ARC Review--Chosen by Kiersten White

Nina continues to learn how to use her slayer powers against enemies old and new in this second novel in the New York Times bestselling series from Kiersten White, set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Now that Nina has turned the Watcher’s Castle into a utopia for hurt and lonely demons, she’s still waiting for the utopia part to kick in. With her sister Artemis gone and only a few people remaining at the castle—including her still-distant mother—Nina has her hands full. Plus, though she gained back her Slayer powers from Leo, they’re not feeling quite right after being held by the seriously evil succubus Eve, a.k.a. fake Watcher’s Council member and Leo’s mom.

And while Nina is dealing with the darkness inside, there’s also a new threat on the outside, portended by an odd triangle symbol that seems to be popping up everywhere, in connection with Sean’s demon drug ring as well as someone a bit closer to home. Because one near-apocalypse just isn’t enough, right?

The darkness always finds you. And once again, it’s coming for the Slayer.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.


Kiersten White returns to the Buffiverse with Chosen, the sequel to her hit sensation Slayer! Now you know me, I LOVE VAMPIRES! Buffy was a favorite show of mine for sure and I love being back in this world and being back with Nina and her friends! It's a bit of a struggle to remember that these events are taking place "shortly" after the finale of Buffy, at least the first book did, so you add in a few extra months of events between this one and the first book and it's still relatively close to the series finale of Buffy where Sunnydale is taken off the map!

But as I said, this is Nina's story! Nina has been struggling these last few months. Leo's dead, her sister, Artemis ran off with her girlfriend, who Nina really, really hates, and then there's the fact that her newly returned slayer powers have been acting kind of wonky lately. It's hard for Nina to fully control the rage and anger inside of her and that shows through her fighting skills when dealing with the bad guys.

Nina and her friends have turned the Watcher Society on its head, at least in their neck of the woods. Now their stronghold is sanctuary for demons and the like. They do their best to keep everyone safe and happy. Until weird things start happening in the surrounding areas, supernatural types are going missing. Nina takes it upon herself to investigate despite the untold danger.

Meanwhile we see Artemis dealing with her own struggles and her thirst for a chance to belong, to be needed, to be a hero. She misses the days when everyone thought it was her who would be a slayer. She and Honora decide to take on some questionably odd jobs, all the while Artemis has a plan in mind to get everything that she needs.

This was a rather exciting read! I love reading about vampires, but I loved reading a Buffiverse book even more because OH MY GOD THE NOSTALGIA! Yes, you will see faces from Buffy again! I was particularly happy to see one, I mean, I know Kiersten kind of revealed it on twitter awhile back, but I won't say what particular face appears that had me giddy! Lol. I was tickled with "their"--because yes, I will use improper pronouns to avoid spoilers--idealized ending. Like where "they" went after Sunnydale and all that!

It's hard to say if this is a duology or something longer. I am leaning more towards duology, because I thought I heard that at some point, but this one does end in a way that will leave you completely satisfied! Is there room for more? Of course! But every major tidbit is resolved so there's no cliffhanger or questions left at the end that make you wonder.

This is definitely a series that will appeal to Buffy fans everywhere! I mean, it's a fresh new story yet still based in the Buffiverse we all know and love! Plus Buffy makes a cameo every now and then, so what's not to love? Plus VAMPIRES!! I mean that right there should be having you pick this one up asap! 

I never realized how much I needed more Buffy in my life until I read this series! It's so fun and fresh! Nina is a heroine you can get behind and root for! She's sarcastic, kind, and just the kind of girl you can relate to as she struggles accept her newfound powers and journey. If this is the end of the road for us with her, I will say that it was a happy journey!


Overall Rating 5/5 stars


Chosen releases January 7, 2020