This is the second book in the new Hamelin Stoop series, a young adult fantasy. Hamelin’s story began when he was found as a newborn in a tomato crate on the stoop of an orphanage in west Texas. Hamelin’s first adventures with the Great Eagle led him through the mysterious cave and finally, across the footbridge. He has learned that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused; a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera’s plan to use Hamelin — a child of two realms — to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna is the second installment in the Hamelin stoop series. It picks up where the first book left off, following the adventures of orphan boy Hamelin Stoop. Knowing he failed in the mission ahead of him in book one, Hamelin feels he needs to make amends and embarks on a personal mission to try and find his way back to the land beyond the cave.

I was really excited to get stuck into this second book in the series. In book one, the character of Hamelin was crafted really well, as were the supplementary characters including the Great Eagle and Bryan and Layla. My only gripe was that the real adventure that I was so looking forward to never truly materialised. That made far more sense in this book, as it allowed for character development and scene setting. This allowed the second book to really delve into the wider adventure ahead of Hamelin.

I felt myself becoming absorbed by the story as Hamelin continued his journey into the lands beyond the Atrium of Worlds. It felt like a classic fantasy adventure story with an overarching battle between good and evil. Sloan has crafted the locations well, with a sense of realism which adds to the adventure.

A new cast of supporting characters join Hamelin in this second book, all on their own separate missions. The story brings these very different people together, ensuring the success of each individual’s’ mission is linked to helping the others in their own. The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna is a fantastically well-written story with a sense of adventurous fun throughout. The element of fantasy and adventure that I felt was missing previously is present in abundance in the second book, which only serves to improve on its predecessor.

My rating: