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posies23's review
4.0
This is an intriguing update of the "Pied Piper of Hamline" story, set in modern times. It was a quick read, consisting of two interconnected stories.
It was chosen as the book for the AUGUST 2013 "Book Club of Doom." The overall consensus was that it was a "good read," but that it didn't have the "depth" many members hoped for. In our conversation, we agreed that there was a lot to like about the book: The characterization of the protagonist and antagonist, the lyrics to the songs, some of the plot twists and descriptions, the overall updating of the legend, and the overall "feel" of the book. There were a few things that seemed a little lacking, also: Several characters were introduced that didn't seem to have any real purpose and the adults in the story seemed to act inconsistently or make choices that seemed only to serve the plot and make sense logically. Some members wondered what the writing process was like between Yolen and Stemple, and if that led to some of the inconsistencies in the book.
Still, everyone agreed that they would like to read more by both writers, and that most YA readers would enjoy the book, in spite of its flaws, which probably wouldn't bother younger readers all that much.
There is also another book in the same series: TROLL BRIDGE, although I'm not sure if there are any characters that return from PAY THE PIPER.
It was chosen as the book for the AUGUST 2013 "Book Club of Doom." The overall consensus was that it was a "good read," but that it didn't have the "depth" many members hoped for. In our conversation, we agreed that there was a lot to like about the book: The characterization of the protagonist and antagonist, the lyrics to the songs, some of the plot twists and descriptions, the overall updating of the legend, and the overall "feel" of the book. There were a few things that seemed a little lacking, also: Several characters were introduced that didn't seem to have any real purpose and the adults in the story seemed to act inconsistently or make choices that seemed only to serve the plot and make sense logically. Some members wondered what the writing process was like between Yolen and Stemple, and if that led to some of the inconsistencies in the book.
Still, everyone agreed that they would like to read more by both writers, and that most YA readers would enjoy the book, in spite of its flaws, which probably wouldn't bother younger readers all that much.
There is also another book in the same series: TROLL BRIDGE, although I'm not sure if there are any characters that return from PAY THE PIPER.
impreader's review
3.0
This brief ballad of modern-meets-folklore, I'm enjoying for all manner of reasons. 'Tis brief, but tight. And the craft both Yolen and Stemple show in their wordsmithing is a pleasure in itself. Each characters has eyes, and a voice. Each description, comparison, naming is layered, telling both of interiors and exteriors. And the plot pulls on, piping like the pallid, direly playful lyric and song which weave their way through the story.
bobbiejowoo's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
I felt like this book wasn’t fully formed. It seemed to take too long to get to the point, and when it finally did it was all rushed. Like, all of a sudden Callie was in a new world with creatures she never knew existed and solved a centuries old riddle in a matter of moments. It was just very okay.
thomcat's review
3.0
Good consistent story with historical connections; the idea of a modern day pied piper ala Ian Anderson makes for a fun read. The wording was a little rough in places, but nothing an edit pass or a little rewording wouldn't fix. Fairly short chapters, made for good bedtime chapter book reading.
Read with daughter, 12, who received the added opportunity to look up a few archaic and obscure words.
Read with daughter, 12, who received the added opportunity to look up a few archaic and obscure words.
nerfherder86's review
4.0
A fun, slightly-spooky adventure that is a new version of the Pied Piper of Hameln tale. What if the Piper, who lured away all those children hundreds of years ago, was still alive? Only now he's a rock star! Callie's little brother and all the kids in town have disappeared, and she suspects it has something to do with the weird rock musician who's in town for a concert. She's seen how he seems to enchant others, and can he really be 800 years old?? But will she be able to break the curse in time to save the kids? Great modern faerie tale with a spunky heroine.
valhecka's review
2.0
Yolen's usually pretty good, but in this book it really seems like she was phoning it in - the writing was so lazy, and the morals so blunt, and the characterization so incredibly unrealistic and single-note. Regardless, the story was cute and I liked Callie as a narrator.
innae's review
3.0
An enjoyable enough retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, but nothing spectacular in the changes. In the current times, the Pied Piper is in a band - that seems to be not aging (there are some bands that are still touring that I sometimes wonder HOW?) - and I liked the addition of the faery aspect.
jena_33's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0