them. Temple, the wizard, is the oldest of them at a hundred years and he is slow to get going in the morning, prone to falling asleep after a big spell, and addicted to sugary desserts. The house is linked to him and his magic.
A quiet retirement is interrupted when high school students start to get sick and disappear. When Annette's granddaughter asks for her help, the three housemates are drawn into a battle with eldritch horrors.
The tentacle business reminded me a bit of Tanya Huff's Direct Descendant, which I also enjoyed. Plus I loved the eldritch cat, christened Squidward. Genius name!
May 10, 2025
I like the idea of aging heroes forced to save the world one more time. They’ve already done their time in the spotlight, but the world clearly refuses to stay saved for good. Slayers of Old offers a fun take on this trope; it’s cozy, character-driven, and reads well.
Jenny (a hunter once devoted to Artemis), Annette (a half-succubus grandma with sass and scars), and Temple Finn (a nearly century-old wizard bound to his half-sentient ancestral home) have settled into their golden years trying to run a bookstore in Salem. They want peace and to enjoy Temple’s excellent meals. Alas, eldritch horrors don’t have a shred of decency - they don’t care that the former Chosen Ones have arthritis and can barely remember to get dressed.
The house they live in is far more than a backdrop. Thanks to its magical bond with Temple, it creaks and groans with his aches, but it also bends reality. It rearranges its rooms on a whim, creates new ones when needed (say, for unexpected guests), and generally ignores the laws of physics. Between that and the sentient mice who assault neighborhood cats, the setting feels alive in the best way.
The magic here isn’t overly explained, which, honestly, I appreciated. It seeps and lingers and remains unpredictable. The banter between the trio is warm, well-timed, and believable. Their friendship comes from decades of shared pain, triumph, and breakfast routines. They’ve all made their mistakes, and lived long enough to understand what matters now.
That said, the coziness comes at a small cost. You know going in that this isn’t the kind of story where the world will end in darkness. There’s comfort in that, sure, but it also meant the stakes never quite reached the heights I like. Evil won’t win, not really. The tone reassures you of that from the start.
And that’s okay. Sometimes I prefer the assurance that the found family will win, that the bookstore won’t burn, and that a haunted van with a ghost mom can be part of the solution. Slayers of Old delivers exactly what it sets out to: heart, humor, action, and magical mischief. Also, the ending isn’t exactly what some may expect, and it��s better for it.
I’d give it 4 stars. Cozy horror(ish) fantasy done right.
ARC through NetGalley.
Jenny (a hunter once devoted to Artemis), Annette (a half-succubus grandma with sass and scars), and Temple Finn (a nearly century-old wizard bound to his half-sentient ancestral home) have settled into their golden years trying to run a bookstore in Salem. They want peace and to enjoy Temple’s excellent meals. Alas, eldritch horrors don’t have a shred of decency - they don’t care that the former Chosen Ones have arthritis and can barely remember to get dressed.
The house they live in is far more than a backdrop. Thanks to its magical bond with Temple, it creaks and groans with his aches, but it also bends reality. It rearranges its rooms on a whim, creates new ones when needed (say, for unexpected guests), and generally ignores the laws of physics. Between that and the sentient mice who assault neighborhood cats, the setting feels alive in the best way.
The magic here isn’t overly explained, which, honestly, I appreciated. It seeps and lingers and remains unpredictable. The banter between the trio is warm, well-timed, and believable. Their friendship comes from decades of shared pain, triumph, and breakfast routines. They’ve all made their mistakes, and lived long enough to understand what matters now.
That said, the coziness comes at a small cost. You know going in that this isn’t the kind of story where the world will end in darkness. There’s comfort in that, sure, but it also meant the stakes never quite reached the heights I like. Evil won’t win, not really. The tone reassures you of that from the start.
And that’s okay. Sometimes I prefer the assurance that the found family will win, that the bookstore won’t burn, and that a haunted van with a ghost mom can be part of the solution. Slayers of Old delivers exactly what it sets out to: heart, humor, action, and magical mischief. Also, the ending isn’t exactly what some may expect, and it��s better for it.
I’d give it 4 stars. Cozy horror(ish) fantasy done right.
ARC through NetGalley.
August 7, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This book is so perfect for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There was one character in particular that I said, yes, that is what would happen to them. At least in about 85% of the. timelines across the multiverse (if that theory is true, which I doubt it is).
I would love to see tons more books in this series. Even several spin-off series when all three of them were younger. At the very least, one prequel novel.
Already have a million books to read, but I will be looking at the books he has already written and keep an eye out for new books.
This book is so perfect for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There was one character in particular that I said, yes, that is what would happen to them. At least in about 85% of the. timelines across the multiverse (if that theory is true, which I doubt it is).
I would love to see tons more books in this series. Even several spin-off series when all three of them were younger. At the very least, one prequel novel.
Already have a million books to read, but I will be looking at the books he has already written and keep an eye out for new books.
July 10, 2025
thank you to DAW books and netgalley for the arc!
obsessed with how jim c hines looked at the golden girls and said “what if they could also banish a hellbeast with a salt circle and some passive aggressive banter”
slayers of old is a cozy contemporary fantasy full of monsters, magic, and mature women who are not here for your nonsense unless your nonsense includes ancient curses, sentient houses, or enchanted knitting needles. it’s giving chosen ones but make it postmenopausal. our heroines are long retired from saving the world and now run a bookstore in salem, massachusetts. peaceful right? wrong. their basement may or may not be a doorway to the underworld. there’s a tentacle kitten. and someone keeps summoning things that should absolutely not be summoned without at least a group chat and a backup plan.
it’s heartfelt. it’s hilarious. it’s quietly radical. jim c hines gives us older protagonists with actual depth and doesn’t reduce them to quirky side characters or grandma tropes. they are powerful, petty, compassionate, and tired in the most relatable ways. like temple says, “for everything there is a season. i’m deep into winter, and it’s getting colder.”
jenny is an absolute icon. she’s giving chaotic good with a side of emotional depth and honestly? i’d follow her into any portal, cursed basement, or senior discount lunch special.
quote that lives rent free in my head:
“all this because you’d rather bring a world-devouring forgotten god to our doorstep than go to therapy.”
please give me more stories where heroes can have gray hair, a bad knee, and still take down a demon before noon.
this is a book i will 100% read again. i’ve already preordered my copy and can’t wait for the audiobook!
obsessed with how jim c hines looked at the golden girls and said “what if they could also banish a hellbeast with a salt circle and some passive aggressive banter”
slayers of old is a cozy contemporary fantasy full of monsters, magic, and mature women who are not here for your nonsense unless your nonsense includes ancient curses, sentient houses, or enchanted knitting needles. it’s giving chosen ones but make it postmenopausal. our heroines are long retired from saving the world and now run a bookstore in salem, massachusetts. peaceful right? wrong. their basement may or may not be a doorway to the underworld. there’s a tentacle kitten. and someone keeps summoning things that should absolutely not be summoned without at least a group chat and a backup plan.
it’s heartfelt. it’s hilarious. it’s quietly radical. jim c hines gives us older protagonists with actual depth and doesn’t reduce them to quirky side characters or grandma tropes. they are powerful, petty, compassionate, and tired in the most relatable ways. like temple says, “for everything there is a season. i’m deep into winter, and it’s getting colder.”
jenny is an absolute icon. she’s giving chaotic good with a side of emotional depth and honestly? i’d follow her into any portal, cursed basement, or senior discount lunch special.
quote that lives rent free in my head:
“all this because you’d rather bring a world-devouring forgotten god to our doorstep than go to therapy.”
please give me more stories where heroes can have gray hair, a bad knee, and still take down a demon before noon.
this is a book i will 100% read again. i’ve already preordered my copy and can’t wait for the audiobook!
October 31, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and DAW for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Secular take: fun, but dark with some cthulhu vibes and body horror. Definitely Buffy the Vampire Slayer in middle age.
Christian take: DNF at 69%. It was too much for me to be able to hold that suspension of disbelief/fourth wall enough to be able to enjoy the book. I'm not going to get annoying about it, but demons aren't friends and them getting married and having kids and everyone in the family being a decent/productive member of human society, no. Just no.
However, if you are not reading this through a Christian lens, then you will probably enjoy this more than I personally did. If you like Buffy, then this might be a good one for you.
Also, my different way of reading this aside, I HATE the "don't tell the kids anything, IGNORANCE will protect them" trope. Hate hate hate hate HATE it. And if the father hadn't been into denying his kids the truth, the plot wouldn't have moved forward, sooooo I guess that's why that trope was in there. I personally think that it is sloppy to make major plot points hinge on some character/s purposefully keeping VITAL, NEEDED TO LIVE information from other characters to "protect" them. And then, SURPRISE, the Big Bad exploits that weakness and BAM! Instant conflict!
This was going to get three stars, despite my different way of reading this, but that trope lowered it one full star.
2, not my jam but I can see it working very well for other readers and if you like it I am glad as not every book is for every reader, stars.
Secular take: fun, but dark with some cthulhu vibes and body horror. Definitely Buffy the Vampire Slayer in middle age.
Christian take: DNF at 69%. It was too much for me to be able to hold that suspension of disbelief/fourth wall enough to be able to enjoy the book. I'm not going to get annoying about it, but demons aren't friends and them getting married and having kids and everyone in the family being a decent/productive member of human society, no. Just no.
However, if you are not reading this through a Christian lens, then you will probably enjoy this more than I personally did. If you like Buffy, then this might be a good one for you.
Also, my different way of reading this aside, I HATE the "don't tell the kids anything, IGNORANCE will protect them" trope. Hate hate hate hate HATE it. And if the father hadn't been into denying his kids the truth, the plot wouldn't have moved forward, sooooo I guess that's why that trope was in there. I personally think that it is sloppy to make major plot points hinge on some character/s purposefully keeping VITAL, NEEDED TO LIVE information from other characters to "protect" them. And then, SURPRISE, the Big Bad exploits that weakness and BAM! Instant conflict!
This was going to get three stars, despite my different way of reading this, but that trope lowered it one full star.
2, not my jam but I can see it working very well for other readers and if you like it I am glad as not every book is for every reader, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
A delightfully magical adventure filled with humour, heart, and heroic retirees.
🧙♀️📚💥
Slayers of Old is like a warm cup of tea spiked with demon-slaying mischief—equal parts cosy and action-packed. Jim C. Hines delivers a fresh and funny take on the “Chosen One” trope, turning it on its head with a cast of retired monster hunters who are older, wiser, and absolutely not here for the nonsense (unless that nonsense involves saving the world… again).
I adored the premise: three former Chosen Ones running a charming bookshop in Salem, content with their quiet life—until ancient creatures start creeping up from the basement. The mix of humour, found family, and magical mayhem makes this an irresistible read.
There’s a strong sense of friendship and second chances at the heart of this story, and the pacing balances light-hearted moments with real stakes. The banter is witty, the action fun, and the magical elements blend well with a touch of cosy mystery flair. Also, can we talk about how refreshing it is to see older protagonists kicking butt and stealing the spotlight?
Whether you're in it for the magical monsters, the laugh-out-loud dialogue, or the deep appreciation for scones and second chances, this book has charm in spades.
Slayers of Old is like a warm cup of tea spiked with demon-slaying mischief—equal parts cosy and action-packed. Jim C. Hines delivers a fresh and funny take on the “Chosen One” trope, turning it on its head with a cast of retired monster hunters who are older, wiser, and absolutely not here for the nonsense (unless that nonsense involves saving the world… again).
I adored the premise: three former Chosen Ones running a charming bookshop in Salem, content with their quiet life—until ancient creatures start creeping up from the basement. The mix of humour, found family, and magical mayhem makes this an irresistible read.
There’s a strong sense of friendship and second chances at the heart of this story, and the pacing balances light-hearted moments with real stakes. The banter is witty, the action fun, and the magical elements blend well with a touch of cosy mystery flair. Also, can we talk about how refreshing it is to see older protagonists kicking butt and stealing the spotlight?
Whether you're in it for the magical monsters, the laugh-out-loud dialogue, or the deep appreciation for scones and second chances, this book has charm in spades.
October 27, 2025
If you’re looking for a unique supernatural story, this book is one to check out.
I loved the characters and their banter and quirks. Enjoyed the plot, humour, monsters. I did find that the story got a bit dry in between the action unfortunately.
Certainly one of the more original books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and DAW for a copy!
I loved the characters and their banter and quirks. Enjoyed the plot, humour, monsters. I did find that the story got a bit dry in between the action unfortunately.
Certainly one of the more original books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and DAW for a copy!
October 24, 2025
I enjoyed Slayers of Old. The novel is really good. It somehow made me feel young again.
..... and the author really impressed me with the flashbacks. The novel is a standalone that could act as a sequel
..... and the author really impressed me with the flashbacks. The novel is a standalone that could act as a sequel
October 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I may be biased, because here we have some of my favourite tropes but… the book is great, and I have had so much fun with it!
We have older protagonists, and we get chapters from the POVs of each of them. And they all are pretty different from each other, so it was pretty great to read. We have a once amazingly powerful wizard, a Hunter of Artemis, and a half-succubus PI. They make for a great trio, not only because between the three of them, they are a powerhouse, in more senses than one, but also because they have a great relationship, they are their found family, and this part was just heartwarming.
And you can see a lot of pop culture references. For example, you can think about “Golden Girls” while reading, because sometimes the vibes are just perfect. And it is pretty easy to see Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Jenny, too. And we also have “Christine” vibes thanks to Ronnie and his mother.
And the mice!! I think they can be a reference too, but it’s like an itch that I can’t scratch, because I cannot pinpoint it. But anyway, you need the mice!
And all these references are not in your face, and they are just so well integrated in the story! They add a layer to the story and add a sense of familiarity to the whole. I loved it!
I think that this review is more meandering than my usual; sorry about that! But I hope I am still making sense. It’s just that this book is a perfect mix of fun and deeper themes. And it is just so readable! I was really excited to start it, and once I did… I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in one day. And sure, it’s not a long book, but I was having so much fun and I was deeply invested in the story and the characters that I just had to keep reading.
Because there are so many good things in there! And, on the whole, a lot of things here are pretty brilliant.
The mice. I know, I have already mentioned them a ton of times, so I think this will be the last time (but I am not making promises).
The interlude between every chapter. These were genius! Really, some of them were gold!
The tentacled cat. How cool is that??
The semi-sentient house. And yes, here I am really biased, because I love sentient buildings. I think they are great, and we should get more of them.
The succubus PI is a grandmother. Sure, all three of our MCs are old, but she is a grandma. And I loved to see the kids around.
And even if this book is not heavy on the world-building, we have a lot of different creatures here, and it was lovely. It made things more real, in a sense, because it gave some depth to the whole (but I wanted more gargoyles around! We don’t get enough of them).
But with the brilliant parts, the pop culture references, the banter, and the great MCs, we have also deeper themes, like growing (and getting old), like making peace with the past and finding new ways forward, or letting some things go. There is a lot of fun here, but there is also a lot of heart. And the mix is delightful.
It is quite hard to define the genre of this book because it is a crossover between urban fantasy, cozy, and horror (I haven’t mentioned it anywhere, but we have eldritch horrors here, too. Because why not?!)
It’s really a mix of a lot of different things, and the result could have been either a great book or a total flop. And this time, it was a great book.
For once, I think that I may have been a tad too generous with my rating, because to be objective, this is more a 4/ 4.5 stars book but… I don’t really care. I had fun, a lot of it, and it is brilliant. I had hearshaped eyes while reading it, and it was a bliss from start to finish. There are so many amazing things in there (and Temple, the wizards, cook some really mouthwatering desserts!! Now I need to convince my bf to make me tiramisù, and the fault is all of the book!).
I don’t really know if this review makes sense, but I hope to have made you curious, because this book deserves a lot of love!
I may be biased, because here we have some of my favourite tropes but… the book is great, and I have had so much fun with it!
We have older protagonists, and we get chapters from the POVs of each of them. And they all are pretty different from each other, so it was pretty great to read. We have a once amazingly powerful wizard, a Hunter of Artemis, and a half-succubus PI. They make for a great trio, not only because between the three of them, they are a powerhouse, in more senses than one, but also because they have a great relationship, they are their found family, and this part was just heartwarming.
And you can see a lot of pop culture references. For example, you can think about “Golden Girls” while reading, because sometimes the vibes are just perfect. And it is pretty easy to see Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Jenny, too. And we also have “Christine” vibes thanks to Ronnie and his mother.
And the mice!! I think they can be a reference too, but it’s like an itch that I can’t scratch, because I cannot pinpoint it. But anyway, you need the mice!
And all these references are not in your face, and they are just so well integrated in the story! They add a layer to the story and add a sense of familiarity to the whole. I loved it!
I think that this review is more meandering than my usual; sorry about that! But I hope I am still making sense. It’s just that this book is a perfect mix of fun and deeper themes. And it is just so readable! I was really excited to start it, and once I did… I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in one day. And sure, it’s not a long book, but I was having so much fun and I was deeply invested in the story and the characters that I just had to keep reading.
Because there are so many good things in there! And, on the whole, a lot of things here are pretty brilliant.
The mice. I know, I have already mentioned them a ton of times, so I think this will be the last time (but I am not making promises).
The interlude between every chapter. These were genius! Really, some of them were gold!
The tentacled cat. How cool is that??
The semi-sentient house. And yes, here I am really biased, because I love sentient buildings. I think they are great, and we should get more of them.
The succubus PI is a grandmother. Sure, all three of our MCs are old, but she is a grandma. And I loved to see the kids around.
And even if this book is not heavy on the world-building, we have a lot of different creatures here, and it was lovely. It made things more real, in a sense, because it gave some depth to the whole (but I wanted more gargoyles around! We don’t get enough of them).
But with the brilliant parts, the pop culture references, the banter, and the great MCs, we have also deeper themes, like growing (and getting old), like making peace with the past and finding new ways forward, or letting some things go. There is a lot of fun here, but there is also a lot of heart. And the mix is delightful.
It is quite hard to define the genre of this book because it is a crossover between urban fantasy, cozy, and horror (I haven’t mentioned it anywhere, but we have eldritch horrors here, too. Because why not?!)
It’s really a mix of a lot of different things, and the result could have been either a great book or a total flop. And this time, it was a great book.
For once, I think that I may have been a tad too generous with my rating, because to be objective, this is more a 4/ 4.5 stars book but… I don’t really care. I had fun, a lot of it, and it is brilliant. I had hearshaped eyes while reading it, and it was a bliss from start to finish. There are so many amazing things in there (and Temple, the wizards, cook some really mouthwatering desserts!! Now I need to convince my bf to make me tiramisù, and the fault is all of the book!).
I don’t really know if this review makes sense, but I hope to have made you curious, because this book deserves a lot of love!
May 31, 2025
This was incredible, and so much fun!
Slayers of Old is a tale of three retired champions who must dust off their arsenals to face evil one last time, and it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read in years. The heart, the humor, the danger, it all makes for a heady, joyful experience that put me in my feels. If you enjoy books about found family, this one’s for you.
The 3 main characters won me over immediately. Jenny, a retired Hunter of Artemis, is caring, thoughtful, and impressively badass. Temple, a fading wizard, is as crotchety as he is sentimental. And Annette, a retired PI who’s half-Succubus, is a sassy, flirty thunderstorm. I loved all three characters, but Annette Thorn was my favorite by far. Something about her reminded me (loosely) of Patsy Stone from AbFab in the very best way.
The prose was tight and effective, the plot was twisty and fun, and the dialogue was delightful. The world-building was ridiculous, and I loved every minute of it. And did I mention the humor? I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of Jim C. Hines before. This is a new fave read for me, and I can’t wait to check out his previous works!
Slayers of Old is a tale of three retired champions who must dust off their arsenals to face evil one last time, and it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read in years. The heart, the humor, the danger, it all makes for a heady, joyful experience that put me in my feels. If you enjoy books about found family, this one’s for you.
The 3 main characters won me over immediately. Jenny, a retired Hunter of Artemis, is caring, thoughtful, and impressively badass. Temple, a fading wizard, is as crotchety as he is sentimental. And Annette, a retired PI who’s half-Succubus, is a sassy, flirty thunderstorm. I loved all three characters, but Annette Thorn was my favorite by far. Something about her reminded me (loosely) of Patsy Stone from AbFab in the very best way.
The prose was tight and effective, the plot was twisty and fun, and the dialogue was delightful. The world-building was ridiculous, and I loved every minute of it. And did I mention the humor? I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of Jim C. Hines before. This is a new fave read for me, and I can’t wait to check out his previous works!
Read
October 28, 2025I really expected to love this, but it honestly reminded me too much of the Sookie Stackhouse books. I made it to page 80 before giving up. I just don't care what happens to any of these people.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me take a crack at this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me take a crack at this one.
April 23, 2025
Jim Hines is a better and more original writer than some who have won more honours, in my opinion, and this book is an example of that. It's an urban fantasy that's pitched as "Buffy meets Golden Girls," and with some justification. Of the three viewpoint characters (I approve of urban fantasy with multiple first-person viewpoints and an ensemble cast), all of them are, to different degrees, old, ranging from sixties-but-looks-younger-because-supernatural-ancestry to almost a hundred. One was a very Buffy-like child soldier for a group called the Guardians Council, who raise young girls as slayers; she got out because they finally went too far in what they called upon her to do, but not before she'd got her friend group, the Slay Team, in way too deep and messed up all of their lives. One is a half-succubus; she's the Blanche of the group, if you like. The third character is male, a wizard from a long line of wizards, who has a symbiotic relationship with their house, his ancestral home.
They're trying just to run a shop selling books and tourist tat in Salem, Massachusetts, in addition to which the ex-slayer is, presumably as atonement, dedicated to helping and healing members of the local supernatural community. But, of course, they get pulled back in. With the help of a young man from a long line of monster-hunters who takes himself far too seriously, and whose late mother haunts his van, they have to take on a supernatural threat that is recruiting young people to your standard Great Old One cult and causing them to break out in eyes.
Everyone's backstory and every relationship ends up mattering. Everyone gets an arc of development and realization. Everyone, including the villain, believes they're doing what is right, but how you can tell that the protagonists are actually the ones doing what's right is that they don't hurt anyone if they can avoid it (and also they're not seeking power over others at the risk of causing a world-ending disaster).
It's a strong recommendation from me, and I hope it becomes a series.
They're trying just to run a shop selling books and tourist tat in Salem, Massachusetts, in addition to which the ex-slayer is, presumably as atonement, dedicated to helping and healing members of the local supernatural community. But, of course, they get pulled back in. With the help of a young man from a long line of monster-hunters who takes himself far too seriously, and whose late mother haunts his van, they have to take on a supernatural threat that is recruiting young people to your standard Great Old One cult and causing them to break out in eyes.
Everyone's backstory and every relationship ends up mattering. Everyone gets an arc of development and realization. Everyone, including the villain, believes they're doing what is right, but how you can tell that the protagonists are actually the ones doing what's right is that they don't hurt anyone if they can avoid it (and also they're not seeking power over others at the risk of causing a world-ending disaster).
It's a strong recommendation from me, and I hope it becomes a series.
August 27, 2025
Slayers of Old by Jim. C. Hines is one of the funniest books I have read as of late. It's about three elderly people who used to save the world but are enjoying their retirement now. That is until ancient creatures have been summoned and start showing up. 👀 This must be good right?! Yes. It. Is. 🤌🏻✨️
I loved the three maincharacters. I especially liked to read the parts where fashion icon Annette was in the spotlight. Not only the characters were cool, but there were a lot of little jokes in this book which I really liked. 🥰 I do think some of the parts are a little childish and I felt like it would rather be someting my students would read... 😬 But maybe people with tentacles are just not my thing! 😂 There is also a used bookstore so... Really liked that!! 🫶🏼
In the story there are a lot of different creatures. Not all of them got an explanation and since I'm not a regular in these worlds (gods and ancient beings) I might have needed that. I had to look up some things to make sure I understood everything.
The book was entertaining and with every page I turned something happened which I do appreciate. It was absolutely not a boring read and I also feel like this is such an original story. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves reading about old people or sci-fi. I say sci-fi because for me it leaned a little bit more that way than fantasy. Also, look at this cover?! 🤍
The last thing I want to share... JUSTICE FOR TEMPLE FINN!! 😭😂
Thank you @netgalley and @DAW for letting me read this Arc! 🫶🏼
I loved the three maincharacters. I especially liked to read the parts where fashion icon Annette was in the spotlight. Not only the characters were cool, but there were a lot of little jokes in this book which I really liked. 🥰 I do think some of the parts are a little childish and I felt like it would rather be someting my students would read... 😬 But maybe people with tentacles are just not my thing! 😂 There is also a used bookstore so... Really liked that!! 🫶🏼
In the story there are a lot of different creatures. Not all of them got an explanation and since I'm not a regular in these worlds (gods and ancient beings) I might have needed that. I had to look up some things to make sure I understood everything.
The book was entertaining and with every page I turned something happened which I do appreciate. It was absolutely not a boring read and I also feel like this is such an original story. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves reading about old people or sci-fi. I say sci-fi because for me it leaned a little bit more that way than fantasy. Also, look at this cover?! 🤍
The last thing I want to share... JUSTICE FOR TEMPLE FINN!! 😭😂
Thank you @netgalley and @DAW for letting me read this Arc! 🫶🏼
January 19, 2026
(back to back 5 start reads feels like an auspicious start to the year)This was so fun, the audio narration was amazing. I really enjoyed the multiple povs and all of the different supernatural creatures involved. I think Anette was my favorite character but it is hard to choose. I wish there was a second one!
December 21, 2025
This was good fun. I don't generally enjoy fantasy and it veered a little into that but overall bad ass oaps fighting baddies was a cool concept.
January 13, 2026
Slayers of Old is a fast-paced, character-driven fantasy that blends classic good-vs-evil tropes with thoughtful explorations of legacy, identity, and the complexities of family. Jim C. Hines delivers a stand-alone novel that’s both fun and emotionally resonant, with just enough world-building to ground the story without overwhelming it.
Told through alternating perspectives—Jenny, a retired hunter of evil with a connection to the goddess Artemis, is a healer with a strict code of ethics related to power and violence; Annette, a half-succubus mother and monster-slayer; and Temple, a 99-year-old magician grappling with love, loss, and transformation—the novel weaves together action, humor, and heart. The pacing is strong, and while some background elements are repeated, they never bog down the story.
One of the standout arcs is Ronnie, a 17-year-old “last of his kind” defender against magical evil. Orphaned young and raised by the ghost of his mother Margaret (who inhabits the family van—yes, like "Christine"), Ronnie finds a new sense of belonging and purpose under the mentorship of Jenny, Annette and Temple. His growth from isolated teen on a mission to valued member of a found family is one of the book’s most rewarding emotional threads.
Margaret’s story also takes a beautiful turn as she connects with Temple, whose own arc culminates in his transition to a ghostly form. Their bond offers a touching “happily ever after-life” that feels both earned and heartwarming.
The intergenerational dynamics shine: Annette’s strained relationship with her son Blake, and his own struggles as a father, add emotional weight. Meanwhile, Blake’s son Morgan is pulled into a high-stakes plot to unleash an eldritch god, raising the tension and testing the family’s strength.
Hines also thoughtfully incorporates themes of consent and mutual responsibility—particularly through Jenny’s magical contracts and Annette’s internal conflict between duty and motherhood. These elements elevate the story beyond a typical monster-hunting romp.
A particularly compelling thread throughout the novel is the presence of legacy organizations dedicated to fighting evil. Whether it’s Jenny’s initiation into the “Hunters of Artemis,” Ronnie and Margaret’s family line of defenders, or the magical and demonic heritage of Annette and Temple’s families, these parallel traditions underscore a central theme: the fight for good is a shared, generational effort. Each group brings its own strengths, histories, and burdens, but together they form a rich tapestry of resistance against darkness.
While I had some initial reservations about a male author writing two of the three main protagonists as women, the portrayals felt respectful and nuanced. The book doesn’t center on sexuality, despite the succubus lineage, which I appreciated. Some of the questions raised for me are related to the burden and evolution of legacy and purpose, as well as the value of collaboration.
Let's not forget the part-shoggoth cat with multiple eyes and tentacles who has decided to remain in that form as a mascot, nor the "Stuart Little" -like mouse community, which add a fun and whimsical touch to the story.
Overall, Slayers of Old is a satisfying, self-contained fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and just enough darkness. Recommended for fans of found family, magical legacies, and stories where the emotional stakes are just as important as the magical ones.
ORIGINAL URL: http://www.livegreenwearblack.com/202...
© Jennifer R Clark. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. You may share and adapt this content with proper attribution.
Told through alternating perspectives—Jenny, a retired hunter of evil with a connection to the goddess Artemis, is a healer with a strict code of ethics related to power and violence; Annette, a half-succubus mother and monster-slayer; and Temple, a 99-year-old magician grappling with love, loss, and transformation—the novel weaves together action, humor, and heart. The pacing is strong, and while some background elements are repeated, they never bog down the story.
One of the standout arcs is Ronnie, a 17-year-old “last of his kind” defender against magical evil. Orphaned young and raised by the ghost of his mother Margaret (who inhabits the family van—yes, like "Christine"), Ronnie finds a new sense of belonging and purpose under the mentorship of Jenny, Annette and Temple. His growth from isolated teen on a mission to valued member of a found family is one of the book’s most rewarding emotional threads.
Margaret’s story also takes a beautiful turn as she connects with Temple, whose own arc culminates in his transition to a ghostly form. Their bond offers a touching “happily ever after-life” that feels both earned and heartwarming.
The intergenerational dynamics shine: Annette’s strained relationship with her son Blake, and his own struggles as a father, add emotional weight. Meanwhile, Blake’s son Morgan is pulled into a high-stakes plot to unleash an eldritch god, raising the tension and testing the family’s strength.
Hines also thoughtfully incorporates themes of consent and mutual responsibility—particularly through Jenny’s magical contracts and Annette’s internal conflict between duty and motherhood. These elements elevate the story beyond a typical monster-hunting romp.
A particularly compelling thread throughout the novel is the presence of legacy organizations dedicated to fighting evil. Whether it’s Jenny’s initiation into the “Hunters of Artemis,” Ronnie and Margaret’s family line of defenders, or the magical and demonic heritage of Annette and Temple’s families, these parallel traditions underscore a central theme: the fight for good is a shared, generational effort. Each group brings its own strengths, histories, and burdens, but together they form a rich tapestry of resistance against darkness.
While I had some initial reservations about a male author writing two of the three main protagonists as women, the portrayals felt respectful and nuanced. The book doesn’t center on sexuality, despite the succubus lineage, which I appreciated. Some of the questions raised for me are related to the burden and evolution of legacy and purpose, as well as the value of collaboration.
Let's not forget the part-shoggoth cat with multiple eyes and tentacles who has decided to remain in that form as a mascot, nor the "Stuart Little" -like mouse community, which add a fun and whimsical touch to the story.
Overall, Slayers of Old is a satisfying, self-contained fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and just enough darkness. Recommended for fans of found family, magical legacies, and stories where the emotional stakes are just as important as the magical ones.
ORIGINAL URL: http://www.livegreenwearblack.com/202...
© Jennifer R Clark. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. You may share and adapt this content with proper attribution.
June 27, 2025
I received this title as an ARC via NetGalley.
I've been a fan of Jim's work for over a decade. His humor is gentle and sly. His characters are always engaging, and his plots are fun. This novel is no exception.
The tag for this novel is "Buffy meets Golden Girls." For those of you who didn't have the pleasure of seeing TV from the previous century, that means that the main characters in the novel are older--Jenny, a slayer for Artemis, Temple, a wizard, and Annette, a succubus, are all approaching retirement age or well past it. Retired from active heroism, the three of them have been living together and running a bookshop in Salem, MA for decades. And then one of them is attacked, and weird, bad stuff starts happening to their loved ones.
What I loved about this novel is that these characters are wise. They have scars, both physical and emotional. They *think before they act* and they encourage everyone else they are working with to do so as well. They fight smarter, not harder. When they make a sacrifice, it hits harder, because it's intentional, and in the full knowledge that what they're doing matters to their kids, grandkids, and everyone who has come after them, since they won't be here to see it. They know what they are giving up, because they have survived high stakes before, and they are choosing to take that on so their loved ones and community don't have to.
They are choosing hope over cynicism, because they're wise enough to know that cynicism is way less fun to live through.
This is a book that holds both sides of your face gently, looks you squarely in the eye, and says "we will get through this. Together." And it means it.
Now, more than ever, that's what we need.
I've been a fan of Jim's work for over a decade. His humor is gentle and sly. His characters are always engaging, and his plots are fun. This novel is no exception.
The tag for this novel is "Buffy meets Golden Girls." For those of you who didn't have the pleasure of seeing TV from the previous century, that means that the main characters in the novel are older--Jenny, a slayer for Artemis, Temple, a wizard, and Annette, a succubus, are all approaching retirement age or well past it. Retired from active heroism, the three of them have been living together and running a bookshop in Salem, MA for decades. And then one of them is attacked, and weird, bad stuff starts happening to their loved ones.
What I loved about this novel is that these characters are wise. They have scars, both physical and emotional. They *think before they act* and they encourage everyone else they are working with to do so as well. They fight smarter, not harder. When they make a sacrifice, it hits harder, because it's intentional, and in the full knowledge that what they're doing matters to their kids, grandkids, and everyone who has come after them, since they won't be here to see it. They know what they are giving up, because they have survived high stakes before, and they are choosing to take that on so their loved ones and community don't have to.
They are choosing hope over cynicism, because they're wise enough to know that cynicism is way less fun to live through.
This is a book that holds both sides of your face gently, looks you squarely in the eye, and says "we will get through this. Together." And it means it.
Now, more than ever, that's what we need.
October 19, 2025
This book is a delightful new entry in the cozy horror genre. I had such a fun time reading this book, I was smiling the whole time. Everyone is talking about the Thursday Murder Club these days, and for a good reason. This book is most easily described as Thursday Murder Club (reluctantly) fights Cthulhu.
Annette, Jenny, and Temple once were bad ass chosen ones, fighting the forces of evil. But now they’ve got mortgages, and grandchildren, and responsibilities, so they’ve hung up their swords and spellbooks, and magical talismans and opened a second hand bookstore in Salem, Massachusetts. (Which, honestly, goals.) But something is stirring in their lovingly tended community, so I guess we’ve got to get the band back together, because they’re not going to let their friends and family go without a fight.
Hines is a very professional writer, so the prose is clean and clear and gets out of the way so you can have a good time. You feel like you’re in good hands the whole time you’re reading. This is a book that understands and delivers on the author/reader contract very well.
Recommended for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good, and the Thursday Murder Club.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Annette, Jenny, and Temple once were bad ass chosen ones, fighting the forces of evil. But now they’ve got mortgages, and grandchildren, and responsibilities, so they’ve hung up their swords and spellbooks, and magical talismans and opened a second hand bookstore in Salem, Massachusetts. (Which, honestly, goals.) But something is stirring in their lovingly tended community, so I guess we’ve got to get the band back together, because they’re not going to let their friends and family go without a fight.
Hines is a very professional writer, so the prose is clean and clear and gets out of the way so you can have a good time. You feel like you’re in good hands the whole time you’re reading. This is a book that understands and delivers on the author/reader contract very well.
Recommended for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good, and the Thursday Murder Club.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
June 5, 2025
I received this book through netgalley in return for my honest review.
I have read a number of Jim C. Hines' novels and he never fails to bring the story to life. I admit the ending had me sniffling a little. No spoilers though. I appreciated the way Hines balanced the story and the character's relationships. Both the positive and negative relationships. I have a feeling that these will be vital in future books. I look forward to reading more installments of this world.
I have read a number of Jim C. Hines' novels and he never fails to bring the story to life. I admit the ending had me sniffling a little. No spoilers though. I appreciated the way Hines balanced the story and the character's relationships. Both the positive and negative relationships. I have a feeling that these will be vital in future books. I look forward to reading more installments of this world.
September 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and DAW for this ARC.
With a snazzy title of Slayers of Old, and a cool black cat with tentacles on the cover, this book by Jim Hines has some persuasive power where the viewer keeps coming back to it and wanting to know more. The taglines comparing it to Golden Girls and Buffy the Vampire Slayer require a second look. But what kept me coming back and ultimately deciding on requesting this ARC was the retired heroes coming out for one last time together to save the world. I don't know what it is, but reluctant heroes have the best sass and I was here for it.
Slayers of Old takes place in modern day Salem, with three main characters of various backgrounds: a hunter of Artemis named Jenny, a half human/ half succubus Annette, and a 99 year old wizard Temple who's on the last legs of his life. Starting off, we know Temple is barely trucking along, but his connection to his house and his desire to keep eating good food keeps him rooted in the mortal world. Regardless our main characters are enjoying their idyllic town life, when an attacked harvester shows up on their doorstep with the hunter quick on their heels. This knocks loose the first domino in a series of events that required our main three to come out and protect their house because in this economy who can afford a new one?
The characters are charming with their quips, albeit at times they do feel a little flat and samey-samey. However, that did not hinder my enjoyment of Slayers of Old... as I finished it in one day. I personally enjoyed the mice in the attic gaining sentience and the possessed van hitting on Temple. Hines sure knows how to add character to his world, and that's what I love to find in my urban fantasy settings.
If anything, I am more disappointed that the tentacled cat didn't feature much in the story. Sure the main villain could have also used a little more motivation, but I feel this book is great as a breath of fresh air in between some heavier novels. Simply put, it was a fun romp of saving the world again and I am glad I picked it up.
With a snazzy title of Slayers of Old, and a cool black cat with tentacles on the cover, this book by Jim Hines has some persuasive power where the viewer keeps coming back to it and wanting to know more. The taglines comparing it to Golden Girls and Buffy the Vampire Slayer require a second look. But what kept me coming back and ultimately deciding on requesting this ARC was the retired heroes coming out for one last time together to save the world. I don't know what it is, but reluctant heroes have the best sass and I was here for it.
Slayers of Old takes place in modern day Salem, with three main characters of various backgrounds: a hunter of Artemis named Jenny, a half human/ half succubus Annette, and a 99 year old wizard Temple who's on the last legs of his life. Starting off, we know Temple is barely trucking along, but his connection to his house and his desire to keep eating good food keeps him rooted in the mortal world. Regardless our main characters are enjoying their idyllic town life, when an attacked harvester shows up on their doorstep with the hunter quick on their heels. This knocks loose the first domino in a series of events that required our main three to come out and protect their house because in this economy who can afford a new one?
The characters are charming with their quips, albeit at times they do feel a little flat and samey-samey. However, that did not hinder my enjoyment of Slayers of Old... as I finished it in one day. I personally enjoyed the mice in the attic gaining sentience and the possessed van hitting on Temple. Hines sure knows how to add character to his world, and that's what I love to find in my urban fantasy settings.
If anything, I am more disappointed that the tentacled cat didn't feature much in the story. Sure the main villain could have also used a little more motivation, but I feel this book is great as a breath of fresh air in between some heavier novels. Simply put, it was a fun romp of saving the world again and I am glad I picked it up.
January 4, 2026
I’m but a simple reader. I see a Cthulhu cat on the cover of a book and I pick it up.
And you know what? That process has rarely steered me wrong yet.
I mean, I enjoyed this story well enough—for what it is. Granted, I’ve not read too many of these “older heroes or final girls completing one last mission in their golden years” books. But, I don’t dislike the idea. It can be very fun.
Here, I found the idea very fun.
I really enjoyed how this story followed not one but three elder hero types as they navigate old age and that transition. It was some nice variety and we had a good cast of characters—a final girl who walked away from her calling disillusioned, an ex-PI succubus now grandma who has a complicated relationship with her family, and a geriatric wizard who owns the magical, sentient home they all live in. They all adopt many strays along the way, from jaded youths to Cthulhu cats.
It’s a good time.
A great piece of literature? Mileage may vary in that vein. But, I thought this was delightful entertainment to pass a morning with while I wait for some handymen to fix my kitchen ceiling~
And you know what? That process has rarely steered me wrong yet.
I mean, I enjoyed this story well enough—for what it is. Granted, I’ve not read too many of these “older heroes or final girls completing one last mission in their golden years” books. But, I don’t dislike the idea. It can be very fun.
Here, I found the idea very fun.
I really enjoyed how this story followed not one but three elder hero types as they navigate old age and that transition. It was some nice variety and we had a good cast of characters—a final girl who walked away from her calling disillusioned, an ex-PI succubus now grandma who has a complicated relationship with her family, and a geriatric wizard who owns the magical, sentient home they all live in. They all adopt many strays along the way, from jaded youths to Cthulhu cats.
It’s a good time.
A great piece of literature? Mileage may vary in that vein. But, I thought this was delightful entertainment to pass a morning with while I wait for some handymen to fix my kitchen ceiling~
November 4, 2025
I received a copy of this book from DAW Books and am honored to share this completely honest review!
This was such a feel-good read that was entertaining AF! It's advertised as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets the Golden Girls and I fully agree with this!
I loved the multiple POVs. I also enjoyed the challenges the characters faced as aging heroes, some hilarious, some not so much! 😆 This book really was SO refreshing. If you're looking for something different to read with some action and coziness, this is it!
This was such a feel-good read that was entertaining AF! It's advertised as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets the Golden Girls and I fully agree with this!
I loved the multiple POVs. I also enjoyed the challenges the characters faced as aging heroes, some hilarious, some not so much! 😆 This book really was SO refreshing. If you're looking for something different to read with some action and coziness, this is it!
November 26, 2025
This was just delightful. Retired heroes come out of retirement to figure out a kind of mystery(the plot is very obvious) and it was cute. I loved the different POVS, the wide range of characters, the family dynamics, the found family etc.
It’s pretty straight forward and riddled with comedic moments. It just made me smile.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the ALC.
It’s pretty straight forward and riddled with comedic moments. It just made me smile.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the ALC.
January 26, 2026
3.2 ⭐️ Between us, this book could use an exorcism because something needs to take the boringness out of this thing.
Honestly, I’m not sure what happened with this one. It seemed like it would have been something I’d love but instead it turned into something rather flat. It was also a lot darker than I expected. There’s only so much “hell” and “demon” talk one person can handle before its run its course.
Honestly, I’m not sure what happened with this one. It seemed like it would have been something I’d love but instead it turned into something rather flat. It was also a lot darker than I expected. There’s only so much “hell” and “demon” talk one person can handle before its run its course.
December 27, 2025
This one was a lot of fun. I definitely got a little T. Kingfisher vibe, but Mr. Hines definitely struck his own strong vein of warm supernatural humor as well. Definitely a new favorite!
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