A Review of ‘Slayers: A Buffyverse Story’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Key Art from ‘Slayers: A Buffyverse Story’ Courtesy of Audible.

Stories that are deeply beloved by a loyal fan base, go one of two routes when they come to a close on their own terms. For some… become nothing short of warm nostalgia, wherein fans revisit them now and again to evoke a feeling or a memory of the joyous times when they enjoyed what that story had to offer. While others… become nothing short of legends. For those stories tapped into something special and resonated with audiences on a level so deep… that the story stays with them long after it ends. To the point where they revisit it often to feel that connection and of course, hope and pray for a sequel or something that can at last… keep the wonder of an incredible story going.

But alas, that second route is rare to come by. For endings usually are endings, and if by chance there’s a reunion, return or sequel… it either exists to right a wrong or it is necessary to bring any loose threads left hanging to their proper conclusion. But now and again, you run into a reunion, return or sequel, or expansion story that is everything the fans hope for and more. Something that truly gives new life to the source material, and new chapters that captivate us like before, and it just so happens that an expansion story in that vein is available now through Audible. For the Audible Original, Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, just so happens to expand the widely beloved Buffyverse, in an epic manner, in part by reuniting a great deal of the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

All so they can go on an incredible brand-new adventure. One that takes place ten years after the events of the series finale of the show, where slayers are everywhere and where Spike is working with Clem undercover in the City of Angels to keep the peace. But when he meets a young slayer named Indira, some wild events take place. The kind that brings forth new horizons for this storied franchise and surprises abound. The kind that we won't be covering in this review. For this is a spoiler-free zone, and keeping the details out, ensures you experience the surprises that await on your own, and it also allows for us to address the burning questions on your mind, dear reader. Specifically, how this expansion of the Buffyverse does the franchise justice and takes care of its fans while offering up a story that truly impresses.

All of which it accomplishes, by giving us a story that pays proper tribute to what came before it, while truly giving new life to the saga with the incredible concepts it brings to the table. Courtesy of the fact that Amber Benson penned the script alongside, Chris Golden, and her vast knowledge of the series allowed for her to create the perfect story. One that recaptures the magic of the show and allows for the talented cast that we adore, and in some cases, grew up with, to provide moments that feel authentic, as though we are indeed just catching up with them a decade after the series came to a close. And that, truly does bring forth an experience that doesn’t miss a beat and plunges us right back into a universe we deeply love. Plus, it doesn’t hurt… that the cast truly lets loose in this story. Because each and every one of them, bring their A-game to this Audible Original, and properly recreate their beloved characters to a tee, and with minimal effort it seems. Plus, they deliver their lines with an incredible passion. The kind that further draws you into the story and reminds you at the same time… why everyone loves this franchise so.

Because it was unique, it was special and it remains unlike anything else in entertainment today, and all of those elements bring forth… an essential story for anyone who loves the Buffy franchise. Because this is what the fans have been waiting for, more stories from a world that provides joy and wonder and is filled with incredible characters that resonate with us courtesy of their flaws and their humanity, even when they might not be 100% human. But the best news of all, is that you can enjoy this incredible chapter in the Buffyverse right now. For it is available to enjoy on Audible and we certainly hope you check it out. Because it really does offer something for everyone that was impacted by their brief or extended encounter with Buffy Summers… and the amazing people and otherworldly beings she met during her time in Sunnydale.

To learn more about the creation of this Audible Original, check out our interviews with cast members, Emma Caulfield Ford (Anya and Anyanka), Laya DeLeon Hayes (Indira Nunnelly), and James Charles Leary (Clement ‘Clem’).

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