The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge (Hamelin Stoop #1) by Robert B. Sloan

What worked:

Infant Hamelin’s parents drop him off at an orphanage to avoid capture by trackers. His father even pretends to kill Hamelin to throw the hunters off his trail. The book annually follows Hamelin’s life growing up at the orphanage and how most of the children and adults he meets display kindness, except for a bully at school. Readers will feel empathy for Hamelin due to his gentle nature and how he suffers when wondering what’s missing from his life. In addition, his closest friends at the orphanage slowly leave until he feels like he needs to do something. Adults have told him there are wonderful things coming in his future so readers will anticipate and ponder the many possibilities.

The subplot of Hamelin’s parents, Johnnie and Simon, is intriguing since an evil ruler named Ren’dal has plans for the couple. Johnnie possesses an unexpected ability but her child is the valuable object Ren’dal wants. The actual scheme is unknown but Ren’dal’s father, Chimera, thinks he can use Johnnie’s son to gain more power. This presents a huge conflict as Johnnie and Simon don’t want their child to be used by these evil men. They know their son (Hamelin) is better off surviving away from them and they fear what might happen if they have another. However, what will happen if they disappoint Ren’dal?

It seems as though many of the characters have secrets or pay special attention to Hamelin. These moments will make readers wonder about their motives and what they may be hiding. Owners and workers at the orphanage are often watching Hamelin but what are they thinking? Are they just feeling sorry for this kind little boy or is there something about their pasts we don’t know about? Hamelin’s most loved friends, Bryan and Layla, are hiding something about their pasts. The brother and sister remain part of Hamelin’s life even after leaving the orphanage and they believe his incredible stories about the eagle and the cave. However, this may be because they aren’t telling Hamelin everything they know.

What didn’t work as well:

The early chapters of the book alternate between Hamelin being left at an orphanage as an infant and his parents’ capture. Readers know they’re related but they feel like two separate plots. Then, halfway into the book, there’s a chapter about a princess named Carissa. It’s unclear how everything goes together until the conclusion begins to focus everything in one direction.

The Final Verdict:

The story feels unfinished, and I guess that’s true, as the conclusion leads right into the sequel rather than actually resolving a problem. However, this may make the next book clearer from the start since the scenario and background story will have already been established. Overall, this book may appeal to teenage readers who enjoy blending the real world with their imaginations.