The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron (2022)

‘The Vanquishers’ was Kalynn Bayron’s first Young Adult publication, after the massive success of her debut novel ‘Cinderella Is Dead’. It follows a group of teenagers who live under the shadow of a vampire threat long thought to be extinct, their families still cautious since ‘The Reaping’, an epic battle fought against the scourge by San Antonio’s resident band of heroes. It was released in 2022, and there have since been two sequels since.

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I picked up this gorgeous edition, complete with sprayed edges, in a local charity shop. I was completely unaware of this series, though I’d heard how acclaimed Kalynn was for her other novels, and I was instantly drawn in by her new interpretation of the vampire hunting genre centering younger readers and a community that historically has been excluded.

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The book is set in San Antonio, where the last undead horde is known to have resided before their extermination. Malika, Jules and Cedric have always lived in neighbouring houses like one big extended family. When I read a book it’s really important to me that I can build the world in my minds eye, and I found the characters to be very well defined and easy to connect to. I thought it was awesome that one lead character uses they/them pronouns, and the little details that bring a text to life like the fact Malika is known by the nickname ‘Boog’. My favourite character was actually Boog’s Mom - I loved how fiercely protective she is of her daughter, even at the risk of appearing paranoid.

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One day a new pupil transfers to the local school, alongside student counsellor Mr Rupert; with Buffy The Vampire Slayer being my favourite show, I appreciated this reference and how the story does feel like the epic supernatural tales we were given in the 90s. The squad quickly become friends with Aaron, and the trio they’ve known for so many years finds a missing puzzle piece in its fourth member. However, after a fundraising event at the local roller rink, the new kid vanishes; and when he resurfaces again, he isn’t the person they remember.

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This was the perfect read to ease me into autumn, offering that cosy neighbourhood vibe reminiscent of films like ‘Hocus Pocus’ that are an essential watch for me when Halloween rolls around. I was impressed with the lore Kalynn created, some grounded in the social history of vampirism we know, and some freshly unearthed to build the story. I didn’t find the plot too predictable, and enjoyed the surprises along the way. I also have to applaud the cover design, which is so sharp and bold - and always the reason a book catches my eye. I can’t wait to read more of Bayron’s works in the future.