Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Official Grimoire: A Magickal History of Sunnydale

by A.M. Robinson, A.M. Robinson

This grimoire from the baddest witch around will teach potential slayers and aspiring wiccans everything they’ll ever need to know about magic in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

Every good witch has a grimoire, and Willow Rosenberg is no exception. The Official Grimoire is the first and only truly comprehensive collection of every magical moment from all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, humorously narrated by beloved resident witch Willow Rosenberg. Completely illustrated and annotated by the rest of the gang, this book of spells is a unique keepsake for fans of the Buffy-verse and an incredible celebration of the show’s twenty-year legacy.

Genres: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Fiction, Reference, Vampires

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2017

About the author

You can also find me at www.twitter.com/ASMRobinson

Reviews

[Wendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I rate this like I rate other books? No, off course not! This is pure Buffy-merch, only meant for fans who've watched the series over and over again. So this is one of the rare occasions where you can catch me doing some light fangirling ;-) If you loved the series, Willow's Grimoire will put a smile on your face.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a risk and pre-ordered this on a whim and got it in the mail today. Iit's gorgeous, the pages are thick and sturdy and each page is covered in colorful illustrations that take on the appearance of being hand drawn and written. There are even random interactive pages where it makes it seem like one of the characters taped something into the Grimoire and written notes in the margins between the characters, and is a great resource for the spells from the show. I love how we get journal entries from Willow and notes from the gang as they read over Willow's book of spells to try to find a way to defeat the First Evil (though most of the quotes don't really do much toward that goal). This is a fresh and new offering, and I can't wait to look at it again to see what I missed the first read through.
The attention to detail is wonderful and it definitely shows in the finished product. I'm so pleased with this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the show. Like I said, it's just beautiful!

[Amory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading every page of this. Willow has her spells and journal entries that give context for why she needed them written down here, and Buffy, Xander, Giles, Anya, Spike, Dawn, and Andrew add occasional comments. The illustrations for the spells and the photos included are so cute and really felt like things Willow would realistically doodle or choose to include.
This was clearly worked on by someone who loved the show and knew Willow and the point of a Grimoire well enough to make one that truly feels like Willow wrote it herself.
I already know I'll want to reread this, and since I read a library copy, I'm adding this to my wishlist immediately.

[Kelly-Marie Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. Was refreshing reading from Willow's perspective. Was a joyful trip down memory lane, recounting all the highs and lows of such an iconic TV series. Heartfelt in places and funny in others, especially the little notes written on several pages from the rest of the Scooby Gang. If you're a BTVS fan then this is right up your alley.

[Allyson Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a BTVS book. I love all the BTVS things. Of course I’d love this - it’s Willow’s book of spells and memories. There needs to be a BTVS reunion. Supplemental books and comics just aren’t enough to fulfill the need for all.things.Slayerverse.

[FrontalNerdaty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book written from the perspective of Willow during the seven seasons of Buffy.

What I liked -
Normally in character books are a bit cringe inducing but that isn’t the case here. The author captures Willow’s voice very well here and even the in character ad libs are well written and very in tone with the show. Working as both a series guide and a tribute to the show this book is a fun and entertaining read. Tara’s letter is a gut punch and having it be where it is in the book was excellent.

What I disliked -
Whilst the ad libs to the side are fun at times they sort of become a bit silly and unnecessary.

4/5

[Gv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously expected to be disappointed because books like that are sometimes really just a repetition of what happened in the show but.... it was super cool, with just the right amount of "new" facts and insights in the feelings of my beloved characters to keep me reading and familiar things to make me want to rewatch the episodes. Very cool. And touching, because ... Willow has a lot of feelings.

[Khylee Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scooby commentary is spot on--when I read their comments I hear their voices. I love that they add additional backstory to episodes much in the way someone writing in a diary would do. A very fun and engrossing read for BTVS fans. 🖤

[Kimberley doruyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect for any buffy fan

[witchyreader13, · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Buffy fanatic and hardcore Willow fan, I absolutely loved this book. The physical book is absolutely gorgeous, the author fully understands the intricate personalities of each character, and I loved the format of it not only being a magical record as Willow learned, but also a diary of sorts. I was able to relive funny moments from the series, as well as have my heart broken all over again through Willow's relationship with Tara. If you're even half the fan that I am, you need this book for your collection.

[Armalite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Du temps où "Buffy contre les vampires" passait sur M6, j'ai traduit pas moins de 34 romans dérivés, plus 4 guides de la série télé. C'est dire si je suis attachée à cet univers et à ses personnages. Comme on peut facilement le deviner si on me connaît un peu, je m'identifiais à fond à Willow, qui connaît la meilleure évolution de toutes au fil des 7 saisons (partiale, moi?). Aussi, j'ai été ravie d'apprendre la sortie d'un très beau livre - pas encore traduit en français pour l'instant -, moitié journal de bord et moitié grimoire magique, qui retrace l'évolution de ma sorcière préférée depuis la mort d'Angel à la fin de la saison 2 jusqu'au moment où toute la bande s'apprête à affronter le First Evil dans le finale de la série. Le texte très soigné fait référence aux principaux événements survenus dans ce laps de temps et montre de quelle façon chacun d'eux influencent Willow. Peu à peu, on voit l'adolescente timide du début prendre de l'assurance, oser s'en remettre de plus en plus à la magie et finir par basculer du mauvais côté, puis en revenir péniblement. Les annotations humoristiques de ses amis (rédigées dans autant de calligraphies différentes) parsèment les marges, et l'ensemble est abondamment illustré de dessins ainsi que de quelques photos et éléments collés par-ci par-là. 13 ans après l'arrêt de cette série qui a tant marqué son époque et le paysage télévisuel, j'ai pris énormément de plaisir à me replonger dedans grâce à "The official grimoire: A magickal history of Sunnydale".

Mon blog lecture: https://l4nn3x3.blogspot.be/

[Hypable Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read our full review on Hypable!

The full-length title of this book is actually Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Official Grimoire: A Magickal History of Sunnydale, which is about as accurate as you’re going to get. The book is “written” by Willow and is structured to be part diary, part historical text, part spellbook.

You’ll find journal entries from Willow chronicling the major events of all seven seasons of Buffy (beware of spoilers!), which coincide with pages detailing some of the biggest baddies the Scoobies have come up against. You’ll find information on who they fought, what was going on in their lives during that time, and the spells they used to defeat their enemies, which include ingredients lists, directions, helpful tips, and sometimes even diagrams.

The Official Grimoire is a must-have for any major Buffy fan. It’ll help you relive the series one spell at a time while also giving you an up close and personal look at what sort of magic Willow and the others have done over the years.

[Elusive · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Official Grimoire: A Magickal History of Sunnydale' is a must-have for any Buffy fan.

I liked everything about the content - every page sounded exactly like it was written by Willow herself, along with the amazing attention to detail and tone of voice. Reading Willow's observations and getting an insight into her feelings while learning the ingredients required for each spell made this book an absolute page-turner. Plus, the artwork and the design of the pages were truly captivating; I found myself revisiting multiple pages just to admire their sheer beauty.

The comments from other characters such as Buffy, Xander, Giles, Dawn, Anya, Spike and so forth further enhanced my enjoyment of this book. They fit the characters' personality. Besides that, it was evident that the author took great care in writing this book and that made all the difference to me.

Overall, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Official Grimoire: A Magickal History of Sunnydale' delved into the Buffyverse in such a way that it pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.

[Ana Blanco Bartolome · Rating 3 out of 5]

el punto fuerte d este libro es la estética, es una absoluta maravilla. Está muy bien conseguido, parece físicamente un libro antiguo, escrito a mano, y con dibujos de Willow, anotaciones graciosas en los márgenes del resto de personajes de la serie que podrían tener acceso a su grimorio, y un sin fin de ilustraciones, cartas o fotos efecto pegadas con celo fantásticas. Sin duda es una pequeña joya para cualquier fan de la serie. Incluye todos los hechizos que aparecen a lo largo de la serie Buffy, llevados o no acabo por Willow.
Lo único malo es que no se editó en castellano y si no sabes mucho inglés, como es mi caso, es agotador tener que traducir todo el libro. Muchas cosas las deduje por conocer la serie de memoria, pero lo suyo es que se hubieran molestado en sacar la edición en castellano ya que hay muchos hispanohablantes seguidores de la serie. De ahí mi enfado y mi nota baja...

[Lenno Vranken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het was niet bepaald mijn bedoeling om een Buffy-read-a-thon te houden, but here we ware! :)
Na twee verhalenboeken te hebben gelezen, gebaseerd op de gelijknamige televisiereeks van Jos Whedon, leek het mij toepasselijk om ook deze Grimoire onder handen te nemen. Het is in feite een prachtig vormgegeven spreukenboek, dat alle magische rituelen behandeld die in de serie zijn uitgevoerd. Het boek is ook zodanig geschreven dat het lijkt alsof een van de hoofdpersonages de echte auteur is. Dit zorgde voor een zeer leuke leeservaring.
Het was prettig om op deze unieke manier een terugblik te werpen op (bijna) alle afleveringen in de TV-serie. Het is echter geen leerrijk boek, het leert je niets over de Behind-The-Scenes van Buffy en behandeld tevens ook geen echte spreuken. Misschien was het zelfs onnodig om het hele ding van cover tot cover te lezen, maar ik heb het toch gedaan.
Zeker een aanrader voor de absolute fans van Buffy en/of hekserij!

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun piece of fan enjoyment following Willow's thoughts as she creates her Grimoire at the end of S3 and until the end of S7. Willow has always been a fun character and a very pivitol one for mainstream television. This book helps takes fans through various episodes in a creative way that adds to the lore and dimension of the show itself. The author really captured Willow's voice and was able to remind me just how enjoyable Willow is. Unfortunately, there are a few moments in this book where I was ready to once again go toe to toe with Willow.

Let's be honest, I'm a fangirl and I'm going to be making this book a pivotal talking points for the next week at a minimum.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. It's kind of an ongoing read. I hopped around a bit as I went along. It's like Part Diary Part Spellbook. It's the history of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Sunnydale through Willow as she learns more about magic and becomes who she is by the end of the series.

I loved the illustrations. I loved the little notes Willow will have on the side of some pages along with bits from other characters from Buffy.

I really love the magic. Seeing the basics Willow starts with and how it advances over time. So happy I have this book.

[Emesskay · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of BTVS I thought this book was a must have as a fun bit of fluffiness. It is supposed to be a grimoire written by Willow, but then it was passed around the scooby gang, who added comments at various parts of the book. Although it is supposed to be a book of spells and magical knowledge, in some way it like Willow's diary of events, as it follows the course of the show from just after Willow's attempt to restore Angel's soul to the end of series. A fun read for Buffy fans, a nice trip down memory lane (with some added information and insight from Willow).

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I want all show themed books to be. Not only does it feel like it could be part of this world but it adds to what already exist within the show. The pages of drawings where beautiful. The little notes from other characters in the margins where hilarious and sweet. I laughed out loud multiple times with Willows entries and even teared up a few times since this does go over everything that happened in the show. This was really well made and thought out and I adored it.

[Lucid (Rachel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this and recall every single episode that a spell is related to. I love the deeper insight it gave into Willow and the other character’s thoughts that might not have been expressed so clearly in the show. There were parts I wish it has mentioned more though. Like with Spike in the last season and with Willow travelling to LA to help out there with resouling angel. Still, thoroughly enjoyed!

[David Cowpar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant dive into the magic of Buffy seasons 2-7. Really enjoyed it, especially Spike and Buffy’s wedding table plan and menu! The loss of a star is because I think the others writing in the margins was pointless and actually took away from it. I know that was a trend when this was published but you don’t need to see “you can do it Will - B” on random pages. It wasn’t necessary.
Unrelatedly, The letter from Tara was so emotional too!

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

companion books like this are so much fun. this is basically a journal of Willow's POV of the show along with some spells, annotations from other characters, and a few other little odds and ends. I especially enjoyed the willow x Tara content and the spuffy crumbs (and nothing for bangel!!!!) willow is definitely not a favorite character of mine but I thought this book was written very well, very in character, and made with good quality. any buffy fan would enjoy this book.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I love this because it's Buffy and the anniversary year and all. And I really dug the spells and such, it was a good trip down memory lane. Much like the guide written by Giles though, the notes written in the margins by other characters felt a bit off sometimes. And are we really supposed to believe that Spike would participate? Still, it's Buffy, and a must for fans.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Buffy fans, this is a wonderful book. Written from Willow's point of view, it gives another perspective on events of the series. It is also well researched, so the Wiccan rede, law of three, and information on the Sabbats are included and accurate (much more so than in most pop culture.) I received it as a gift for Winter Solstice and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woooooow. Un libro que me encanto y de hecho me hizo volver a ver la serie e ir viajando junto con el libro. Le agradezco a Cameron Chaney por mostrarlo en su canal porque sino probablemente nunca hubiera sabido de su existencia. A todos los fans de BTVS les va a fascinar este Grimoire/Journal de Willow. 🤓🤓🤓

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read! I did not know what to expect when I read it but it did turn into a fun read. If you are a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and want a quick read, this is the book for you! Unless you have watched the series will it actually hold a story for you, otherwise you might get lost reading or just not understand.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg so much better than I even expected. The spells and doodles are cute, but the real star is Willow's journal. It summarizes a lot of the whole show, plus some very moving and bittersweet insight into her relationships, especially with Tara. Honestly, it made me cry a few times. Highly recommended for Buffy fans.

[Xαꪜỉꫀꪹ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t really rate this like other novels. This book is very much just a Buffy the Vampire Slayer book that has a lot of episode things and note. It’s set out as if Willow wrote it with a bunch of the other characters writing notes throughout. It contains journal entries, spells, and monsters that revolve around the show. If you love Btsv, then you’ll enjoy this.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a adorable buffy merch to add to my collection. Received as a gift from my boyfriend and it didn’t disappoint with having little quirky notes through out and story line from the show itself. Definitely makes you feel a need for a rewatch.
Has great shelf appeal, and format throughout is unique and gorgeous

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Willow's book of shadows from Buffy. Basically it's her journal of all the spells she did on Buffy and her thoughts about them. There are also notes from the other characters. An enjoyable nostalgic trip back to Sunnydale.