Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter

Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter
Marcus Sedgwick
Thomas Taylor (Illustrator)
First Second, 2018 208 pages
Grades 4-8
Graphic Novel
Scarlett Hart series #1

Feisty Scarlett Hart is determined to follow in her parent's footsteps. They were confirmed Monster Hunters, who died in the line of duty. Now Scarlett works with her loyal butler, Napoleon, to carry on the family tradition and bring in much needed reward money. The problem is, she is under age and that is against the monster hunting code of conduct, which, if caught, could result in the loss of her family estate and jail time. The problem is, Scarlett enjoys the work, is good at it, and can't imagine doing anything else. She and Napoleon answer many calls, sometimes to great success and sometimes resulting in failure at the hands of her family's arch enemy Count Stankovik. The Count is out to get Scarlett and it seems personal. By book's end the cause of his vendetta is revealed. He is determined to stop Scarlett from monster hunting and almost gets his wish, until she defeats him in a crushing battle scene, only to have him escape by nothing short of a miracle, leading the reader to the next installment in the series.

Established teen writer, Sedgwick, has turned his hand to writing not only for a younger audience, but his first graphic novel. His books are always very intense and beautifully crafted. This is certainly a departure, both in the subject matter and the mood of the story. Almost steampunk, the setting is Victorian, yet with cars and not all of the classic steampunk elements. It feels a bit traditionally melodramatic with the mustache-clad villain straight from a silent movie. Scarlett is a fun character, strong and fearless, and although she does not have layers, since it is an adventurous graphic novel, the two dimensional nature of the format will allow us to forgive the lack of character development. This monster-filled world is pretty cool and kids will find it deliciously scary. The action never flags as Scarlett and her friends battle monster after monster of all shapes and sorts. Some scenes do get a bit violent and sensitive kids will find this book the stuff of nightmares. Video gamers, on the other hand, will eat this book up and find that they enjoy reading as much as pushing buttons. Scarlett is not a "girlie-girl" and both boys and girls will enjoy this book. She looks a bit androgynous on the cover, so boys will not be scared away. The illustrations are less "cartoony" than the usual fare for this age group, which, although fresh and different, may put off some young readers who are drawn to the familiar. A promising start to a new series by a respected author.