 | Royal guide to monster slaying (Royal Guide To Monster Slaying) Author: Armstrong, Kelley | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Rowan is next in line to be Queen; her twin brother, Rhydd, to be Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan would give anything to switch places, but the rule is, the oldest child is next in line, even if she is only older by two minutes. She resigns herself to admiring her royal monster hunter aunt's official sword and having tea with dignitaries with her mother, the queen. But a tragic event breaks up longstanding rules, and now Rowan finds herself hunting a dangerous gryphon.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.20 Points: 9.0 Quiz: 505816 |
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/01/2019 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 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 07/01/2019 Twelve-year-old Rowan is a princess destined for political life on the throne, despite being better suited to the role of monster hunter. Hers is an Arthurian world where several brown-skinned clans are united under the protection of Rowan’s mother, the queen. It’s also a world populated by a menagerie of fantastical beasts, the most fearsome being the gryphon. After a clash with this terrible monster—awesomely rendered in savage glory—tragedy befalls Rowan’s family. Suddenly, she’s next in line to be the royal monster hunter, but first she must go forth on a quest to slay the rogue gryphon. All of Armstrong’s choices are made in service of absorbing entertainment, to great success. She avoids the archaic in favor of modern language that kids will appreciate, and while the combat sometimes comes off as slightly cartoonish, she doesn’t shy away from violence. Blood flies and bones crunch, though humane treatment of animals is promoted. This is an action-stuffed, perfectly paced adventure that introduces a world to which thrill-seeking readers will be ravenous to return. Happily, sequels will follow. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.
