Scan barcode
cmbohn's review
3.0
Callie is a high school student and reporter for her school newspaper. When she hears that Brass Rat, a major band, is coming to her little town, she manages to get a press pass to interview the band. She overhears a weird conversation between the hot piper and the venue manager that makes her wonder. And where those really RATS she saw? Dancing? But when her little brother disappears, she knows she has to discover the truth, no matter what happens.
I really enjoyed Troll Bridge, which was by the same writers, so I was happy to see this one at the library. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much. Gringras, as the Piper, seemed like he was supposed to be a somewhat sympathetic character, but I just didn't like him at all. It was better than Wild Magic, another Pied Piper retelling I gave up on recently, but not anywhere near the freshness of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. It could have been much better. A little disappointing.
I really enjoyed Troll Bridge, which was by the same writers, so I was happy to see this one at the library. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much. Gringras, as the Piper, seemed like he was supposed to be a somewhat sympathetic character, but I just didn't like him at all. It was better than Wild Magic, another Pied Piper retelling I gave up on recently, but not anywhere near the freshness of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. It could have been much better. A little disappointing.
jillcd's review
3.0
Not one of my favorite fairy tale spins off but it was ok. An interesting concept and the first one I have read about The Pied Piper.
ariereads's review
3.0
Not bad. I would have loved this ten years ago, but I think it's one of those children's books that doesn't really transcend to adults that well. very quick read with some lovely creative quirks.
iamastraythought's review
4.0
I was re-reading this book. I had read it when I was about 12 and wanted to see if it was good because I didn't really remember it.
It was a fun retelling of an old tale and I would suggest it to anyone who likes fairy tales and rock music.
It was a fun retelling of an old tale and I would suggest it to anyone who likes fairy tales and rock music.
adelayedteacher's review
5.0
A fun and different take on the Pied Piper story. It works on all levels.
popestig's review
2.0
Not a bad idea for a YA, but the execution is not great. Characters are introduced and more or less dropped, plot resolved too easily and too quickly, characters behaving oddly (parents) and we know what's going to happen. It's not a horrible book, but read next to the other winners of the Locus Young Adult award, it doesn't quite measure up.
ssminski's review
3.0
This was a cute young adult tale that put a modern and different take on an old fairy tale. I would recommend it for the 9-13 bracket. The main character is fourteen, but I felt that the writing was a little more juvenile than that. My favorite thing about this book was the split narrative, between the Faerie court and the real world.
tregina's review
3.0
I'm beginning to think it's just impossible to write the experience of music and concerts in a way that doesn't seem contrived or overdone, and on top of that the dialogue of the parents and friends seemed overdone too. Still, beneath that the base story was a really interesting take on the Piper's tale and there were moments of beautifully evocative writing.
izzorizzo's review
4.0
A wonderful short book with old fairie tales modernized somewhat. A great mix of glimpses into horror and lighter, funnier parts.
More...