A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying (Royal Guide to Monster Slaying # 1)

by Kelley Armstrong (Author)

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying (Royal Guide to Monster Slaying # 1)

Twelve-year-old Rowan is destined to be Queen; her twin brother, Rhydd, to be Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan would give anything to switch places, but the oldest child is always next in line, even if she is only older by two minutes. She resigns herself to admiring her monster hunting aunt's glorious sword and joining her queen mother for boring diplomatic teas.But tragedy shatters the longstanding rule, and Rowan finds herself hunting the most dangerous monster of all: a gryphon. Accompanied by a feisty baby jackalope and a giant wolf that barely tolerates her, Rowan sets off on a journey that will see her join other unlikely allies: a boy with monster-hunting ambitions of his own, and a girl hiding dangerous motives. It will take all of Rowan's skills, both physical and diplomatic, to keep this adventure on track. The future of her kingdom depends on it.

Select format:
Hardcover
$16.99

More books in the series - See All

Kirkus

A rousing romp for monster hunters and monster lovers alike.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 4-6--Rowan and Rhydd were born to greatness; as twin siblings of the queen and a monster hunter, their roles in the kingdom were determined at birth. Because Rowan is the firstborn she must be Queen, while her brother Rhydd trains to become the Royal Monster Hunter with their aunt Janna--roles they would very much like to be reversed. When Rowan sneaks out to help her brother hunt a gryphon, the very same monster that killed her father, she witnesses her beloved aunt's gruesome death by the creature. But, before she dies, Janna grants her a gift: a way to override the rule that forces Rowan and Rhydd into their traditional roles. Rhydd severely injured his leg in the fight, and his current limited mobility allows them to switch places. When an ambitious relative tries to muck up the plans and send Rowan on a path that can only end in her death, she surprises everyone with her bravery and her wit. Duty and the responsibility that accompanies it are explored through Rowan and Rhydd's journey; sometimes it is harder to do the thing that comes easiest to you. Thrilling action scenes are balanced with emotionally resonant moments showcasing Rowan and Rhydd's close relationship and Rowan building tentative new friendships with the unlikely companions she meets on her quest. VERDICT Give this to any fantasy and adventure fan ready for a fast and fun read, a great read-a-like for Tamora Pierce's "Tortall" series.--Sara Brunkhorst, Glenview Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

As the oldest child, Rowan, 12, has always known she'd be Queen, but she envies her twin brother, Rhydd, who is in line to become Royal Monster Hunter (but would make a better consort). Nevertheless, she spends her time learning about myriad creatures. However, after their Aunt Jannah is slain in a gryphon attack, just as their father was, and Rhydd is badly injured, Rowan must step into the role she's always dreamed of fulfilling. Accompanied by a jackalope and an enormous wolf, Rowan sets out to find the person who can help train her for the monumental task ahead: to fight and slay the gryphon. As she forges unlikely friendships and alliances, she develops a growing understanding of her weighty responsibility to her people while seeking to understand and respect the monsters she hunts, doing as little harm as possible. Weaving in themes of family, duty, and conservation, YA author Armstrong (the Darkness Rising trilogy) offers a gripping middle grade debut in an imaginative fantasy world populated by fascinating creatures. Readers will hope that there is more planned for Rowan and her growing entourage of monsters and misfits. A monster field guide concludes. Ages 10-14. (Aug.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A fresh take on familiar fantasy creatures and situations." —STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

"Armstrong's characters challenge gender norms, and her writing attends to themes of social justice and animal welfare, relying on strong episodic tension to drive the narrative. Highly Recommended." —CM Magazine

"A 100% engaging romp for fans of fantasy and feisty heroes!" —49th Shelf

Kelley Armstrong
KELLEY ARMSTRONG is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of three trilogies for teens: the Darkest Powers; Darkness Rising and Age of Legends, as well as several thriller and fantasy series for adults and three YA thrillers (The Masked Truth, Missing and Aftermath). She is also the co-author (with Melissa Marr) of the Blackwell Pages series, a middle-grade fantasy series based on Norse gods. The Masked Truth received a starred review from PW (overflowing with twists), while Missing received a starred review from VOYA (a compelling thriller that keeps the reader hooked until the end). Visit Kelley online at kelleyarmstrong.com
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780735265356
Lexile Measure
610
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Puffin Books
Publication date
August 06, 2019
Series
Royal Guide to Monster Slaying
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters
Library of Congress categories
Brothers and sisters
Adventure and adventurers
Magic
Adventure stories
Fantasy
Twins
Quests (Expeditions)
Monsters

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!