THE VANQUISHERS

A hive of vampires becomes more aggressive despite the efforts of a determined group of middle schoolers and their parents.

As this third series entry begins, Boog Wilson is on the run, along with her parents and best friends, Cedrick, Jules, and Aaron; their home is no longer safe from the undead. They’re also dealing with the harsh reality that people they trusted have turned on them, and they can’t depend on the authorities, either. The group takes refuge in a former Vanquisher training facility outside San Antonio. As they move through the building and visit archives holding artifacts of vampire lore, Boog’s mom shares more about their previous battles. With the entire city at risk, the adults agree to intensify the middle schoolers’ training. As the kids work on their combat skills, they learn the alarming news that a powerful vial of Dracula’s blood is missing and likely in the hands of a dangerous foe. The group members sustain some injuries when they fend off another attack, only to make a shocking discovery. Full of page-turning twists, this is a satisfying conclusion to a series populated with lively, likable characters. As in previous entries, the story depicts realistic adult-tween relationships as it reveals more about Vanquisher community history. The diverse cast enriches the well-plotted narrative, which propels readers toward a surprising finale.

An action-packed and thoughtful trilogy closer.