A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, Kelley Armstrong
A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, Kelley Armstrong
1 Rating(s)
List: $16.99 | Sale: $11.89
Club: $8.49

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Narrator: Caitlin Driscoll

Unabridged: 7 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Puffin Canada

Published: 02/04/2020

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

Monster hunting isn't for the faint of heart -- the first in a brand-new middle-grade series by NYT bestselling author, Kelley Armstrong.

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.

About The Author

Kelley Armstrong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Otherworld series, as well as the New York Times bestselling young adult trilogy Darkest Powers, the Darkness Rising trilogy, and the Nadia Stafford series. She lives in rural Ontario, Canada.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Melanie (TBR and Beyond) on June 03, 2019

"The best way to raid a camp is divert attention.  I am an expert at that. "  A Royal Guide to Monster Hunting has a lot to offer.  We get a diverse cast of characters, a strong-willed, kick-ass princess turned monster hunter and a deadly enemy - the gryphon! Throw is some great friends......more

Goodreads review by Kogiopsis on January 15, 2021

Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit (and because I needed a quick book break from Personal History). Verdict: Very cute, and for that reason this ARC copy will go back to the bookstore to be given away to a young reader who will cherish it. This is a charming middle-grade adventure book which neat......more

Goodreads review by Bea on August 11, 2019

"A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying" was a fast-paced adventure story that was also sweet and gentle. There's kidnapping, death, and treachery but also strong familial bonds, caring, loyalty, and compassion. Told from the point of view of Rowan, destined to be the next ruler, we get to know Rowan well......more

Goodreads review by Devann on August 11, 2019

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley This was pretty cute middle grade book. I liked the main character, although her interactions with some of the people she met in her journey seemed a bit awkward and stilted. I also liked all of the magical creatures in the book, especially Jacko the......more

Goodreads review by Brittany on April 21, 2025

This was super cute and a lot of fun. I loved the animals and the lessons to be kind over cruel. The Jackalope was the best, although the names of the animals left something to be desired. Worth a read for all ages. 4.5 Stars rounded up......more


Quotes

One of the School Library Journal’s Best Middle Grade Books of 2019
One of the Ontario Library Association’s 2019 Top Ten Titles

PRAISE FOR A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying:


". . . [A] fast and fun read, a great read-a-like for Tamora Pierce’s 'Tortall' series." --STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

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

"A rousing romp for monster hunters and monster lovers alike." --Kirkus Reviews

"A gripping middle grade debut." --Publishers Weekly

“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


Awards

  • Diamond Willow Award
  • Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award
  • Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards
  • Sakura Medal
  • Silver Birch Award for Fiction