I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley

I haven't been reading a lot of middle grade books recently but wanted to finish out this series and I'm glad I did. This was another really fun and cute read and I really how all the characters storylines wrapped up. And as always there are plenty of both cute and terrifying creatures along the way! Definitely a good series for any animal lover. 4-0-star a-mid-grade-child c-arcs ...more8 s Lata4,123 233

Rowan is travelling to a neighbouring kingdom with her usual crew: Alianor, Dain, and her large bunch of monsters whoÂ’ve befriended her since book one. SheÂ’s accompanied by her brother Rhydd, Wilmot, her bodyguard Kaylein and Prince Tristan. TheyÂ’re investigating why many monsters have fled their normal hunting grounds. This is also RowanÂ’s final trial; the Court has agreed that all her previous trials (in books one-three) substitute for most of the other qualifying steps a new Royal Minster Hunter must undergo, with this last expedition being her final requirement to fulfil before she can be formally given the role.Needless to say, Rowan is determined to solve the mystery behind the monster incursions.

There are a lot of dangers and hurdles Rowan must get past, with more and different monsters for her to marvel at as the party proceeds on its way. Unfortunately, there is also politicking by a neighbouring kingdom that complicates things, but through hard work, cooperation and a fierce jackelope and warg by her side, Rowan is ultimately successful, though her last trial is really scary.

I have loved this series, and am a little sad itÂ’s over. Rowan is a fantastic character, forthright, strong, and compassionate. SheÂ’s fair-minded, and calls out DainÂ’s frequent petulant behaviour (I have never really warmed to this character) as well as the frequently dismissive adults who underestimate RowanÂ’s knowledge, determination and skill.

The variety of monsters Kelley Armstrong features in each book is terrific, with her not repeating creatures from book to book (except, of course, the ones who have attached themselves to Rowan), while also carefully upping the threat level to Rowan and her land with each instalment.

The pacing is fast, and I really d how Rowan dealt with interpersonal problems right away, not letting situations fester and miscommunication happen purely to advance plot. Her confidence in monster-hunting, as well as how she builds consensus is admirable and fun to read, and the series as a whole a blast.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.arc auth-f bipoc-actor ...more4 s Jennifer2,019

The Final Trial is the final book in this middle grade series.

I don't read many middle grade books. But Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. And I've really enjoyed reading about Princess Rowan and her adventures.

This is a fantasy series about a 12 year old girl who loves monsters. And she has to prove to her kingdom that she is capable of being a royal monster hunter.

I loved seeing Rowan, Dain and Alianor again. The adventures that these kids go on is so much fun. And so many monsters! We get to see dragons and so many other amazing creatures. What a fun ending to this series!

Thanks to netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Puffin Canada for allowing me to read this book.3 s Meghan182 2

Another Amazing Series By Kelley Armstrong And IÂ’m Completely Sad That It Is Over

I Could Not Put This Book Down2 s Hayley423 16

What it has been a little while since I read the previous book in this series I was pleasantly taken right back into the world with no hiccups. Kelley Armstrong does it again transporting the reader into a new world with mysterious creatures and characters that you can't help but fall in love with. While this is the last book of the series, it was just as strong as the previous books in plot and character development. The book continues with our main character, Rowan, continuing to prove that she has what it takes to be the Royal Monster Hunter. To do so she has one last challenge to face and it will be her hardest one yet. She and her companions must now go to the neighbour village and convince the people there that the dragons her home has been protecting pose no threat to anyone. I really enjoyed how all of these books have such a strong presence in many different ways. The characters, the plot, and as well the strong pull that the story takes on the reader all make for a fantastic read that I was unable to put down. While I was sad to see this series end I love the way that it was concluded. My favourite part about this book and this series is how Kelley Armstrong still manages to introduce new monsters that I've never even heard of before. She ignores a lot of the common ones and jumps straight for the ones from different cultures, religions, and times. It made for an educational, as will as a pleasant read, all the while expanding my knowledge. This is a great read for not just young readers but for older readers as well. And while this series is ending I feel that any child that reads this one will be hooked instantly and grow up to be a long time Kelley Armstrong fan. I'm so glad that I got the chance to check out this story and I really hope that even though it is over we might get a few short stories to get one last glimpse at the characters and this life changing world.netgalley own2 s Jim2,770 138

It is quite difficult to keep a series' momentum through two books, even more difficult through three, but moving into four (or more) moves the author and reader into a whole other realm of storytelling. I loved the first two books in this series a lot. A strong female lead, no MG-inappropriate instalove or "romance", plenty of creative monsters, and loads of action and low-level scheming/mystery. By the third book things slowed down a bit for me, as we got mostly one overly drawn out quest and some repetitive asides that felt shoehorned in for length. Still, there was a lot to enjoy. Book#4 follows the same thematics, but we get a plot significantly more aligned with coming-of-age than monsters and slayings and action. Not a bad idea, considering we have followed this group through several books so some elements of maturation and growth are inevitable. Sadly, it not the kind of finale I was expecting or hoping for, though it was done well enough. I d the books for the monsters and out strong-as-fuck female lead. This felt more touchy-feely and emotion-reliant, again not bad things just not want I wanted. All in all, a fitting, if less amazingly magical ending to a rather strong quadrology (?).2 s AK646 34

What a fantastic finale to an action-packed series.

Despite these four books spanning only 6-7 months, the characters have grown so much since book 1 and I love them to bits.

Rowan and Rydd are finally on a adventure together, this time towards Roiva, a neighbouring nation, to meet with the king and his politicians regarding the dragon that's taken over the mountains in Tamarel.

However, when monster disturbances split them up once again, Rowan and her companions find themselves facing both familiar and unfamiliar species of monsters, another kidnapping (or two), and an army of Roivan soldiers ready to take the dragon down. This series goes to show, though, just because you're older, doesn't always mean you're wiser. I think it's important for both young and old people to realize that.

Once again, I adore this series for multiple reasons. The first is emotional regulation. I respect how Rowan takes the time to fully understand her emotions and what made her feel that way, as well as acknowledging that others show their love, hurt, anger, etc., differently. She's well attuned to her monsters, yes, but she also takes the time to understand those around her and how they react and share their emotions (or don't, which also works). It's something I don't see much in books, but I found it valuable here, as younger readers (and some older readers, let's be honest) need that guidance sometimes.

I also love the friendships, family, and found family relationships. Rowan learns to lean on her companions and that she doesn't need to be their leader at all times in all places. Her friendships and support of her friends and family, and theirs in return, is something I adore. I also appreciate that this series depicts healthy, platonic friendships between people of different genders and from diverse backgrounds. We need more healthy friendships in book.

Lastly, the monsters. I love the illustrated guide at the end of each book that shares a bit about the creatures' mythology and stories (educational!). But I also love how fun and action-packed the narrative is. It helps move the story and each monster encounter is a chance at growth and triumph.

Another absolute treasure from Kelley Armstrong. I will honestly read anything this woman writes.

TW: Injury detail, death of a companion in battle, animal death, kidnapping, grief

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Puffin Canada via Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.netgalley1 Diana Brown913 13

Thank you Netgalley and Puffin Canada for the chance to read an advanced copy of The final trial the last book in the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying Series by Kelley Armstrong. I have been a fan of this series for middle grade children since Rowan first showed up and started her journey on becoming The Royal Monster Hunter! She sets off on her final journey to prove once and for all that she is perfect for the job and even though she is only twelve, has the strength, determination, and the empathy towards monsters to be the greatest monster hunter! She doesn't go alone though; her expedition includes her twin brother, friends and trusted advisors and Rowan's ever-growing group of monster companions -- this is Rowan's true gift; the empathy to understand them, and gain their trust. Rowan has grown quite a bit since the first book, but often throws herself into danger to save someone else. In the previous book Rowan discovers something is driving the monsters away from their natural habitat. Is it the dragon? Or some new and deadly monster? Not all shares Rowan's views on monsters, and so Rowan must solve the mystery and complete her trial to become the Royal Monster Hunter!
This series is wonderful for children who love adventure, but it can be read by all ages!1 KathieAuthor 2 books74 Read

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

I have been a big fan of this series since the first book was published in 2019. Written by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong, A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying is an underrated middle-grade fantasy series that has kept me engaged and awaiting each new sequel. Still, it has finally come to an end with Book 4, THE FINAL TRIAL, and IÂ’m pleased with how it concluded.

Rowan is on her final quest to prove that she is ready to take on the permanent role as the kingdomÂ’s royal monster slayer, but the challenges that await her on the journey are her biggest ones yet. She and her entourage have to protect the dragons living in their homeland by journeying to neighbouring regions to convince the other rulers that the dragons pose no threat. But not everyone is convinced that a twelve-year-old princess can handle the responsibility, and Rowan must face resistance from monsters and humans along the way. She discovers there is more behind the mother dragonÂ’s unrest than meets the eye, and it will take all of her strength, smarts, and willingness to ask for help to complete her mission successfully.

I enjoyed watching RowanÂ’s confidence grow as her knowledge and experience taught her to trust herself and her instincts. Some new creatures and surprises appear while familiar characters shift their supporting roles around Rowan. Overall, IÂ’m satisfied with how this series wrapped up, and will miss spending time with Rowan and her monster companions.1 Lola1,691 267

The Final Trial is the fourth and last book in the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series. I really enjoyed this series and am sad to see it come to and end, but The Final Trial is an amazing ending to this series. the previous books it's packed full with adventure, danger and monsters.

The Final Trial starts off shortly after the ending of book 3 and I easily got sucked back into the story, although I felt the start was a bit slower than the rest of the book. Setting the stage and getting the characters where they need to be. After that it gets really good and I struggled to put it down. There's an amazing battle scene where I really feared for how Rowan would get out of this. And then another great one late in the book with a great reveal and twists that was so well done.

Rowan is an awesome main character and it's been great seeing her grow throughout the series and really settle into her role as the royal monster hunter. In this book she looks back herself too and realizes how far she has come and that was great to see. I how she solves problems, both those of the monster variety as well as tensions between her and her friends. I enjoyed seeing her interact with her friends as well as her monster companions and how they solved things together.

I really enjoy reading about all the monsters in this series, the way the author brings them to life with plenty of details and vivid descriptions. There are plenty of new monsters Rowan and the rest encounter in this book and I really enjoyed reading about them, from friendly monsters to those who cause trouble to really dangerous ones and surprising friends.

The last chapters form a satisfying ending to this series and I thought it wrapped up the series well, although at the same time I wouldn't say no to more books. This series has been so much fun to read and I enjoyed following Rowan and her friends on their adventures.

To summarize: This series was a great read. Filled with adventure, great characters and interesting monsters. This was an awesome ending to the series, but I am sad to see it end. The start was a bit slower, but I was quickly hooked. There are some exciting and tense battle scenes as well as a great twist and reveal toward the end. I wondered how Rowan would get out of some of the situations in this book and wanted to keep reading to find out. Rowan is a great character and I really enjoyed reading about her, seeing how she dealt with everything and grew throughout the series. Seeing her interact with her friends and monster companions is great. And I enjoyed seeing her deal with all sorts of monster related problems as well as tensions within her group. The monsters really come alive with vivid descriptions and plenty of details and it was so interesting to read about all these various monsters. All in all an awesome series that I really enjoyed reading.1 Marty Tool568 7

Final trial for Rowan to become the Royal Monster Hunter. Hopefully there will be novellas about the future for these characters. Always fun and lots of adventures for Rowan and her entourage to overcome, but her special empathy and ability to talk and understand the monsters she comes across is what makes her special. Great reading for any age, but for those 9 to 12 year olds it might get them reading more as they are the ages of Rowan and friends. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for an honest opinion.1 Hal741 56

arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I am so glad that I got to be back in this world with Rowan and the rest of the gang! I recently finished the third book so getting to dive right into the fourth was amazing. This one is probably my favourite of the series so far!

There was just so many epic battle scenes, new monsters and Rowan really showed how much sheÂ’s grown and learned over the last few months. ItÂ’s amazing to see her progress both as a monster hunter and just as an individual, as a friend and Princess.

I just had such a blast with this fourth instalment, it literally had me on the edge of my seat so much! If you love dragons and really any sort of cool monster, epic adventures and magical battles, friendship and politics and more— you need to check out this amazing middle grade series!

5/5??2022-apr-may-jun 5-star-books-2022 arcs ...more1 Dragons*?4Ever ??•???•??893 18

4.5 stars
rtc (review-to-come)
I finished this series. *Struggles to find coherent thoughts
THIS series.

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4.5 Stars
Rowan has discovered the reason why the monsters have been migrating. Now on a political journey to educate others about the dragons and solve the problem, Rowan, Rhydd, Trysten, Alianor, and Dain, along with their entourage of creatures and warriors, are travelling to different places. However, along the way, their journey is hijacked; Rowan, Trysten, Dain, and Alianor are kidnapped and forced to be submissive and survive. Not everyone agrees that humans should co-exist with monsters, and several sides do not respect Rowan as a Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan and her friends are thrown into the world surrounded by dangerous monsters on a mission of survival. The final installment in the A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying is refreshing, spectacular, and ends with a final and fantastic flourish.

This quartet mixed every single trope I could possible ask for: friendship, complex characters, adventure, strong world-building, and an entertaining plot. I'm really sad that this series is over. . . yet also so happy I could see the ending. Every single book in the series manages to be pretty self-contained. So the ending wasn't the most conclusive, rather it leaves a vague note that doesn't solve everything. However, I didn't dis this because in this case it worked well.

These characters make me feel so exhilarated. I love how each and every one is so complex and distinctly different. Rowan always self-regulates herself, always goes over her emotions and is very logical and level-headed. I did want more of Rhydd and Rowan, which was one of the only things I hoped could happen. Dain is one of my favorite characters. In no way was he written to be likable. He has his jerk moments; yet these flaws only make me him more.

Dain is socially-awkward (something I very much understand) and I love how he's both grown but hasn't completely changed throughout the series. Every single character gets enough time to go through character growth. Rather than there being emotional scenes separate from the action, there are really character-building emotional scenes within. Trysten is a character that is enjoyable and a great addition to the cast except, kind of hard to trust. . . !

Rowan is growing up, and has thought a lot about her relationship with Trysten and Dain! I loved how she reflected on this. This series doesn't have a major romance aspect, focusing more on the platonic/friendship part. Rowan doesn't particularly love anyone in a romantic way, more in a friendship aspect, and I love that about this series. Friendship is something that is focused on in Rowan's relationship with her peers.

I enjoyed the new monsters we saw. What I loved the most was learning more about Dain and seeing into his psyche, even if it wasn't from his perspective. I loved reading about Alianor and her fun quips! This cast means everything! I recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
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thehungrymoth53

This is a fast-paced middle grade adventure and it was so much fun to read! Rowan, together with her brother Rhydd, close friends Dain and Alianor, the sort-of-prince Trysten, and her loyal companions Malric and Jacko, sets out on a journey to the neighboring kingdom of Roiva. Their mission is to meet with RoivaÂ’s officials to ensure the safety of the dragon that decided to make TamarelÂ’s mountains her permanent home. The mountains are very close to RoivaÂ’s border, and High General Corisande is concerned that the people of Roiva might be in danger. Not only that, but they suspect that the recent monster migration, which threatens to disrupt the ecosystem, is most ly caused by the same dragon. The dragon has been upset lately, and no one knows what's causing it. If Rowan can successfully handle the situation, sheÂ’ll complete her trials and finally become a Royal Monster Hunter. What Rowan doesnÂ’t know is that both High General Corisande and the dragon have their own plans for Rowan and her friends.

The main characters, the enchanting setting, and the fantastical creatures all won my heart in this book. I absolutely loved Rowan! She was empathetic, mature, and introspective, and took the time to process her emotions, understand others and their motives, and truly get to know all of the fantastical creatures they encountered during their adventures (even if some of them scared her at first). I think thatÂ’s such a great message! I appreciate how the book encourages young readers to not only learn about and understand animals but also to respect and admire wildlife from a distance. I also loved the illustrated guide at the end of the book which provided beautiful artwork and unique details about the various creatures mentioned in the story.

This is the first book IÂ’ve read in A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, and IÂ’ll definitely go back and read the entire series from the start. I had so much fun reading this book, and I am sure that I would've loved this story even more (if thatÂ’s even possible) if it had been published when I was a child. I canÂ’t wait to share it with my nieces and nephew!

Thank you, LibraryThing, the publisher Puffin Canada, and author Kelley Armstrong for the gifted copy! I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.2023-finished fantasy giveaway-wins ...more Therearenobadbooks964 23

This is an amazing series.
Told in the first person, Rowan's voice is the one of a very strong and determined person.
I love the energy of the characters, their relationship, and also the monster companions as they work together as a team. Previous incidents have made Rowan more cautious of the consequences of her actions and although she is trying to prove herself as a Monter Hunter she tries to take the danger into her own hands alone to protect others. Her protection extends to companions and Monsters, for she treats all with the same level of respect. Monster Hunters are referees and they educate people to coexist. That's a great concept.

I love that on her way to the main mission she deals with different small tasks and politics. We get to learn about new monsters.

Around chapter 12 things became quite interesting and with lots of action that grab us to the end. I couldn't put it down. My fav chapter is "Grootslang" and the awesome plot twist at the end.

A coming of age where Rowan comes to terms with some of her feelings towards her journey and companions. The Captain1,159 466

Ahoy there mateys! I am a big fan of Kelley Armstrong but this series was hard to get through and if I had not listened to the audiobooks, I might not have finished.  In fact, I thought it was a trilogy and was actually sad when book 3 ended and I knew there had to be one more.  I may have d this if I were younger but being as I am much older, I had issues.  The primary one is that the main character, Rowan is a special snowflake.  The other big one is she is 12 and sent on missions to hunt with little real training.  She collects an entire menagerie over the course of the book but really only a few animals are used well in the books.  The number of times Rowan yells "Malric, NOOOOOO!!!!!!" was annoying.  And Rowan did not use her brain and often just rushed into danger getting out by luck.  The books got repetitive.  Run into dangerous monster no one has seen in centuries.  Fight.  Rinse.  Repeat.  Did the focus on science to learn about monsters though I don't know if I can recommend this to anyone who isn't under the age of nine. Arrr!younger-readers Rachel954 12

This series gets better as Rowan, the Royal Monster Hunter-elect, gains more experience. I thought the first book was okay, but by the middle of book two, I was so annoyed with and her friend, Dain, that I couldnÂ’t even finish it. In this installment , Rowan has become a little less impulsive and the adventures become more high stakes for her and her companions. Armstrong does a good job of explaining concepts and words that may be new to her MG audience, but some of the lessons, particularly morality ones, are clumsy and heavy-handed. I struggled through the first half of this, because Dain is still an obnoxious, whiny brat and I wanted to push Rowan off her soapbox a time or two. However, the final part of the quest is exciting and entertaining, and I couldnÂ’t help cheering on the whole group.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are entirely my own. 2023 librarything-early-reviewers Shauna Morrison1,592 4

OMG, I really hope that there will be more books in this series and that The Final Trial does not mean the final book.

This is a fantastic series for young readers and the young at heart. It has adventure, magnificent monsters, friendship, and intrigue. Rowan is caring and determined to understand the monsters she is supposed to be slaying, instead of kill first ask questions later.

When I worked at a bookstore it was one of my first recommendations in the 9-12 yrs section. I would always follow that recommendation with the fact that young readers can grow with Kelley as she writes novels in teen and adult (fiction, fantasy, and mystery).2022 netgalley Jonesy323 15 Want to read

This is final installment of the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series. My son and I have loved reading each book in this series and this one was so bittersweet for us. This one was really good, but we desperately want there to be more! We are definitely hoping for a young adult series with these characters in the future! We highly recommend not only this book, but please go back and start from the beginning if you haven't already read the other books in the series. I promise it will be worth it!! ????? Hannah Belyea2,259 36

Leading a team across the mountains to neighbouring kingdoms, Rowan and her brother Rhydd hope to ease concerns in regards to the dragons - and prove her worthy of the title Royal Monster Hunter - but forces both man and beast stand between them and the beginnings of war. Armstrong draws this thrilling series to a pleasant close, a tad meandering and rushed in its finale but nonetheless witty and intelligent in its morals and action. Can Rowan and her friends protect the dragons, or is her final test about to become her final mission? Linda Stopani49 1 follower

I received this book through LibraryThing. This is book 4 of the series and even though I had not read the other three books, I was able to follow the characters with no problem. I very much enjoyed this middle grade fantasy and will probably go back and read the other three. The characters were so much fun and the story was exciting. Rowen is a super protagonist and the fantastical beasts were exciting and magical. I loved the Monsters Field Guide at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, old or young, who enjoys a wonderful fantasy read. Chelsea 700 5

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of The Final Trial by Kelley Armstrong in exchange for an honest review. The final book in the series, this one was just as good as the rest. I really enjoyed this series and all the creatures, some familiar and some new. I love dragons and how Armstrong described them. I'm sad that the series is ending, but hope we get some collections of short stories, maybe from Dain, Wilmot, Alinor or Kaylin's point if view. Janell343 1 follower

This is a fantastic tween/teen fantasy series that can make an adult laugh out loud. It may not be realistic for 12-13 year olds to be fighting monsters, but it does make for a series of fun adventures. Throw in personal development, coming of age, a bit of politics, natural (or unnatural) history, and basically velociraptors a la Jurassic Park and what's not to love? *And* the strong protagonist is a young female POC. Chrissy419 9

A fantastic ending to a fun middle-grade adventure series, filled with more unique "monsters" for Rowan to fight or befriend. Definitely recommended to any and all middle-grade readers. (And to those young at heart looking for an entertaining diversion.) I enjoyed reading these as an adult and probably would have loved this story even more if it had been around when I was the target age.fav-author-armstrong Layla189 1 follower

i want more

Admittedly I love Kelley Armstrongs work and have read nearly everything sheÂ’s published. So it comes as no surprise that I loved this series as well. I am very happy this story arc came to an end. But I admittedly would enjoy checking in with an 18 or 20 year old Rowan down the lines for another adventure and seeing what all the characters are doing. Crystal3

A well written book. Love it from the first page. It's wonderful to have a female Person of Color as the heroine also to have a group of people who are all coming into their own and are not perfect. Would highly recommend to anyone with young girls or boys. As well as any one who is young at heart Rachel529 4

Some very exciting parts in this story and the creatures are interesting, but the main characters are untrained kids! I feel this series was written for older teens or early twenties and the editor wanted a younger series, a few tweaks and wallah! A tween book that is not very teeny. Mireille147 1 follower

sad to think this may be the end of the series. Mary-Anne38 4

A thrilling conclusion to the series and a thrilling ending to this book. Writing anything else would spoil it. Wendy MacKnightAuthor 4 books89

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