Tales of the Slayer, vol. 2 by Various, 7

Book Description: Buffy the Vampire Slayer has always held an irreverent attitude toward her calling, but ultimately she understands the ramifications of her destiny and is prepared to die to protect the world from Evil. In fact, she has died. Twice.

It's an ancient tradition, steeped in lore, mythology, and fateful prophecies. Slayerdom consists of a Council of Watchers, a continuum of slayers, an archive of journals, and even a handbook.

But first and foremost, it begins with a girl. One girl in all the world. A Chosen One. Now, catch up on other Slayers past and present, in the second short-story collection, Tales of the Slayer, Vol. 2!

Review: I didn’t like the second volume quite as much as the first. Some of the stories were mediocre and some were downright boring. There were a few stand outs though.

Blood and Brine by Greg Cox was about a pirate slayer who comes across a ship with only one survivor. I enjoyed this because it was just a really great action/adventure story.

The Ghosts of Slayers Past by Scott Allie is an A Christmas Carol inspired story about a watcher who needs an attitude adjustment. I liked this because the concept was amusing and it’s the only comedy in the collection.

The New Watcher by Kristine Kathryn Rusch is the story of a civil war soldier slayer who loses her watcher but finds a new one in an unexpected place. This one was so interesting I wish it were a full length novel.

Again by Jane Espenson is a story about present day Sunnydale in which sixth season Buffy, Willow, and Xander are transported into their third season lives. Buffy is reluctant to leave a reality where he mother is still alive. I’m not really sure stories about Buffy belong in these collections but this one was really believable as a Buffy episode. Probably because it was written by Buffy writer Jane Espenson.

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