The Serpent's Fury

May 15, 2021
Princess Rowan and her friends find trouble and monsters in equal measure in Armstrong's latest installment. Though it seems like Rowan and her close-knit hunting party only just left the Dunnian Woods, they have returned for yet another monster mission--or rather to finish the last one. As royal monster hunter, this responsibility is part of Rowan's heritage; as a nearly 13-year-old monster and science enthusiast, it is a thrilling opportunity to put her growing knowledge and skills to the test. But something isn't right. A mysterious catalyst has caused a change in migration patterns as monsters of every type flee an unseen terror--and they're headed straight for Rowan's home of Tamarel. Rowan, Dain, Alianor, and some old and new friends make a perilous journey deep into the woods to figure out what could have frightened so many powerful creatures. As the terrible answer steadily becomes clearer, Rowan is faced with the truth that monsters do not have a monopoly on monstrosity. Through Rowan's first-person narration and natural attention to details, Armstrong immerses readers in her ever deepening external and internal worlds. The effect teeters on disorienting as Rowan's thoughts flood the pages, but intricately choreographed battles, weighty encounters with politics, and introductions to new monsters (enchantingly rendered in the accompanying illustrated field guide) pace what would otherwise feel frenzied. Characters in this world have a range of skin tones; the citizens of Tamarel are brown-skinned. The fourth book cannot come fast enough. (Fantasy. 9-12)

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July 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-Rowan and her fearless friends return in this newest series installment. We meet our ragtag group on the way to clear out an infestation of dropbears in the Dunnian Woods. After nearly getting swept away by a stampede of colocolos, small lizard and ratlike creatures, and being attacked by fleeing harpies, it is clear that something else is terrorizing the denizens of the woods. As the troupe continues on to find the source of the unrest, we learn a lot more about Tamarel outside of the royal palace. The group encounters a "witch," monster poachers, and an exiled sort-of-prince. In their search, Rowan stumbles on a hidden cave with her ceffyl-dwr-the creatures she finds have not been seen in her world for centuries and are almost certainly the cause of this latest unrest among monsters. In the beginning, the author gives a natural overview of the events in the series so far, which serves as a helpful reminder to series veterans or new readers alike. Armstrong skillfully blends different mythologies; fans of Rick Riordan and mythology will appreciate the lesser-known monsters that are featured. Readers will find Rowan's monster sketchbook, included after the final chapter, helpful in picturing some of the more obscure creatures. VERDICT This latest entry does the action-packed series justice.-Sara Brunkhorst, Glenview P.L., IL

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