A fairy-tale journey of intrigue and romance that reimagines the classic Pied Piper story. A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people. In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina faces threats from all sides. An outbreak of rats has overtaken the village, a mysterious beast is on a killing rampage of the village’s children, and Katerina’s evil stepfather is a dark presence inside the walls of her own home. Katerina is determined to hunt and kill the Beast of Hamlin herself before more lives are lost. When Steffan, the handsome but brash duke’s son, comes to town seeking glory and reward, Katerina decides he might be the ally she’s been looking for—even though the only gentle thing about him seems to be the sweet music he plays on his pipe. But there’s more to Steffan than she suspects, and she finds herself drawn to him despite her misgivings. |
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson
you rooting them on until the very satisfying end!” --LORIE LANGDON, author of Olivia Twist and the DOON series
My Review
I knew that when I cracked open a new Melanie Dickerson fairytale retelling that I was in for a treat. What I didn't realize was just how quickly and completely I would be pulled into the retelling of a story that I haven't read since I was a schoolkid. That tale is The Pied Piper Of Hamlin. Suffice it to say that when I read the original story I was much closer to the YA target range of The Piper's Pursuit than I am now. Now, don't mistake me, I LOVE Melanie Dickerson's fairytale retellings partly because they are so appealing to more than just a YA audience.
The Piper's Pursuit was a perfect example of that broad age-range appeal. There were some darker tones in it that I don't remember in some of the previous books. But, those darker tones, actually more like difficult topics, were what made the story both unique and so engrossing. Melanie Dickerson handled those things with grace and an honesty that I truly appreciated.
I will be honest, when I started the book I was a bit unsure how to be sympathetic to the hero. I flat-out disliked liked him in The Warrior Maiden. But both Katerina and Steffan won me over from the start. Sure, he had some lessons to learn, as did Katerina, but they were both made from the same stuff as heroes. I genuinely liked them both, flaws and all.
The Piper's Pursuit was a wonderful story, filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance. Melanie Dickerson's distinct style of storytelling shines bright in this book. The rich historical and regional details leap off the page in vivid color, leaving the reading completely immersed in the 15th century storyworld. You will love characters and hate the villains. And, I'm sure, like me, will be unable to put down The Piper's Pursuit for even fire, famine, or flood. Your family will just have to wait for dinner...or join in the adventure themselves...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson a 5 Bark rating.
Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama. |