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 … 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.
Together Katerina and Steffan must stop the enemy from stealing the children of Hamlin. But their interference might create an even worse fate for the entire village.
Praise for The Piper’s Pursuit
“The Piper’s Pursuit is a lovely tale of adventure, romance, and redemption. Kat and Steffan’s righteous quest will have you rooting them on until the very satisfying end!” –LORIE LANGDON, author of Olivia Twist and the DOON series
- Full length clean fairy tale reimagining
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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Readers of Melanie Dickerson’s The Warrior Maiden have already met Steffan (and most likely formed some sort of an impression of him). Yet, in The Piper’s Pursuit, we get a more complete picture of this young man.
Steffan is challenged by Katerina—a strong young woman he quickly comes to respect and admire and someone who makes him wish he were worthy of her affection. Kat is brave and courageous who at first seems standoffish but beneath that tough exterior lays a compassionate heart for the people of Hamelin.
While this is a retelling of The Pied Piper, the whole rate storyline doesn’t fit well. There’s plenty going on—the missing children, Kat’s stepfather, and the growing romance between Kat and Steffan—without the someone misplaced plotline.
That aside, Dickerson weaves a story of redemption, learning to give yourself forgiveness and grace for past mistakes, and good conquering evil that is an entertaining addition to the entire Hagenheim series (and readers of the entire series will enjoy the connections to the other stories throughout The Piper’s Pursuit).
Disclosure statement:
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
My Review:
I have loved this series by Melanie Dickerson, but was a little hesitant about this book, simply because I’ve never cared for the Pied Piper story. I should have known, however, that this author can put a great spin on any fairytale, and I ended up very much enjoying this book. Although there’s some elements of the Pied Piper tale, this book focuses on Prince Steffan and his desire to reconcile with his family (especially his father) and become a person of whom they could be proud. I loved the elements of the Biblical account of “The Prodigal Son” and watching Steffan become a man of great character. The author brought the combination of both” Piper” and “Prodigal” together perfectly, and made for an exciting story.
Katerina is an excellent heroine in this story. She’s intelligent, brave, loyal, compassionate—and beautiful. It’s no wonder that Steffan falls in love with her, and seeks to help Katerina realize she can trust him. The two go through harrowing experiences together before they find their happily-ever-after. This is an entertaining clean and sweet story. You can easily read this book as a stand alone story, but if you have been following the series, you’ll especially enjoy Prince Steffan’s storyline.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Piper’s Pursuit is a lovely tale of adventure, romance, and redemption. Kat and Steffan’s righteous quest will have you rooting them on until the very satisfying end!
A fascinating adventure!
My rating is 4.5 stars
I have been so hooked on Melanie Dickerson’s books since the first one I read! She does such a fantastic job of blending historical settings, fairy tales, and faith into a beautiful work that encourages, teaches, and entertains in The Piper’s Pursuit.
This story is, as you might have guessed, a retelling of the legend, The Pied Piper. Continuing the account of the Duke of Hagenheim’s family, Steffan now gets his story told.
Steffan has changed so much since The Warrior Maiden. Which is such a good thing – he was pretty awful. Now he thinks he needs to redeem himself, performing enough good deeds to somehow undo the bad.
Katarina was determined to free her village of the beast who terrorized it. When saddled with the arrogant, yet handsome, duke’s son to help her in this quest, she never expected things to turn out as they did! She had to learn to trust and not attempt to do everything by herself.
I love the clear manner in which the Gospel was presented. Forgiveness, redemption is not earned. We can’t undo the wrongs we have done and can’t do enough good to erase them. Forgiveness comes only through God’s son, who sacrificed His life for our salvation.
The more serious topics of addiction and abuse are broached in this tale, yet in a sensitive manner and without too much detail.
Readers who enjoy adventure and romance will want to be sure to read The Piper’s Pursuit. While part of a series, it is a fantastic story on its own.
Read my review of The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I really love the cover for this book. I think it’s so pretty.
This story has excellent character growth, for Steffan especially. He holds much guilt and remorse over past decisions and actions and is anxious to prove himself better. His road to redemption is a satisfying one. I love how hard he worked to be someone Katerina could trust and depend on.
Steffan and Katerina have quite the adventure, trying to solve the mystery of the missing children. There is danger everywhere and working together proved to be better than working alone. The author did an excellent job at creating a villain of Hennek. My skin crawled right along with Katerina’s every time he appeared. I love the way Katerina stood tall and didn’t cower to his vile words and actions.
I enjoyed the story but mostly the character growth. The romance is gentle and very slow building- definitely not the prominent part of the story. This one got a little long winded with the whole “confession” and I will admit to skimming over that part but overall there was much to enjoy here.
Content: mention of abuse, bullying. Some violence, fighting. Kissing. Christian elements.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Melanie’s books never cease to amaze me. Her ability to bring my favorite fairy tales to life in a beautiful and pure way just makes my heart soar.
In The Piper’s Pursuit, Katerina’s goal is to keep her people safe. Especially from her evil step-father. Marinated in lies and bathed in deception…the town of Hamlin is under the thumb of the mayor, Henneck. I so love Kat’s heart. She is protective and kind, she has her people’s best interest as her priority and defeating the beast of Hamlin to keep her people safe. And then…Steffan of Hagenheim had the audacity to show up on her door! Although it’s a good thing he did.
This story is riddled with danger and adventure. From fighting the beast, fleeing Henneck and his guards, protecting children, and freeing a city…Kat and Steffan will take you on a journey as they pursue truth, freedom, and love.
TRIGGER WARNING: There are a couple of elements in this story that deals with small children being treated very poorly and being hurt. I had to skim a couple of these scenes because it was causing some anxiety. It isn’t graphic or anything, but I have a really hard time reading anything about kids being hurt.
I received a complimentary copy of The Piper’s Pursuit from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I really enjoyed seeing Steffan’s path to redemption and getting to know Katerina- these characters really came to life as they worked together to solve the mystery of the beast and the disappearing townspeople and children. Katerina is complex, with major trust issues and a defensive exterior, while inside she is full of compassion for those being abused and willing to fight for them. We see Steffan’s rebellious nature in The Warrior Maiden, but in this book we begin to understand where his head was and why he made the choices he did. I liked him much better as he seeks to become a better man and realizes the folly of his past. There is plenty of suspense and action, and the romantic tension slowly grows as Steffan proves himself worthy of Katerina’s trust. I wish I could have envisioned the setting better, and would have loved more description of the town especially. Overall, an exciting and satisfying escape into this creative retelling of The Pied Piper.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I enjoy reading the Hagenheim series by Melanie Dickerson. Readers can easily enjoy the stories as a whole series or as a stand alone. The novels are medieval German tales with a fairy tale twist. The Piper’s Pursuit is probably one of the best books out of the Hagenheim series. There was action, adventure, mystery, romance and more. It had a little bit of everything. I read this book pretty quickly. I found that it was hard to put down. I did wish that there was a little more detailed description in the story, but other than that it was quite the page turner. I also loved the twist on the famous Pied Piper story. I thought it was very clever in how it was written.
Please note that I received a free copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
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 is a reason Melanie Dickerson is one of my most favorite authors, it’s because she writes stories I can NOT put down. As evidenced by the fact I read this one in less than 12 hours, this story is another winner from Melanie! From romance, humor, mystery and many suspenseful moments, this story has them all in spades. It was a treat to finally get Steffan’s story and to see him finally “grow up.” Katerina is a perfect match for him in every way. The mystery of the missing children and the “beast” had me devouring this book to find out what was going to happen. The ending was perfect with even a twist or two that surprised me. If you like Fairy Tale stories, or great stories in general, check this one out. I highly recommend it!
I read an early ARC copy of this provided by the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I have really really enjoyed this book. I’m so glad that I got to be on this tour. I don’t know when I have enjoyed a book so much! But just wow! It’s so exciting with twists and turns that it will leave you biting your finger nails and frantically turning the page to see what happens to Katerina and Steffan!! These two are incorrigible! They certainly make an adventure exciting!! All the characters do!!
When I heard the word burgermeister I thought I was watching Santa Claus Comes to town! I hadn’t heard that word in quite awhile! And let me tell you I sure did not like him! I wanted to reach through the pages and choke him! He deserved that and so much more!
I’ve read books by this author before and I think that this is her best one yet!! I mean I just couldn’t put it down!
Katerina is just truly amazing! I love her grit, determination and a will to help others that aren’t so fortunate. Even while guarding her true self from certain people and I loved watching her transform into someone wonderful! Trust isn’t easy especially when people hurt you so I can certainly sympathize on that part. I still don’t trust people.
The only one I truly trust is my Lord Jesus. Yes, it isn’t always easy! But, I’m learning.
I love knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. He loves us so much! I just wish that people would realize that and learn to love one another.
Steffan is just as wonderful! Even though he seems like a spoiled brat at first he continues to surprise me along the way. I like his personality even at the beginning because I knew that he could be so much more. I’m glad that he became the wonderful man I knew he could be.
You know, we all fall short of the Glory of God. All. I was cheering for him all along!
People can be Redeemed. All they need to do is confess and share with the Lord and He will forgive and not remember what you’ve done. All it needs to do is come from the heart.
I highly recommend this book. Melanie Dickerson is an excellent author who can bring the old fairy tales back to life in ways one can never imagine.
One thing I do find wrong with this book is the cover. It’s beautiful but in my opinion it doesn’t go with the story. It’s all wrong somehow. I would think there would be someone that could be seen chasing Katerina but there’s not. That is just my opinion. Others might not thinks so.
My thanks to Prism Tours for a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson lands as book ten in her Hagenheim series, but reads fine as a stand-alone novel. I did enjoy the little mentions of Wolfgang and Mulan from The Warrior Maiden, plus cameos of Duke Wilhelm and Rose, the original couple featured in The Healer’s Apprentice.
The Piper’s Pursuit entertains as it creatively retells the Pied Piper tale. Replete with danger and suspense, I found the story engaging in spite of a few predictable moments. Themes of gender equality and the necessity of confronting evil added depth to the story. Wrapping around those themes is a sensitivity to abuse victims that plays out in Katerina’s trust issues. I appreciated the author’s portrayal of Katerina as a strong and wise young woman in spite of past oppression. The suspense and embedded themes shine equally well in this novel while a sweet romance grows between Katerina and Steffan.
Readers who enjoy Young Adult fairy tale retellings will probably like The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson. In keeping with its YA branding, the romance is very clean and the prose had that YA feel where it’s not deeply beautiful, but it’s entertaining. The Piper’s Pursuit was an easy, fast read for me that has a permanent home on my bookcase. 3.5 stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
As with all of Ms. Dickerson’s fairytale recreations, Piper’s Pursuit is so interesting. It’s also unique in that I’ve never read (or heard of) a retelling of the classic Pied Piper until now. These main characters go through many changes and reveal so much growth, and the thread of faith throughout (my favorite part) ties this story together nicely.
I’ll definitely continue seeking out Ms. Dickerson’s stories in this Hagenheim series. Although I enjoyed some of the others in the series a bit more than this one, it’s still very enjoyable and enchanting.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Dickenson takes the tale of the Pied Piper and transforms it into a story of forgiveness and trust. It was so refreshing to have a strong heroine to follow through the story. She is a wonderful balance of strength and softness. The chance to catch up with Steffan was also well worth the read.
The book combines compelling characters with a wonderful story line that will leave you reading well past your bed time. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Melanie Dickerson has once again transported us away to a magical realm in The Piper’s Pursuit! In the Piper’s Pursuit, we meet Katerina and the people of Hamlin as both Katerina and Steffan battle their pasts and hopefully learn to trust and love again.
Melanie Dickerson weaves the tale flawlessly, interconnecting the past books with this present one with ease. While it may be a bit too intense for younger kids in scenes, this book is written for a young adult level of maturity, and I feel it does not overstep the bounds. I am mid-30’s and love this series!
If you like fairy tale retellings, this one is superb. God and Christian values are woven into this in a way that helps the reader apply scriptural truths to situations in a way that is not too preachy.
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a review.
‘You aren’t worthy because of what you’ve done, son. Because no one can ever do enough to be truly worthy. You’re worthy because God gave His Son to make us worthy.’
I recall vividly my mama reading bible stories and fairy tales to my little brother and me as we were growing up. I have never stopped loving fairy tales. And Melanie Dickerson has a way of taking an old fairy tale, breathing new life into it and turning it into a wonderfully fresh and new fairy tale which honors God! I love her work.
I have always loved the Pied Piper of Hamlin story and she does wonders with this one! I was captivated from the very beginning and read it in one day. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.