I jumped at the opportunity to read Melanie Dickerson's soon to be published book The Piper's Pursuit and I was not disappointed. I enjoy this series as there are strong characters, a clear delineation between good and evil, and they are Christian but not preachy.

Several aspects of this book stand out. Often times, this genre tends to have strong female leads which I greatly enjoy, but sometimes the male characters are less than impressive. The Piper's Pursuit has equally strong male and female characters. This is important as it shows the wonderful things that happen when a relationship is seen as a partnership instead of just one person being the leader. The second aspect was that Dickerson did a marvelous job of depicting the hypocrisy of the town mayor who went out of his way to appear "Christian" but was actually anything but. This really helped to emphasize the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

Melanie Dickerson writes for the YA crowd, but her books are enjoyable for all readers who enjoy a good, clean story that includes a lesson. I recommend them for moms and their junior high-early high school age daughters to read together or as read alouds for middle school students,

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.
This may be an OK read for the YA set that it was written for but I did not care for the book.
There is a great deal of violence and I just couldn't get into this book.
I gave it 3 of 5 stars for story line and characterization. That is actually a cumulative rating.
The plot is the saving Grace for this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Oh how I adored this book! I managed to read it in two sittings -- it ate up one entire evening, in fact -- because I simply HAD to know how it ended.

I am an avid fairy tale fantasy reader, and Melanie's titles have intrigued me for a while. I was concerned that stepping in on book #10 would leave me confused, but the story was easily appreciated as a standalone work. I could tell that there were references to other stories, but that did not detract in any way.

This story was beautifully Christian and the weaving together of the Prodigal Son parable with the Pied Piper fairy tale was masterfully done and entirely original. The characters are both engaging and realistic, with as many weaknesses as strengths. Steffan and Katerina are well matched, and I loved watching their romance build as Katerina learned to trust him. Steffan's calm spirit is beautiful, and that says so much after all the darkness lurking in his past. His backstory gives hope to anyone struggling with past, seemingly insurmountable, ugliness.

There was a fair amount of violence throughout the novel, but in a "Star Wars" way. You are fully aware that battles happen, and that injuries result from those exchanges, but she does not go into gratuitous detail. Language, of course, is a non-issue -- and chaste kisses are as close to blush factor as we get. One character struggles with emotional fallout from repeated inappropriate advances made at her during her young adulthood, but again - little detail is included and the author navigates the situation with care. Still, there could be a slight trigger factor for readers with similar experiences.

I plan to re-read this wonderful book, but only after devouring the other nine! Can't wait to dive further into Hagenheim and meet more of Melanie's characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

For those of you who've not been following my reviews very closely: This has been the year of me reading fairytale retellings. And of course I saw the books of Dickerson on lists a few times before. So, when I had the chance to read this book through Netgalley I didn't hesitate. Especially because I haven't read that many retellings of the Piper of Hamelin yet.

And I really have to keep myself from going to an online bookstore to order the first book in the Hagenheim series. This book is the tenth in the collection, but I can assure you that it can be perfectly read as a standalone. I might have gotten a few spoilers here and there for the previous books, but the story, plot and characters also stand very well on their own.

The writing style of the book is quite pleasant. It was an easy and fast read and Dickerson doesn't lose herself in endless descriptions, but that doesn't mean the book is rushed. She takes the time to introduce us to the story and the characters and therefore she also gives the reader a chance to bond with the characters, just like they take the time to bond with each other. There is some instant attraction, but not so much instant love.

Both Kat and Steffan come with their own history and issues. Kat is strong and fierce, but not just because she wants and longs to be, but also because circumstances have forced her to learn how to take care of herself. Steffan did a lot of terrible things in his life and is carrying a lot of guilt on his shoulders. Kat is afraid that she is not capable of loving someone anymore. Steffan is afraid his sins can't be forgiven and he doesn't deserve to be loved.

The elements of the Hamelin tale are used recognisably and yet in a very original and refreshing way. Although I know the Hamelin story quite well, this story managed to surprise me and Dickerson came up with some nice twists on this beloved tale. The fairytale really sets out some marks, but it's not the entire plot.

And I also really loved all the prayers Kat and Steffan sent to God. I loved how they didn't just wait for him to solve their problems, but how they wished for his help to solve their problems themselves. They wished for courage, for a little bit of luck and for a happily ever after, but they were the ones working for it and earning it. And that, in my opinion, is how it should be.

I will for sure read the other nine books in this series too, at some point. Because I'm sure, after reading this tale, that I will love them all.

Katerina is hunting the beast that is killing people in her village when she stumbles on a little girl who she thinks has been missing. Heading back to town with the girl, she discovers who she belongs to at the same time Steffan comes through the gate looking for the mayor’s house. She doesn’t tell him who she is, but does take him there. This begins the adventure of Steffan trying to gain her trust and both of them trying to figure out what is going on in Hamlin. A wonderful story that draws you right in and is hard to put down. The mystery of the rats, and the missing children, along with getting to know Katerina and Steffan, seeing Duke Wilhelm and Rose are all part of this story’s intrigue. A great addition to this series of stories featuring Hagenheim’s leading family.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

There were so many elements to this title that I enjoyed, but the story was too long... In an effort to add layers to the reimagined fairy tale, the storyline became bogged down in seemingly unnecessary rabbit trails. I have enjoyed this series, but The Piper's Pursuit didn't quite hit the mark for me. Some great aspects, but more that clouded over my interest and I trudged through or skimmed certain chapters.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Melanie Dickerson takes on a journey to 1424 Hamlin in a retelling of The Pied Piper. In true Dickerson form Melanie recreates medieval Germany with vivid descriptions of everyday life. Her characters are realistic and quite interesting. She is very creative with her plots using elements of the original tale but adding her own twist. I always look forward to a fascinating read and I am never disappointed. So grab a mug of mulled cider and settle in for a visit with the Haggenheim family.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

As much as I love Melanie Dickerson’s novels, I am gonna give this a 3.5 stars. I just didn’t connect with this one as her others. Connection with characters is a big thing for me. I do love her writing style and how she keeps the storyline flowing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

The Piper’s Pursuit
By Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Dickerson does a wonderful job retelling the classic fairytales. I have enjoyed her previous books and The Piper’s Pursuit was no different.
Steffan has been away from his family working out where he went wrong and how to make things right in his life. The town of Hamlin is a stop along the way home but upon entering the city he meets the fierce and mysterious Katerina. Drawn to Katerina, Steffan finds himself quickly tangled in her and the town’s wellbeing. Steffan does not see himself as a hero, quite the opposite but Hamlin needs someone to save them from the beast that is stealing their children and the rats that are swarming the city. Katerina and Steffan must work to trust one another and in doing so free themselves from their past.
What a fun read!
Some other books by Melanie Dickerson you might enjoy are:
The Warrior Maiden
The Orphan’s Wish
The Silent Song
And The Golden Braid
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hold on to your seats because this is going to be a bumpy ride.

Melanie Dickerson never lets me down. As a lover of fairytale retellings, I have become quiet a fan of hers.

Katerina doesn't need to be rescued. She's a strong independent woman with one thing on her mind. Freedom. Having lived under her harsh and cruel stepfather, she sees only one way out. Kill the beast of Hamlin, receive the reward, convince her mother to join her, and leave Hamlin for good.

Steffan knows that he betrayed his father, the Duke of Hagenheim but he's not ready to face him. He's the fallen brother, no good compared to any of his other siblings. He needs to show his father that he's worthy and the only way he can do that is by killing the Beast of Hamlin. There's only one person who stands in his way...the mayor's beautiful daughter Katerina. She nothing like the other maiden's he's met before. She's feisty and doesn't take kindly to his charming ways.

This book was excellent. I finished it in two days. If you are a fan of fairytale romances, then look no further. You're next adventure is here.

This book is appropriate for ages 13+ for some mild violence

Melanie Dickerson's latest young-adult novel, The Piper's Pursuit, is a play on the age-old Grimms fairy tale, The Pied Piper. This new tale is set in the middle ages in a town by the name of Hamlin; however, you will also encounter out-of-control rats, as well as a character, who uses flute playing to control the young children in this town!

The main characters in this tale, Katerina and Steffan, will take up the fight against this evil character, who is using his control of the children in a way you would never imagine. By the final page you will see Katerina and Steffan utilize their faith in God to bring them through this trial!

I really enjoyed this book! It was exciting! It takes you on a wild adventure that you will never forget!

The Piper’s Pursuit is a retelling of the Pied Piper, and is the 10th book in the Hagenheim series.

This wasn’t quite as good as the rest in this series. But what I like about all these books are the endearing characters who strive for redemption and honor. And the sweet romances, even if they do get a little too sweet and cliche.

But I found The Pied Piper retelling weird sometimes, and forced to be able to fit the fairytale. And the rat plot point, kinda pointless. Things happened too quickly in the beginning. So I wish that had been drawn out more.

Nonetheless, I have a soft spot for this series. I love that they’re all connected to the same family. Each book is a retelling of a fairytale, and I’m obsessed with those, so that’s another reason why I love this series. I love finding more obscure retellings, like The Pied Piper, so even though this retelling may not have quite worked, I still appreciated the story.

And what’s most important to me in a story is the characters. The ones here may not be very complex or interesting, but they feel like normal people just wanting to do the right thing.

I’d recommend these books to people who like historical/medieval fiction, fairytale retellings, and Christian fiction.

This is one of my favorites of this author so far, and I've liked all of them! This one didn't shy away from issues like emotional and sexual abuse and manipulation. Katerina was a very strong female lead who felt the need to take care of herself and everyone around her, but learns that there is a time when it is appropriate to lean on others.

This is a very Christian book, which I personally prefer. The relief Steffan finds when seeking repentance and confession was satisfying and realistic.

I did notice a couple of flaws in this ARC, but can only remember the one. In the previous book, The Warrior Maiden, Steffan's sister-in-law Mulan's mother says of her miraculous healing salve, "I can tell you how to make it, but it works best after it has cured for eight days or more." In this book, at one point Steffan gives the salve recipe to a cook so he can have some to use that day since his supply had been confiscated. Hmmm. It still did the trick, but the unaddressed inconsistency bothered me a bit. Not a biggie, but it niggled. The description of getting rid of the rat infestation seemed quite far-fetched after so much realism, but it's a story.

#ThePipersPursuit #NetGalley

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Piper’s Pursuit takes place in Hamlin in 1424. The city has been overtaken by rats and a beast stalks the forest outside the city gates, snatching children who wander too far from their parents. Katerina, the step daughter of the less than honorable Bürgermeister, will do anything to save her city. When the Duke’s son, Stefan, strolls into the city, Katerina is less than impressed. However, a partnership quickly forms between the two as sinister plots and plans begin to reveal themselves. It will take all their cunning and faith to save Hamlin and its people from the hands of evil that have enclosed themselves around them.

I enjoy Dickerson’s writings for a multitude of reasons. They almost always contain fairy tale element, and I’m a sucker for retellings, and the heroines are often dealing with some trauma or abuse that has happened in their life, and I love to see survivors rise. The Piper’s Pursuit contains all of this and more. There is personal sacrifice, atonement, a heartwarming romance, and young woman who would do anything to save her town from the beasts that have threatened it, regardless of who they may be.

Katerina and Stefan were both battling their own demons throughout the book. Some were ghosts of the past, a fight for redemption, while yet others were clear and present. I love these kinds of stories, where one must overcome something to gain something more, and learn to forgive in order to rise from the chains of the past. All of the characters were well fleshed out, and the setting felt very real, although I would have enjoyed a more in depth description of the town itself.

The twists and turns were often predictable, but it really didn’t even matter. The ride was still amazing and fun and you just 100% want things to turn out okay for the main characters. I was so there for it.

NetGalley doesn’t allow a reader to refrain from rating a book so threes stars simply because I have to put something and I don’t want to damage the books rating when I didn’t finish it. I wish I’d realised it was a follow on from the previous book rather than just set in the same world. (I had issues with the Warrior Maiden). This had bits of the legend of Maive of Connacht in it, not sure if it was deliberate but after the last book I wince when I see the author take something from another culture and just add it willy nilly to her own world. It was also loosely a retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamlin. The story was ok but in the end I got fed up of the references to Christianity. I’m not Christian but it doesn’t bother me unless it’s heavy handed. This felt heavy handed to me. I think maybe I’m just moving away from being in this target audience which saddens me since I enjoyed the early books in this series.

Definitely one of Dickeron's better told retellings. Unique and immersive, the Piper's Pursuit is a fresh look at one of time's oldest tales.

This book was written in such an engaging way. I loved the characters, the story telling and the plot. Unfortunately I didn’t know going in that this was Christian fiction. As some one who has had a bad past with religion the subtle religious aspect made me very uncomfortable. But if you are a religious person or the topic doesn’t make you uncomfortable I definitely recommend this author and this book!I will definitely recommend it to anyone asking for a good Christian fiction.

In this retelling of the Pied Piper, Steffan and Katerina set out to kill the wolves, rid the town of rats, and find the missing children. But things are so much complicated than they appear. Will Steffan and Katerina be able to solve all the problems facing the town?

The Pied Piper has always seemed to be a more fantastical tale so I was curious to see how Dickerson would approach the story. I appreciated her take and the way that everything was explained.

Steffan has been away from Hagenhiem for over a year, after fighting in Poland with Wolfgang, he is on a mission to prove to his family and himself that he has really changed. On his way home he hears that the Mayor of Hamlin is offering a large reward and his daughter's hand in marriage to the hero that kills the mysterious beast who is murdering villagers. This is his chance to redeem himself.

Brave Katerina isn't sure if she can trust Steffan to help her save Hamlin from the beast and her evil step-father but he might be her only hope. Together they set out on an adventure unlike any other.

Five things reasons why I loved his book!
1. Katerina is the ultimate hero! She is brave, smart, strong, loyal, and ready to take action!
2. I am so happy Steffan got his redemption story and that he could move on from his past.
3. The cover! Definitely judge this book by its cover, the story is just amazing as the cover looks!
4. The quest that Katerina and Steffan go on to save Hamlin is fast paced and full of twist and turns!
5. Katerina and Steffan are two guarded broken people who help each other learn to trust and feel worthy of love again, their romance was perfect!

Bonus 6. Returning to visit the characters of Hagenhiem is always delightful! I can't wait for Adela's story next year!