Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.com
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This novel is set just before the events attending Buffy’s graduation from High School.  They have a new teacher, the young and attractive Crystal Gregory who appears to have a down on Buffy but is assembling a whole group of teacher’s pets – including Willow and the ex-demon Anya.  Or would the term “coven” be more appropriate when dealing with a 19,000 year old wicked witch?  For Crystal is an ancient being called Shugra whose ultimate plan is to give herself infinite power and force her acolytes to do her bidding by making them lose their free will.  It is up to Buffy and her friends – including her mother – to sort things out before it is too late. 

If like me you are a fan of this highly inventive and entertaining TV series you will enjoy another chance to read about your favorite characters.  As with most other spin-off novels you don’t learn anything about them that you don’t already know but reading this is like watching a typical episode.  Where a book scores though is that it is all in the writer’s – and reader’s – imagination so you can do things that special effects might find impossible and really let rip with a thrilling scenario.  This book has plenty of action – and flashbacks to Shugra’s other lives – and will keep any fan of the series entertained.

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