Kirkus Reviews (Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A middle schooler and her friends spring into action when their new friend goes missing in Bayron's middle-grade series opener.Malika "Boog" Wilson and friends Cedrick and Jules are students at Victor Garcia Middle School. They're looking forward to Vanquisher Appreciation Week, a celebration of the defeat of the last hive of vampires. However, Boog's parents are among the few who still take precautions against a vampire return, something that embarrasses her. When Aaron, a new student from Colorado, moves to their neighborhood, the three friends open their circle to include him. The sixth graders become suspicious of Mr. Rupert, the new guidance counselor, who seems to be overly interested in their little group. Then a fun school fundraising event at the Royal Roller Rink takes a dramatic turn when Aaron disappears from the venue. As days go by with no word, fears increase that something ominous has occurred-and Boog suspects Mr. Rupert knows more than he's letting on. The search for Aaron ultimately reveals how much Boog's folks were involved the last time vampires were a threat to their community. This warm, witty friendship story with a healthy dose of vampire adventure is a page-turning read. The main cast of characters is cued as Black and Latine; Jules uses they/them pronouns, and Cedrick has two dads.A lively, appealing addition to the genre. (Fantasy. 9-13)

Publishers Weekly (Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Bayron (This Poison Heart) makes her middle grade debut with an inventive suburban vampire mystery. Twenty years after the Reaping saw an end to the undead’s last hive at the hands of the heroic Vanquishers, San Antonio prepares for an anniversary celebration, Vanquisher Appreciation Week. Though most residents believe that the world is now vampire-free, the families of irreverent brown-skinned sixth graders Cedrick, Jules, and Boog—together known as the Squad—aren’t so sure, and they continue to maintain the old ways. They never go outdoors after nightfall, never invite strangers into their homes, and coat every entryway with a homemade garlic-and-silver vampire repellent. Often bullied for their parents’ collective vampire concerns, the Squad yearns for their parents to move on—until new neighbor Aaron goes missing during a school fund-raiser. As their formerly sheltered world closes in and their parents grow more protective and secretive than ever, the Squad sets out to track down their new friend. Combining mythology and science to produce a fresh take on modern vampire lore, Bayron erects a fantastical San Antonio that is as chock-full of personality as each of the story’s characters. Pithy dialogue and sensational description make this a speedy, eerie read. Ages 8–11. Agent: Jamie Vankirk, Rainbow Nerds Literary. (Sept.)

School Library Journal (Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 3–7— Vampires are making a comeback in this sharp, lively paranormal middle grade debut from the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead . As far as Malika "Boog" Wilson and her squad are concerned, vampires have been extinct for years thanks to the Vanquishers, and their parents' extra vamp-proofing precautions are completely unnecessary. But when her group befriends the new kid in town and he disappears after a school event, the overprotectiveness of Boog and her friends' families reaches a whole new level, making it almost impossible for the squad to figure out what happened to their friend and if the creepy new school counselor has anything to do with it. Bayron's world where the monstrous undead existed but were vanquished by a powerful group of vampire hunters is convincing and believable, making this mystery adventure even more exciting. The delightful characters will charm readers with their distinct voices, and the close friendships not only of the kids but of their families elevate the plot dynamics and create a memorable cast. Primary characters are Black. With great humor and determination to help a friend even if it means facing the dangerous creatures that might still be lurking in the dark after all, Bayron's young crew will keep readers enthralled. VERDICT This inclusive and inviting opener of a modern vampire series is a surefire hit.— Hazel Ureta