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Buffyverse Novels #19
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Go Ask Malice - A Slayer's Diary
January 22 -
Had the dream again last night. Only, this time it was different. . .
Faith has always been a loner. Growing up in a broken home in South Boston, shuffled from relative to relative, her only companion was an imaginary friend named Alex, who helped her escape into a fantasy world of monsters and the supernatural, far from the real-life horrors of the waking world.
Now, taken away from her mother by social services and shipped off to a foster home, Faith learns that some nightmares are all too real, that the inventions of her childhood really do haunt the night, hungry for blood. Enter Diana Dormer, a Harvard professor and representative of the Watchers Council who has come to tell Faith of her destiny, to train her, to prepare her for what is to come: Faith is the Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness.
But she's not alone. When Alex, her childhood companion, returns in her dreams, she warns Faith that someone else is coming for her, a force so deadly and unforgiving that it has inspired fear in the underworld for a thousand generations. Its name is Malice.
As memory and fantasy begin to merge, Faith's two worlds collide, with cataclysmic results. A violent battle for the Slayer's soul is staged, winner take all.
This is her story. . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
15 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 15, 2023
This is a media tie-in novel that is from the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this one we get to know the character Faith before we see her on the show. We were hinted during the show about her difficult childhood and her time in Boston and this the exploration of these subjects.
If I had to use one word to describe this book I would use the word interesting. The author decided to tell the story as a journal with the character writing various entries into that journal. We get to see how she is feeling at that moment while momentous occasions happen in her life. I wasn't crazy for this type of storytelling. I have a difficult time believing that the character we see on the show would actually do this especially with what she is dealing with at the moment. I believe if the story was told in a linear fashion I would have enjoyed it a little more. The story is fine but I do believe that it needed more fleshing out as we are dealing with two different plots at the same time. I did have moments of sheer delight as we get a couple of easter eggs to the show. Also, the author has to be from Boston as he referenced a couple of spots that a true Bostonian like myself would know about.
I did like the exploration of the character Faith and her origins story. I never realized I needed that until I read this book. I do think that the way author penned this book was a bit of a disservice. It was like he was trying to be a little too clever with his story. Sometimes it is better to keep it simple. This would have been one of those times.
If I had to use one word to describe this book I would use the word interesting. The author decided to tell the story as a journal with the character writing various entries into that journal. We get to see how she is feeling at that moment while momentous occasions happen in her life. I wasn't crazy for this type of storytelling. I have a difficult time believing that the character we see on the show would actually do this especially with what she is dealing with at the moment. I believe if the story was told in a linear fashion I would have enjoyed it a little more. The story is fine but I do believe that it needed more fleshing out as we are dealing with two different plots at the same time. I did have moments of sheer delight as we get a couple of easter eggs to the show. Also, the author has to be from Boston as he referenced a couple of spots that a true Bostonian like myself would know about.
I did like the exploration of the character Faith and her origins story. I never realized I needed that until I read this book. I do think that the way author penned this book was a bit of a disservice. It was like he was trying to be a little too clever with his story. Sometimes it is better to keep it simple. This would have been one of those times.
June 11, 2022
This is an original Buffy-adjacent novel that's written in the form of a diary as by the bad girl from Boston slayer, Faith. It does a good job of telling her story and filling in the background of her pre-Sunnydale time. If one can get past the doubt that Faith would have the patience or inclination to write such a thing, and shrug off some of the dream sequences that seem just a little too much like filler... Not a five-by-five, but a fun read for Buffy fans. Gotta love the title...
June 21, 2025
Faith was by far my favourite character in the Buffyverse (to the point that I even named my sister after her!) so I already knew I'd enjoy this book before I read it.
Thing is, I don't think I like it because it's about Faith, I like it because it's actually brilliant. I loved the diary format because t made it a lot more personal and a lot more interesting to be written from Faith's point of view- yes, she's still the badass babe that has darkness in her heart but, at times, her more vulnerable side shows through as well as her intelligence and, to be honest, it's a but sad because you know she's never taken seriously, she's always just the bad girl from Boston.
The characters she shared time with- notably Tommy, Kenny/Killian/K and Professor Dormer -were all brilliantly crafted, their actions really helping to show how Faith ended up the way she did. The backstory about her mother was heartwrenching, as was her reunion with her father- her parents had, undoubtedly, failed her and she deserved better... And she knew it.
It tied in nicely with the rest of the Buffyverse, name-dropping characters/events here and there, enough to make you go "aha..." but not too much so it felt like it was overly reliant on them. I also liked how it gave the details to her entrance to Sunnydale and the reason she had Kakistos on her tail in the first place.
Which reminds me, I got the same tattoo as her a few years ago... So looks like I'm marked on the Father's hitlist too...
Thing is, I don't think I like it because it's about Faith, I like it because it's actually brilliant. I loved the diary format because t made it a lot more personal and a lot more interesting to be written from Faith's point of view- yes, she's still the badass babe that has darkness in her heart but, at times, her more vulnerable side shows through as well as her intelligence and, to be honest, it's a but sad because you know she's never taken seriously, she's always just the bad girl from Boston.
The characters she shared time with- notably Tommy, Kenny/Killian/K and Professor Dormer -were all brilliantly crafted, their actions really helping to show how Faith ended up the way she did. The backstory about her mother was heartwrenching, as was her reunion with her father- her parents had, undoubtedly, failed her and she deserved better... And she knew it.
It tied in nicely with the rest of the Buffyverse, name-dropping characters/events here and there, enough to make you go "aha..." but not too much so it felt like it was overly reliant on them. I also liked how it gave the details to her entrance to Sunnydale and the reason she had Kakistos on her tail in the first place.
Which reminds me, I got the same tattoo as her a few years ago... So looks like I'm marked on the Father's hitlist too...
December 14, 2021
5 stars
Nice to have Faith's diary detailing her time growing up and meeting her Watcher. Felt sorry for Faith. No stable childhood and then Watcher dies.
Can't wait to read more Buffyverse novels!!!!!
Nice to have Faith's diary detailing her time growing up and meeting her Watcher. Felt sorry for Faith. No stable childhood and then Watcher dies.
Can't wait to read more Buffyverse novels!!!!!
October 7, 2018
Faith was always one of my favorite characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She wasn't at first - I thought she was kind of annoying, obviously an evil character. And then, as I got older, I started to look at it in a different light. It became increasingly obvious that Faith came from a not so great background. And it became increasingly obvious that Buffy and her friends weren't exactly helping the situation much - they tend to be pretty hypocritical of people outside their bubble.
Faith did some terrible things in the show, true. There's no getting around that. But Buffy and company didn't exactly help matters much. Buffy knew the conditions that Faith was living in. Giles more or less only focused on Buffy, and the Watcher they sent to keep an eye on Faith was, before his development in Angel, obviously a poor match and unfit for the job.
There was blame on both sides. Willow went evil as well later on in the show, and yet, she never had to serve time in prison for it. Faith went to Angel, tried to get him to kill her, and then eventually turned herself in - willingly. And then she was left there until Angel and crew needed her, and then she came and helped with the First Evil in the final season of Buffy. It feels weird that the other characters treat her so poorly for it, when none of them have ever really served penance for the things they did.
Regardless, when I learned about this novel, I was keen to read it. I was eager to know more about Faith's past, even though whether or not this is canon is up for debate (some of it is, some of it isn't, is the best I can come up).
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. There was a lot of stuff there that fit what I already thought about Faith's background. A negligent, drunk, addicted mother who was barely there with boyfriends who would abuse both the mom and Faith. Terrible step parents in a negligent foster care system. Negligent authority figures always willing to cast the blame on Faith, as the troubled child, rather than others who escalated the situations.
But there was enough here that felt off that I can't really rate it higher than three stars.
For one, the big one, it's kinda hard to accept that A) Faith would keep a journal and B) be that detailed about it. It feels like it doesn't fit her personality. And I don't mean that in a 'she's not literate enough' kind of way - she's obviously more clever than she lets on in the show. But she doesn't seem like the kinda girl who would keep a journal, much less because her child protection services rep recommended it to her.
I think it would've been better for the story if it had just been told from a first person perspective, rather than a journal. Or, alternate between journal entries and the first person perspective. Either way, it was hard to get into the story at times because it felt distant.
The second problem was that I wanted to know more about some of the side characters. Particularly the Watcher. I got the impression in the show that she was close with her Watcher - and one of the reasons she's so distant with people is because she failed her. It never really feels like a close relationship here. Then there was Jess, a girl who escaped from a family with Faith and then just kind of disappears - she seemed like an interesting character. And the character that the story does focus on - Kenneth - I liked his ability, but didn't care for him personally.
The third was the main plot. The whole situation that Faith is going through is weird, and telling this through a journal makes it even murkier and harder to enjoy. It leads to a lot of "this happened and then this happened" situations because Faith isn't always aware of some of the things that happen. It puts the reader at a distance. And, well, the situation itself is kinda weird. Spoiler tagged...
Suffice to say, I like the premise, and there were a lot of fun moments, but overall, I didn't feel like it was a great insight into Faith's past. I wanted to get to know Faith better, but the inconsistencies with the show and the use of the journal made it hard to do so.
Faith did some terrible things in the show, true. There's no getting around that. But Buffy and company didn't exactly help matters much. Buffy knew the conditions that Faith was living in. Giles more or less only focused on Buffy, and the Watcher they sent to keep an eye on Faith was, before his development in Angel, obviously a poor match and unfit for the job.
There was blame on both sides. Willow went evil as well later on in the show, and yet, she never had to serve time in prison for it. Faith went to Angel, tried to get him to kill her, and then eventually turned herself in - willingly. And then she was left there until Angel and crew needed her, and then she came and helped with the First Evil in the final season of Buffy. It feels weird that the other characters treat her so poorly for it, when none of them have ever really served penance for the things they did.
Regardless, when I learned about this novel, I was keen to read it. I was eager to know more about Faith's past, even though whether or not this is canon is up for debate (some of it is, some of it isn't, is the best I can come up).
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. There was a lot of stuff there that fit what I already thought about Faith's background. A negligent, drunk, addicted mother who was barely there with boyfriends who would abuse both the mom and Faith. Terrible step parents in a negligent foster care system. Negligent authority figures always willing to cast the blame on Faith, as the troubled child, rather than others who escalated the situations.
But there was enough here that felt off that I can't really rate it higher than three stars.
For one, the big one, it's kinda hard to accept that A) Faith would keep a journal and B) be that detailed about it. It feels like it doesn't fit her personality. And I don't mean that in a 'she's not literate enough' kind of way - she's obviously more clever than she lets on in the show. But she doesn't seem like the kinda girl who would keep a journal, much less because her child protection services rep recommended it to her.
I think it would've been better for the story if it had just been told from a first person perspective, rather than a journal. Or, alternate between journal entries and the first person perspective. Either way, it was hard to get into the story at times because it felt distant.
The second problem was that I wanted to know more about some of the side characters. Particularly the Watcher. I got the impression in the show that she was close with her Watcher - and one of the reasons she's so distant with people is because she failed her. It never really feels like a close relationship here. Then there was Jess, a girl who escaped from a family with Faith and then just kind of disappears - she seemed like an interesting character. And the character that the story does focus on - Kenneth - I liked his ability, but didn't care for him personally.
The third was the main plot. The whole situation that Faith is going through is weird, and telling this through a journal makes it even murkier and harder to enjoy. It leads to a lot of "this happened and then this happened" situations because Faith isn't always aware of some of the things that happen. It puts the reader at a distance. And, well, the situation itself is kinda weird. Spoiler tagged...
Suffice to say, I like the premise, and there were a lot of fun moments, but overall, I didn't feel like it was a great insight into Faith's past. I wanted to get to know Faith better, but the inconsistencies with the show and the use of the journal made it hard to do so.
March 24, 2012
For years I scoffed at the existence of Buffy tie-in novels (how good could they really be?), and I was only reluctantly able to appreciate the character of Faith on the show. So it's kind of a shock to me that this first tie-in novel I've read, detailing Faith's back story before she came to Sunnydale, was so incredibly enjoyable! The author has a light and breezy writing style that makes the pages just fly by; not coincidentally, this laidback style also fits the voice of Faith perfectly. The convention used of the novel being Faith's actual diary requires only a slight leap (as does any epistolary, I suppose), and is surprisingly effective at conveying the plot. The lightness of the writing style, coupled with a larger-than-normal typeface, means that you'll be able to tear through the story in just a couple of days (or, if determined, a few hours at once). Not a perfect book - the recurring dream-story gets a bit old, pretty fast - but a thoroughly entertaining quick read.
June 17, 2007
I've never read any books like this before, y'know, the Star Wars books or the Charmed novels because I have this snobby prejudice.
Wait, that's not true. I just remembered I tried to read one of the more popular "After Season Seven" Buffy books, and I couldn't get 30 pages in because it sucked so hard. But I picked up Go Ask Malice just for fun because I like Faith and the author went to the same college as I. I was prepared to hate it with vigor.
But it was really pretty good. I mean, it wasn't Tolstoy or anything, but it was a pretty good story told in diary format, and Levy did a pretty good job of capturing Faith's voice most of the time.
Diary format is hard because I always end up wondering why the fictional writer is describing things so formally and how they can remember huge, complicated conversations verbatim, but fine.
Also, having seen the Buffy and Angel series a hundred billion times, I was surprised at how true he was to canon. So way to go.
Accurate, fun, light... this book does what it sets out to do.
Wait, that's not true. I just remembered I tried to read one of the more popular "After Season Seven" Buffy books, and I couldn't get 30 pages in because it sucked so hard. But I picked up Go Ask Malice just for fun because I like Faith and the author went to the same college as I. I was prepared to hate it with vigor.
But it was really pretty good. I mean, it wasn't Tolstoy or anything, but it was a pretty good story told in diary format, and Levy did a pretty good job of capturing Faith's voice most of the time.
Diary format is hard because I always end up wondering why the fictional writer is describing things so formally and how they can remember huge, complicated conversations verbatim, but fine.
Also, having seen the Buffy and Angel series a hundred billion times, I was surprised at how true he was to canon. So way to go.
Accurate, fun, light... this book does what it sets out to do.
April 18, 2018
Yes 5*.
I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I love Faith and I always wished we got to know more about her and where she came from.
Then came this book and it delivered completely.
I loved the format this was written in and I felt it kept in character with who Faith was on the show. It sort of explains parts of her character and the way she's acted and it also left me guessing on some things but you know what? That's all good.
I had started this book many years ago and put it down not for lack of interest or boredom and I can't quite explain it because it's an easy read really and I never wanted to put it down after picking it back up.
I think the author did an awesome job from beginning to end and I am definitely recommending this book for every Faith lover 😀
I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I love Faith and I always wished we got to know more about her and where she came from.
Then came this book and it delivered completely.
I loved the format this was written in and I felt it kept in character with who Faith was on the show. It sort of explains parts of her character and the way she's acted and it also left me guessing on some things but you know what? That's all good.
I had started this book many years ago and put it down not for lack of interest or boredom and I can't quite explain it because it's an easy read really and I never wanted to put it down after picking it back up.
I think the author did an awesome job from beginning to end and I am definitely recommending this book for every Faith lover 😀
May 21, 2022
Like I commented earlier, I thought that this story would have been better told in first person instead of a diary format perspective it just seems outta character for Faith to do, to keep a journal.
I don't wanna say she was illiterate but the patience to take the time to write down her innermost feelings and thoughts in her daily life and struggles. Just seems off to me. Like she wouldn't have done that but I guess on the other hand it's nice to see Faith embrace the normalcy of journaling her life events, to give herself an outlet; and also get inside Faith's head and how she views the world, life problems, herself and the people around her.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kenny/Killian/K and Professor Dormer and their character arcs. I would like to see Kenny make a return appearance at some point to see some character growth but I guess we've to wait and see.
For Faith's first Watcher, it was refreshing to see a positive adult role model who was a supportive and caring figure who became a positive influence to the young girl who was desperate to have motherly affection and how her first Watcher's tragic end at the end of the book further takes a toll on Faith's psyche.
I also liked Alex/Malice's character and found her character arc really well done, even though it was short.
Overall, I just feel if the author had chosen a different perspective to tell his story about Faith and not gone with the diary format, it would've been better to dive deeper into Faith's mind, her relationships, and past, before her arrival to Sunnydale.
I'll give this book a four out of 5 star rating
I don't wanna say she was illiterate but the patience to take the time to write down her innermost feelings and thoughts in her daily life and struggles. Just seems off to me. Like she wouldn't have done that but I guess on the other hand it's nice to see Faith embrace the normalcy of journaling her life events, to give herself an outlet; and also get inside Faith's head and how she views the world, life problems, herself and the people around her.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kenny/Killian/K and Professor Dormer and their character arcs. I would like to see Kenny make a return appearance at some point to see some character growth but I guess we've to wait and see.
For Faith's first Watcher, it was refreshing to see a positive adult role model who was a supportive and caring figure who became a positive influence to the young girl who was desperate to have motherly affection and how her first Watcher's tragic end at the end of the book further takes a toll on Faith's psyche.
I also liked Alex/Malice's character and found her character arc really well done, even though it was short.
Overall, I just feel if the author had chosen a different perspective to tell his story about Faith and not gone with the diary format, it would've been better to dive deeper into Faith's mind, her relationships, and past, before her arrival to Sunnydale.
I'll give this book a four out of 5 star rating
January 2, 2021
Five by five
Me encantan los libros de Buffy que añaden más a los personajes sin perjudicar lo que ya conocemos. En este caso descubrimos como era la vida de Faith antes de ser cazadora, cuando se convierte en cazadora, la relación con su familia y vigilante, el origen de su tatuaje y su famosa expresión de Five by five y su encuentro con Kakistos.
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo. Respeta al personaje y su voz, compartes el desconcierto de Faith y sus penalidades. Imprescindible si eres fan fan de la serie y especialmente de Faith.
Me encantan los libros de Buffy que añaden más a los personajes sin perjudicar lo que ya conocemos. En este caso descubrimos como era la vida de Faith antes de ser cazadora, cuando se convierte en cazadora, la relación con su familia y vigilante, el origen de su tatuaje y su famosa expresión de Five by five y su encuentro con Kakistos.
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo. Respeta al personaje y su voz, compartes el desconcierto de Faith y sus penalidades. Imprescindible si eres fan fan de la serie y especialmente de Faith.
June 13, 2022
Fellow Buffy novelization fans know that this little book is weirdly rare, seriously you can find copies of it on eBay for hundreds of dollars. So, I had to jump at the opportunity to grab one when it popped up at my fave used bookstore.
Go Ask Malice provides some backstory to the darker half of the chosen two, written in a first person diary style, it's about as tragic as you'd expect but definitely necessary reading if you like the character as much as I do. It's Faith's story through and through, complete with her own brand of creepy slayer dreams, familial trauma and teenage angst with a body count all leading up to her arrival in Sunnydale.
Go Ask Malice provides some backstory to the darker half of the chosen two, written in a first person diary style, it's about as tragic as you'd expect but definitely necessary reading if you like the character as much as I do. It's Faith's story through and through, complete with her own brand of creepy slayer dreams, familial trauma and teenage angst with a body count all leading up to her arrival in Sunnydale.
April 1, 2025
’But nothing matters anymore. Now it’s just about staying alive.’
Creo que case todo o mundo sabe que Faith é a miña personaxe favorita, así que estaba claro que ía ler o único libro que lle deron (máis dunha vez). E, como non, chorei e depriminme mentres o lía.
Primeiro, comezar indicando a gran inspiración que Levy tomou da novela “Go Ask Alice” para escribir este libro. Evidentemente, o título é case o mesmo, e tamén o formato no que se conta a historia: un diario. A pesar de que nunca lin a novela orixinal, creo que teñen moito en común, xa que ambas tratan temáticas escuras, tristes e problemáticas.
En canto á historia de Faith, o retrato que desenvolve aquí Levy axuda a entender moito mellor a psicoloxía da personaxe que posteriormente vemos na serie. En realidade, Faith é unha personaxe fácil de amar ou odiar, dependendo do punto de vista que tomes, e ambas opinións son válidas. Non son moi fan de darlle un pasado traumático a un vilán para xustificar os seus actos, pero neste caso, Faith nunca foi a vilá da historia. Só unha adolescente asustada e soa.
Grazas a que o formato é un diario, por fin podemos ver os seus “verdadeiros” pensamentos e sentimentos. Vemos os seus conflitos desde dentro: a súa relación coa nai, as súas relacións amorosas… Como pasa de estar soa e atrapada a sentir que ten un propósito na vida ao descubrir que é unha potencial cazadora.
En xeral, este libro é unha gran adición á personaxe de Faith, explicando a súa personalidade e o ano previo a coñecer a Buffy. É certo que non era necesario que a súa historia fose tan traumática, pero xa é tarde. Grazas, Levy, por darlle a Faith a atención que se merece. Totalmente recomendado se queres saber máis sobre unha das mellores personaxes do Buffyverse.
PD: tiven que facer esta review resumida porque a outra parecía máis un informe psicolóxico con 2 páxinas de longo…
PD2: ao final, a review quedou bastante parecida á orixinal que borrara xd
June 28, 2012
Entertaining read as well as a nice background and insight on the character of Faith. For the most part the story and personality seems consistent with the character fans have come to know on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However I had a difficult time believing that Faith would write in a journal with as much detail and focus as this.
It was nice seeing a back story on how she got her arm tattoo, where the phrase "Five By Five" came from and the ex-boyfriends she once mentioned to Buffy in the television series (Steve-Klepto, Kenny-Drummer,etc).
For the most part we learn about Faith's encounter with the vampire Kakisto's (who shows up during Faith's arrival in Sunnydale)however the story at times gets a little muddled with extra bits about mental projections of things that may or may not be real.
Overall,fans of Buffy and particularly of Faith should enjoy this story.
It was nice seeing a back story on how she got her arm tattoo, where the phrase "Five By Five" came from and the ex-boyfriends she once mentioned to Buffy in the television series (Steve-Klepto, Kenny-Drummer,etc).
For the most part we learn about Faith's encounter with the vampire Kakisto's (who shows up during Faith's arrival in Sunnydale)however the story at times gets a little muddled with extra bits about mental projections of things that may or may not be real.
Overall,fans of Buffy and particularly of Faith should enjoy this story.
April 10, 2014
I wasn't expecting much from this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. This really feels like it could have been Faith's life before she appeared on BtVS, and it pulls no punches. It ties nicely to the plot that introduces Faith on the show, and was a believable look at Faith's first watcher. Sometimes it ties too many plot threads together and strains belief, such as when it's revealed that the ex-girlfriend of a secondary character was killed by Mr. Trick, or the fact that Faith's watcher's ex-boyfriend was Giles's father, but overall this was a really solid book and a treat for this Faith fan.
September 24, 2020
This was interesting, but even after a few reads I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. I do like the chance to learn more about Faith's life before she came to Sunnydale, but some of the lore in this felt overly complicated/got explained too much. I did like seeing the vengeance demon though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
Absolutely loved delving into my favourite vampire sisters past! Such a strong book that really delivers on giving us an unsettling glimpse of Faith's upbringing and why she is the way she is. I loved the little Easter eggs that tie in with the TV series too. If you're a Buffy fan then this book is an important read!
July 14, 2008
Being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, it was fun to learn the history of Faith and her background and where she came from and why she is the way she is. I wished her diary was longer and included her days in Sunnydale as well as Boston.
July 2, 2023
4.5
Фейт Лехейн є моєю улюбленою телевізійною героїнею з усіх, тому ця книжка заздалегідь здавалася мені чимось ще більш класним та створеним для привабливих людей, ніж щоденник Лори Палмер. Якщо ж відійти від гумору, то знайомство з книжками по «Баффі» в мене нульове, отже я й приблизно не знала, чого очікувати від якості написаного. В результаті вийшло доволі непогано, хоч і простувато та без глибоких літературних вишуканостей. Я б ще щось почитала, не дивлячись на те, що люди називають цю книгу набагато більш вдалою за інші. Мене ось тільки дивує, наскільки ці книжки нікому не потрібні. Ще не так давно люди через весь інтернет вишукували, де це можна прочитати, а хтось на Реддіті отримав у коментарях автора написаного з пропозицією вислати книгу. Це ж наскільки раритетне олдскульне чтиво, де його заслужена увага?
Найбільша та по суті єдина нелогічність цієї книги дає про себе знати ще на моменті прочитання анотації — дуже багато хто не вірить, що Фейт в цілому могла б вести щоденник. Ця героїня занадто хаотична та непосидюча. Тим паче складно повірити, що вона завела щоденник за порадою соціального робітника — вона б скоріше на зло послала цю ідею якомога далі. Спочатку мене це трохи бентежило, але з іншого боку... Ми також знаємо, що Фейт не зовсім така, як вона про себе розказує і якою хоче бути й що вона занадто сильно загубилася у спробах бути пафосною та виглядати круто. Насправді ж вона набагато більш емоційна та чутлива. Тож цілком можливо, що вона б і вела щоденник, проте ніколи в житті нікому про це не розказувала. Все ж вона героїня без особливої довіри до людей та й друзів загалом нема, тож вона могла б знайти якийсь комфорт у можливості хоча б десь розповідати про своє життя.
В результаті мені сподобався саме такий формат оповідання. Можливо, це пов’язано з тим, що думки Фейт та її стиль оповідання доволі потішні. Автору дуже добре вдалося передати усі її особливості, її голосом написане й чула. Взагалі-то ця книга робить з Фейт трохи іншу героїню, ніж вона була в серіалі. Якр��з через те, що ми читаємо її думки вона стає більш людяною та справжньою. Ще більше видно, що вона була всього-на-всього дитиною зі своїми слабкостями, яка могла б вирости гідною людиною, якби життя було до неї добрішим.
Життя в неї було, до речі, ще насиченішим, ніж я думала. Де вона тут тільки не побувала. Я завжди думала, що вона заради уваги навигадувала більшість своїх божевільних історій з минулого, але може й ні. Зі школи вигнали, з якимись сектантами пожила, в психлікарні побувала. За цим доволі сумно спостерігати, бо по суті в неї не вірив ніхто й всі говорили, що вона не має шансів на нормальне життя. Ця книга дуже добре показує, чому в результаті для Фейт було так важливо вписуватися в Саннідейлі та чому вона зненавиділа Баффі за те, як усі її обожнюють. Фейт завжди вважали невдахою, і коли вона отримала першу у своєму житті справу, в якій була хорошою, обраною та єдиною, то навіть там виявилася не такою особливою.
Доволі сумно також бачити, що вона дуже не хотіла бути поганою людиною. Бачивши приклад своїх батьків, вона дуже сильно не хотіла опинитися на тому ж місці. Книга непогано пояснює, чому в результаті не вийшло. Тут зіграло роль і саме життя, яке подарувало їй неконтрольовані приступи агресії, з якими їй ніхто не допоміг, а після того й неймовірну фізичну силу, яка, як було сказано в книзі, дуже добре підгодовується агресією. Також зіграли роль і роздуми самої Фейт. Вона бачила найгіршу версію того, яким може бути життя і якими можуть бути люди. Вона ставила собі питання, в чому різниця між «хорошим» вбивством вампірів та «поганим» вбивством злих людей? По суті, усі вони хочуть того ж самого. Мені здається, що ця думка стає в деякому сенсі ключовою для її особистості, бо Фейт обережно та несвідомо дає собі забагато влади. Вона знає, як добре може відчуватися помста. Вона знає, що іноді не має іншого виходу, окрім як вчинити з людьми так, як вони вчиняють з тобою. А люди майже ніколи не поводилися з нею добре.
У неї нема ні друзів, ні дому, ні родини. Все, що почало мати для неї сенс — знайомство з Баффі та її друзями. Але Баффі — це як ідеальна версія Фейт. Баффі обожнюють, Баффі приділяють багато уваги, Баффі знає, як вчиняти правильно, у Баффі є друзі та підтримка родини. Що б Баффі не зробила, хтось завжди прийде їй на допомогу. А Фейт зі своїм характером та бекграундом, як би вона не хотіла, не зможе повністю вписатися в цей світ. Не дивно, що вона, вперше отримавши щось по-справжньому хороше, почала проявляти так багато власництва й до Баффі, й до цілого міста. Її скоріше шкода, ніж її хочеться звинувачувати.
Коротко кажучи, книжка класна. Мені не сподобалося, що тут було забагато описів однотипних снів Фейт, які здавалися ну дуже філерними. Та загалом і це потім вилилося в доволі цікаву розв’язку. А так тут є і драма, і психологія героїні, і увесь її смішний награний пафос, і інформація про те, звідки вона взяла своє відоме «five by five», і її об’єктивно кринжова хаотична поведінка. Підсумовуючи, це точно й на сто відсотків Фейт і мені було дуже приємно знов побачитися з цією героїнею. Навіть здається тепер, що я не зовсім правильно її до цього аналізувала. Читати, читати й ще раз читати.
Фейт Лехейн є моєю улюбленою телевізійною героїнею з усіх, тому ця книжка заздалегідь здавалася мені чимось ще більш класним та створеним для привабливих людей, ніж щоденник Лори Палмер. Якщо ж відійти від гумору, то знайомство з книжками по «Баффі» в мене нульове, отже я й приблизно не знала, чого очікувати від якості написаного. В результаті вийшло доволі непогано, хоч і простувато та без глибоких літературних вишуканостей. Я б ще щось почитала, не дивлячись на те, що люди називають цю книгу набагато більш вдалою за інші. Мене ось тільки дивує, наскільки ці книжки нікому не потрібні. Ще не так давно люди через весь інтернет вишукували, де це можна прочитати, а хтось на Реддіті отримав у коментарях автора написаного з пропозицією вислати книгу. Це ж наскільки раритетне олдскульне чтиво, де його заслужена увага?
Найбільша та по суті єдина нелогічність цієї книги дає про себе знати ще на моменті прочитання анотації — дуже багато хто не вірить, що Фейт в цілому могла б вести щоденник. Ця героїня занадто хаотична та непосидюча. Тим паче складно повірити, що вона завела щоденник за порадою соціального робітника — вона б скоріше на зло послала цю ідею якомога далі. Спочатку мене це трохи бентежило, але з іншого боку... Ми також знаємо, що Фейт не зовсім така, як вона про себе розказує і якою хоче бути й що вона занадто сильно загубилася у спробах бути пафосною та виглядати круто. Насправді ж вона набагато більш емоційна та чутлива. Тож цілком можливо, що вона б і вела щоденник, проте ніколи в житті нікому про це не розказувала. Все ж вона героїня без особливої довіри до людей та й друзів загалом нема, тож вона могла б знайти якийсь комфорт у можливості хоча б десь розповідати про своє життя.
В результаті мені сподобався саме такий формат оповідання. Можливо, це пов’язано з тим, що думки Фейт та її стиль оповідання доволі потішні. Автору дуже добре вдалося передати усі її особливості, її голосом написане й чула. Взагалі-то ця книга робить з Фейт трохи іншу героїню, ніж вона була в серіалі. Якр��з через те, що ми читаємо її думки вона стає більш людяною та справжньою. Ще більше видно, що вона була всього-на-всього дитиною зі своїми слабкостями, яка могла б вирости гідною людиною, якби життя було до неї добрішим.
Життя в неї було, до речі, ще насиченішим, ніж я думала. Де вона тут тільки не побувала. Я завжди думала, що вона заради уваги навигадувала більшість своїх божевільних історій з минулого, але може й ні. Зі школи вигнали, з якимись сектантами пожила, в психлікарні побувала. За цим доволі сумно спостерігати, бо по суті в неї не вірив ніхто й всі говорили, що вона не має шансів на нормальне життя. Ця книга дуже добре показує, чому в результаті для Фейт було так важливо вписуватися в Саннідейлі та чому вона зненавиділа Баффі за те, як усі її обожнюють. Фейт завжди вважали невдахою, і коли вона отримала першу у своєму житті справу, в якій була хорошою, обраною та єдиною, то навіть там виявилася не такою особливою.
Доволі сумно також бачити, що вона дуже не хотіла бути поганою людиною. Бачивши приклад своїх батьків, вона дуже сильно не хотіла опинитися на тому ж місці. Книга непогано пояснює, чому в результаті не вийшло. Тут зіграло роль і саме життя, яке подарувало їй неконтрольовані приступи агресії, з якими їй ніхто не допоміг, а після того й неймовірну фізичну силу, яка, як було сказано в книзі, дуже добре підгодовується агресією. Також зіграли роль і роздуми самої Фейт. Вона бачила найгіршу версію того, яким може бути життя і якими можуть бути люди. Вона ставила собі питання, в чому різниця між «хорошим» вбивством вампірів та «поганим» вбивством злих людей? По суті, усі вони хочуть того ж самого. Мені здається, що ця думка стає в деякому сенсі ключовою для її особистості, бо Фейт обережно та несвідомо дає собі забагато влади. Вона знає, як добре може відчуватися помста. Вона знає, що іноді не має іншого виходу, окрім як вчинити з людьми так, як вони вчиняють з тобою. А люди майже ніколи не поводилися з нею добре.
У неї нема ні друзів, ні дому, ні родини. Все, що почало мати для неї сенс — знайомство з Баффі та її друзями. Але Баффі — це як ідеальна версія Фейт. Баффі обожнюють, Баффі приділяють багато уваги, Баффі знає, як вчиняти правильно, у Баффі є друзі та підтримка родини. Що б Баффі не зробила, хтось завжди прийде їй на допомогу. А Фейт зі своїм характером та бекграундом, як би вона не хотіла, не зможе повністю вписатися в цей світ. Не дивно, що вона, вперше отримавши щось по-справжньому хороше, почала проявляти так багато власництва й до Баффі, й до цілого міста. Її скоріше шкода, ніж її хочеться звинувачувати.
Коротко кажучи, книжка класна. Мені не сподобалося, що тут було забагато описів однотипних снів Фейт, які здавалися ну дуже філерними. Та загалом і це потім вилилося в доволі цікаву розв’язку. А так тут є і драма, і психологія героїні, і увесь її смішний награний пафос, і інформація про те, звідки вона взяла своє відоме «five by five», і її об’єктивно кринжова хаотична поведінка. Підсумовуючи, це точно й на сто відсотків Фейт і мені було дуже приємно знов побачитися з цією героїнею. Навіть здається тепер, що я не зовсім правильно її до цього аналізувала. Читати, читати й ще раз читати.
September 4, 2008
If you wanted to know where Faith came from this is your book. Pretty interesting read, and it made me like her character in Buffy even more than I did before.
September 4, 2010
I read this book last summer, After reading this book I really understand why faith is the way she is. After reading this book I could really not help but feel sorry for her.
September 13, 2023
((SPOILERS))
I was VERY MUCH looking forward to reading this and had looked all over to purchase a copy under $40.
I finally gave up and asked my local library to see if they could send for it from another library and they did. It came from several states away and now I am so thankful that I did NOT spend so much money on this.
I LOVE the character of Faith so much, and just found the very idea that she would write such in depth thoughts in a journal (DAILY on top of that) not something very plausable.
She is by no means unintelligent; however, she is not an overthinker (IN MY PERSONAL OPINION), and is not the type to reflect on feelings, write to keep track of memories, nor write to vent.
I also find it unlikely that she would just be like totally unbothered, (or at least as unbothered as she seemed) by having frequent blackouts, a new tattoo suddenly appear after having one of said blackouts, or such bizarro dreams on a repeated basis without asking A LOT more questions of her Watcher about Slayers, the things she was seeing in her dreams and any other information.
Even having the trust issues, certainly, her Watcher knew more than she did, so she could have found more out WITHOUT letting her know what was happening to her.
I will say that I found the parts where it sounded more like her to be the most enjoyable.
I think it would have been better if it have been more of her Watcher's diary, and possibly other records from past Watchers, maybe Child Protective Services reports, police reports, teacher's notes, etc....then just the story talking from her point of view, like a normal novel.
I am no author, so props to anyone who is.
I am just saying, the main problem was that it just seemed very out of character and I had trouble with that.
I was VERY MUCH looking forward to reading this and had looked all over to purchase a copy under $40.
I finally gave up and asked my local library to see if they could send for it from another library and they did. It came from several states away and now I am so thankful that I did NOT spend so much money on this.
I LOVE the character of Faith so much, and just found the very idea that she would write such in depth thoughts in a journal (DAILY on top of that) not something very plausable.
She is by no means unintelligent; however, she is not an overthinker (IN MY PERSONAL OPINION), and is not the type to reflect on feelings, write to keep track of memories, nor write to vent.
I also find it unlikely that she would just be like totally unbothered, (or at least as unbothered as she seemed) by having frequent blackouts, a new tattoo suddenly appear after having one of said blackouts, or such bizarro dreams on a repeated basis without asking A LOT more questions of her Watcher about Slayers, the things she was seeing in her dreams and any other information.
Even having the trust issues, certainly, her Watcher knew more than she did, so she could have found more out WITHOUT letting her know what was happening to her.
I will say that I found the parts where it sounded more like her to be the most enjoyable.
I think it would have been better if it have been more of her Watcher's diary, and possibly other records from past Watchers, maybe Child Protective Services reports, police reports, teacher's notes, etc....then just the story talking from her point of view, like a normal novel.
I am no author, so props to anyone who is.
I am just saying, the main problem was that it just seemed very out of character and I had trouble with that.
August 4, 2020
A book that's all about Faith in the months leading up to her arrival in Sunnydale? Sign me up! She's always been my favorite Slayer and a fascinating character to study both on the screen and in the comics/novel medium. While at times I had trouble hearing Faith's voice in the dialogue, her personal thoughts sounded very on-brand, and Levy did a brilliant job showing the tentative, but significant bond shared between Faith and Professor Dormer (her Watcher), and her Watcher's ensuing death at the hands of Kakistos is horrifying and visceral. Faith is always a force of nature, but her battle scenes in particular paint her as the warrior that Slayers were created to be.
Also, reading this has shown me that I need to rewatch season 3 of Buffy soon because there were a lot of little points Levy mentioned that confused me. I couldn't figure out if he was expanding on references Faith may have made in the show and giving story to them or if they were entirely his invention. (For instance, I seem to remember her talking about a Kenny in passing, but I don't think him being a tuplas was ever mentioned; I think he was just mentioned as a drummer Faith had dated one time.) The struggle to remember the difference between canon and what you read in a fanfic is real people; I am wrestling with my memories right now, lol.
Also, reading this has shown me that I need to rewatch season 3 of Buffy soon because there were a lot of little points Levy mentioned that confused me. I couldn't figure out if he was expanding on references Faith may have made in the show and giving story to them or if they were entirely his invention. (For instance, I seem to remember her talking about a Kenny in passing, but I don't think him being a tuplas was ever mentioned; I think he was just mentioned as a drummer Faith had dated one time.) The struggle to remember the difference between canon and what you read in a fanfic is real people; I am wrestling with my memories right now, lol.
February 8, 2018
That was so much better than I was expecting. I loved that. I have actually put off reading this Buffy book and have left it to one of the last ones. I guess I wasn't expecting too much. It is really nice to be wrong sometimes and I totally was about this one. I really enjoyed that - it is one of the better Buffy books.
Faith was one of my favourite Buffy characters, and one of things I always though was kind of missing was a bit of background to her. She gave you a few stories when she first arrived and you knew her watcher was killed by Kakistos who came for her in the Season 3 Episode of Faith, Hope and Trick, but you never got an expansion. This book gives you it.
Though I am not entirely sure I can believe that Faith be someone would ever complete a diary, I was able to suspend disbelief and really got into it. The author really managed to capture Faith's essence and if she had done one - this was how it would have sounded.
I am not normally a fan of books done in diary entry format (which might be why I put it off) but this was done brilliantly. I really enjoyed getting the story from the first person, Faith's perspective.
I really enjoyed the background to Faith, and her getting the slayer visions, reminded me of the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer film with Kristy Swanson when Buffy used to dream of previous slayers. It was also interesting how he described Buffy dying and then Kendra being killed by Drusilla (in Season 2's finale Becoming).
I also enjoyed the background to Faith's watcher and Kakistos.
5 stars loved it. If you want to try a Buffy book this is not a good one to pick.
Faith was one of my favourite Buffy characters, and one of things I always though was kind of missing was a bit of background to her. She gave you a few stories when she first arrived and you knew her watcher was killed by Kakistos who came for her in the Season 3 Episode of Faith, Hope and Trick, but you never got an expansion. This book gives you it.
Though I am not entirely sure I can believe that Faith be someone would ever complete a diary, I was able to suspend disbelief and really got into it. The author really managed to capture Faith's essence and if she had done one - this was how it would have sounded.
I am not normally a fan of books done in diary entry format (which might be why I put it off) but this was done brilliantly. I really enjoyed getting the story from the first person, Faith's perspective.
I really enjoyed the background to Faith, and her getting the slayer visions, reminded me of the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer film with Kristy Swanson when Buffy used to dream of previous slayers. It was also interesting how he described Buffy dying and then Kendra being killed by Drusilla (in Season 2's finale Becoming).
I also enjoyed the background to Faith's watcher and Kakistos.
5 stars loved it. If you want to try a Buffy book this is not a good one to pick.
October 6, 2020
I have some very mixed feelings about Buffy novels - mostly that they tend to read like glorified fan fiction. Either they contradict show information and timelines, or the characters feel forced. But this one felt different. It probably helped that it was a prequel series, meaning that there were limited characters from the series, and also that there was limited timeline interference with the actual show.
At first, it felt like the author hadn't quite gotten to grips with Faith's character, but actually what I saw was development of the character, and a fully realised and believable story of Faith growing into the character that we saw introduced in the show.
I also really appreciated that the separation from the show itself meant that the book almost stood alone as a self-contained fantasy novel, and I really loved that aspect of it too. It had just enough Slayer mythology to sew the story together, and also to expand the series just enough without contradicting any information given in the mythology of the show.
All in all, I'd say this book is pretty.... five by five.
At first, it felt like the author hadn't quite gotten to grips with Faith's character, but actually what I saw was development of the character, and a fully realised and believable story of Faith growing into the character that we saw introduced in the show.
I also really appreciated that the separation from the show itself meant that the book almost stood alone as a self-contained fantasy novel, and I really loved that aspect of it too. It had just enough Slayer mythology to sew the story together, and also to expand the series just enough without contradicting any information given in the mythology of the show.
All in all, I'd say this book is pretty.... five by five.
January 24, 2021
I found this is a random thrift shop somewhere along the way in my travels. I saw Faith on the cover and that's all it took. I never read the flap summary of anything. Book spent a few years and storage and was very recently sprung free and found a home on a 3 shelf bookcase that is full of nothing but Buffy and Angel universes.
I saw that this one need to be read before the start of S3 TV series and that's where I am now, finishing up s2 books so that I can jump to watching s3 again.
Faith was one of my favorite characters. Her looks, attitude, all of it. She was the slayer I wanted to be at 15/16. Crazy and all. So I knew I had to have this book.
I enjoyed it. Some backstory that may or may not even be true,cuz.... It's Faith. Not the best writing, but I have issues with journal style books as most people speak one way and write a different way. But it was a quick and easy read that I enjoyed. I would definitely like to find out if there are more Faith books other than the Angel/Faith comics.
I saw that this one need to be read before the start of S3 TV series and that's where I am now, finishing up s2 books so that I can jump to watching s3 again.
Faith was one of my favorite characters. Her looks, attitude, all of it. She was the slayer I wanted to be at 15/16. Crazy and all. So I knew I had to have this book.
I enjoyed it. Some backstory that may or may not even be true,cuz.... It's Faith. Not the best writing, but I have issues with journal style books as most people speak one way and write a different way. But it was a quick and easy read that I enjoyed. I would definitely like to find out if there are more Faith books other than the Angel/Faith comics.
September 28, 2025
This was a bit of a surprise. Going in, I half expected it to read like cheesy fan fiction, but it’s nothing of the sort. This is a gritty, grounded novel that stands on its own while also adding depth to Faith’s story from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The writing kept me engaged from start to finish. It’s dark, raw, and “real” in a way that brings new layers of appreciation to an already complex character. Levy manages to make Faith’s perspective feel authentic, giving us a glimpse into her struggles that makes her both more relatable and more tragic.
As a Buffy fan, I loved how it connected to the world I already knew, but I think this could be enjoyed even without that context. It’s a solid, engrossing read in its own right. And surprisingly gritty.
Highly recommended if you want a darker, character-driven dive into the Buffyverse.
The writing kept me engaged from start to finish. It’s dark, raw, and “real” in a way that brings new layers of appreciation to an already complex character. Levy manages to make Faith’s perspective feel authentic, giving us a glimpse into her struggles that makes her both more relatable and more tragic.
As a Buffy fan, I loved how it connected to the world I already knew, but I think this could be enjoyed even without that context. It’s a solid, engrossing read in its own right. And surprisingly gritty.
Highly recommended if you want a darker, character-driven dive into the Buffyverse.
August 3, 2019
A good tie-in novel should build on canon and be filled with “ah ha” moments where the author’s vision fills in blanks. This book really hit the spot for me as a Buffy lover and left me wanting to adopt Faith, bad attitude and all. Malice is more of a character study than a plot driven tale, but it does add to the mythos enough to satisfy the reader. Was it a fantastic work of literature that could be enjoyed by non-Buffy fans? Nah, but it’s a quick read if you’re looking to scratch that slayer itch.
April 24, 2020
Huge Content Note for this novel for child abuse, sexual assault, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, addiction and mental health discussion and portrayal.
That said, Levy does an incredible job of capturing Faith's voice and the book/diary feels very authentic and in-character. The story is a great look at things that are hinted at in the beginning of Season 3 and just overall very well written and engaging.
That said, Levy does an incredible job of capturing Faith's voice and the book/diary feels very authentic and in-character. The story is a great look at things that are hinted at in the beginning of Season 3 and just overall very well written and engaging.
January 17, 2021
This book was fucking wild, extremely entertaining, and very Faith in all the good ways and all the bad ways that I knew to expect from Buffy.
I love Faith, so reading it was a treat for me. But I love Faith, so reading it was also hard for me. It goes into much of her past of abuse, and such (which I don't consider spoilers, as it's literally in the series).
Finishing it was a major accomplishment for me, that took me years, but I'm finally done.
I love Faith, so reading it was a treat for me. But I love Faith, so reading it was also hard for me. It goes into much of her past of abuse, and such (which I don't consider spoilers, as it's literally in the series).
Finishing it was a major accomplishment for me, that took me years, but I'm finally done.
October 31, 2025
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
Faith’s backstory, her evolution into a potential,her coming under the guardianship of her Watcher* and her training. She takes the next step and becomes the Slayer when Buffy (temporarily) dies. Meanwhile, Faith is being haunted by an earlier Slayer who wants revenge on an evil being that’s either tracked Faith down or lives in Boston. Not sure if Faith’s Boston roots are canon or just a nod to Elizabeth Dushku. Her face is depicted on the cover-did she get paid? Or did Joss? Decent enough book if you have the next in the series handy, let down if you don’t.
———-
*Her Watcher is actually a weak point in the book. She’s a stock fusty English lady who peers over her spectacles a lot and, don’t know what they were going for here, drives a Porsche. For me her house (on the grounds of Harvard?), like herself, or her car, never really comes into focus. She’s an important character so it’s a major failure. V, Faith’s social worker, is a much more successful creation. She’s caring and attentive. And to be fair, Faith’s narrative is spot on. I had no doubts in regard to her character. Eliza would be proud.
Faith’s backstory, her evolution into a potential,her coming under the guardianship of her Watcher* and her training. She takes the next step and becomes the Slayer when Buffy (temporarily) dies. Meanwhile, Faith is being haunted by an earlier Slayer who wants revenge on an evil being that’s either tracked Faith down or lives in Boston. Not sure if Faith’s Boston roots are canon or just a nod to Elizabeth Dushku. Her face is depicted on the cover-did she get paid? Or did Joss? Decent enough book if you have the next in the series handy, let down if you don’t.
———-
*Her Watcher is actually a weak point in the book. She’s a stock fusty English lady who peers over her spectacles a lot and, don’t know what they were going for here, drives a Porsche. For me her house (on the grounds of Harvard?), like herself, or her car, never really comes into focus. She’s an important character so it’s a major failure. V, Faith’s social worker, is a much more successful creation. She’s caring and attentive. And to be fair, Faith’s narrative is spot on. I had no doubts in regard to her character. Eliza would be proud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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