Hamelin finally makes it across the footbridge only to learn that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. … One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused: a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera’s plan to use Hamelin—a child of two realms—to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.
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I loved this book more than the first one. It read almost like an allegory, as though I was back in the middle of Pilgrim’s Progress, but simultaneously, it felt very real like the Pevensie’s adventures in Narnia. In the previous book, Hamelin had failed to do what he needed to when he was eight. He was afraid. He was young. It was understandable. But it was still a failure. This time, Hamelin has decided that fear will not get the best of him.
And so, three and a half years later, a little older and a lot braver, Hamelin decides to restart the quest he had run from. The Great Eagle helps Hamelin when he can and challenges Hamelin when he is restrained from helping. Hamelin’s quest has also changed – he is to find two companions to travel with, one whose sister is being held captive and the other who seeks light. He must help them succeed in their quests in order to embark upon his own. He soon meets Prince Lars from the kingdom of Periluna who is seeking a jewel that had been stolen from his people and was necessary for their way of life to survive. Princess Eraina of Parthogen is searching for her sister who has been missing for three and a half years because a prophecy claiming that when all four heirs of the royal family reunite, the kingdom will be safe. The three companions meet the hospitable woman and receive gifts to aid them in their quest. They journey on into enemy territory where they learn the importance of obedience, courage, trust, and forgiveness.
While I missed Bryan and Layla, and this book was very different than the first, the story worked. Of course, Hamelin had to meet new people since nearly the entire story takes place in another world. The pacing was good and it had even more adventure than the previous book. And while only a little of Hamelin’s parentage was revealed in this portion of the saga, it felt like things were beginning to fall into place. Of course, the villains thought so as well. Hopefully, book three will bring about the final showdown between good and evil and restore Hamelin’s family. And hopefully, we’ll get the book soon, since I am eager to hear how Hamelin’s adventures continue, what is in store for Chimera and his evil sons, and how Bryan and Layla fit into the story in the future.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and have reviewed it willingly.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one!! I finished it one night! I was so tired the next day but hey a book like that is well worth the read don’t ya think? I know that fans of Harry Potter will love this series. I know I am so far. The characters are realistic and the plot is pretty far fetched but hey, that is what fantasy is all about right?
I think that author of this book had fun creating the other world almost as much as the Texas setting in the first book!! Well done Robert! I will be looking for other books from you in the future.
I also think that I will buy my teenage son a copy to see if he likes it after all, he loves Harry Potter! I know I loved it so much!! Where was this series when I was little!!
Overall, another great read by Robert Sloan with a wonderful plot too! I guarantee that you won’t want to put this book down until you finished it. I give this book 5 stars
My thanks to Netgalley and all opinions are my own