We chat with author Kalynn Bayron about Rise of the Wrecking Crew, which is the heart-stopping conclusion to the Vanquishers series… it’s time for the final stand against the undead.
Hi, Kalynn! Welcome back! How have the last couple of years been since we last spoke?
So good to chat with The Nerd Daily again! Things have been really good! I’ve been booked and busy, which is always nice. I’ve been reading, writing, and trying to fit some rest in there somewhere!
Rise of the Wrecking Crew is the third and final installment in your Vanquishers series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Exciting. Scary. Fun. Unexpected. Hopeful.
For those who haven’t picked up the Vanquishers series, what do they have to look forward?
The Vanquishers series is my ode to vampire stories but for my middle-grade readers. It’s the story of Malika Wilson and her friends navigating a world where vampires used to exist but have since been wiped out by a group of masked vampire slayers known as the Vanquishers. They’re sort of like the Avengers if the Avengers were vampire slayers! Through the first few books we see Malika and her friends discover that vampires are still a great threat to their hometown of San Antonio and that the Vanquishers themselves are still needed. The entire series is a fun, spooky, spectacle! I absolutely love writing about these kids and their adventures!
What can readers expect from the final installment?
The final book, Rise of the Wrecking Crew, is where all Malika’s training and knowledge are put to the test. A former member of the Vanquishers is now a vampire and is seeking the ultimate revenge—the destruction of the Vanquishers and the Wrecking Crew. There is more action, higher stakes (no pun intended), and an ending that I think will shock and delight readers.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring one last time?
I love writing Cedrick’s character. He’s so funny and he reminds me so much of my own son. Each character has become so special to me in their own way. I’m going to miss writing in this world!
What was it like to wrap your first middle grade series?
It’s bittersweet. It feels like a huge accomplishment but I can’t lie, I’ll miss writing more adventures for these characters. I’m grateful for the opportunity to put this story on the page and get it into the hands of readers. This won’t be my last go at middle-grade by any means but The Vanquishers will always have a special place in my heart.
With it being the spooky season, what are three go-to movies to watch with the family?
I have an entire list! My absolute go-to’s are Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, and Vampires vs. the Bronx. I’m also really enjoying Agatha All Along right now so I’ll probably throw that into the yearly rotation from now on.
What’s next for you?
I have a YA horror out next year that I’m super excited about, and I have another middle-grade series on the horizon as well. There are also a few things that I can’t talk about quite yet but I’m just so grateful that I get to keep telling stories and pushing into new spaces.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
The Lonely Below by G. Haron Davis
A Whisper of Curses by J. Elle
The Secret Dead Club by Karen Strong
And I’m eagerly anticipating Witchlings: House of Elephants by Claribel A. Ortega
