What’s the first step you take when you get into serious trouble with your parents? For many of us, the answer is: head directly to your aunt or uncle’s house. With any luck, they’ll not only provide a sympathetic ear but also a safe place to crash until the heat dies down.
Following the explosive ending of Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting, our favorite young Slayer has had her life completely turned upside down. Thankfully, the cool aunt is here to help clean up the mess and provide Serwa with a new sense of direction.
Unfortunately, Auntie Effi has no plans whatsoever to help Serwa get back in the good graces of her parents. Sure, Effi shares some blood with Serwa’s mother, but for this vampire auntie, that’s not the type of blood she’s interested in.
Thicker Than Water
For the uninitiated, Auntie Effi is the infamous obayifo Boahinmaa. In other words, she’s a big deal in the vampire world. For years this information has been kept from Serwa because—in case you couldn’t put two and two together—vampires and Slayers don’t get along (to put it very mildly).
And yet Auntie Effi doesn’t seem too concerned with Serwa’s unfair bias toward the obayifo. She understands that Serwa has been raised hearing only one side of the story. Now Effi can educate Serwa on all the history her parents decided to keep from her.
Because as much as Serwa’s education about the true nature of the obayifo is overdue, what’s even more overdue is a proper rematch between the obayifo and Abomofuo. Eventually, Serwa is going to have to pick a side. Say what you will about bloodsuckers, at least Effi has told Serwa the full truth about her identity. And her hotel headquarters are way swankier than those musty motel rooms the Boatengs used to stay in during their adze-hunting missions.
Don’t tell us you’re surprised that obayifo like Auntie Effi have such access to wealth and luxury. Black magic and Wall Street go together like garlic and parmesan.
The Suite Life
As far as vampire lairs go, we can’t think of any we would rather stay in than the Luciole Hotel, a twelve-floor atrium of sparkling windows and gilded railings located in the heart of Washington, DC. It’s a lovely place and no, we’re not just saying that with the hope of getting a free night’s stay.
Because, despite the 5-star amenities, you should know that the entire hotel is crawling with bonsam, sasabonsom, and evil mmoatia. They’re all working for Auntie Effi as maids, servers, and bellhops. We can’t determine whether that’s super cute or super creepy. Regardless, we’re in no rush to check in.
Drummed Out
Never let it be said that Auntie Effi doesn’t look after her own. Just ask any member of her war council of black magic creatures known as “the coven.” Following the imprisonment of their leader (and Effi’s mother), Nana Bekoe, Effi, and the coven have been working overtime to protect black magic creatures from the Abomofuo.
That is when they’re not too busy planning Nana Bekoe’s surprise welcome back party. But first, someone will need to free her from the Midnight Drum she’s been sealed inside of for years. And sure, Effi could probably do it herself, but wouldn’t it be nice if Serwa finally met her grandmother face-to-face?
Unfortunately, not everyone in the coven trusts that the young (and former?) Abomofuo is up to the job. And yet, despite all the baggage she has with her sister, Effi won’t let anyone, not even her most trusted advisors, speak ill of her niece.
No, Auntie Effi has total faith that Serwa can and will complete the mission, thereby ushering in a new golden age for all vampirekind.
Why? Mostly because Serwa doesn’t have any choice in the matter . . .
Want to learn more about Auntie Effi and her plans? Be sure to pre-order your copy of Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem today!