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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson
4.0
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.
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.