Back to Sunnydale

Ever wonder what the circumstances were which got Faith’s first watcher killed? What were the events which led to Faith running from Kakistos the vampire? What was Faith’s upbringing like in the rough streets of Boston prior to her arrival in Sunnydale and her dealings with Buffy and her cohorts?

These questions and more are answered in Robert Joseph Levy’s inventive and highly engrossing book “Go ask Malice” which has Faith, the rogue slayer first seen in Buffy’s third season as its protagonist. She’s a favorite in the Buffy universe for her complex character and her girl gone bad attitude. Faith is the antithesis of Buffy, while one is grounded by her moral compass, the other has a “want, take, have” attitude shaped from her rough upbringing in South Boston .

Though I am not sure if this book is considered canon by 20^th Century Fox, this book is an epistolary novel following the form used in the book it borrows its title from. The subtitle is “A Slayer’s diary” because the events are related through diary entries written by Faith herself and it goes into great detail to relate the events which led to her becoming “the chosen one.”

Levy, who has a Masters in forensic psychology, understands something about the human mind and employs this with great skill throughout the book, not only giving the reader a glimpse into the dark world which helps to form Faith’s volatile personality, but also into the harsh environment which helps to shape her views. He also has a keen knowledge of the Buffy universe, borrowing details from the show, even going as far as to develop relationships only mentioned in the show like former boyfriends, to shape a masterful piece of literature. The mystery woven into the book regarding the identity of the enigmatic “Malice” ensures the pacing is brisk and guarantees a page turner for any Buffy fan. I snatched if off the library shelves and devoured it during my free time from work and school. Trust me, you’ll want to read this one, it’s a winner.