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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I was a little uncertain going into this book because of the fact that it’s based off the Pied Piper story – one I’ve never really liked but, of course, I shouldn’t have been. It was just as amazing as the rest of the series, immediately pulling me into the characters’ lives and plights in their medieval world. I loved Kat and Steffan’s relationship but also the way the author drew out their individual stories and the way they grew as people through throughout the book. Loved it the first time and already can’t wait to read it again.
Can each be the hero/ine the other needs?
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 reader 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…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
This fairy-tale retelling from Melanie Dickerson is rooted in biblical truths and appeals to all ages. As a mama, I’m especially thankful for the themes of forgiveness, self-worth, and compassion.
Despite her adverse circumstances, Kat makes no secret of her disdain for bullies and refuses to cower in the presence of brutes and beasts while wisely conserving her words and actions for opportune moments. She might be young but she’s well on her way to becoming a fierce mama bear! Steffan is a heartbroken prodigal, determined to be worthy of his family’s forgiveness through a great act of courage and bravery. He’s battling former demons, carrying a burden of guilt, and adamantly sticking to the straight and narrow.
My 14 yo daughter and I highly recommend this book to fans of YA fiction, fairy-tale retellings, and young-at-heart fans of historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Dickerson has become one of my favorite authors of all time. She takes a fairy tale, re-invents it, and then has her characters learn to turn to God to help them. What a wonderful way to write a story, especially in this day and age! The Piper’s Pursuit is a take on the Pied Piper and it was wonderfully done. Huge beasts are on the loose, rats have over run the town, and children are going missing. What is happening to the town of Hamlin? Kat is their protector until Steffan shows up and tries to help. (I am so glad Steffan got his own story) Could he help and would Kat let him? I have to say that the villains are truly horrid in this story, I despised them and what they were doing! Dickerson had me so caught up in the town of Hamlin, that everything truly felt real, as if I was watching it unfold before my eyes. A masterful story-teller, Dickerson has once again worked her magic on yet another book! I received a copy of this book via Netgalley; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked this one. This is one of my favorites of the series. I think the author did well in this really well in redeeming our H. I liked the h & felt she was a strong character. I liked how their romance evolved. I listened to this as an audiobook and felt the story flowed smoothly. As well as helping me pass the time nicely as I worked around the house.
I enjoyed this book. The relationship of the characters was fun to watch grow.
This has been one of my favorites by this author. It’s been a bit since I read the last book in the series, but I remembered not liking Stephen. Melanie Dickerson did a marvelous job with having the character change. I loved the storyline and characters in this book as well. It was a great read.
All the ingredients of a fairy tale with new dramatic twists and characters.
“I am fierce enough to slay a beast that kills children.” ~Katerina
I’m always excited whenever Melanie Dickerson releases another Hagenheim novel. If you’re a fan of fairy tales, definitely read this novel and consider checking out the rest of the series!
The Piper’s Pursuit is a rendition of the pied piper. I didn’t originally know much about the tale of the pied piper, so I enjoyed learning about the mysterious piper (and was a little shocked too).
In this novel, a mysterious beast prowls the town of Hamlin, people and children are missing, and Hamlin is now proliferated with rats. I was immediately intrigued by this situation, what caused it, and Katerina’s determination to kill the Beast of Hamlin.
Katerina, the step-daughter of the mayor of Hamlin, is a woman fiercely loyal to her community. But she has also been shaped by the events of her life and her step-father’s domineering nature. She is cold, hard, and sometimes unforgiving.
Steffan has been avoiding returning to his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Hagenheim, for years. After his short but enlightening experience with the Teutonic Knights, Steffan is even more cemented in his opinion that he is a bad person.
Together, Katerina and Steffan find themselves solving the mysteries of Hamlin. Katerina is determined to escape her step-father. Steffan is determined to redeem himself.
Dickerson gently molds Katerina’s character throughout the novel. She learns to shed her gruff exterior and to trust again. I think her journey is especially compelling to those who have been hurt by others and are learning to heal. Steffan also reveals a childhood memory that has been instrumental to his negative, almost destructive self-esteem. Steffan slowly heals from his childhood trauma and learns to view himself in the way that God does, as worthy and forgiven. This message is important for everyone; no matter your mistakes, God’s love and forgiveness remains constant.
Overall, I loved the thread of redemption and restoration that Dickerson presented through Steffan’s character. I loved the romance that slowly develops between Katerina and Steffan. Most of all, Dickerson completes this novel with a happy-ever-after ending: order is restored to Hamlin and Katerina and Steffan marry.
A wonderful novel based on the Pied Piper. I remember me as a child watching this fairytale movie and becoming fascinated. As always Thomas Nelson bringing beautifully written stories with a Christian background.
The story of Katherina and Steffan talks about love, forgiving yourself, forgiving others, betrayal, loyalty, hypocrisy and a lot of struggle.
I really like medieval stories full of intrigue and mystery, Melanie Dickerson has built a plot with all the main elements of this style with strong characters, both suffering and fragile.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This another one of the great fairy tales written with a great moral value written into them. It is a story of the Pied Piper & how a young woman ant to save her country from the greed of others and the investation of rats. Stephan is her Pied Piper.
This was a fun fairytale type of story about Steffan, the son of a duke and Katerina, stepdaughter of the local mayor or Burgermeister in the small town of Hamlin.
Steffan is looking for redemption and a way to get back into the good graces of his parents and family. He has heard that there is a wild beast in Hamlin who is killing the locals. He wants to reward for killing the beast. What he finds is a lot more than a wild, killing beast.
Katerina, is the stepdaughter of the mayor who is an awful, evil man. He is corrupt and cruel and completely delusional. Katerina is determined to save the town, her mother and herself. She is going to need help but she doesn’t trust anyone. Then, Steffan shows up. Will she be able to put her trust in this arrogant son of a duke? Will Steffan be able to receive the redemption he longs for?
This was a clean, romantic story with lots of drama. I enjoyed reading how strong Katerina was and how kind and wonderful Steffan was. There is a happy ever after ending which is my kind of romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This series continues to delight. Melanie Dickerson has added yet another gem to her Hagenheim series with the mesh of fairy tales spun around one incredible family and biblical themes. While not pretending the ugly side of life doesn’t exist, the author kept the book clean and easy for me to share with teenagers. And she always includes the important characters realizing where they’ve fallen short of God’s best and turning to embrace His plan for their lives. I love this series!
Let me first start by saying, I have always enjoyed MD’s works of fiction (some more than others). I find she has a wonderful talent with reworking the classic fairytales and using historical facts then combing them into a seamless stories with a Christian theme. That being said, those story is a little darker than she usually writes. That’s the only work I can think to fit. It still has the historical references and is based on the Pied Piper story, but the underlying theme of good vs evil is more pronounced.
MD, of course, has a strong-willed lead female character who finds herself growing throughout the book. She was trying to fit into a “man’s role” (I’m not trying to be sexist) whole denying her own feminity. Through the story, she learns to soften and love while still being strong.
I really think Steffan is the true start on this book. He made me cry. I think MD didn’t give his character enough credit to shine me He was written as a supporting character to Katerina, but it is his strength and his ability to change and grow that allowed Katerina to truly be the woman she is meant to be. All and all, it’s a great book.
** The above thoughts and opinions are all mine and are freely given. They weren’t bought or in anyway persuaded. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to contributed my review on this ARC **
The Piper’s Pursuit picks up where The Warrior Maiden leaves off. Stephen and Wolfgang have made peace and Stephen is traveling towards home seeking to cover his dishonorable deeds in book 9 with better, more noble choices. He comes upon Hamlin and discovers that rats have infested the township, children are missing, and a beast killing the people. There is a reward to be had by the warrior who can kill the beast; just the deed that someone like Stephen is seeking to prove his worth! Katherina fears for her people and seeks to find the lost children. She has not intentions of being a reward and hunts the beast herself. Stephen and Katerina have the same goal, but find themselves at odds until they realize that the enemy may not be a beast, but the one person who should be protecting Hamblin from danger! Good story, well paced, with plenty of action and a dash of romance! Melanie Dickerson’s female characters have strength and courage while remaining feminine and honorable. This is a great series for teens and young adults! I read a copy of this book through Netgalley.
Melanie Dickerson does a fabulous job at bringing to life fairy tales. I have read and enjoyed every single one of her recreations. With The Piper’s Pursuit, I was taken away with the first chapter and read the entire book in one day. I really enjoyed watching Katerina and Stefffan learn to fall in love while trying to find and uncover where the missing children have disappeared to. The story is full of heroics and brave characters willing to do anything to go the distance to free these children. I like the hidden idea of the prodigal son returning home in the character of Steffan. If you had read Dickerson’s other novels, then Steffan has been always hanging around in the outskirts as a the bad boy who didn’t listen to responsiblity. It was nice to see his story after he decided to change. The action kept my attention while I flipped rapidly through the pages. I think this might one of my favorite books by Dickerson. I loved the romance, daring rescues, and the happily-ever-after ending. If you are a fan of any of Dickerson’s other novels, I highly recommend picking up this latest addition. It will take your mind away to a world of joy.
I received a complimentary copy of The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
As always, Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale retellings do not disappoint.
This is the story of…you guessed it–the pied piper!
I liked Katerina almost from the first page. She’s a young girl caught in a hard spot in life. She’s feisty, strong, and determined. She’s protective of her village, and believes she will be the one to kill the terrible beast that has been terrorizing them.
It’s obvious that Kat has a hard life, her stepfather is a bad man. As her story is revealed, bit by bit, we see why she has such a problem with trusting men.
At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think about Steffan! His reasons to help are not all together noble, at the beginning, at least. He’s made bad choices in the past, and now he wants to prove himself, show his father that he can do something good and be a hero after all.
This story has all the delights of a fairy tale, and yet, there’s so much more to it. I love how the author weaves into a timeless tale as this one important character values and shows growth.
A fight between good and evil. We are given the choice-what is good, and what is evil.
And of course, there is a bit of romance here.
If you are a lover of fairy tales, be sure and read this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Well this is a darker Melanie Dickerson book. I will admit that considering the fact that I’ve only read about half the books in this series that trying to keep up with all of the characters who have starred in this series does get a tad difficult. I wish there was some sort of family tree that I could have looked at for easy reference. But fortunately the last Dickerson book I read was The Warrior Maiden so I did have a somewhat foggy recollection of Steffan. I actually ended up loving this dude, I found his efforts to always set people at ease with humor admirable. Katerina was a little hard to like at first, but she grew on me too.
The stakes are high with this one. With a beast… or two? And is the beast on four legs… or two? The descriptions are chilling and the mystery compelling. I hate the villain with a passion. This is definitely one of my favorite, if not my favorite Dickerson book I’ve read to date.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book was engrossing right from the beginning; it just totally pulled me. in. I didn’t expect that since the story of the Pied Piper isn’t exactly one of my favorites, but this was so well written. I loved tough, defensive Katerina and her determination to help her town be rid of the beast and to find the missing children. I also loved Steffan, who is struggling with his past and looking for redemption. The plot moved along quickly and was really interesting, and I enjoyed seeing the characters’ growth throughout the story. This was just a pleasure to read!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
“Steffan couldn’t say he was surprised at the cold look that the Burgermeister’s daughter sent his way. . . . . . ”
It was obvious that Katerina was slow to trust . . . especially men, even more especially strange men. But it was also obvious that something was amiss in her beloved town of Hamlin. Steffan found his priorities beginning to change; rather than being overly concerned about impressing his father, the Duke of Hagenheim , he began to concentrate on keeping the lovely young protector, protected . . . .from those who wished to to do her harm.
Katerina viewed the handsome Lord Steffan as an enigma. Bold and confident; yes. Unkind or conniving; no. But still, Kat was used to making decisions on her own and someone needed to take definitive action; the Beast of Hamlin was on the move, and more and more children were disappearing from their families.
What a lively twist to a familiar tale, as Steffan and Katerina face both their fears, and each other, with courage and grace.