Monsters are back with a vengeance in The Gryphon's Lair, the breathtaking second installment of the middle-grade Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series.
Princess Rowan of Clan Dacre may be only 12, but she's still the official "royal monster hunter in training" for the country of Tamarel. The last royal monster hunter, Rowan's beloved Aunt Jannah, was murdered by a pregnant gryphon. Though monsters are well studied, much is still unknown about gryphons. So Rowan captured the murderous pregnant gryphon, and now hopes to study the baby gryphon, Tiera. As Tiera grows, so does the danger she poses. When Tiera crosses the line, Rowan must take action and travel with her friends through the forests and mountains to unite Tiera with her kind.
The Gryphon's Lair by Kelley Armstrong (Royal Guide to Monster Slaying) is an action-packed adventure into a world where monsters are real, but not always scary. Rowan's brave spirit and scientific nature provide the perfect perspective to view monsters and analyze if they're a threat or rather misunderstood, frightened or curious. Armstrong casts common monsters of myth and legend--gryphons, pegasuses, jackalopes, wargs--as full characters with their own distinct personalities. Lesser-known creatures from around the world--basan, ceffyl-dwr, chickcharney and more--make surprise appearances. Drawn by French artist Daumarie, who has created much of the art displayed in Armstrong's books, Rowan's illustrated guide at the end of the book offers a closer look at each monster. Remarkably well-crafted, The Gryphon's Lair is a memorable thrill filled with tough choices, hard-fought battles and unforgettable lessons. --Kyla Paterno, freelance reviewer