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Leo's Map Of Monsters #1
Leo's Map of Monsters: The Armoured Goretusk
When Leo opens his assignment envelope on his ninth birthday, two words stare back at Top Secret. But before he has time to ask any questions, he's whisked away beyond the village wall to meet his new boss, the Guardian. As the Guardian's apprentice, he must protect his village from the monsters that lurk in the surrounding forest. Armed with a slingshot of magical stones and a strange map, Leo is given his first mission - to do battle with an angry Armoured Goretusk.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Kris Humphrey
12 books8 followersKris Humphrey is the author of the Guardians of the Wild fantasy series for young readers.
Hailing from a medium-sized city in the far south-west of England, Kris grew up with the sea on one side and the beautiful bleakness of Dartmoor on the other. Despite moving around the country and doing his fair share of interesting jobs (cinema projectionist, blood factory technician, bookseller...) he has always been writing - or at least thinking about writing - or at least pretending to be thinking about writing. In 2012 Kris graduated from the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University, winning the award for Most Promising Writer. He now lives in south-east London.
Hailing from a medium-sized city in the far south-west of England, Kris grew up with the sea on one side and the beautiful bleakness of Dartmoor on the other. Despite moving around the country and doing his fair share of interesting jobs (cinema projectionist, blood factory technician, bookseller...) he has always been writing - or at least thinking about writing - or at least pretending to be thinking about writing. In 2012 Kris graduated from the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University, winning the award for Most Promising Writer. He now lives in south-east London.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 24, 2024
All the ingredients are there, but it's just a little bit too simplistic for my liking.
February 12, 2024
Topboek om te lezen, zowel voor grotere als kleinere kinderen. Spannend met en moraal maar wel mee met zijn tijd.
July 2, 2021
A fun adventure featuring monsters and TOP SECRET assignments!
I read this book in Dutch but wanted to write my review in English! Since Leo’s name is in the blurb I can at least use that, but if I use other names they will be in Dutch.
When kids in this little town turn 9 they get an assignment, something they have to do for 2 years. Leo becomes 9 in this book and thinks that he gets the easy job at the archives, HAHA, how wrong he is. He is chosen to become something totally different. Something TOP SECRET and I was definitely very eager to find out what it was going to be. Leo was a very interesting/fun/good MC and I had fun following him on his adventures in this book.
I loved finding out more about the world beyond the walls, though of course it is a bit cliche. I mean, how many manga/anime/books/series have I seen or read that feature something like this. Sometimes the people know, and often people don’t know. Still it was fun, and I am very curious about the world and meeting the other monsters.
Starla, that weasel-like monster with batwings? LORD, that one was annoying. Even later when she did improve a bit. But for most she reminded me of Navi. But instead of Link, Link, LINK, it was Leo, Leo, LEO. Then again, I guess it was doomed from the start. I am just not a fan of animals talking, especially when they do it in a know-it-all voice.
I loved that Leo, unlike apparently Henrik, the other guardian (given those hints at the end), used his wits, the stones, and clever planning to help out the goretusk and get him back safely to his family. I also loved seeing Leo figure things out and he did it pretty fast, but not so fast that it feels unnatural. He still stumbles, and boy, he needs a lot of help, but I am sure within a few weeks he is a perfect guardian.
I am a bit curious about Gilda, given how she reacted in the end… mmmmm. SUSPICIOUS!
The art was weird, but also good. I am still a bit on the fence on the faces. I mean, everyone either looks dead, haven’t slept in days, or severe caffeine withdrawal. Whichever comes first. XD
But all in all, I am very curious about this series. I definitely want to see what is next for Leo, and I am also hoping that he will continue the trend of trying NOT to harm the creature as he tries to get them away from his village. I also hope for some answers because BOY did we get little of those. I would definitely recommend this fun book. Adventure, mystery, and monsters, yas!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I read this book in Dutch but wanted to write my review in English! Since Leo’s name is in the blurb I can at least use that, but if I use other names they will be in Dutch.
When kids in this little town turn 9 they get an assignment, something they have to do for 2 years. Leo becomes 9 in this book and thinks that he gets the easy job at the archives, HAHA, how wrong he is. He is chosen to become something totally different. Something TOP SECRET and I was definitely very eager to find out what it was going to be. Leo was a very interesting/fun/good MC and I had fun following him on his adventures in this book.
I loved finding out more about the world beyond the walls, though of course it is a bit cliche. I mean, how many manga/anime/books/series have I seen or read that feature something like this. Sometimes the people know, and often people don’t know. Still it was fun, and I am very curious about the world and meeting the other monsters.
Starla, that weasel-like monster with batwings? LORD, that one was annoying. Even later when she did improve a bit. But for most she reminded me of Navi. But instead of Link, Link, LINK, it was Leo, Leo, LEO. Then again, I guess it was doomed from the start. I am just not a fan of animals talking, especially when they do it in a know-it-all voice.
I loved that Leo, unlike apparently Henrik, the other guardian (given those hints at the end), used his wits, the stones, and clever planning to help out the goretusk and get him back safely to his family. I also loved seeing Leo figure things out and he did it pretty fast, but not so fast that it feels unnatural. He still stumbles, and boy, he needs a lot of help, but I am sure within a few weeks he is a perfect guardian.
I am a bit curious about Gilda, given how she reacted in the end… mmmmm. SUSPICIOUS!
The art was weird, but also good. I am still a bit on the fence on the faces. I mean, everyone either looks dead, haven’t slept in days, or severe caffeine withdrawal. Whichever comes first. XD
But all in all, I am very curious about this series. I definitely want to see what is next for Leo, and I am also hoping that he will continue the trend of trying NOT to harm the creature as he tries to get them away from his village. I also hope for some answers because BOY did we get little of those. I would definitely recommend this fun book. Adventure, mystery, and monsters, yas!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
December 18, 2022
Aunt Kellie is helping Santa with some pre- Christmas books heading to our home this year and Santa/Aunt Kellie know that my four year old loves books about Monsters. And she loved this one.
Instead of getting assigned to the Records Office for his job on his 9th birthday like he assumes, he ends up with a "top secret" job. He soon finds out it is guarding the village from all the monsters that live outside it. His first task is to keep an Armoured Goretusk for ripping through the village because the current Guardian has been injured by the beast. Armed with only some pebbles and a cool magic map, he's sent out to see if he can do this job.
I liked this book! So did my daughter. She loved the illustrations, and there are lots which is always key to holding her attention while reading chapter books and why she loves Dragon Masters (Rise of the Earth Dragon) and Press Start! (Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!). She studied them all very carefully before we read the book so when Stella showed up she recognized her from the back cover. It was an engaging story and she already is wondering when we can read more.
My sensitive child didn't read this one. He claims to not enjoy imaginary books (but his book shelf says otherwise) but I think he was a bit creeped out by the illustrations. That said I don't think that it is too scary for him and hopes that he gets interested and reads it soon.
Instead of getting assigned to the Records Office for his job on his 9th birthday like he assumes, he ends up with a "top secret" job. He soon finds out it is guarding the village from all the monsters that live outside it. His first task is to keep an Armoured Goretusk for ripping through the village because the current Guardian has been injured by the beast. Armed with only some pebbles and a cool magic map, he's sent out to see if he can do this job.
I liked this book! So did my daughter. She loved the illustrations, and there are lots which is always key to holding her attention while reading chapter books and why she loves Dragon Masters (Rise of the Earth Dragon) and Press Start! (Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!). She studied them all very carefully before we read the book so when Stella showed up she recognized her from the back cover. It was an engaging story and she already is wondering when we can read more.
My sensitive child didn't read this one. He claims to not enjoy imaginary books (but his book shelf says otherwise) but I think he was a bit creeped out by the illustrations. That said I don't think that it is too scary for him and hopes that he gets interested and reads it soon.
October 17, 2022
Slightly Giver-esque when Leo wakes up on his 9th birthday, he receives his assignment for the next two years like all other kids on their 9th birthday. He thinks it must be a boring job in the Records Department, but all it says is “Top Secret” and then the village chief is there to take him to his assignment. Much to his surprise, it’s through a secret door and into the forest that he’s always been told is unsafe to travel into.
His day is filled with decisions, bravery and adventure. Will he accept the top secret assignment that keeps both his village and the monsters he now knows reside in the forest safe by taking on the role as Guardian, or will he decide that a safe and easy job with records is the way to go?
I liked the theming and the choices by the character are encouraging for the 7+ age group that it is written for. The style of the pages with its slightly “burned” look, drawings of the monsters, and fun stones that are used to control the monsters will make reluctant readers happy too! My kids enjoyed the mobster stats at the back of the book as well.
His day is filled with decisions, bravery and adventure. Will he accept the top secret assignment that keeps both his village and the monsters he now knows reside in the forest safe by taking on the role as Guardian, or will he decide that a safe and easy job with records is the way to go?
I liked the theming and the choices by the character are encouraging for the 7+ age group that it is written for. The style of the pages with its slightly “burned” look, drawings of the monsters, and fun stones that are used to control the monsters will make reluctant readers happy too! My kids enjoyed the mobster stats at the back of the book as well.
February 6, 2023
A cute first book in a series that now has my kids enthralled. Leo lives inside a walled village surrounded by a forest said to be inhabited by dangerous beasts. Nobody ventures into this forest, or so the villagers believe. At age 9, when all children in the village receive their apprenticeship, Leo receives the top secret job as apprentice guardian. Each day, he leaves the village through a secret doorway and walks to the guardian's cabin, where he learns the ways in which he must protect both the village and the beasts of the forest, which are not animals, but fantastic monsters. In this first book, Leo must find a way to turn an armored goretusk away from the village and back to its natural habitat, and he must do so with no training at all! Fortunately, he makes friends with a flying weasel-like monster named Starla, who helps him learn how to use his guardian's tools.
September 1, 2022
I absolutely loved The Giver when I was a kid. Leo’s Map of Monsters has a similar premise, probably geared toward a younger audience.
In Leo’s village, when you wake up on your 9th birthday, you receive an Assignment from the elders. They determine how you will serve your community. Leo expects to get assigned to the Records Office with his friend, but instead he gets assigned the top secret role of Guardian. He learns that he will be the Guardian of the village and of the monsters that lurk outside its walls.
It’s a tale of courage, suspense, adventure, and friendship. A shorter novel that is definitely geared towards young readers. My 11, 9, and 7 y/o kiddos enjoyed it as a family read aloud!
In Leo’s village, when you wake up on your 9th birthday, you receive an Assignment from the elders. They determine how you will serve your community. Leo expects to get assigned to the Records Office with his friend, but instead he gets assigned the top secret role of Guardian. He learns that he will be the Guardian of the village and of the monsters that lurk outside its walls.
It’s a tale of courage, suspense, adventure, and friendship. A shorter novel that is definitely geared towards young readers. My 11, 9, and 7 y/o kiddos enjoyed it as a family read aloud!
November 6, 2022
I got this series from my first Usborne book order. I wanted a series that would engage my boy readers. It reminds me a bit of the Imaginary Veterinarian series, just for a younger reader. There is a picture every few pages and the font is slightly larger that middle grade chapter books. The story reminded me a little bit of The Giver and Harry Potter. On your ninth birthday, village children get a job assignment. Leo’s assignment is Top Secret and he learns the wall surrounding his village is to protect them from monsters, but his job will be to help protect the monsters, too. Excited to read the rest of the series.
May 28, 2023
I wanted to read this before recommending it to others or letting my son read it and it was such a fun read!
Fantasy with a mention of magic, it features family, mythical animals, courage and bravery.
I will say the illustration style makes me a little leery of recommending it for young audiences. It kind of gives me Tim Burton vibes. But the overall storyline is great!
Fantasy with a mention of magic, it features family, mythical animals, courage and bravery.
I will say the illustration style makes me a little leery of recommending it for young audiences. It kind of gives me Tim Burton vibes. But the overall storyline is great!
August 19, 2020
This is a whole load of fun and wonderfully illustrated! Leo is given an unusual assignment involving monsters, strange stones and a slingshot. What happens when he goes into the forest and sees a monster? I really enjoyed this! Hope there’s to be more!
December 12, 2020
A wonderfully written and illustrated adventure packed with thrills, action and enigmatic characters in an eerily atmospheric forest. Surely one of the best mid-primary chapter books out there, and the start of what promises to be a fantastical series of monstrous encounters.
December 13, 2021
Ik vond het een heel leuk boek 👹👻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💀☠️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😈👿❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🧟♀️🧟♀️
June 28, 2023
My boys are really enjoying this series. It's not super interesting to me and doesn't seem to have any underlying meaning so it falls short in my opinion.
January 17, 2024
Read aloud with R., Jan '24
February 5, 2024
This was a great read aloud with our 7 and 5 year olds. Challenging vocabulary for the 7 year old to read on her own, monsters were not too scary, and the plot moved along.
April 11, 2024
Leuk boek
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
This was an easy, quick read. Monsters, 2 year assignments for birthday kids, secrets, danger, and more. This is a great read aloud for your elementary kids (and they'll be eager for you to snag the next book in the series!) or they can simply read it themselves and dish to you all of the happenings. Perfect for your beginning-chapter book reader 📚💜
November 18, 2022
Fun, quick read-aloud with my 6 and 8 year old boys. They kept asking me to read more and were sad when it ended.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews