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laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
By being born first, Princess Rowan is destined for the throne. But she'd rather be studying monsters and practicing her sword skills. Alas, the position of Royal Monster Hunter shall go to her twin brother, Rhydd, per tradition. Never mind that he'd be way better for the throne than she'd be, tradition is tradition. Until things go horribly wrong, and a gryphon attack leaves her aunt dead and Rhydd injured, and now Rowan is taking up the ebony sword...
Well. She will be. Once she's done with her training. With her aunt's warg and an orphaned jackalope by her side, Rowan is off on an adventure to fulfill her destiny, geek out over monsters, and be the most ferocious princess in all the land.
An amazing middle grade novel, "A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying" is a great beginning to Rowan's journey as she goes from Princess to Monster Hunter. Along the way, she makes mistakes, learns from them, takes charge, and makes some new friends. As much as her journey is physical and will involve a lot of learning, a great part of her journey is psychological. She has to make tough decisions at the age of 12, some that determine whether she lives or dies, but also she has to deal with some pretty heavy mental baggage. She watched her aunt die and blames herself, and as a result has Post-Traumatic Stress nightmares. She doubts she'll be as good of a leader as her parents and aunt. But Rowan's got a big heart and a love for the monsters that she protects her people from (sometimes, being a Monster Hunter means really being a Monster-Trapper-and-Relocater; killing the monsters is a last-ditch plan). Rowan is a fantastic, realistic character, and I can't wait for her next adventure!
By being born first, Princess Rowan is destined for the throne. But she'd rather be studying monsters and practicing her sword skills. Alas, the position of Royal Monster Hunter shall go to her twin brother, Rhydd, per tradition. Never mind that he'd be way better for the throne than she'd be, tradition is tradition. Until things go horribly wrong, and a gryphon attack leaves her aunt dead and Rhydd injured, and now Rowan is taking up the ebony sword...
Well. She will be. Once she's done with her training. With her aunt's warg and an orphaned jackalope by her side, Rowan is off on an adventure to fulfill her destiny, geek out over monsters, and be the most ferocious princess in all the land.
An amazing middle grade novel, "A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying" is a great beginning to Rowan's journey as she goes from Princess to Monster Hunter. Along the way, she makes mistakes, learns from them, takes charge, and makes some new friends. As much as her journey is physical and will involve a lot of learning, a great part of her journey is psychological. She has to make tough decisions at the age of 12, some that determine whether she lives or dies, but also she has to deal with some pretty heavy mental baggage. She watched her aunt die and blames herself, and as a result has Post-Traumatic Stress nightmares. She doubts she'll be as good of a leader as her parents and aunt. But Rowan's got a big heart and a love for the monsters that she protects her people from (sometimes, being a Monster Hunter means really being a Monster-Trapper-and-Relocater; killing the monsters is a last-ditch plan). Rowan is a fantastic, realistic character, and I can't wait for her next adventure!
queenfireheart's review against another edition
5.0
Read this to my son (6), he loved it. He loves Jacko! Very good read can’t wait to dive into book two.
book_queen101's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really loved this book. Even though it had some really sad things in it, the characters fought their way through the challenge.
rileylopez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
braidyn's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
koalateagirl's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mochimustreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
k_k2023's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
internationalkris's review against another edition
4.0
There were outstanding beasts and monsters in this adventure fantasy. The plot grabbed me right from the beginning and I was fully ready for the ride. An excellent short and fun middle grade fantasy. The Hagrid fans will adore it.