Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines

A delightfully nerdy fantasy that delivers on its Buffy-meets–Golden Girls promise…

I know this might be something that’s only important to me, but when a book is marketed correctly, it immediately elevates the reading experience (cough Katabasis cough). Slayers of Old was pitched as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Golden Girls, and I’m happy to report that it absolutely delivers on that promise.

The concept alone is wonderfully original, and it had me hooked throughout. The story follows three unforgettable protagonists: Jenny, a 56-year-old retired Hunter of Artemis; Annette, a 60-year-old half-succubus and former private investigator; and Temple, a 99-year-old sorcerer who shares a magical bond with their sentient house.

The plot kicks off when Temple begins experiencing health issues—problems that soon manifest in their home, which literally starts to crumble. Forced out of retirement, the trio must uncover what’s happening to Temple, investigate the disappearance of Annette’s grandchild’s friend, and deal with the sudden appearance of Ronnie, an amateur occultist who very clearly has no idea what he’s doing. Naturally, all of these threads intertwine and escalate into a threat that could affect the fate of the world.

This book was an absolute blast, even if it took me a little while to fully sink my teeth into it (pun fully intended). Throughout the novel, it’s clear just how much of a nerd Jim C. Hines is—in the best possible way. His deep love for genre fiction shines through in the clever references, sharp humor, and affectionate nods to pop culture.

If the idea of Buffy meets The Golden Girls makes your heart flutter even a little, run—do not walk—to your local bookstore and pick up a copy.

RATING: 4/5