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Slayer
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Leia Stone
103 books6,894 followersLeia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She's sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 17, 2026
This was an excellent start to a new fantasy series! I loved following Stella in this story as she is thrust into the world of vampires and hunters on her 18th birthday. This was a fast paced read that I didn’t want to put down. I was immediately invested in the story and the characters and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I liked the vampire hunter academy setting as well as the entire cast of characters. I’m can’t wait to read the next installment of this series!
Read this if you like:
📖 Vampires
📖 Academy setting
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Found family
📖 Slow burn
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Vampires
📖 Academy setting
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Found family
📖 Slow burn
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: YA Urban Paranormal Academia Romantasy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Meets Vampire Academy and House of Night, Vampires, Vampire Slayers, Found Family, The Chosen One, Supernatural Academy, Broody MMC, Twisty, Slow Burn Romance, Hidden/Dark Secret
Quotes: "They told me turning eighteen meant freedom. They never said it might kill me.""All I wanted was cake, candles, and a fresh start...""What I got instead? A vampire crashing my party and trying to drain me dry."
Review No Spoilers: If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, vampire hunters, and supernatural academies, this novel delivers an action packed start to a thrilling series. The story follows Stella Adams, an orphan whose life is turned upside down on her eighteenth birthday. Just as she prepares to leave her group home behind and begin a new chapter, she’s attacked by a vampire only to discover that the monsters she thought belonged in stories are terrifyingly real.
After being rescued by the brooding and mysterious vampire hunter Asher, Stella learns she isn’t an ordinary human. She comes from a powerful lineage of born vampire hunters known as Legacies, gifted with the rare ability to sense vampires. Thrust into a hidden world she never knew existed, Stella earns a place at the elite Nightguard Academy, where young hunters are trained to battle the undead.
The academy setting is packed with supernatural intrigue, dangerous training, hidden enemies, and secrets lurking around every corner. As Stella struggles to adapt to her new reality, she discovers that she carries a dangerous secret of her own one that could put her life at risk if the truth ever comes to light.
Alongside the action is a slow burn romance between Stella and Asher, whose protective yet guarded nature creates plenty of chemistry and tension. Their relationship develops naturally amid the chaos, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the main storyline.
Filled with fast-paced action, supernatural mystery, compelling vampire lore, and plenty of twists, this is an entertaining read that blends academy fantasy with paranormal romance. Fans of Vampire Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and House of Night will likely enjoy its mix of dangerous monsters, secret societies, and slow-building romance.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🫑
Quotes: "They told me turning eighteen meant freedom. They never said it might kill me.""All I wanted was cake, candles, and a fresh start...""What I got instead? A vampire crashing my party and trying to drain me dry."
Review No Spoilers: If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, vampire hunters, and supernatural academies, this novel delivers an action packed start to a thrilling series. The story follows Stella Adams, an orphan whose life is turned upside down on her eighteenth birthday. Just as she prepares to leave her group home behind and begin a new chapter, she’s attacked by a vampire only to discover that the monsters she thought belonged in stories are terrifyingly real.
After being rescued by the brooding and mysterious vampire hunter Asher, Stella learns she isn’t an ordinary human. She comes from a powerful lineage of born vampire hunters known as Legacies, gifted with the rare ability to sense vampires. Thrust into a hidden world she never knew existed, Stella earns a place at the elite Nightguard Academy, where young hunters are trained to battle the undead.
The academy setting is packed with supernatural intrigue, dangerous training, hidden enemies, and secrets lurking around every corner. As Stella struggles to adapt to her new reality, she discovers that she carries a dangerous secret of her own one that could put her life at risk if the truth ever comes to light.
Alongside the action is a slow burn romance between Stella and Asher, whose protective yet guarded nature creates plenty of chemistry and tension. Their relationship develops naturally amid the chaos, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the main storyline.
Filled with fast-paced action, supernatural mystery, compelling vampire lore, and plenty of twists, this is an entertaining read that blends academy fantasy with paranormal romance. Fans of Vampire Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and House of Night will likely enjoy its mix of dangerous monsters, secret societies, and slow-building romance.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🫑
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Slayer by Leia Stone is a young adult paranormal romance, and it's a Leia Stone book, so I knew I would love it. Stella is a normal girl who just aged out of the foster care system and her group home, and believes she has no family. However, that changes on her 18th birthday at her birthday party when she finds out that she has vampire hunter blood, and more about her biological family. We meet Asher, who is a very relatable character, but so moody like every other male teen I have been around. So, Stella is thrown into this brand new world, which includes Nightguard Academy, the school for vampire hunters.
I found Stella and her circle extremely likeable and relatable, and how Stella was tough as nails but also vulnerable and had a lot to give emotionally. Throughout the book, she wears her trauma like a shield, and you can see that she wants to break it down, but she is afraid too. I haven't met Molly officially in the book, but so far I'm not impressed; I don't care for her, and she reminds me a lot of Auralie from The Kindred Curse Saga. I really felt for Stella, especially because it felt like she was expected to give everyone all of her, including her trust, but she did not get that back. She had to leave her whole life behind, and a lot of the characters don't seem to understand she is in the deep end here.
The romance was very slow, and Stella hasn't officially been paired up yet; that ending killed me, and it hurt. But I think this is a story that will resonate with teen readers, and those into YA fiction. I can't wait for the next book in this series, Staked. And if you enjoy boarding schools, slow burn, paranormal, and found family, then check this out. The vibes I got from the book were The Mortal Instruments and Zodiac Academy.
Thanks to Bloom Books for the ARC.
I found Stella and her circle extremely likeable and relatable, and how Stella was tough as nails but also vulnerable and had a lot to give emotionally. Throughout the book, she wears her trauma like a shield, and you can see that she wants to break it down, but she is afraid too. I haven't met Molly officially in the book, but so far I'm not impressed; I don't care for her, and she reminds me a lot of Auralie from The Kindred Curse Saga. I really felt for Stella, especially because it felt like she was expected to give everyone all of her, including her trust, but she did not get that back. She had to leave her whole life behind, and a lot of the characters don't seem to understand she is in the deep end here.
The romance was very slow, and Stella hasn't officially been paired up yet; that ending killed me, and it hurt. But I think this is a story that will resonate with teen readers, and those into YA fiction. I can't wait for the next book in this series, Staked. And if you enjoy boarding schools, slow burn, paranormal, and found family, then check this out. The vibes I got from the book were The Mortal Instruments and Zodiac Academy.
Thanks to Bloom Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 Teen/ YA.
Vampires 🧛♂️
Vampire Hunters 🏹
Magic 🪄
Interdimensional Travel 🌌
Vampire Hunter Academy 🏫
Mystery, Intrigue and Buried Secrets 🤫
I thought this was a very interesting take on Vampires. As well as an interesting magic system that included abilities, runes, and wafers (edible power boost/ability givers).
There are some plot holes but eh its a Fantasy I try not to dwell on the mechanics of things too much in make believe worlds.
I did enjoy the fact that the main character was not instantly good at being a vampire hunter, it takes almost the entirety of the book to get there which is more than some. The training scenes were brief and not overwhelming to the point that it drug the pace of the story down. I'm not one for insta love/lust and even though our main characters make it through most of the book before making a move, the MMC is instantly smitten and goes into savior mode. I would've prefered for the relationship to develop slower. There are a number of side characters and I think we will get to explore them more in the next book. I DID not see the Cliffhanger coming, I really thought it would go a different way.
It was a quick little read it only took me like 2 days to finish. In closing Slayer offered a different take on vampires then the norm, it had a unique magic system, an acadmey setting, and plenty of mystery. If the above themes are your vibe pick yourself up a copy.
Vampires 🧛♂️
Vampire Hunters 🏹
Magic 🪄
Interdimensional Travel 🌌
Vampire Hunter Academy 🏫
Mystery, Intrigue and Buried Secrets 🤫
I thought this was a very interesting take on Vampires. As well as an interesting magic system that included abilities, runes, and wafers (edible power boost/ability givers).
There are some plot holes but eh its a Fantasy I try not to dwell on the mechanics of things too much in make believe worlds.
I did enjoy the fact that the main character was not instantly good at being a vampire hunter, it takes almost the entirety of the book to get there which is more than some. The training scenes were brief and not overwhelming to the point that it drug the pace of the story down. I'm not one for insta love/lust and even though our main characters make it through most of the book before making a move, the MMC is instantly smitten and goes into savior mode. I would've prefered for the relationship to develop slower. There are a number of side characters and I think we will get to explore them more in the next book. I DID not see the Cliffhanger coming, I really thought it would go a different way.
It was a quick little read it only took me like 2 days to finish. In closing Slayer offered a different take on vampires then the norm, it had a unique magic system, an acadmey setting, and plenty of mystery. If the above themes are your vibe pick yourself up a copy.
August 17, 2026
4.5⭐️
Slayer fed my Butfy obsessed soul! It’s a quick-read, YA (I think? So far?), fast-paced fun time!
You have a freshly turned 18 year old who was raised in foster homes and group homes, and on her 18th birthday finds out from a stranger who saves her life, Asher Voss, that she’s actually a vampire hunter. Not only that, but a legacy hunter at that, with her mother having died 18 years ago.
She’s welcomed by her mothers best friend, and quickly finds a place she belongs with actual friends and training to potentially become a Slayee. But when things unravel with the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, she starts to realize there’s more to her own story as well. While vampire activity picks up ontop of her own deep-seeded insecurities, she finds keeping friends and possibly a relationship, is harder than it seems. Her secrets pile up and there’s no one to trust them with in fear that they would make the Hunter become the hunted.
In all honesty, I ATE THIS BOOK UP. I knew I would. It was a quick time, a good time, and just fun vibes. A lot of it didn’t get too detailed, but it was under 300 pages so there was that was too be expected. But even with some of it being surface level, it was easy to understand and I understood the plot and characters. I can’t wait to devour the second book!
Slayer fed my Butfy obsessed soul! It’s a quick-read, YA (I think? So far?), fast-paced fun time!
You have a freshly turned 18 year old who was raised in foster homes and group homes, and on her 18th birthday finds out from a stranger who saves her life, Asher Voss, that she’s actually a vampire hunter. Not only that, but a legacy hunter at that, with her mother having died 18 years ago.
She’s welcomed by her mothers best friend, and quickly finds a place she belongs with actual friends and training to potentially become a Slayee. But when things unravel with the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, she starts to realize there’s more to her own story as well. While vampire activity picks up ontop of her own deep-seeded insecurities, she finds keeping friends and possibly a relationship, is harder than it seems. Her secrets pile up and there’s no one to trust them with in fear that they would make the Hunter become the hunted.
In all honesty, I ATE THIS BOOK UP. I knew I would. It was a quick time, a good time, and just fun vibes. A lot of it didn’t get too detailed, but it was under 300 pages so there was that was too be expected. But even with some of it being surface level, it was easy to understand and I understood the plot and characters. I can’t wait to devour the second book!
August 15, 2026
A new series by Leia Stone! There is so much action as Stella discovers a whole new world on her 18th birthday. Turns out there are vampires and the protections she’s had since birth have finally worn off.
Stella grew up in foster care and struggles with emotions and imposter syndrome. The turmoil about her past is holding her back and creating so much distrust. I have no idea who is going to end up being the good guys and the bad guys.
Overall, I loved this book. There is a family secret complete with meddling relative, academy training, supernatural powers, and so many vampire attacks. I’m excited for book 2!
Stella grew up in foster care and struggles with emotions and imposter syndrome. The turmoil about her past is holding her back and creating so much distrust. I have no idea who is going to end up being the good guys and the bad guys.
Overall, I loved this book. There is a family secret complete with meddling relative, academy training, supernatural powers, and so many vampire attacks. I’m excited for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
I absolutely loved this one!
Slayer was packed with suspense and secrets, and I was hooked on discovering what was really going on alongside Stella.
I especially loved the found family vibes and the friendships and support Stella finds after being thrown headfirst into this completely new world. Add in vampires, a really interesting magic system and plenty of mystery, and this was exactly my kind of read.
And Asher… 🖤 I couldn’t help but root for him! I loved the tension between him and Stella and definitely wanted more of them.
Such a fun, addictive read and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
I absolutely loved this one!
Slayer was packed with suspense and secrets, and I was hooked on discovering what was really going on alongside Stella.
I especially loved the found family vibes and the friendships and support Stella finds after being thrown headfirst into this completely new world. Add in vampires, a really interesting magic system and plenty of mystery, and this was exactly my kind of read.
And Asher… 🖤 I couldn’t help but root for him! I loved the tension between him and Stella and definitely wanted more of them.
Such a fun, addictive read and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
August 7, 2026
I liked this book but not as much as I was hoping. It reads very YA but overall it’s still a fun read! The beginning reminded me a lot of The Mortal Instruments/City of Bones, so I knew I was going to enjoy the book. I think any paranormal romance reader who likes young adult books will have a good time reading this one!
Thank you so much to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy! Slayer releases on September 8, so be sure to check it out!
I am excited for the next book in the series!
Thank you so much to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy! Slayer releases on September 8, so be sure to check it out!
I am excited for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Calling all Mortal Instruments and Buffy lovers!
If you’re craving a YA urban paranormal academia romantasy then look no further! A fast pace read that kept me addicted till the very end. I love this new world that Stella stumbled upon on her 18th birthday. She discovers that vampires are real, and vampire hunters also exist.
I was so giddy with this book that I read it in a day! As the story progresses more is revealed about Stella, and this world that exists. I love the way that the vampire hunters travel, magic, and Nightguard Academy. Everything was easy to follow and I never felt confused. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil it. If you’re looking for a vampire hunter book with heart, be sure to check this one out. So many secrets and mysteries to uncover. Eeek!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted arc.
If you’re craving a YA urban paranormal academia romantasy then look no further! A fast pace read that kept me addicted till the very end. I love this new world that Stella stumbled upon on her 18th birthday. She discovers that vampires are real, and vampire hunters also exist.
I was so giddy with this book that I read it in a day! As the story progresses more is revealed about Stella, and this world that exists. I love the way that the vampire hunters travel, magic, and Nightguard Academy. Everything was easy to follow and I never felt confused. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil it. If you’re looking for a vampire hunter book with heart, be sure to check this one out. So many secrets and mysteries to uncover. Eeek!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted arc.
August 18, 2026
This was a strong start to a new fantasy series. This was a fast paced read that follows Stella as she is exposed to a world of vampires that she didn’t existed on her 18th birthday. This story was action packed, heartfelt and mysterious with a paranormal academy setting. I liked the incorporation of rune magic and portals to and from this other world. This was a very engaging read and I can’t wait to see how to series continues.
Read this if you like:
🩸 Vampires
🩸 Found family
🩸 Academy setting
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of the book.
Read this if you like:
🩸 Vampires
🩸 Found family
🩸 Academy setting
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Perfect YA vampire hunter book. Set in a college age vampire hunter academy. With runes, portals, fight training and an unraveling mystery.
I really appreciated the respect between characters in this book. Snarky young people in books typically only care about themselves. That's not the case here. Friendship, loyalty, love and respect are main character traits. Paired with a lot of introspection.
Notes:
No spice
Death
Graphic content:blood sucking, slaying and bloody hand to hand combat
I really appreciated the respect between characters in this book. Snarky young people in books typically only care about themselves. That's not the case here. Friendship, loyalty, love and respect are main character traits. Paired with a lot of introspection.
Notes:
No spice
Death
Graphic content:blood sucking, slaying and bloody hand to hand combat
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!! another amazing world, with amazing characters! This did not disappoint!! i was hooked from page one, ended up abandoning my life and jumping head first into this world, finishing it at 3am the following morning! Soooooo good!
Watching Stella's character grow, seeing the relationships build, it all feels so real! I love the friendships, the found family, i love the mystery and having absolutely no idea where this is going!! i cant wait for more!! i know i said it before but Soooo good!!!
Watching Stella's character grow, seeing the relationships build, it all feels so real! I love the friendships, the found family, i love the mystery and having absolutely no idea where this is going!! i cant wait for more!! i know i said it before but Soooo good!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some birthdays are major milestones; 18 is one of those; however, for some, it means having your eyes opened to the previously unknown and sometimes unbelievable followed by immediate change and introduction into a world of vampires and vampire hunters along with all the aspects of found family, new friendships, and hidden secrets. The storyline is intriguing with a strong set of characters and plenty of heartbreaking/heartmending moments, but an overall depiction of protectiveness, instant connection, and broken trust.
"We are our own worst enemies."
"We are our own worst enemies."
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story started a little slower than some, but by chapter 3 I was hooked. It’s a great balance of the real world (with some magical elements) and a fantasy world.
The characters are well written and have enough depth that for some you don’t know if you’re rooting for them or against them. I enjoyed having more than just a standard the vampires are bad side to the story.
The ending was slightly predicable but there were parts in the pages leading up to it I wouldn’t have guessed and a new twist to the classic vampire story.
Overall a easy and fast read that has me ready for book 2!
The characters are well written and have enough depth that for some you don’t know if you’re rooting for them or against them. I enjoyed having more than just a standard the vampires are bad side to the story.
The ending was slightly predicable but there were parts in the pages leading up to it I wouldn’t have guessed and a new twist to the classic vampire story.
Overall a easy and fast read that has me ready for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for this book. I'm going to love this new series! Vampire hunters! I loved Stella. She is so strong and overcomes so much in this book. She is such a survivor and can adapt to anything. I'm still on the fence with Asher. I understand his trauma, but he needs to listen too. I hope he redeems himself in the next book. This book was a page-turner. I've been in a book slump and this one I've devoured.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Faced Paced, action filled, YA fantasy. The runes and vampires are interesting and has a slight nordic feel, while still bringing something new to the table. This is definitely a vamp slayer and all vamps are bad. I cant wait to see what comes next, and I cant wait to find out where these twists take us!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ugh the ending just stabbed me in the heart! I’m so mad at Asher! and I wish stella would just get over it and trust her people! they have more than proven they have her back! so frustrating but i can’t wait to find out what happens next!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this story! While it definitely feels YA, I don't see that as a problem. It's a fun read, and I like the characters. There were twists I didn't see coming, and I very much look forward to reading the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5/5
Full review to come
Full review to come
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews