Recently, the Read Riordan Instagram account recently shared a Q&A with the New York Times best-selling author of Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting, Roseanne A. Brown. With some valuable insights from Serwa herself, Roseanne was able to answer some of our most burning questions in regard to protecting our necks from creatures such as the adze. So without further ado, take it away, Roseanne!

Roseanne A. Brown, author of Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting:

So, I heard that you guys had some questions about vampire hunting for Serwa. She could not be here because she’s on like, some super-secret mission. She didn’t give me any details, but it has something to do with a rock concert in the afterlife and some angry ghosts. It’s a whole thing.

But I sent her your questions and she sent me her responses. So let’s see what I can do to help you with your vampire problems.

Graci Kim, author of the Gifted Clans trilogy, asks:

Sword? Spear? Bow and arrow, perhaps? As a novice vampire slayer, I really need some help. I’m not too sure which weapon to choose. Do I need any special skills or mystical enchantments? Help! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Roseanne:

Great question. Weapon choice is so important. And for this one, I actually took it to Serwa’s friends, Roxy, Eunju, Mateo, and Gavin, who are all learning how to hunt vampires for the very first time. They also had to learn what weapons work best for them. It’s really going to depend. Are you super strong like Eunju? In that case, something close combat like a sword would be a really good choice.

Or are you someone who’s a little more quick on your feet and fast, like Gavin? Then, you might want a staff. Or if you’re like Matteo, and you’re just like, “I need to not be near this problem,” you need a bow and arrow. And if you’re kind of like Roxy and you’re versatile enough, you can use a spear.

Or you can be like me and you can just run when you see vampires comings because you do not do battle.

J.C. Cervantes, author of The Lords of Night duology and the Storm Runner trilogy, asks:

I have heard that adze are vicious bloodsuckers. And that they prefer human blood. So, my question is this: Is it safe to let my dogs in the yard at night if there are any adze flying around the neighborhood?

Roseanne:

Your dogs should be fine because adze only really care about humans. So, they’ll probably leave your animals alone. However, if there is an adze in your neighborhood, the black magic that emanates from the creatures will make everything around them whither and decay. So, even though they might not drink from your dogs, being near the adze might make them sick.

I think maybe just keep them inside for a little bit if you can until we get this vampire problem under control. I promise you that we’re handling it. There’s just a lot of backlog these days and Serwa is kind of busy. But as soon as she’s done saving everyone else, she will get to your house. I promise.

Kwame Mbalia, author of the Tristan Strong trilogy, asks:

Hey Serwa, ever since I heard about the adze, I have not been able to leave the house after sunset. Call me paranoid, but I don’t know whether or not it’s safe to leave the house during the day. Are the adze nocturnal creatures?

Roseanne:

I’ve got some not-so-great news for you. Unlike your Western vampires, like Dracula, adze actually can come out during the day. Because when they’re in their human form, they’re exactly the same as humans.

So, garlic’s not going to help you. The whole ‘you have to invite them inside’ thing? Nope. Not a problem for them.

All that to say . . . Yeah, it’s not safe. That’s not a happy note to end on. But! A great way to get yourself protected from one is to make sure that you have a connection to some divine wisdom with the gods. Because divine wisdom is the only thing that keeps the adze away. Make sure you have some Adinkra symbols like the nyame dua and a bunch of other ones drawn around your house as protective wards.

But yeah, umm . . . just don’t go outside. Full stop. Y’all got DoorDash, right? You don’t have to leave your house. I mean, you can, but . . .

Carlos Hernandez, author of the Sal and Gabi duology, asks:

Hey Serwa, I’ve noticed lately that my wife has been staying up late. Like, really late. And she’s keeps staring at my neck a lot. Which I guess wouldn’t be too weird, but then when she does it, she starts licking her lips and saying, “Mmm, that looks tasty.” Should I be concerned?”

Roseanne:

All those things by themselves wouldn’t be that weird. Your wife could just be a wonderful person and thinks you smell really great. The real question is, have you ever seen her transform into a firefly with fangs just kind of floating around? Because if you’ve seen that, now you have a problem.

If that happens, you need to get yourself a stake and some holy oil. Get yourself a forest spirit from Ghana with some ancient wisdom that can help you. And you might want to run for your life.

Everything else, I think you’re fine.

Rick Riordan, former middle school teacher, asks:

Hi Serwa. First time caller, long time listener. I love your show. I’ve been concerned about all these rumors I’ve heard about vampires stalking middle school hallways. Can you tell me your advice on the best way to keep an adze out of your classroom? Asking for a friend.

Roseanne:

Keeping an azde out of a classroom . . . Now that’s a tough one. Because there is no way to tell if someone’s possessed by an azde. Like, one who is hosting a vampire and a normal person look exactly the same. So, your best friend, your spouse . . . anybody could be one. You would never know.

So, what you need to do is call the Abomofuo, the secret organization of Ghanaian vampire slayers that Serwa and her family belong to. They’ll show up and they’ll get rid of that adze real quick for you. And you can tell who they are by the abode santann, the All-Seeing Eye tattoo on their chests.

Serwa is technically not a full slayer yet. She does not have her tattoo, but she’s happy to help. Give her a ring. And in the meantime, get yourself an axe and hope for the best?

Thank you so much to Roseanne and Serwa for taking the time to share all of their insights on the many complex facets of vampire hunting! No doubt these tips will keep us all safe this Halloween and beyond!