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Piper
Long ago, in a small village in the middle of a deep, dark forest, there lived a lonely, deaf girl named Maggie. Shunned by her village because of her disability, her only comfort comes from her vivid imagination. Maggie has a gift for inventing stories and dreams of one day finding her fairy-tale love.
When Maggie meets the mysterious Piper, it seems that all her wishes are coming true. Spellbound, Maggie falls hard for him and plunges headfirst into his magical world. But as she grows closer to the Piper, Maggie discovers that he has a dark side.
The boy of Maggie's dreams might just turn out to be her worst nightmare...
When Maggie meets the mysterious Piper, it seems that all her wishes are coming true. Spellbound, Maggie falls hard for him and plunges headfirst into his magical world. But as she grows closer to the Piper, Maggie discovers that he has a dark side.
The boy of Maggie's dreams might just turn out to be her worst nightmare...
140 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2017
58 people are currently reading
6079 people want to read
About the author
Jay Asher
22 books10.8k followersJay Asher was born in Arcadia, California on September 30, 1975. He grew up in a family that encouraged all of his interests, from playing the guitar to his writing. He attended Cuesta College right after graduating from high school. It was here where he wrote his first two children’s books for a class called Children’s Literature Appreciation. At this point in his life, he had decided he wanted to become an elementary school teacher. He then transferred to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he left his senior year in order to pursue his career as a serious writer. Throughout his life he worked in various establishments, including as a salesman in a shoe store and in libraries and bookstores. Many of his work experiences had an impact on some aspect of his writing.
He has published only one book to date, Thirteen Reasons Why, which was published in October 2007. He is currently working on his second Young Adult novel, and has written several picture books and screenplays. Thirteen Reasons Why has won several awards and has received five stars from Teen Book Review. It also has received high reviews from fellow authors such as Ellen Hopkins, Chris Crutcher, and Gordon Kormon.
He has published only one book to date, Thirteen Reasons Why, which was published in October 2007. He is currently working on his second Young Adult novel, and has written several picture books and screenplays. Thirteen Reasons Why has won several awards and has received five stars from Teen Book Review. It also has received high reviews from fellow authors such as Ellen Hopkins, Chris Crutcher, and Gordon Kormon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
December 28, 2017
Piper is a new take on an old tale. The illustrations and colors are beautiful.
My only issue : Hearing-impaired persons are not magical lip readers. Lip reading, while helpful without sound clues, is only 30-50% effective, and sometimes less! I found that many times the illustrations didn't show Piper facing towards Maggie. . . so how was she supposed to read his lips?
My only issue : Hearing-impaired persons are not magical lip readers. Lip reading, while helpful without sound clues, is only 30-50% effective, and sometimes less! I found that many times the illustrations didn't show Piper facing towards Maggie. . . so how was she supposed to read his lips?
December 3, 2017
this short retelling has bewitched me. i am entirely in love with the art and the characters and the slightly morbid plot.
i'm like a mix of heart eyes and crying emoji right now
it was bloody cute too.
damn.
i'm like a mix of heart eyes and crying emoji right now
it was bloody cute too.
damn.
November 4, 2017
Just wow! Didn't I tell ya that I'm totally sucker for retelling? I simply love this retelling! The art was impressively gorgeous.
Right after reading it, my mind keep wondering what the music sound like when the piper play. It's must be haunting~~~
Right after reading it, my mind keep wondering what the music sound like when the piper play. It's must be haunting~~~
December 17, 2017
So many thoughts, not all of them good about this book. But to start, I'll go over the good things:
- The art was fantastic! As with every really good graphic novel, I got about ten times more from the pictures than the words and dialogue. The use of colors was super nice and more often than not it was the colors that influenced the tone of the story. It was also pretty impressive how the authors managed to convey that Maggie was deaf just through pictures at times.
Now onto the reasons my rating is only two stars:
- I still have no idea what happened at certain parts of the story. There would be moments when I read a page, turned the page, and was convinced that I must have skipped a page. Also times when that happened and I was in the middle of a page. The story just doesn't transition gracefully from one scene to the next.
- The story is so short (and underdeveloped) that I didn't care about any of the characters. They a;; felt very flat and predictable. There was never any moments when I was surprised by their actions, and when some of them get affected by the story (trying for no spoilers) I couldn't find it in me to care about them. This is coming from a person who messes up pages of my book from the water damage of crying about favorite characters dying. Well, guess what? I DIDN'T HAVE A FAVORITE CHARACTER HERE.
- I have no idea what the motives of some of these characters are. Or why they do some things that are major to the plot. It feels like I'm missing something, but I'm not. Just the love for this book.
Overall, if this story were better developed it would have been very good. The idea is cool, and the art is fantastic. However, the plot is lacking and hard to follow at times and I found it hard for me to enjoy it.
- The art was fantastic! As with every really good graphic novel, I got about ten times more from the pictures than the words and dialogue. The use of colors was super nice and more often than not it was the colors that influenced the tone of the story. It was also pretty impressive how the authors managed to convey that Maggie was deaf just through pictures at times.
Now onto the reasons my rating is only two stars:
- I still have no idea what happened at certain parts of the story. There would be moments when I read a page, turned the page, and was convinced that I must have skipped a page. Also times when that happened and I was in the middle of a page. The story just doesn't transition gracefully from one scene to the next.
- The story is so short (and underdeveloped) that I didn't care about any of the characters. They a;; felt very flat and predictable. There was never any moments when I was surprised by their actions, and when some of them get affected by the story (trying for no spoilers) I couldn't find it in me to care about them. This is coming from a person who messes up pages of my book from the water damage of crying about favorite characters dying. Well, guess what? I DIDN'T HAVE A FAVORITE CHARACTER HERE.
- I have no idea what the motives of some of these characters are. Or why they do some things that are major to the plot. It feels like I'm missing something, but I'm not. Just the love for this book.
Overall, if this story were better developed it would have been very good. The idea is cool, and the art is fantastic. However, the plot is lacking and hard to follow at times and I found it hard for me to enjoy it.
February 11, 2018
I didn't know this story is based on possible facts and that it is a very old story. I liked this telling of the story.
June 15, 2022
Cercate una graphic novel originale? Bene eccovela servita!
La storia si basa sull'antica favola popolare de Il pifferaio magico, aggiungendo però un'eroina femminile e un pizzico di romance.
Il finale inaspettato mi ha lasciata senza parole. I disegni sono semplicemente meravigliosi e i toni dark della storia sono molto suggestivi.
La storia si basa sull'antica favola popolare de Il pifferaio magico, aggiungendo però un'eroina femminile e un pizzico di romance.
Il finale inaspettato mi ha lasciata senza parole. I disegni sono semplicemente meravigliosi e i toni dark della storia sono molto suggestivi.
January 5, 2018
2.5
A haunting short story that features some stunning artwork. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this was an overall letdown. Maybe I’ll write a mini review in a day or two—who knows? I will say this though: do not spend your hard-earned money on this graphic novel.
A haunting short story that features some stunning artwork. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this was an overall letdown. Maybe I’ll write a mini review in a day or two—who knows? I will say this though: do not spend your hard-earned money on this graphic novel.
October 14, 2022
What the shit was that ending ?????? THAT WAS SO GOOD?!?!?
i was caught off guard with the religious background but it wasn’t anything major
The piper was. A FANTASTIC CHARACTER!!!!! He was dynamic and I’m so sad that the ending turned out to be the way it did!!
BUT HIS UNWAVERING BELIEFS AND THE WAY HE TOOK OUT EVERYONE WAS FREAKING FABULOUS!!
All in all, a good quick read 🫶🏼
i was caught off guard with the religious background but it wasn’t anything major
The piper was. A FANTASTIC CHARACTER!!!!! He was dynamic and I’m so sad that the ending turned out to be the way it did!!
BUT HIS UNWAVERING BELIEFS AND THE WAY HE TOOK OUT EVERYONE WAS FREAKING FABULOUS!!
All in all, a good quick read 🫶🏼
September 14, 2020
3.5
Visually stunning, but underdeveloped storywise
Visually stunning, but underdeveloped storywise
March 24, 2018
Me ha gustado muchísimo y tengo que confesar que he llorado durante la lectura y al terminar sobre todo. El tema que trata me toca muy de cerca, la sordera y el acoso desmedido por parte del pueblo me ha tocado muy hondo. Los personajes pese a ser tan corto me han tocado mucho y los he sentido muy cercanos. Una novela gráfica que me ha animado a leer más novelas así.
November 30, 2017
My favourite part about this graphic novel was definitely the art. It was stunning.
May 15, 2018
I have never read he original story.
But this was just okay for me. The art was definitely the best part. Very beautiful illustrations.
But this was just okay for me. The art was definitely the best part. Very beautiful illustrations.
December 5, 2018
I'm particularly fond of darker graphic novels, especially when they're based on actual lore. I thought this was a really interesting retelling of the pied piper story. It was not afraid to verge on disturbing, which I thought worked well against the absolutely purity of the main female character. The ending was a little abrupt for me -- I wish we got to learn more about Piper, but overall I was happy with this story,
April 5, 2018
Jay Asher proves once again he really shouldn't write from a woman's perspective. Bad nonsense sort of plot. Don't read this kids.
December 5, 2017
This story is not good for a graphic novel format. The story/dialogue was confusing and jumpy. The art did not match the story/dialogue very well, especially when trying to illustrate the deaf main character. Interesting concept, it felt like Asher didn't want to spend the time writing a novel about this and thought a graphic novel would be quicker.
July 9, 2018
Esta novela gráfica es preciosa, de hecho, si no fuera por un detalle, la hubiera considerado perfecta.
Maggie, la protagonista, afronta su día a día como mejor puede. Es sorda y eso hace que sea despreciada y humillada por algunos de los habitantes de Hamelín, el pueblo en el que vive, pero ella está convencida de que todo el mundo tiene un lado bondadoso y parece no guardarle rencor a nadie. Cuando una invasión de ratas comienza a causarle graves problemas al pueblo, un misterioso flautista aparece y se ofrece a solucionar el problema. Aparentemente, es un chico simpático que rápidamente atrae la atención de Maggie, pero pronto se verá que esconde muchos secretos…
Primero que nada tengo que destacar las bellísimas ilustraciones que componen este libro. Hay una buena mezcla de colores, se cuidan los detalles y algunas imágenes saben transmitir muy bien sensaciones como el amor, la inocencia o el dolor. No hay demasiado texto, pero no sentí que esto fuera algo negativo, se dice lo justo y necesario para comprender lo que sucede.
La historia en sí también me sorprendió, reconozco que nunca le había hecho demasiado caso al personaje del flautista de Hamelín, así que yo no sabía que tenía su lado oscuro. “Corazón oscuro” le presenta como alguien que juega con la gente y que, aún así, no es malo del todo. Es un personaje lleno de matices y con Maggie muestra lo mejor de sí mismo. Esto me encantó, pues hizo que no me fuera fácil juzgarle y que no pudiera despegarme del libro para saber cómo acabaría todo.
En cuanto a Maggie, ella es puro amor. Su bondad es inmensa y es increíble que su alma no se haya oscurecido por culpa del trato discriminatorio al que es sometida. A la única persona a la que tiene a su lado es a Agathe, una mujer que la adora y que también se ganó mi cariño.
No penséis que todo está centrado en un posible romance entre Maggie y el flautista, entre ellos surge algo especial, pero la historia va mucho más allá de eso y también hace que reflexiones sobre la discriminación, la codicia, el perdón y las decisiones que pueden cambiar una vida.
Como dije, no todo fue perfecto y voy a explicar el motivo por el que no le doy un 5/5. Desde mi punto de vista, la historia se queda corta. Lo que está es perfecto, pero habría que añadirle más cosas. Hay partes de la trama que no están bien desarrolladas, cambias de página y lo primero que piensas es “¿me he saltado algo? ¿mi edición está defectuosa?”, pero no, ya que dentro de una misma página también se dan algunos saltos bruscos de una escena a otra. Es una novela gráfica de poco más de 100 páginas y creo que su brevedad es su mayor fallo. Mostrar con mayor detalle ciertos momentos entre el flautista y Maggie hubiera ayudado bastante a entender mejor el impacto que supone para ellos lo que ocurre en las últimas páginas y la importancia que tienen sus decisiones.
Aún así, os diría que no dudéis en darle una oportunidad si tenéis ocasión. Hay historias que no necesitan ser perfectas para dejar una buena sensación y ésta es una de ellas.
Maggie, la protagonista, afronta su día a día como mejor puede. Es sorda y eso hace que sea despreciada y humillada por algunos de los habitantes de Hamelín, el pueblo en el que vive, pero ella está convencida de que todo el mundo tiene un lado bondadoso y parece no guardarle rencor a nadie. Cuando una invasión de ratas comienza a causarle graves problemas al pueblo, un misterioso flautista aparece y se ofrece a solucionar el problema. Aparentemente, es un chico simpático que rápidamente atrae la atención de Maggie, pero pronto se verá que esconde muchos secretos…
Primero que nada tengo que destacar las bellísimas ilustraciones que componen este libro. Hay una buena mezcla de colores, se cuidan los detalles y algunas imágenes saben transmitir muy bien sensaciones como el amor, la inocencia o el dolor. No hay demasiado texto, pero no sentí que esto fuera algo negativo, se dice lo justo y necesario para comprender lo que sucede.
La historia en sí también me sorprendió, reconozco que nunca le había hecho demasiado caso al personaje del flautista de Hamelín, así que yo no sabía que tenía su lado oscuro. “Corazón oscuro” le presenta como alguien que juega con la gente y que, aún así, no es malo del todo. Es un personaje lleno de matices y con Maggie muestra lo mejor de sí mismo. Esto me encantó, pues hizo que no me fuera fácil juzgarle y que no pudiera despegarme del libro para saber cómo acabaría todo.
En cuanto a Maggie, ella es puro amor. Su bondad es inmensa y es increíble que su alma no se haya oscurecido por culpa del trato discriminatorio al que es sometida. A la única persona a la que tiene a su lado es a Agathe, una mujer que la adora y que también se ganó mi cariño.
No penséis que todo está centrado en un posible romance entre Maggie y el flautista, entre ellos surge algo especial, pero la historia va mucho más allá de eso y también hace que reflexiones sobre la discriminación, la codicia, el perdón y las decisiones que pueden cambiar una vida.
Como dije, no todo fue perfecto y voy a explicar el motivo por el que no le doy un 5/5. Desde mi punto de vista, la historia se queda corta. Lo que está es perfecto, pero habría que añadirle más cosas. Hay partes de la trama que no están bien desarrolladas, cambias de página y lo primero que piensas es “¿me he saltado algo? ¿mi edición está defectuosa?”, pero no, ya que dentro de una misma página también se dan algunos saltos bruscos de una escena a otra. Es una novela gráfica de poco más de 100 páginas y creo que su brevedad es su mayor fallo. Mostrar con mayor detalle ciertos momentos entre el flautista y Maggie hubiera ayudado bastante a entender mejor el impacto que supone para ellos lo que ocurre en las últimas páginas y la importancia que tienen sus decisiones.
Aún así, os diría que no dudéis en darle una oportunidad si tenéis ocasión. Hay historias que no necesitan ser perfectas para dejar una buena sensación y ésta es una de ellas.
March 25, 2018
Un retelling de "El flautista de Hamelin" que te llega al corazón. Con un toque algo mas oscuro y con la misma moraleja que deja el cuento original.
Con personajes nuevos, y los personajes de siempre.
Sin duda una novela gráfica muy pero que muy recomendada.
Pronto reseña en www.magiaocultasite.wordpress.com
Con personajes nuevos, y los personajes de siempre.
Sin duda una novela gráfica muy pero que muy recomendada.
Pronto reseña en www.magiaocultasite.wordpress.com
April 21, 2018
Un retelling que me ha enamorado por sus ilustraciones y la forma en la que trata temas tan complicados como la discriminación a los que son distintos, la soledad y el deseo de venganza.
January 27, 2018
This was a bit hard to judge. I really enjoyed parts, but I kind of just felt like I was being pushed and jostled around by rats the entire story, so I mean, I don't know quite what to do with that.
Let's just start with the artwork. Goodness gracious, it was gorgeous. When Magdalena was daydreaming was my favorite scenes in the book because they were just so beautiful. Can I just talk about her hair, too, for a second, BECAUSE I WAS OBSESSED WITH HOW IT LOOKED AND I JUST WHAT MY HAIR TO LOOK LIKE THAT, OKAY. It is some of the best art I've seen in a graphic novel or manga in a long, long time, and I absolutely loved it. The artists totally have some amazing talent, and I'm off to go find out more of those books. It was totally the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did.
The story was interesting, too, for the most part. There were a few parts where I got a bit confused (I didn't get the whole "my song" part) and there were a few moments where whatever was happening just didn't seem to relate together. Other than that, I thought it was a unique spin on the pied piper tale. Obviously, it sticks pretty accurately to the original story, but it does bring in a pretty adorable romance and the intriguing new character of Magdalena. I found myself drawn so into the story, and I so felt so pulled into the story that I felt like I was there, which hasn't happened to me in a long time.
The characters were pretty interesting as well. Of course, I liked Magdalena, and the Piper was good as well. I didn't feel like they had as much depth as I was looking for, but they did have some complexities and dynamics to them. I was looking for a bit more, but they were done well enough.
The pacing got to me as well. Sometimes it went a little too fast - especially at the end. You keep ramping up and ramping up to the big climax, and then...I felt like it was just done way too fast and I felt super unsatisfied with the story just being wrapped up in a few pages when it really needed to be explained a bit more and fleshed out more. There were a few other things that I wished they had spent a bit more time with since they flew from one thing to another. On that note, it goes by super fast so that is wonderful.
Overall, this wasn't a bad novel, but it wasn't quite the best that it could have been. I did enjoy it for the most part, and it super drew me into a world full of fairytales and fables. I loved how it had its own stories inside as well, and the art was just stunning. There were a few stumbling blocks to the pacing, characterization, and just having some confusing parts, but overall, I thought it was a quick, easy read that left me pretty pleased after reading it. 3 crowns and a Belle rating!
Let's just start with the artwork. Goodness gracious, it was gorgeous. When Magdalena was daydreaming was my favorite scenes in the book because they were just so beautiful. Can I just talk about her hair, too, for a second, BECAUSE I WAS OBSESSED WITH HOW IT LOOKED AND I JUST WHAT MY HAIR TO LOOK LIKE THAT, OKAY. It is some of the best art I've seen in a graphic novel or manga in a long, long time, and I absolutely loved it. The artists totally have some amazing talent, and I'm off to go find out more of those books. It was totally the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did.
The story was interesting, too, for the most part. There were a few parts where I got a bit confused (I didn't get the whole "my song" part) and there were a few moments where whatever was happening just didn't seem to relate together. Other than that, I thought it was a unique spin on the pied piper tale. Obviously, it sticks pretty accurately to the original story, but it does bring in a pretty adorable romance and the intriguing new character of Magdalena. I found myself drawn so into the story, and I so felt so pulled into the story that I felt like I was there, which hasn't happened to me in a long time.
The characters were pretty interesting as well. Of course, I liked Magdalena, and the Piper was good as well. I didn't feel like they had as much depth as I was looking for, but they did have some complexities and dynamics to them. I was looking for a bit more, but they were done well enough.
The pacing got to me as well. Sometimes it went a little too fast - especially at the end. You keep ramping up and ramping up to the big climax, and then...I felt like it was just done way too fast and I felt super unsatisfied with the story just being wrapped up in a few pages when it really needed to be explained a bit more and fleshed out more. There were a few other things that I wished they had spent a bit more time with since they flew from one thing to another. On that note, it goes by super fast so that is wonderful.
Overall, this wasn't a bad novel, but it wasn't quite the best that it could have been. I did enjoy it for the most part, and it super drew me into a world full of fairytales and fables. I loved how it had its own stories inside as well, and the art was just stunning. There were a few stumbling blocks to the pacing, characterization, and just having some confusing parts, but overall, I thought it was a quick, easy read that left me pretty pleased after reading it. 3 crowns and a Belle rating!
February 10, 2021
3 stars
Stunning artworks and visuals.
It was good, but I'm not too crazy about it. I love the dark and eerie atmosphere, but there were so many things that hadn't been explained thoroughly, and I was left confused for the majority of the story.
Stunning artworks and visuals.
It was good, but I'm not too crazy about it. I love the dark and eerie atmosphere, but there were so many things that hadn't been explained thoroughly, and I was left confused for the majority of the story.
June 23, 2021
Rating: 2.5/5
I loved the theme of this novel and as well as all the main characters. The pacing was great and the storyline was intriguing. However I personally wasn't fond of the events near that shocking ending 😢. ( Personal Opinion/Grudge: Kinda wished the graphic novel was a bit longer :/ )
I loved the theme of this novel and as well as all the main characters. The pacing was great and the storyline was intriguing. However I personally wasn't fond of the events near that shocking ending 😢. ( Personal Opinion/Grudge: Kinda wished the graphic novel was a bit longer :/ )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2021
Haunting but beautiful story!
July 24, 2022
OCENA: 2,5 ⭐️
August 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐
I ADORED the art style so much it was absolutely stunning!
The story it self was good, I do wish it was longer cause that ending was so un satisfying lol
I ADORED the art style so much it was absolutely stunning!
The story it self was good, I do wish it was longer cause that ending was so un satisfying lol
December 24, 2019
I fell in love with the illustrations the moment I saw Piper on the shelf. Definitely my favorite thing of the book. They’re so stunning, and the format used was unique and beautiful.
The story itself was not what I expected. The way time passed or scenery changed was not confusing, but it felt choppy. I was aware that I was really a story. Also, the characters themselves felt like they had an intricate story, that had to be condensed. Most of their story or personality felt a little like skipping rocks. At times, as well, the characters counteracted themselves in ways that made no realistic sense. The leading character thought every life was worth it but fantasized and wrote about the deaths of anyone who would make fun of her. 👀 Ummm, what? However, the ending surprised me, and I liked the visual and heart wrenching end.
Finally, I really appreciated that the author did not Villainize religion. It was refreshing from some art forms that take on the demeaning trope.
The story itself was not what I expected. The way time passed or scenery changed was not confusing, but it felt choppy. I was aware that I was really a story. Also, the characters themselves felt like they had an intricate story, that had to be condensed. Most of their story or personality felt a little like skipping rocks. At times, as well, the characters counteracted themselves in ways that made no realistic sense. The leading character thought every life was worth it but fantasized and wrote about the deaths of anyone who would make fun of her. 👀 Ummm, what? However, the ending surprised me, and I liked the visual and heart wrenching end.
Finally, I really appreciated that the author did not Villainize religion. It was refreshing from some art forms that take on the demeaning trope.
August 2, 2025
~ 3.75 ☆
idk how she could lip read thAt well but I understand it was for the plot
also what was that ending excuse me
cute story otherwise and the art was beautiful
idk how she could lip read thAt well but I understand it was for the plot
also what was that ending excuse me
cute story otherwise and the art was beautiful
March 7, 2018
I can count the number of graphic novels I own on one hand. But when I saw this was authored by Jay Asher (the writer of 13 Reasons Why), I pre-ordered it and waited impatiently for its arrival.
This story drew me in from the first panel where in the distance through the trees of a dark forest a sliver of bonfire can be seen rising into the night sky. But as the story continues it becomes clear that the narrator is not the person featured in these initial panels. The person seated by the fire seems to have something in their hands and with it they appear to be luring a nearby rat into a situation that won't end well. And less than halfway through the book, where a stern-faced Piper appears in a panel that takes up almost half the page saying, "I believe every deed should be paid for," you get the feeling things are not going to end well for the people of Hameln either.
The main character is Maggie, a sweet girl from the town of Hameln who happens to be deaf. Even though she cannot hear, she is still able to speak and can read lips. Because of her disability (and other reasons) Maggie is mistreated by most of the people and children in the town. But Maggie uses that mistreatment as inspiration for fairy tales she creates (which are pretty dark like original fairy tales). The kind old woman she lives with, Agathe, writes the tales down for her, and helps her learn how to pronounce words correctly.
The list of things that has gone wrong in Maggie's life is ridiculously long, so much so that when she was telling her life story to Piper I found myself laughing out loud. Maggie was already a sympathetic character so I'm not sure why Jay Asher felt he needed to pile on the drama.
Early on in the novel I liked Maggie, but as things unfolded I became slightly annoyed with her ever-flowing fountain of forgiveness for the people of the town.
I really liked Piper, especially his forthrightness and sense of humor, and the interesting twist(s) Asher came up with to explain how and why Piper is able to do what he does.
There are a few biblical references, which was a pleasant surprise for me. But I don't think people who aren't Christians or are atheists will find them off-putting.
The standout scene in this novel for me was a moment between Maggie and Piper in the forest which was very moving. I did not expect a graphic novel to be able to convey such emotion and create a connection with the characters, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I really, really, really, did not like the ending. It felt kind of abrupt, and I didn't really understand the source of the discord between Maggie and Piper. I also didn't understand why Maggie chose to write her final fairy tale the way she did. And I hate when the most interesting/compelling character in a story
It is clear Asher's co-author, Jessica Freeburg, did a lot of research to help them create a story that relied on the actual historical documents that inspired the legend, instead of just re-imagining other versions of the tale that have been told again and again.
This story drew me in from the first panel where in the distance through the trees of a dark forest a sliver of bonfire can be seen rising into the night sky. But as the story continues it becomes clear that the narrator is not the person featured in these initial panels. The person seated by the fire seems to have something in their hands and with it they appear to be luring a nearby rat into a situation that won't end well. And less than halfway through the book, where a stern-faced Piper appears in a panel that takes up almost half the page saying, "I believe every deed should be paid for," you get the feeling things are not going to end well for the people of Hameln either.
The main character is Maggie, a sweet girl from the town of Hameln who happens to be deaf. Even though she cannot hear, she is still able to speak and can read lips. Because of her disability (and other reasons) Maggie is mistreated by most of the people and children in the town. But Maggie uses that mistreatment as inspiration for fairy tales she creates (which are pretty dark like original fairy tales). The kind old woman she lives with, Agathe, writes the tales down for her, and helps her learn how to pronounce words correctly.
The list of things that has gone wrong in Maggie's life is ridiculously long, so much so that when she was telling her life story to Piper I found myself laughing out loud. Maggie was already a sympathetic character so I'm not sure why Jay Asher felt he needed to pile on the drama.
Early on in the novel I liked Maggie, but as things unfolded I became slightly annoyed with her ever-flowing fountain of forgiveness for the people of the town.
I really liked Piper, especially his forthrightness and sense of humor, and the interesting twist(s) Asher came up with to explain how and why Piper is able to do what he does.
There are a few biblical references, which was a pleasant surprise for me. But I don't think people who aren't Christians or are atheists will find them off-putting.
The standout scene in this novel for me was a moment between Maggie and Piper in the forest which was very moving. I did not expect a graphic novel to be able to convey such emotion and create a connection with the characters, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I really, really, really, did not like the ending. It felt kind of abrupt, and I didn't really understand the source of the discord between Maggie and Piper. I also didn't understand why Maggie chose to write her final fairy tale the way she did. And I hate when the most interesting/compelling character in a story
It is clear Asher's co-author, Jessica Freeburg, did a lot of research to help them create a story that relied on the actual historical documents that inspired the legend, instead of just re-imagining other versions of the tale that have been told again and again.
June 25, 2023
3,25
Pięknie narysowany komiks. Sama historia choć krótka to całkiem ciekawa.
Pięknie narysowany komiks. Sama historia choć krótka to całkiem ciekawa.
February 15, 2018
I am not really that familiar with the Pied Piper so that little explanation at the beginning of the book was really helpful. Kind of. But what really intrigued--besides the story--was the art. I mean the cover is so hauntingly beautiful, I mean, I had to read it.
The Likes:
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ART.
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING
UGH, THAT FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATION OF HER THOUGHTS, G O R G E O U S.
Maggie was alright. She was wonderfully brave to be living in a town who shunned her for being deaf, but I never felt a real connection to her.
The Piper was okay too. But there really was no substance to him, he was a good ol' mystery man.
AGAIN WITH THE STUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS!!!!!
The rats really elevated the creep factor. I mean ewwwwwwwwww
And the music...if it sounded anything like I imagined, was killer creepy.
The Dislikes:
It was all a little fast and underwhelming.
I was expecting a lot more creep and haunting and while the images were fantastic, I felt that the story itself lacked substance (Am I making any sense?)
The abrupt ending. Totally mellow.
The intensity was off.
I wanted so, so much more.
Sighhhhh
Plus I read an ebook copy...so zooming in on the pictures was not fun. (But that's on me)
Rating: 3 / 5 stars
Recommend: The art is worth it.
The Likes:
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ART.
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING
UGH, THAT FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATION OF HER THOUGHTS, G O R G E O U S.
Maggie was alright. She was wonderfully brave to be living in a town who shunned her for being deaf, but I never felt a real connection to her.
The Piper was okay too. But there really was no substance to him, he was a good ol' mystery man.
AGAIN WITH THE STUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS!!!!!
The rats really elevated the creep factor. I mean ewwwwwwwwww
And the music...if it sounded anything like I imagined, was killer creepy.
The Dislikes:
It was all a little fast and underwhelming.
I was expecting a lot more creep and haunting and while the images were fantastic, I felt that the story itself lacked substance (Am I making any sense?)
The abrupt ending. Totally mellow.
The intensity was off.
I wanted so, so much more.
Sighhhhh
Plus I read an ebook copy...so zooming in on the pictures was not fun. (But that's on me)
Rating: 3 / 5 stars
Recommend: The art is worth it.
January 11, 2018
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a solid graphic novel. This also contains diverse characters, the main character is deaf.
This graphic novel is a re-telling of the Pied Piper, and follows Maggie, a deaf girl who is shunned by her village. She just wants to live a normal life, but comforts herself by imagining up (rather dark) stories. When her village is facing a rat infestation along with the diseases they carry, the Piper shows up just in time to save them. Maggie is accepted by the Piper, but is he what he seems?
I saw this at Target, and KC got it for me as one of my Christmas gifts. I really didn't know what to expect from it, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It is short, and only took a few hours to read. I appreciated that the story was a little bit dark, but not overly depressing. I liked the re-imagining of the Pied Piper tale. The art is really lovely as well. I recommend if you are looking for a graphic novel.
Right After Reading:
I loved the art and story of this graphic novel.
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a solid graphic novel. This also contains diverse characters, the main character is deaf.
This graphic novel is a re-telling of the Pied Piper, and follows Maggie, a deaf girl who is shunned by her village. She just wants to live a normal life, but comforts herself by imagining up (rather dark) stories. When her village is facing a rat infestation along with the diseases they carry, the Piper shows up just in time to save them. Maggie is accepted by the Piper, but is he what he seems?
I saw this at Target, and KC got it for me as one of my Christmas gifts. I really didn't know what to expect from it, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It is short, and only took a few hours to read. I appreciated that the story was a little bit dark, but not overly depressing. I liked the re-imagining of the Pied Piper tale. The art is really lovely as well. I recommend if you are looking for a graphic novel.
Right After Reading:
I loved the art and story of this graphic novel.
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