Slayers of Old is a fast-paced, character-driven fantasy that blends classic good-vs-evil tropes with thoughtful explorations of legacy, identity, and the complexities of family. Jim C. Hines delivers a stand-alone novel that’s both fun and emotionally resonant, with just enough world-building to ground the story without overwhelming it.
Told through alternating perspectives—Jenny, a retired hunter of evil with a connection to the goddess Artemis, is a healer with a strict code of ethics related to power and violence; Annette, a half-succubus mother and monster-slayer; and Temple, a 99-year-old magician grappling with love, loss, and transformation—the novel weaves together action, humor, and heart. The pacing is strong, and while some background elements are repeated, they never bog down the story.
One of the standout arcs is Ronnie, a 17-year-old “last of his kind” defender against magical evil. Orphaned young and raised by the ghost of his mother Margaret (who inhabits the family van—yes, like "Christine"), Ronnie finds a new sense of belonging and purpose under the mentorship of Jenny, Annette and Temple. His growth from isolated teen on a mission to valued member of a found family is one of the book’s most rewarding emotional threads.
Margaret’s story also takes a beautiful turn as she connects with Temple, whose own arc culminates in his transition to a ghostly form. Their bond offers a touching “happily ever after-life” that feels both earned and heartwarming.
The intergenerational dynamics shine: Annette’s strained relationship with her son Blake, and his own struggles as a father, add emotional weight. Meanwhile, Blake’s son Morgan is pulled into a high-stakes plot to unleash an eldritch god, raising the tension and testing the family’s strength.
Hines also thoughtfully incorporates themes of consent and mutual responsibility—particularly through Jenny’s magical contracts and Annette’s internal conflict between duty and motherhood. These elements elevate the story beyond a typical monster-hunting romp.
A particularly compelling thread throughout the novel is the presence of legacy organizations dedicated to fighting evil. Whether it’s Jenny’s initiation into the “Hunters of Artemis,” Ronnie and Margaret’s family line of defenders, or the magical and demonic heritage of Annette and Temple’s families, these parallel traditions underscore a central theme: the fight for good is a shared, generational effort. Each group brings its own strengths, histories, and burdens, but together they form a rich tapestry of resistance against darkness.
While I had some initial reservations about a male author writing two of the three main protagonists as women, the portrayals felt respectful and nuanced. The book doesn’t center on sexuality, despite the succubus lineage, which I appreciated. Some of the questions raised for me are related to the burden and evolution of legacy and purpose, as well as the value of collaboration.
Let's not forget the part-shoggoth cat with multiple eyes and tentacles who has decided to remain in that form as a mascot, nor the "Stuart Little" -like mouse community, which add a fun and whimsical touch to the story.
Overall, Slayers of Old is a satisfying, self-contained fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and just enough darkness. Recommended for fans of found family, magical legacies, and stories where the emotional stakes are just as important as the magical ones.
REVIEW: Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines
RATING: 4-stars
© Jennifer R Clark. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. You may share and adapt this content with proper attribution.
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