Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick, art by Thomas Taylor

First Second, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781626720268

Available: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition

Scarlett Hart is the orphaned daughter of two legendary monster hunters, and is determined to carry on in her family business. However, two obstacles consistently get in her way. The Royal Academy for the Pursuit and Eradication of Zoological Eccentricities (T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. ) insists Scarlett is far too young to fight the creatures their organization faces. Then, she struggles with her parents’ archrival, Count Stankovic, who turns her over to T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. and takes her rewards for himself. In addition to these problems, more monsters are appearing and no one knows the cause. The only person brave enough to handle the problem is Scarlett: the adults in her midst just don’t know it yet. With her loyal butler, Napoleon, and her monster-hunting gadgets at her side, she’s ready to face anything.

It’s rare that I read middle-grade books, but after reading the description and knowing that it was a strong female lead, I knew I had to pick it up. I love this story. Scarlett doesn’t give up, no matter the circumstances. She’s also ready with pithy insults, which is fantastic.  Thomas Taylor illustrates this tale of the monster-smashing Scarlett. His name will be recognizable to Harry Potter fans, since he did the illustrations for the original edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. One common complaint I saw in other reviews was that it was too fast-paced, and I must respectfully disagree. We need to remember that her parents were considered legendary in the monster-hunting community. She has a reputation to grow into, and she’s clearly adept at carrying on the family name. Recommended,

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker