THE FINAL TRIAL

Tensions between monsters and humans remain high as Princess Rowan sets out to defuse (or ignite) a dragon-sized situation in this series closer.

Our young royal monster hunter-elect finally has her future in sight. One remaining trial has sent Rowan, her twin brother, and their hunting party on a journey from Tamarel to neighboring Roiva. If she can settle the ongoing dragon dilemma, Rowan can officially take her place as her aunt’s successor. The expedition combines dangerous monsters with volatile politics, and it’s difficult to say which is more treacherous as their monster-hunting mission of mercy turns mercenary when Rowan and her friends are captured. Engineering an escape from abductors in the thick of a giant serpent’s hunting ground would be enough. Dealing with troublesome monsters while thwarting a coup would be more than enough. But there is still a dangerously agitated dragon in their midst. Rowan draws on every ounce of skill, courage, and knowledge she possesses, but it may not be enough as she faces the terrifying question: What kind of monster can frighten a dragon? Armstrong delivers a wild ride as rapid-fire monster fight (and sometimes flight) scenes are paced by Rowan’s intense introspection. New monsters (faithfully rendered with wonderful detail in Rowan’s accompanying guide) give way to satisfying answers to some series-long questions, though the hasty conclusion may feel discordantly tidy. Some new Roivan characters are described as light-skinned, but the majority of the Tamarelian cast remains brown-skinned.

Good luck putting it down.