Book Review: Monster Slayers by Lukas Ritter

Monster Slayers
by Lukas Ritter
Non-series

Wizards of the Coast Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-7869-5484-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-7869-5484-1
Publication Date: May, 2010
List Price: $9.95

Review: Finding monsters. Adventures. Kidnapping. The new book Monster Slayers by Lukas Ritter covers it all. The author starts his book with action and doesn't let up until the last page. Monster Slayers tells the story of a young boy whose whole life changes in one night of terror. Evin, the innkeeper’s young son has his whole village captured by monsters which starts Evin on his journey to rescue his family and friends from the gnolls, the evil monsters of this book. Teaming up with his best friend Jorick, and the elf wizard Betilivatis they meet, Evin and his band of adventurers set off to save the day.

Evin slowly begins to lose his memory and his friend Jorick doesn't believe him. Then Evin begins to see Betilivatis talking secretly to an unseen entity. As the plot unfolds the suspicions Evin has about Betilivatis begin to escalate and as his fear for the villagers increases, Evin becomes more confused.

Monster Slayers took me on a thrilling adventure. This book dared me to keep turning pages. There are enough plot twists and turns in this book to keep any reader engaged. This is one of those books you stay up all night to finish. Actually, I was up until 2:03am! The plot forged action and suspense into a novel as sharp as a sword! I enjoyed the author's descriptions of mythical monsters, fantastic friends and peculiar places. It was nice to read a book that was not so formulaic! I was not able to figure out what was going to happen in the next chapter, and I think this is what drew me in the most.

This book is a companion book to the popular A Practical Guide to Monsters published several years ago. This prior published book is used extensively throughout this novel, and this book depends on it a great deal. Although the ending may be predictable, the book is still worth the read! (You know how a roller coaster is going to end, but you still go on it!) I challenge YOU to stop reading this book, once you begin!

Review written by Jonathan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates, Inc. for providing a copy of Monster Slayers for this review.

Have you read Monster Slayers? How would you rate it?