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!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

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 like 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.

Rowan is travelling to a neighbouring kingdom with her usual crew: Alianor, Dain, and her large bunch of monsters who’ve befriended her since book one. She’s accompanied by her brother Rhydd, Wilmot, her bodyguard Kaylein and Prince Tristan. They’re investigating why many monsters have fled their normal hunting grounds. This is also Rowan’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 it’s over. Rowan is a fantastic character, forthright, strong, and compassionate. She’s fair-minded, and calls out Dain’s frequent petulant behaviour (I have never really warmed to this character) as well as the frequently dismissive adults who underestimate Rowan’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 liked 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 she’s grown and learned over the last few months. It’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⭐️

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).

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 like 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.

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 I’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 kingdom’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 dragon’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 Rowan’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, I’m satisfied with how this series wrapped up, and will miss spending time with Rowan and her monster companions.

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 like 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.