Chosen by Kiersten White Review

Title: Chosen

Author: Kiersten White

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy/Horror

Series: Slayer, book two

Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

                I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

                Kiersten White is one of my very favorite authors, so when I received a signed copy of Slayer in the mail, I was stoked. Since I had the first book, I decided to reread Slayer before Chosen; the better to actually remember what was happening. Plus, I’m currently binge-watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I figured, what better time? But I won’t bore you with things I’ve already written before. Chosen picks up right where Slayer left off, with Nina opening the Watchers’ castle to wayward demons. Artemis, Nina’s twin, is on a cross-country trip with her girlfriend, Honora. When her sister returns, Nina realizes that the evil she’s been searching for has been so much closer to home than she ever could have realized. Will she become the Slayer that mends the world? Or the one that tears it apart, piece by piece?

                I loved, loved, loved this amazing sequel to one of my favorite books of last year. Sequels often give me anxiety; all too often, they don’t live up to the hype. But I’m so happy to tell you guys that that wasn’t the case for this one. This sequel packed multiple surprises; the pacing was breakneck and I loved the characters, old and new. I also adored the way that Chosen beckoned back to the Buffyverse on more than one occasion; there were quite a few Easter eggs that I had to go back and reread it. This book is a treat for all fans of Buffy, whether you’re a veteran or a brand-new fan. I loved Nina; she was my favorite and I loved her storyline! Her story arc from a shy, quiet medic to a full-fledged, badass Slayer, just like Buffy and Faith. I also adored the way this book focused on family, whether by blood or friendship, and especially the bond between Nina and Artemis. And there were so many delicious surprises, often in the form of twists or familiar characters. This book felt like a return to the Buffyverse that I still adore so much; I loved every moment of it. There were times that the narrative seemed to stutter as it shifted through, but overall, this was a really strong sequel and I’m very, very happy with it! In fact, I was so reluctant to leave that I decided to reread my copy of Julie Kagawa’s The Immortal Rules; I hope I get to finish the trilogy! The bottom line: The conclusion in a duology that captured my heart and made me relive the glory days with the Buffy gang; I loved this new entry into her familiar world; I loved it so much! Next on deck: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa!