Reviews

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting by Roseanne A. Brown

amalyndb's review

5.0

Looking forward to the next one!

naomi_camb's review

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This was completely, utterly, 100% wonderful.

shadeyc's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this a lot. I loved the magic system, and the side characters. There were even several descriptions of certain places in the book that were really vivid and I felt transported. 
Having said that, it did feel quite long in certain parts - those where the MC Serwa goes on long monologues internally flaying herself (cue many eye rolls from me).  
I know Serwa is trying to find her way/place and learning about herself and those around her, but those long 'everything is my fault' beating herself up paragraphs happened far too frequently, as if they were filler when there wasn't something else major happening with the plot. 
The characters are fleshed out really well, so it was quite frustrating that it kept coming back to paragraphs like that. 
Anyway, I loved the story itself, the folklore/mythology, each of the characters back stories (they are absolutely multilayered, it's excellent), and I want to read the second book. 
I am also a little put out that I didn't get vengeance with a particular racist. But this IS a middle grade book :) 

girlreading's review against another edition

4.0

A super fun, action packed, vampire hunting, monster fighting adventure steeped in Ghanaian folklore. With high stakes, magic, secrets and kickass kids, as well as wonderful discussions on history, prejudice, racism and the unjust treatment of minorities, this book is just as though-provoking and empowering as it is exciting and gripping.
This was an epic start to a new series starring an endearing and badass heroine who I can't wait to see more from.

TW: discussion of racism, instances of racist microagressions and racism

koreykit's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

professoremdash's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book! Serwa is such a strong character who feels fleshed out and fully developed; her arc was unexpected and kept me hooked. The descriptions are vivid and there’s great wit in both the dialogue and the story in general. I loved all of the Ghanaian mythology and culture (the index was very handy for quick reference) and found it fascinating how many social issues the author was able to incorporate without it feeling preachy or inauthentic; I genuinely felt for Serwa and Roxy (and the others). Highly recommend for any Rick Riordan fans.

writehollydavis's review against another edition

5.0

Another winner from Rosie!! She's quickly climbed the ranks as one of my fave authors. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was amazing and her MG debut is no different! From the pacing, prose, voice, heart, laughter, fighting, worldbuilding, and plot twists, Serwa Boateng is a book not to be missed!!

auntchristine's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

storiesandstitchn's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative mysterious

4.0

madelinefmcguire's review against another edition

5.0

For generations a secret society of Slayers like Serwa and her parents have protected the world from the threat of the adze- shapeshifting vampires. But when a group of adze led by a powerful witch destroys their home Serwa's parents go on their quest to defeat the witch they leave Serwa with her aunt and cousin in Maine. Serwa thought learning to be a slayer was hard but it wasn't as hard as trying to learn to fit in Middle School. But when adze infiltrate the school Serwa will have to band together with her new friends to keep her new town safe.

So many twists and turns in the story and the big reveal at the end! I can't wait to read the next part. Perfect for fans of fantasy and humor this book does an excellent job of blending it all together.