Book: Slayer by Leia Stone
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
This was a great fast paced YA read. Stella is a likeable FMC and has had a plan for her future following her childhood in foster care. That all goes by the wayside though when she goes out for birthday drinks and inadvertently ends up caught between vampires and hunters. Leaving everything Stella knew behind, she quickly finds out not only that these things are real, but that she herself is a legacy in this world.
This is fast paced and although there is a romance plot, its slow burn. The miscommunication trope is lurking though and it looks like it's going to continue into book two. Asher may be the MMC but Stella's relationships with Luna, Harper and Celia were the ones which stood out. The return trip to see Linda too was incredibly sweet. Although there are some pretty epic battles, it still feels YA with the characters reading as actual late teens rather than characters who act like they are much older.
Life at the academy is relatively angst free until vampire attacks start spiking. There is also danger coming from the mystery surrounding Stella's mother and what happened to her. I have a feeling there is going to be some kind of connection between what happened to Asher and Daphne's parents too. The cliffhanger isn't too painful but definitely seems to have drawn a line in the sand - I'm interested to see how that is going to be unpacked in book two!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read