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The Vanquishers #1
The Vanquishers
In the world of the Vanquishers, vampires were history . . . until now.
Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don't take even the most basic vampire precautions--the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews long gone--but Boog's parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment.
When a friend goes missing, Boog isn't sure what to think. Could it be the school counselor, Mr. Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all?
No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call.
Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series.
Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don't take even the most basic vampire precautions--the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews long gone--but Boog's parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment.
When a friend goes missing, Boog isn't sure what to think. Could it be the school counselor, Mr. Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all?
No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call.
Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
46 people are currently reading
4870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 31, 2022
Vamps are dust. They've been dust for a long time.
It's been twenty years since the Reaping when an intrepid group of vampire killers known as The Vanquishers wiped every trace of those blood-suckers from the earth, and yet . . . the fear lingers in those who remember the horrors of the past.
"My mom still vampire-proofs things," he says.
But, when a new pal goes missing, a small group of friends discovers that there is something to be afraid of . . . something to be terrified of.
This was a delightfully spooky read with well-placed punches of humor aimed at middle-grade readers. I'll be pushing this on the kids at the library, and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
It's been twenty years since the Reaping when an intrepid group of vampire killers known as The Vanquishers wiped every trace of those blood-suckers from the earth, and yet . . . the fear lingers in those who remember the horrors of the past.
"My mom still vampire-proofs things," he says.
But, when a new pal goes missing, a small group of friends discovers that there is something to be afraid of . . . something to be terrified of.
This was a delightfully spooky read with well-placed punches of humor aimed at middle-grade readers. I'll be pushing this on the kids at the library, and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
August 2, 2022
Vampires in middle grade? So here for it!
July 8, 2023
There are three kinds of people in San Antonio, people who buy their vampire repellent from the store, people who only make their own, and people who don’t use any at all because they’re confident the Vanquishers wiped out the last hive of the undead twenty years ago.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
I love to see representation in middle-grade book! Not only is there a diverse cast of characters, there’s also gender diversity through Jules who goes by they! And there’s two dads! And it was so effortlessly included. No huzzah, no unnecessary attention, bullying, highlighting. I think this may be the best way forward to incorporate such natural inclusion, especially in children’s books.
There’s supportive parents! There’s communication! There’s love and teasing and healthy relationships! No unfortunate orphans, nor hated step-parents! Yes it’s possible!
”I don’t know how much I believe in grown folks’ business anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that if it’s something that affects you, maybe it’s not just grown folks’ business.”
Yes, the twists were predictable and the story simple, but this is a middle-grade book. Although I wouldn’t recommend it to my usual audience as I would other middle-grade books, I would recommend this to younger audiences who want diversity, humour, modern references, and a fun premise with strong friendships and bravery!
”Do they sparkle, like that man in that movie—what’s it called—Midnight?”
“Starlight,” Jules corrects.
“Twilight,” I say.
Bookstagram
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
I love to see representation in middle-grade book! Not only is there a diverse cast of characters, there’s also gender diversity through Jules who goes by they! And there’s two dads! And it was so effortlessly included. No huzzah, no unnecessary attention, bullying, highlighting. I think this may be the best way forward to incorporate such natural inclusion, especially in children’s books.
There’s supportive parents! There’s communication! There’s love and teasing and healthy relationships! No unfortunate orphans, nor hated step-parents! Yes it’s possible!
”I don’t know how much I believe in grown folks’ business anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that if it’s something that affects you, maybe it’s not just grown folks’ business.”
Yes, the twists were predictable and the story simple, but this is a middle-grade book. Although I wouldn’t recommend it to my usual audience as I would other middle-grade books, I would recommend this to younger audiences who want diversity, humour, modern references, and a fun premise with strong friendships and bravery!
”Do they sparkle, like that man in that movie—what’s it called—Midnight?”
“Starlight,” Jules corrects.
“Twilight,” I say.
Bookstagram
January 19, 2022
(Received an ARC through work)
This book is as fun as it is creepy! Any kid who's a fan of scary stories is going to absolutely love this series. The characters jump off the page from the very start and the stakes (pun intended) are grippingly high for all of them. It's definitely on the upper end of middle-grade, so I wouldn't recommend it to kids who might be prone to nightmares. But it's truly a great read for those who can handle their horror.
This book is as fun as it is creepy! Any kid who's a fan of scary stories is going to absolutely love this series. The characters jump off the page from the very start and the stakes (pun intended) are grippingly high for all of them. It's definitely on the upper end of middle-grade, so I wouldn't recommend it to kids who might be prone to nightmares. But it's truly a great read for those who can handle their horror.
July 20, 2023
I loved this!! And I hate to be THAT person, since this one isn’t even out yet for another month, but do we have a date for a sequel yet?!
I really enjoy Kalynn Bayron’s work, and how she mixes it up with genre. From fairytales and fantasy, to Greek Mythology, to thriller and horror…and now to this! It was really interesting to see Bayron take a step back from a YA audience and write for a middle grade one.
I found The Vanquishers to be incredibly engaging and riveting. I enjoyed the Vampire Lore and how Bayron explored the different histories (I appreciated the nods to Twilight) while adding her own spin. This was reminiscent to what Bayron did with the This Poison Heart duology. She has a talent for adaptation and retellings.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters! I thought Boog was a wonderful protagonist to follow, and I loved her friends Jules and Cedrick. The mystery of what happened to Aaron kept me guessing — I was so nervous to see if what I thought had happened actually happened!
I thought the parents were great characters too, and I loved to see how they communicated with the kids. I think there’s a nice moment at the end between all the characters where they’re able to reflect how maybe they went about somethings wrong, but it was all out of love. I thought that was really special and loving.
But back to this sequel!!!! When is it coming?! This book left me with a lot of questions that I need answered ASAP. I have my theories!! I got to the last page and things were ramping up and getting extra exciting and then it ended and I was like NOOO. But this just means the sequel is going to be GREAT!!
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ), Bloomsbury Children's Books for this e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy Kalynn Bayron’s work, and how she mixes it up with genre. From fairytales and fantasy, to Greek Mythology, to thriller and horror…and now to this! It was really interesting to see Bayron take a step back from a YA audience and write for a middle grade one.
I found The Vanquishers to be incredibly engaging and riveting. I enjoyed the Vampire Lore and how Bayron explored the different histories (I appreciated the nods to Twilight) while adding her own spin. This was reminiscent to what Bayron did with the This Poison Heart duology. She has a talent for adaptation and retellings.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters! I thought Boog was a wonderful protagonist to follow, and I loved her friends Jules and Cedrick. The mystery of what happened to Aaron kept me guessing — I was so nervous to see if what I thought had happened actually happened!
I thought the parents were great characters too, and I loved to see how they communicated with the kids. I think there’s a nice moment at the end between all the characters where they’re able to reflect how maybe they went about somethings wrong, but it was all out of love. I thought that was really special and loving.
But back to this sequel!!!! When is it coming?! This book left me with a lot of questions that I need answered ASAP. I have my theories!! I got to the last page and things were ramping up and getting extra exciting and then it ended and I was like NOOO. But this just means the sequel is going to be GREAT!!
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ), Bloomsbury Children's Books for this e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2023
*3.5 stars
Sequel incoming!
I thought this was great and had amazing casual inclusion of queer characters, but the ending was pretty anti-climactic, especially as I didn’t know it was the start of a series. Overall, fun and well-written but also a bit slow.
Sequel incoming!
I thought this was great and had amazing casual inclusion of queer characters, but the ending was pretty anti-climactic, especially as I didn’t know it was the start of a series. Overall, fun and well-written but also a bit slow.
Read
July 15, 2022Queer content: a friend uses they/them pronouns, another friend has two dads
October 11, 2024
Actual rating: 4.75/5
I don’t often read middle grade books, so I can get very pleasantly surprised and impressed with how good they can be when I do read one. The Vanquishers was amazing and I can’t wait to read the next one.
I don’t often read middle grade books, so I can get very pleasantly surprised and impressed with how good they can be when I do read one. The Vanquishers was amazing and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Want to read
June 23, 2022Compared to Watchmen?? Gimme
September 23, 2023
4.5* The moment I heard Kalynn Bayron was writing a middle grade novel about vampire hunters, I knew I was in for a treat and The Vanquishers did not remotely disappoint.
This was such a fun adventure, with just the right amount of spook and action for its intended audience, whilst still being a thoroughly enjoyable read as an adult (especially for those sneaky Twilight quips). The Vanquishers features a beautifully diverse cast of characters who are all fully developed and will instantly steal your heart. As a story, it’s got everything you could ask for; loving family dynamics, rebellious kids, 10/10 friendships, action sequences, humour and plenty of secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
I had so much fun with this and am beyond thrilled to discover it’s going to be getting a sequel. I’m already pumped to see what’s in store for these kids.
This was such a fun adventure, with just the right amount of spook and action for its intended audience, whilst still being a thoroughly enjoyable read as an adult (especially for those sneaky Twilight quips). The Vanquishers features a beautifully diverse cast of characters who are all fully developed and will instantly steal your heart. As a story, it’s got everything you could ask for; loving family dynamics, rebellious kids, 10/10 friendships, action sequences, humour and plenty of secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
I had so much fun with this and am beyond thrilled to discover it’s going to be getting a sequel. I’m already pumped to see what’s in store for these kids.
February 9, 2025
It was really entertaining I can’t wait to read the 2 one
April 10, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Vampires, missing friend
November 29, 2023
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to get to the end of this book and realize it's the first in a series, because I need more of the Squad!! I loved these kids so much, and I love the representation, and I love the families and friendships, and I can't get over how funny Boog's name is lol. I can't wait for the next one!!
September 9, 2023
Very cute middle grade read. Maybe a bit lengthy but she did an amazing job.
February 13, 2025
Salem’s Lot for middle schoolers!!! This was such a fun, tense and exciting read! I loved ALL the characters, their humour and group dynamics and I loved the slow build-up of tension and suspense that permeated the novel. Action-packed, emotional and spooky I can’t rate this book enough for middle grade horror fans.
February 29, 2024
I don't read Middle Grade too often, but I'm glad I didn't skip out on The Vanquishers (The Vanquishers #1) by Kalynn Bayron. It's a lot of fun! It reminds me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and even The Goonies in the best way. The characters are at the heart of the story and that really makes it work. I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series, Secret of the Reaping.
October 13, 2024
I reeeaaally enjoyed this. While the lying between kids and parents got to be a bit much for my tastes here and there, overall it pulled through with the touching relationships, interesting imagining of vampires, and surprises as the plot unfolded. Definitely a great spooky season read & I can't wait to read more about Boog & her friends!
2024 Update: I reread this and it totally held up. I was a bit more annoyed by the adults lying about critical information, and in turn the kids lying about critical information, but overall this is an interesting take on modern vampirism and I'm excited that books 2 and 3 are actually available now. Our main cast of characters is also just so fun and sweet; I love these kids.
One thing that stood out to me more this time that I did not think about at all the first time, is how very American-centric this story is. That's not necessarily a fault, because we're experiencing this through the understanding of a 12 year old and we all know how great public education in America is regarding what happens elsewhere; but I spent a lot of time wondering why everyone was so sure vampires were gone when they were a global phenomenon. We don't get much information one way or another, but it was definitely on my radar that this whole societal move away from precautions felt precarious at best.
2024 Update: I reread this and it totally held up. I was a bit more annoyed by the adults lying about critical information, and in turn the kids lying about critical information, but overall this is an interesting take on modern vampirism and I'm excited that books 2 and 3 are actually available now. Our main cast of characters is also just so fun and sweet; I love these kids.
One thing that stood out to me more this time that I did not think about at all the first time, is how very American-centric this story is. That's not necessarily a fault, because we're experiencing this through the understanding of a 12 year old and we all know how great public education in America is regarding what happens elsewhere; but I spent a lot of time wondering why everyone was so sure vampires were gone when they were a global phenomenon. We don't get much information one way or another, but it was definitely on my radar that this whole societal move away from precautions felt precarious at best.
January 9, 2023
Adorable and spooky middle grade novel.
The characters are amazing in this. They really feel like modern pre-teens without being too adult-seeming or too immature. Their interactions with each other were my favorite part of the book. And their parents play a big part of the story, which is refreshing for the genre.
The pacing is a bit off for me, but I’m more used to YA and adult fantasy. In my opinion, the Squad spent too much time figuring out that there was a vampire among them. If vampires were not established to have existed within the world of the book, their actions would make more sense. But vampires were a verified fact, they are just thought to be extinct. It also seems like they spend too much time doing this because the book seems to end just as the 3rd act starts. We don’t get a reveal of the Big Bad, and we just start to get the Squad training to be Vanquishers. It’s almost all the way there for me.
I received an ARC several days before the release date from a Goodreads giveaway.
The characters are amazing in this. They really feel like modern pre-teens without being too adult-seeming or too immature. Their interactions with each other were my favorite part of the book. And their parents play a big part of the story, which is refreshing for the genre.
The pacing is a bit off for me, but I’m more used to YA and adult fantasy. In my opinion, the Squad spent too much time figuring out that there was a vampire among them. If vampires were not established to have existed within the world of the book, their actions would make more sense. But vampires were a verified fact, they are just thought to be extinct. It also seems like they spend too much time doing this because the book seems to end just as the 3rd act starts. We don’t get a reveal of the Big Bad, and we just start to get the Squad training to be Vanquishers. It’s almost all the way there for me.
I received an ARC several days before the release date from a Goodreads giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2022
3.75 stars
So apparently this is actually the first in a series, lol.
I enjoyed this a lot! Great friendships and interesting incorporation of vampire lore, and I think some of the atmosphere was great.
The secret-keeping was kind of frustrating though: I was prepared for a certain amount of it but to me it felt like it went too far?? Boog and her friends are really smart so even though I get why they wouldn't want to tell their parents what's going on immediately, I feel like they should have eventually figured out that they are in actual danger and might need to ask for help.
And the adults weren't always much better?! Specifically I mean the parts when the parents had some information about the disappearance. I find it frustrating when adults hold information back from kids supposedly to protect them, when what would actually protect them would be knowing more about the situation. (I guess that might have interfered with the story later though.)
CW: Violence, kidnapping/disappearance of child
So apparently this is actually the first in a series, lol.
I enjoyed this a lot! Great friendships and interesting incorporation of vampire lore, and I think some of the atmosphere was great.
The secret-keeping was kind of frustrating though: I was prepared for a certain amount of it but to me it felt like it went too far?? Boog and her friends are really smart so even though I get why they wouldn't want to tell their parents what's going on immediately, I feel like they should have eventually figured out that they are in actual danger and might need to ask for help.
And the adults weren't always much better?! Specifically I mean the parts when the parents had some information about the disappearance. I find it frustrating when adults hold information back from kids supposedly to protect them, when what would actually protect them would be knowing more about the situation. (I guess that might have interfered with the story later though.)
CW: Violence, kidnapping/disappearance of child
November 14, 2024
3.75 stars! A solid, but flawed, start to a series. Kalynn Bayron is another hit or miss author with me, but I was curious to see how one of her middle grades was, and I’m glad I checked it out! I’ll get this out of the way first: I think Bayron writes kids much better than teens. A lot of the friend group interactions felt authentic, and honestly, those were my favorite parts of the book. Their nerdiness? Their trust of each other? Ugh, I love Boog, Cedrick, Jules and Aaron. (Oh, and a fem-presenting nonbinary character is part of the main cast, too!! Hi Jules! I want to get overalls so I can imitate your outfits.)
And I’m so surprised by how recent middle grades address the stress put on young protagonists!! The grief felt by Boog and the others when Aaron went missing hit so hard. Definitely nailed the “surrealness” of a young mind dealing with an incident like that.
I also liked that there was a bunch of information given on not just vampires, but the societal attitudes around them. That’s so interesting to me! I do kinda wish that they addressed more of the implications of all of our real-life pop culture vampire icons also existing in this universe, but that’s just me speaking as an older reader (and thinking about the ethics/questions about creating and romanticizing fictional vampire lore in a universe with actual vampires). I don’t really expect that to be answered LOL
This also had a couple more creepy elements than I expected from a middle grade horror! (I enjoyed that.) Honestly the only thing Bayron tones down in her writing is the number of deaths (and amount of blood/gore). Which isn’t much, aside from the juvenile language.
However, I intensely disliked the pacing, and it’s what made me lower my rating from a full 4 stars. The book seems to end when the action starts, and a lot of the story is Boog just trying to figure out what’s going on with her friends. And, of course, a lot of lying done by parents and adults along the way. (There wasn’t even a conversation around what was or wasn’t age-appropriate knowledge and involvement, and that was so frustrating!! Even moreso, after seeing the reviews for books 2 and 3, and figuring out that’s never going to happen. I don’t think I’m used to that after reading Witchlings.😕) I think the only perk of the kind-of slow pacing is that the mystery surrounding Aaron and the entire friend group’s close-knit dynamic (but also the sheer number of secrets they keep) is actually pretty Stranger Things s1-reminiscent, just without the 80’s nostalgia. I can see why that show is a comp title.
I’m still gonna be continuing this series, though. I had a lot of fun. I might have a bet on who could be the vampire the Vanquishers are looking for.
And I’m so surprised by how recent middle grades address the stress put on young protagonists!! The grief felt by Boog and the others when Aaron went missing hit so hard. Definitely nailed the “surrealness” of a young mind dealing with an incident like that.
I also liked that there was a bunch of information given on not just vampires, but the societal attitudes around them. That’s so interesting to me! I do kinda wish that they addressed more of the implications of all of our real-life pop culture vampire icons also existing in this universe, but that’s just me speaking as an older reader (and thinking about the ethics/questions about creating and romanticizing fictional vampire lore in a universe with actual vampires). I don’t really expect that to be answered LOL
This also had a couple more creepy elements than I expected from a middle grade horror! (I enjoyed that.) Honestly the only thing Bayron tones down in her writing is the number of deaths (and amount of blood/gore). Which isn’t much, aside from the juvenile language.
However, I intensely disliked the pacing, and it’s what made me lower my rating from a full 4 stars. The book seems to end when the action starts, and a lot of the story is Boog just trying to figure out what’s going on with her friends. And, of course, a lot of lying done by parents and adults along the way. (There wasn’t even a conversation around what was or wasn’t age-appropriate knowledge and involvement, and that was so frustrating!! Even moreso, after seeing the reviews for books 2 and 3, and figuring out that’s never going to happen. I don’t think I’m used to that after reading Witchlings.😕) I think the only perk of the kind-of slow pacing is that the mystery surrounding Aaron and the entire friend group’s close-knit dynamic (but also the sheer number of secrets they keep) is actually pretty Stranger Things s1-reminiscent, just without the 80’s nostalgia. I can see why that show is a comp title.
I’m still gonna be continuing this series, though. I had a lot of fun. I might have a bet on who could be the vampire the Vanquishers are looking for.
November 28, 2022
4.5 stars
“Vampires are extinct. Everybody knows that. But some people just can’t let the undead stay in their graves.”
Have I got a great new book to share for #MiddleGradeMonday! YA author Kalynn Bayron launched her middle grade debut just before spooky season a couple months back, but don’t wait for next October to pick up this one — it’s too much fun keep it hanging!
Malika “Boog” Wilson and her two best friends Cedrick and Jules have grown up hearing the tales of blood-sucking vampires and the Vanquishers who eliminated them two decades ago. For most people, they’re just that — heroic stories from the past — but for some reason, Boog’s, Cedrick’s, and Jules’s parents seem to think precautions are still necessary, which makes them the butt of many jokes at school. The friend crew is excited for adding someone new to the mix when Aaron moves onto their block, and he fits into their group seamlessly. But when Aaron disappears from a school event not long after, Boog’s parents double down on their restrictions, leading Boog and her friends to wonder if they know something no one else does… could vampires still exist?
I loved this book so much. I loved the friend crew and their devotion to each other, I loved the parents and their interactions with the kids and each other, I loved the gentle (but real!) spookiness as Boog and her pals try to figure out what happened to Aaron. More than once I felt some late pandemic similarities too — that feeling that you and your family is the only one still taking precautions from an invisible foe while everyone else is going about their lives. Who knows if that connection was Bayron’s intention, but I couldn’t help but make it.
This book had me laughing out loud and shivering with creepiness and I highly recommend giving it a try!
“Vampires are extinct. Everybody knows that. But some people just can’t let the undead stay in their graves.”
Have I got a great new book to share for #MiddleGradeMonday! YA author Kalynn Bayron launched her middle grade debut just before spooky season a couple months back, but don’t wait for next October to pick up this one — it’s too much fun keep it hanging!
Malika “Boog” Wilson and her two best friends Cedrick and Jules have grown up hearing the tales of blood-sucking vampires and the Vanquishers who eliminated them two decades ago. For most people, they’re just that — heroic stories from the past — but for some reason, Boog’s, Cedrick’s, and Jules’s parents seem to think precautions are still necessary, which makes them the butt of many jokes at school. The friend crew is excited for adding someone new to the mix when Aaron moves onto their block, and he fits into their group seamlessly. But when Aaron disappears from a school event not long after, Boog’s parents double down on their restrictions, leading Boog and her friends to wonder if they know something no one else does… could vampires still exist?
I loved this book so much. I loved the friend crew and their devotion to each other, I loved the parents and their interactions with the kids and each other, I loved the gentle (but real!) spookiness as Boog and her pals try to figure out what happened to Aaron. More than once I felt some late pandemic similarities too — that feeling that you and your family is the only one still taking precautions from an invisible foe while everyone else is going about their lives. Who knows if that connection was Bayron’s intention, but I couldn’t help but make it.
This book had me laughing out loud and shivering with creepiness and I highly recommend giving it a try!
Read
December 30, 2022This was my first time reading Kalynn Bayron and I'm happy I gave her a try. This story is about a group of middle school kids: Malika, Cedrick, and Jules, who live on the same block and are best friends. A new boy, Aaron comes to town and they welcome him into their friend circle with no problem, that is until he goes missing. There has been talk of vampires being extinct and there have been no danger of them until recently. With Aaron going missing, the kids are not so trusting of the adults who tell them that vampires no longer exist. The group set out to find their friend and get into a whole lot of trouble along the way.
This story ends like there might be another book--fingers crossed. This book felt like Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Moesha. Sorry, I don't have recent refs since this is not my typical read or watch.
This story ends like there might be another book--fingers crossed. This book felt like Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Moesha. Sorry, I don't have recent refs since this is not my typical read or watch.
December 21, 2022
Malika "Boog" Wilson and her friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. In current times most people don't take any vampire precautions (garlic, early curfew, Vampire repellant) but Boog's parents haven't forgotten much to the embarrassment of Boog. But when a friend from school goes missing Boog isn't sure what to think. Boog and her friends are determined to save their classmates but are they ready to admit vampires are not as vanquished as they thought?
A well done friendship based vampire book for middle grade kiddos. Give to fans of friendship, family, vampires and a little mystery.
A well done friendship based vampire book for middle grade kiddos. Give to fans of friendship, family, vampires and a little mystery.
February 15, 2023
Vampires are extinct - they have been for decades… or so people think. But when one of their friends mysteriously disappears, a group of kids know the truth isn’t so. Turning up as one of the undead, little Aaron must avoid the Vanquishers who want his kind dead and the other vampires who want him to follow the rules. Despite his newfound nature, his friends will not abandon him - but can they find a way to help Aaron before it’s too late?
This story was surprisingly nice. It’s short and very easy to read. This is a somewhat heartwarming tale of friendship and family and the power these two things can have in the face of odds, difference and adversity.
This story was surprisingly nice. It’s short and very easy to read. This is a somewhat heartwarming tale of friendship and family and the power these two things can have in the face of odds, difference and adversity.
August 28, 2023
In the world of the Vanquishers, vampires were history . . . until now.
I was so unsure about reading this book due to the fact I generally don’t enjoy vampire stories but I’m so glad I gave it a chance as I throughly enjoyed reading this.
This is about a group of young children malika aka boog, cedrick, & jules who are next door neighbours all their lives one day a new boy,Aaron comes along and they are fast to invite them to the squad it isn’t long until Aaron goes missing, and it’s up to the 3 musketeers to find out where or what really happened to Aaron.
8/10 really enjoyed this can’t wait for the next book
I was so unsure about reading this book due to the fact I generally don’t enjoy vampire stories but I’m so glad I gave it a chance as I throughly enjoyed reading this.
This is about a group of young children malika aka boog, cedrick, & jules who are next door neighbours all their lives one day a new boy,Aaron comes along and they are fast to invite them to the squad it isn’t long until Aaron goes missing, and it’s up to the 3 musketeers to find out where or what really happened to Aaron.
8/10 really enjoyed this can’t wait for the next book
November 9, 2022
A slow, delicious build up with characters who are so lovable and flushed out that you will read this book feeling like a fifth wheel- along for the adventure of everyday hanging out and school days. The action doesn’t quite pick up until about the last ten pages, and sets up for a series. Fun and unique take on vampires, and while it was a wonderful “history” I hope we can see more vampires!
July 7, 2025
Definitely for upper grades. It’s a very slow start, and you’re forced to read the next book because nothing gets resolved in the first book. The first book is mainly a long introduction to all the characters and back story. It is exciting, though and I can see upper grade elementary and older kids enjoying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
A great premise but so weirdly paced. Absolutely nothing happens for the first half of the book (I fell asleep to one chapter and it made no difference), then things pick up and, just as it all kicks off, the book ends.
October 25, 2023
This was a fun read! I think certain plot elements and characterisation could have been a bit tighter, but otherwise it was an enjoyable, spooky read! The crew's strong relationships were so nice to read about, and I loved the emphasis on familial bonds as well. The ending was great, perfectly opening up a door for a follow-up book. Looking forward to seeing where this goes in the sequel!
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