When I sign up for a review, I usually have in mind who will be doing that particular review and generally, that’s exactly how the review is completed. Occassionally, a review item ends up appealing to more people. That is exactly what happened with The Hamelin Stoop Series from 12 Gates Publishing. Originally I thought only Brock and Adisyn would be reading and enjoying the series. Well that’s not at all what happened. You see, I wanted to read the books too so I would be able to write the review (with added details from the kids), Then I found out the books were available on Audible. This was great because I could listen to them even when at work. (I mean I love the feel of a good book in my hands, snuggled up on the couch reading; but let’s be honest that is very rarely something I get to do anymore. There are these kids who think they need fed and…lol)
In fact, I decided to sign up for Audible just so I could listen to the books. I don’t always have a lot of time to read but when I work at the hotel much of my evening is spent on laundry. Specifically, hours of folding laundry. That meant I had hours of time available to listen to a book. I was so drawn into the books I couldn’t stop listening; I would listen at work, at home, in the car, basically anywhere I could find a few minutes to listen.
This meant that several of the kids were also hearing chunks of the story and were also being drawn in. Since I completed both books, Eli started from the beginning and can be found hiding with my phone listening to Hamelin Stoop on the Audible app.
The Eagle, The Cave and The Footbridge
The book starts with a young couple and their new baby fleeing from capture from Ren’dal’s men. The parents see no other way to save the poor baby than to leave him on the local orphanage stoop. Since most of the letter that the mother left with the baby was ruined, the people at the orphange didn’t know the babe’s name or anything about him. The one word they can make out appeared to be the name Hamelin. So they decide to name him Hamelin Stoop.
The story takes us through Hamelin’s young life. Watching him belong to everyone and yet no one. He longs to know who he is and who is parents are. Why was he left at the orphanage? Why do all those people he becomes close to have to leave?
On his 8th birthday, everyone at the orphanage forgot Hamelin’s birthday so he decided to run away. That is when the real adventure for Hamelin began. When it started to storm in the night he sought safety in a cave. It was there that he was introduced to the Great Eagle and first came to the footbridge. However, his failure to cross the footbridge would mean that others who were waiting on the other side would have to wait longer.
Three years later Hamelin gets a second chance to cross the footbridge.The Great Eagle guides him through the Tunnel of Times to the Atrium of the Worlds. Perhaps, he will finally be able to find his parents and have so many questions answered.
The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna
Once he has passed through the Atrium of the Worlds, the Great Eagle tells him that he will meet two others who will need his help. In fact, the three of them are to work together to accomplish their mission. Hamelin isn’t even for sure what this mission might bee.
The three friends, each with their special gifts; Hamelin’s gloves, Eraina’s scarf and Lars’ shoes, begin their journey to recover the Jewel of Periluna and to find Eraina’s lost sister. With guidance from the Great Eagle and the Hospitable Woman, the three are successful on their quest to recover the jewel and the princess, Charissa.
What Did We Think?
This is my favorite quote from the series,
“all of us must do our work. And certainly what we are rightly and properly told to do becomes our duty, our obligation. But as we grow, what we are justly asked to do and what we deeply want to do can become the same thing. Doing our chores prepares us to achieve the longings of the heart. And as we know our longings, we learn patience in doing our duty.” Sue Ammi, The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna
I love that even within a fantasy, fiction novel there are life lessons throughout. How true it is that our chores do prepare us to achieve the longings of the heart?!
The Hamelin Stoop series is captivating and intriguing and begs you not to put it down. I have to admit I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, the series really is THAT good!
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Blessings,
Jennifer
Thanks for this review. We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the first two books!