Sixth-grader Malika “Boog” Wilson and her two friends Cedrick (who has two dads) and Jules (who uses they/them pronouns) are back for a third adventure as Vanquishers, defenders of humanity against vampires. Now, however, the lines of good and evil are blurred as several friends have become vampires and a former friend turns out to be behind a new series of attacks that send San Antonio into lockdown.
Taking refuge in an abandoned Vanquisher training facility, the friends, their parents, and other Vanquishers prepare to fight. The bunker also guards a secret: a vial of Dracula’s blood, which can give any vampire unrivaled power. When the vial goes missing, the Vanquishers must race to find it—unless their enemy finds them first.
The suspense, action, and revelations should keep readers engaged, while the story lightly explores themes of friendship and change. The queerness in the story is completely incidental, and Cedrick’s dads play a fairly active role. It’s a recommended title with lots of spooky fun.
Boog is Black, and other characters are mostly Black and Latine.
