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The Battle of Parthogen
This is the fourth book in the new Hamelin Stoop series, a young adult fantasy.
Although Layla has finally returned to her family on the other side of the Atrium of the Worlds, she is about to lose the little sister she only just met. As she, Charissa, and Eraina desperately try to wake Princess Sophia from her coma, Hamelin must face the consequences of his rash actions that led the eagle to return him home. Meanwhile, one of Chimera’s evil sons, Landon, still holds the city of Parthogen captive with his army and pack of vicious dogs. As he grows bolder in his attacks against King Carr’s encampment, it’s up to Hamelin and his friends to save not only Sophia but all of Parthogen before Landon’s reinforcements arrive and doom the Land of Gloaming forever.
Although Layla has finally returned to her family on the other side of the Atrium of the Worlds, she is about to lose the little sister she only just met. As she, Charissa, and Eraina desperately try to wake Princess Sophia from her coma, Hamelin must face the consequences of his rash actions that led the eagle to return him home. Meanwhile, one of Chimera’s evil sons, Landon, still holds the city of Parthogen captive with his army and pack of vicious dogs. As he grows bolder in his attacks against King Carr’s encampment, it’s up to Hamelin and his friends to save not only Sophia but all of Parthogen before Landon’s reinforcements arrive and doom the Land of Gloaming forever.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
About the author
Robert B. Sloan
4 books84 followersRobert is married to his college sweetheart, Sue. With seven married children and over twenty grandchildren, they enjoy large family gatherings with good food and lively conversation around the table. Favorite family activities include role-playing games, writing and reading stories, and, of course, storytelling. Robert is also a University president and scholar.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 21, 2023
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this fourth story in the Hamelin Stoop series, and even though it's been 2.5 years since I read the third story, I was able to reread the last two chapters in the third book and get back up to speed. The third book left us with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I was thrilled when I discovered the author was releasing this book.
While Hamelin has matured much over the past several books, he still makes mistakes, and I often have to remind myself just how young he was when this series first started, and how young he still is.
I really enjoyed that this story focused on the relationship between the four sisters, as well as their relationship with their father, Hamelin, and Amy. Initially, the king had a tendency to overlook his daughters in terms of their abilities to assist in the fight against the enemy, and I found that frustrating. But I liked that the give and take between them helped the king realize what he was doing and that he had the chance to change that. I also liked that he treated Hamelin like a son, especially as Hamelin still hasn't managed to find his parents.
The story also gave us some idea of what Brian was up to, but most of the focus was on the princesses and what was going on with them. Still, we learn enough about Brian and his brother to know that they are still not completely in agreement over what to do next, and Brian has to play a balancing act to keep himself alive while still trying to figure out how he's going to get his brother and him out of their situation.
While this story is not overtly religious, it still strikes the "wholesome" cord in me. There is an "Ancient One" who has a master plan in place, but those who serve the Ancient One make choices that have consequences, good or bad. But one is never completely written off, and there is always the chance to make the right choice at any given point. I've really enjoyed this series and I am looking forward to the next book, whenever it is written!
I really enjoyed this fourth story in the Hamelin Stoop series, and even though it's been 2.5 years since I read the third story, I was able to reread the last two chapters in the third book and get back up to speed. The third book left us with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I was thrilled when I discovered the author was releasing this book.
While Hamelin has matured much over the past several books, he still makes mistakes, and I often have to remind myself just how young he was when this series first started, and how young he still is.
I really enjoyed that this story focused on the relationship between the four sisters, as well as their relationship with their father, Hamelin, and Amy. Initially, the king had a tendency to overlook his daughters in terms of their abilities to assist in the fight against the enemy, and I found that frustrating. But I liked that the give and take between them helped the king realize what he was doing and that he had the chance to change that. I also liked that he treated Hamelin like a son, especially as Hamelin still hasn't managed to find his parents.
The story also gave us some idea of what Brian was up to, but most of the focus was on the princesses and what was going on with them. Still, we learn enough about Brian and his brother to know that they are still not completely in agreement over what to do next, and Brian has to play a balancing act to keep himself alive while still trying to figure out how he's going to get his brother and him out of their situation.
While this story is not overtly religious, it still strikes the "wholesome" cord in me. There is an "Ancient One" who has a master plan in place, but those who serve the Ancient One make choices that have consequences, good or bad. But one is never completely written off, and there is always the chance to make the right choice at any given point. I've really enjoyed this series and I am looking forward to the next book, whenever it is written!
September 22, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the very first book up to this point, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. These books are a captivating delight for those with an adventurous spirit. As Hamelin uncovers the secrets of his family's history, a sense of betrayal envelops him, echoing the themes of "The Land of Gloaming."
Returning to the mystical realm of Gloaming is no easy feat for Hamelin, and it demands the utmost strength and determination. Life and death hang in the balance, and his own mortality feels imminent. Plans are forged to confront Parthogen, yet the king's skepticism looms large. Sophie lies in a coma, and Layla falls victim to a vicious attack, causing the king to wear the mantle of a concerned father rather than that of a sovereign. A cryptic prophecy involving four princesses ascending to the throne further complicates matters, leaving everyone puzzled as to its significance.
In the throes of war, all bets are off, and the safety of loved ones becomes an elusive goal. The question of when the right time to act is arises. Will a sign appear? Is Laya prepared to assume the role of a princess? One cannot plan their future based on 'what ifs.' Meanwhile, on the other side, Landon and his enigmatic creatures are hatching a sinister scheme. He envisions himself as the hero and concocts a plan to eliminate the princesses, thereby sidestepping the prophecy.
Their objective is to reclaim Parthogen, but can they succeed when the odds seem insurmountable? Tragedy seems inevitable, as foretold by the prophecy. Hamelin yearns to safeguard his friends and extended family, but can he maintain control? The narrative revolves around uniting the denizens of Gloaming for an impending catastrophe, evoking a sense reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings." In the words of Gandalf: "The battle of Helm's Deep is over; the battle for Middle-earth is about to begin." A similar ominous sentiment prevails—the battle of Parthogen has been won, but the battle of Gloaming has just commenced. This small victory heralds a far more sinister darkness on the horizon.
From the very first book up to this point, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. These books are a captivating delight for those with an adventurous spirit. As Hamelin uncovers the secrets of his family's history, a sense of betrayal envelops him, echoing the themes of "The Land of Gloaming."
Returning to the mystical realm of Gloaming is no easy feat for Hamelin, and it demands the utmost strength and determination. Life and death hang in the balance, and his own mortality feels imminent. Plans are forged to confront Parthogen, yet the king's skepticism looms large. Sophie lies in a coma, and Layla falls victim to a vicious attack, causing the king to wear the mantle of a concerned father rather than that of a sovereign. A cryptic prophecy involving four princesses ascending to the throne further complicates matters, leaving everyone puzzled as to its significance.
In the throes of war, all bets are off, and the safety of loved ones becomes an elusive goal. The question of when the right time to act is arises. Will a sign appear? Is Laya prepared to assume the role of a princess? One cannot plan their future based on 'what ifs.' Meanwhile, on the other side, Landon and his enigmatic creatures are hatching a sinister scheme. He envisions himself as the hero and concocts a plan to eliminate the princesses, thereby sidestepping the prophecy.
Their objective is to reclaim Parthogen, but can they succeed when the odds seem insurmountable? Tragedy seems inevitable, as foretold by the prophecy. Hamelin yearns to safeguard his friends and extended family, but can he maintain control? The narrative revolves around uniting the denizens of Gloaming for an impending catastrophe, evoking a sense reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings." In the words of Gandalf: "The battle of Helm's Deep is over; the battle for Middle-earth is about to begin." A similar ominous sentiment prevails—the battle of Parthogen has been won, but the battle of Gloaming has just commenced. This small victory heralds a far more sinister darkness on the horizon.
August 14, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Hamelin Stoop middle-grade fantasy series, and you'll probably be pretty confused if you try to read it without having read the previous three. There's quite a bit of action and revealing of secrets in this story, but I was wrong in assuming that this might be the final book in the series. While some threads have been tied up, many are left and new ones have been introduced. And I still have no idea what the deal is with Paul?! Haha. I look forward to the fifth book!
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews