This review was written by guest reviewer Matthew Green
Puffin Canada
978-0-73527-015-2
352 pp.
Ages 10-14
June 2021
The Serpent's Fury by Kelley Armstrong is the captivating third installment of the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series. It’s just as exciting and action-packed as the previous two books, featuring many of our favourite characters as well as some new ones!
The Serpent’s Fury tells the story of 12-year-old Princess Rowan, Tamarel’s Royal Monster Hunter elect. Rowan and her fearless companions try to figure out why all the monsters, who up until recently lived in a large forest adjacent to Rowan’s country, are migrating south and interfering with the livelihood of Tamarel’s people. This migration is becoming a danger to Tamarel’s citizens who are getting hurt or even killed. While trying to figure out this mystery, Rowan, Dain, Alianor and some other old and new companions also have to deal with poachers who are trying to take advantage of the disruption. While on the journey, Rowan and her friends learn a lot about the intentions of people and their motives. Whether it’s greed or goodwill, even unconsciously, these intentions will show.
Like the two previous books, one of the many things that I loved is that The Serpent's Fury is told from Rowan's point of view and, like the two previous books, I enjoyed seeing Rowan’s thought process. Another thing that I loved in the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series is that a few pictures of the monsters that we see throughout the book are compiled after the last chapter. It really helps me visualize the monsters in the book.
In the first two books, the squad that goes adventuring primarily stays the same but, in The Serpent’s Fury, a new character is introduced: Trysten! The “kinda-sorta” prince from Dorwynne was sold into slavery because his father didn’t want any competition for the throne. Now, after he has been saved by Rowan and the crew, he is indebted to them. But his loyalty is questioned by Rowan and the others.
Like the two previous books, one of the many things that I loved is that The Serpent's Fury is told from Rowan's point of view and, like the two previous books, I enjoyed seeing Rowan’s thought process. Another thing that I loved in the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series is that a few pictures of the monsters that we see throughout the book are compiled after the last chapter. It really helps me visualize the monsters in the book.
In the first two books, the squad that goes adventuring primarily stays the same but, in The Serpent’s Fury, a new character is introduced: Trysten! The “kinda-sorta” prince from Dorwynne was sold into slavery because his father didn’t want any competition for the throne. Now, after he has been saved by Rowan and the crew, he is indebted to them. But his loyalty is questioned by Rowan and the others.
The Serpent’s Fury explains all of the things that you need to know, in case you haven't read the previous books (A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, 2019, and The Gryphon's Lair, 2020), but I think that you would enjoy The Serpent’s Fury more if you first read the earlier two books.
All in all, I really loved this book! For me, it was super exciting to see Rowan react to these situations with her unique perspective that not every monster that you run into has to be killed. Even though it is a book meant for middle school kids, I think it’s a fun book for all ages. Lastly, and all things considered, I would give this book a 9/10.
P.S. I can’t wait for the next book!
All in all, I really loved this book! For me, it was super exciting to see Rowan react to these situations with her unique perspective that not every monster that you run into has to be killed. Even though it is a book meant for middle school kids, I think it’s a fun book for all ages. Lastly, and all things considered, I would give this book a 9/10.
P.S. I can’t wait for the next book!
~ Matthew Green, 12 years old, Grade 8
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| A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying Books 1-3 |
