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lisaluvsliterature's review
5.0
Wow. I have to say that I loved the Vladimir Tod series by [a:Heather Brewer|293603|Heather Brewer|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1257773993p2/293603.jpg]and really enjoyed it! Loved the vampire theme from a different point of view. Loved this world that she created. So I entered into the Slayer Chronicles not quite sure how I'd like it, because I kind of liked the vampires better this time, unlike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where you do root mostly for the slayer. And, I didn't really like Joss that much, which this book was about, because of how he tried to slay Vlad in the other series. But, let me say, this book totally blew my preconceived thoughts on this. You knew from the original series that Joss had become a slayer because of his younger sister Cecile getting killed by a vampire. We learn in this book that Joss's uncle Abraham actually didn't want him to be the one in the family to carry on the slayer tradition, he actually thought Henry, Vlad's best friend/drudge, or Henry's older brother would be better. I guess that is funny to me because I know how they actually are with Vlad. But after reading about Joss's life, I did get to feel that I liked him. And learning that kids were mean to him because he had this almost magical strength and endurance. Then his parents almost treating him invisible after his sister died, you can see why he became the boy we know in the Vlad Tod series. And you really get on his side when you learn about how his uncle treats him when he goes to begin his slayer training, and what that training entails. Wow, although I don't agree with some of the things Joss does with the slayers and his uncle, I can see why he is that way, and the story is so good. You know there is possible a "mole" in the group of slayers, and while you want to suspect Uncle Abraham because of what a jerk he is, there are other possibilities, and each are given in a way that makes you think, and wonder. The twist at the end, I thought was sad, and was another way that I was disappointed in how Joss reacted to his situation. But, as I said, it leads right on to where the story is going to go. Such a great story. Heather Brewer is such a great author, I can't wait to read the next in the Slayer Chronicles.
housedesignerking's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
@heatherbrewer
First, I read all 5 of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod and now, I've just completed the first book in the spin off series. The Slayer Chronicles is from Vlad's best friend's cousin's perspective. I completely suggest reading the Vlad Tod series first and then reading this book; TSC First Kill. After reading all 5 of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod novels, what you will find in The Slayer Chronicles: First Kill is an amazing piece of literature that manages to bring in some new characters, but also bringing Joss's start of the story into more light while successfully bringing Joss to where he was in the Vlad Tod series without any contradictions.
I am immensely impressed by the addition of this first book in Joss's perspective. First, I was utterly riveted by original 5 books I've mentioned, and now I found myself unable to put this book down. The last thing I will say is that it takes a great author to be able to pull this off and still keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Or in my case, avoiding time for bed because I couldn't put it down.
Okay I'm geeking out, but in all honesty The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is by far my favourite book series, including it's graphic novel. And now, I include TSC First Kill into this. The only problem is I am awaiting the arrival of The Slayer Chronicles: Second Chance. Which I should be receiving in the post/mail any day now.
My Notes:
March 17, 2013 – page 162
48.21% "I'm still reading atm, but there's a big difference between this and the Vlad Tod series. The Vlad Tod Series wasn't slow paced whereas the spin off about Joss is. That's not a bad thing though. It's actually really fascinating. Where Vlad Tod was a science fiction novel, this one has a smidgen of that but also seems to be more psychological. The slow pace to it surprisingly works well with Joss' side of the story."
First, I read all 5 of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod and now, I've just completed the first book in the spin off series. The Slayer Chronicles is from Vlad's best friend's cousin's perspective. I completely suggest reading the Vlad Tod series first and then reading this book; TSC First Kill. After reading all 5 of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod novels, what you will find in The Slayer Chronicles: First Kill is an amazing piece of literature that manages to bring in some new characters, but also bringing Joss's start of the story into more light while successfully bringing Joss to where he was in the Vlad Tod series without any contradictions.
I am immensely impressed by the addition of this first book in Joss's perspective. First, I was utterly riveted by original 5 books I've mentioned, and now I found myself unable to put this book down. The last thing I will say is that it takes a great author to be able to pull this off and still keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Or in my case, avoiding time for bed because I couldn't put it down.
Okay I'm geeking out, but in all honesty The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is by far my favourite book series, including it's graphic novel. And now, I include TSC First Kill into this. The only problem is I am awaiting the arrival of The Slayer Chronicles: Second Chance. Which I should be receiving in the post/mail any day now.
My Notes:
March 17, 2013 – page 162
48.21% "I'm still reading atm, but there's a big difference between this and the Vlad Tod series. The Vlad Tod Series wasn't slow paced whereas the spin off about Joss is. That's not a bad thing though. It's actually really fascinating. Where Vlad Tod was a science fiction novel, this one has a smidgen of that but also seems to be more psychological. The slow pace to it surprisingly works well with Joss' side of the story."
ryanjamesburt's review
4.0
1) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
2) Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal
3) Synopsis: Joss Macmillan experiences something horrible and with that his life changes. With that change he gets on the path to become a Slayer. The only question is if he has the stuff to become a Slayer.
4) Feelings: This is a partner book to the Vladimir Tod series. I really liked the Vladimir Tod series but was never the biggest fan of Joss Macmillan. So I fought picking this book up for a while. I am glad I did. I liked this book and if I had read it along side of the Vladamir Tod ones I might have liked Joss much better. Or at least understood him.
5) Final recommendation: If you like the Vladamir Tod series i would certainly read this book. If you have never read the Vladamir Tod series you could still read this book and enjoy it. A good read with some interesting plot points to resolve in the future. I will certainly read the next book in this series.
Ryan James Burt
Husband, Father, and Writer
http://ryanjamesburt.wordpress.com/
2) Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal
3) Synopsis: Joss Macmillan experiences something horrible and with that his life changes. With that change he gets on the path to become a Slayer. The only question is if he has the stuff to become a Slayer.
4) Feelings: This is a partner book to the Vladimir Tod series. I really liked the Vladimir Tod series but was never the biggest fan of Joss Macmillan. So I fought picking this book up for a while. I am glad I did. I liked this book and if I had read it along side of the Vladamir Tod ones I might have liked Joss much better. Or at least understood him.
5) Final recommendation: If you like the Vladamir Tod series i would certainly read this book. If you have never read the Vladamir Tod series you could still read this book and enjoy it. A good read with some interesting plot points to resolve in the future. I will certainly read the next book in this series.
Ryan James Burt
Husband, Father, and Writer
http://ryanjamesburt.wordpress.com/
bibliophile_booklover's review
5.0
I enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read the next one. it took me longer to read b/c i'm bias b/c i love the chronicles of vladmir tod onwe b/c i love vlad plain and simple and i sympathized with the vampire more than the slayer. what can i say i'm a vampire chick
book_nut's review
3.0
Not bad. A little heavy on the "tough love" element, but a nice twist at the end.
spark_olaguez's review
4.0
Since I fished the rest of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod it was my mission to finish this series as well even though I thought I would not like the Slayer Chronicles. But some how along the way I did and that just me mad of how Heather Brewer just suck you in again and you can't get out until it's all over. This is a great story if you not done with Vlad but doesn't give you all you want from him.
dvester's review
4.0
In the Vlad books we know Joss became a Slayer because of his little sister but it was cool to see the back story of it all. Honestly at first I hated his uncle, especially when he whipped Joss. Finding out his reason for all of the harder work her made Joss do I tried to understand and tried to see that he was caring for him but I still dislike him. One downfall is I expected him to have killed more vampires before going to meet Vlad because I thought that was how he was portrayed in the Vlad books but all the other vampires were accidents or he had help with. It would have been nice to read about other slays that he did on his own.
I was also excited to see Dorian in the book even if it was only a couple pages.
I was also excited to see Dorian in the book even if it was only a couple pages.
taliac36's review
This book is awesome!! for whoever that havent read this book yet, and likes to read about vampires! (: ,(well vampites getting killed i mean ! (: ) lol i recommend you this book!
its about this kid seeing his sister gettin killed by a vampire when he was little. She was everythin to him so he decided to avenge her death! His uncle told him about the Slayer society ,that he could join to avenge the little girl's death. Abraham only did it because he had to! Thee powerful ones wanted Joss to be the next slayer in the generation of the McMillan family , even if Abraham didnt want that certain nephew to take the place. So sum years later..Abraham called joss to Kome Wit him for trainin in the summer. Joss faces alot of challenges there almost near to death,
its about this kid seeing his sister gettin killed by a vampire when he was little. She was everythin to him so he decided to avenge her death! His uncle told him about the Slayer society ,that he could join to avenge the little girl's death. Abraham only did it because he had to! Thee powerful ones wanted Joss to be the next slayer in the generation of the McMillan family , even if Abraham didnt want that certain nephew to take the place. So sum years later..Abraham called joss to Kome Wit him for trainin in the summer. Joss faces alot of challenges there almost near to death,
delaneybull's review
3.0
It would be unfair of me to rate this without considering the intended audience. Yes, the tone was young and the character wasn't as complex as the ones I'm used to reading because HE'S THIRTEEN. That being said, I do wish it didn't tell you all the answers right after you think to ask them, and the plot was a little disjointed and unevenly paced, with very little true introspection on the main character's part, which doesn't give young characters a good rep. The worldview was a little too obviously "we'll get to it in another book" which made me less curious about it rather than more. On the whole, though, thirteen-year-old me would have been all over this, but I'm not going to continue this series.
elvenavari's review
4.0
I loved Joss' character in the original series and now I get to see everything from his side. I couldn't be happier! This was a great start to Joss' story, I loved seeing his determination. Can't wait for the next book.