Amazon.co.uk Review
This novel is based on three Xander-centred episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": "The Pack" from season 1, "Go Fish" from season 2, and "The Zeppo" from season 3. It's illustrated with eight pages of colour photos. Xander, Buffy's not very popular and academically challenged classmate, has never had much luck in life, and this is emphasised in the choice of stories here. He spends the first one possessed by the spirit of a hyena, and the second trying to avoid becoming a fish-monster, while in the third he goes in search of "cool", and runs into a gang of zombies on the way.
Jeff Mariotte has included interludes between each story, briefly outlining the important events for anyone who has missed seeing key episodes--so watch out for plot spoilers. The format of these novelisations never leaves much room for originality, being simply the episodes transferred to the page, but Mariotte makes the most of the material; his prose is fresh and strikes just the right jokey tone. The descriptions are vivid, clearly recalling the scenes for those who have seen the shows, and bringing them to life for those who haven't. So if you want something light to read on the beach, this is good entertainment.
Elizabeth Sourbut
Product Description
Xander has to master some out-of-control animal instincts and then goes undercover to unravel a very fishy mystery. Finally, excluded from the Slayer's plans, he is forced to face up to his own private evil and find a strength he never knew he had in order to save the future of Sunnydale High.