What do you think?
Rate this book
Romance a Medieval Fairytale #21
Call: Pied Piper Retold
A sole survivor. A desperate mother. An impossible quest.
Once upon a time...
Zoticus the assassin has killed more people than he can count, but when he is the sole survivor in a town wiped out by plague, he vows to stop the scourge before more innocent lives are lost.
But what use is one man against a deadly disease?
Once upon a time...
Zoticus the assassin has killed more people than he can count, but when he is the sole survivor in a town wiped out by plague, he vows to stop the scourge before more innocent lives are lost.
But what use is one man against a deadly disease?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2020
37 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
935 books3,881 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, even if it is about the Black Plague, at a time like this when we ourselves are going through basically the same thing, it was interesting to see the reactions of people.
How the disease spreads fast and wide and the quick responses of people. I liked how real this situation felt and really enjoyed how an assassin and a widow joined together to save a village from perishing.
But in all this chaos, is there room for love?
Highly recommends this for all to read.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, and this does not affect my review or rating of the book, thank you!
How the disease spreads fast and wide and the quick responses of people. I liked how real this situation felt and really enjoyed how an assassin and a widow joined together to save a village from perishing.
But in all this chaos, is there room for love?
Highly recommends this for all to read.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, and this does not affect my review or rating of the book, thank you!
Want to read
June 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/21/2021)!🎁
August 18, 2020
Call is book 21 in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series and is the retelling of the Pied Piper. As always, Mrs. Carlton's re-imaginings make worn out stories both new and better fleshed out. Though it is part of a series, and some characters overlap, every book can be read on its own with nothing truly lost.
My favorite thing about this story was how a perceived evil man is proven beyond doubt to be anything but. It is a fantastic dichotomy of what seems and what is that is present often in life, but overlooked far more than noticed. Zoticus is a lifelong assassin and son of an enchantress (his twin sister is also one). His life has certainly been storied and treacherous, but dancing rats out of a sleepy mountain town will turn out to be the greatest choice he could make.
Sara, on the other hand, has lived a quiet small town life, though fraught with loss from a young age. Her dedication to her town and it's people is beyond admirable, moving into touching. The woman is strong and dedicated, and though she is not an enchantress like most of our heroines, she is truly a hero to her core.
The relationship between the two was full of fire, but so tender it makes the heart ache. If you love fairytale retellings, magical adventures, a bit of steam, some amusing moments with goats, and a story of both heart-wrenching despair and uplifting joy, then you should definitely give this book a go. You'll never think of the Pied Piper the same way again!
I received this book free for an honest review.
My favorite thing about this story was how a perceived evil man is proven beyond doubt to be anything but. It is a fantastic dichotomy of what seems and what is that is present often in life, but overlooked far more than noticed. Zoticus is a lifelong assassin and son of an enchantress (his twin sister is also one). His life has certainly been storied and treacherous, but dancing rats out of a sleepy mountain town will turn out to be the greatest choice he could make.
Sara, on the other hand, has lived a quiet small town life, though fraught with loss from a young age. Her dedication to her town and it's people is beyond admirable, moving into touching. The woman is strong and dedicated, and though she is not an enchantress like most of our heroines, she is truly a hero to her core.
The relationship between the two was full of fire, but so tender it makes the heart ache. If you love fairytale retellings, magical adventures, a bit of steam, some amusing moments with goats, and a story of both heart-wrenching despair and uplifting joy, then you should definitely give this book a go. You'll never think of the Pied Piper the same way again!
I received this book free for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
During a time when the world is being ravaged by a plague of our own, COVID-19, I can't think of a better time to release a book featuring the Black Plague. Master Zoticus, the assassin, has appeared in other fairytales from Demelza Carlton, but this time he takes center stage, finding his match in Lady Sara.
Sara is a widow, and as a woman, has very little say in how things are done, despite being significantly wiser than the men of her town. Zoticus immediately recognizes her intelligence and bravery. Together, they save the children of her village while the adults foolishly follow the advice of the priest.
During one exchange with a young girl in the village, Sara tells her something that many women, throughout the ages, have thought, "We all have our fantasies, do we not? Women wish men were stronger, and more capable, so they won't (sic) need to do everything themselves, and men dream of being in charge, having women begging for their help instead of calling them fools for their latest blunder. Most men would not last a week without a woman to tell him what to do, and see that he has food."
It's a good story with sympathetic characters and an interesting plot. Unfortunately, there are still people today who share the view of some of the deceased residents of Sara's village: Pray to God and he will save you. He only smites the evil, so no further actions need be taken than to reside in your own sense of righteousness. Perhaps that is Demelza Carlton’s point. ;) I enjoyed the story and the happy ending.
Sara is a widow, and as a woman, has very little say in how things are done, despite being significantly wiser than the men of her town. Zoticus immediately recognizes her intelligence and bravery. Together, they save the children of her village while the adults foolishly follow the advice of the priest.
During one exchange with a young girl in the village, Sara tells her something that many women, throughout the ages, have thought, "We all have our fantasies, do we not? Women wish men were stronger, and more capable, so they won't (sic) need to do everything themselves, and men dream of being in charge, having women begging for their help instead of calling them fools for their latest blunder. Most men would not last a week without a woman to tell him what to do, and see that he has food."
It's a good story with sympathetic characters and an interesting plot. Unfortunately, there are still people today who share the view of some of the deceased residents of Sara's village: Pray to God and he will save you. He only smites the evil, so no further actions need be taken than to reside in your own sense of righteousness. Perhaps that is Demelza Carlton’s point. ;) I enjoyed the story and the happy ending.
June 30, 2020
To be honest, given current events, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up and giving it a chance if I hadn't already been following the series and looking forward to more books. In general, I've been avoiding anything to do with isolation or widespread illness, so even with my attachment to the series, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a story that deals with a plague.
But this book has been just as awesome as the other books in the series. The major elements of the Pied Piper fairytale are all present, but they have some delightful twists in how they appear.
Zoticus was an intriguing character in the previous books I've read that he was in and it was even more interesting to have him as a point of view character. Sara is someone I don't recall seeing in any of the other books, but I was happy to get to know her here. I love the magic and overall world, and the characters are each endearing in their own ways.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author, but my opinions are my own. I fully intend to purchase it as well when I can.
But this book has been just as awesome as the other books in the series. The major elements of the Pied Piper fairytale are all present, but they have some delightful twists in how they appear.
Zoticus was an intriguing character in the previous books I've read that he was in and it was even more interesting to have him as a point of view character. Sara is someone I don't recall seeing in any of the other books, but I was happy to get to know her here. I love the magic and overall world, and the characters are each endearing in their own ways.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author, but my opinions are my own. I fully intend to purchase it as well when I can.
July 1, 2020
Very well done rewriting of the old fairy tale. You might find a few familiar characters if you have read any of the other fairy tale books by Demelza. Zoticus the assassin, for instance, is the so-called Piper who comes to a small mountain town on a quest to stop the spread of the plague which he feels responsible for. A mistake made in his past has set events in motion which threaten to wipe out numerous small towns whose existence depends on trade. A woman in the town will play a large part in Zoticus' actions, and in his future.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
July 1, 2020
I loved this new twist on a classic fairy tale.
When the plague comes to the hinterland of the Rialto an assassin helps the helps the lady of the village to evacuate the children of the village to a remote monastery where they can escape certain death in a retelling of the Pied Piper.
It's a sweet, sometimes steamy love story with strong moral undercurrents, a heroine who is strong, smart, passionate and a powerful role model for young women, both fictional and in real life.
In the midst of a pandemic, this tale resonates with current life, providing a home that as with most natural disasters, this too shall pass.
An enjoyable read.
When the plague comes to the hinterland of the Rialto an assassin helps the helps the lady of the village to evacuate the children of the village to a remote monastery where they can escape certain death in a retelling of the Pied Piper.
It's a sweet, sometimes steamy love story with strong moral undercurrents, a heroine who is strong, smart, passionate and a powerful role model for young women, both fictional and in real life.
In the midst of a pandemic, this tale resonates with current life, providing a home that as with most natural disasters, this too shall pass.
An enjoyable read.
July 29, 2021
Another Great Story in the Series
I’ve now read 14 of the books in this series and have really enjoyed all of them. They are interconnected but that doesn’t detract from reading them. It does add another level of enjoyment.
In this story which is a rift on the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Sara and Zoraicus are the core of the story. The character development is great and the world view evolves as the story progresses. Based in medieval times in Europe , the church definitely comes off badly. There is some magic, but mostly strong characters that strive to do what is right.
I enjoyed the story and hope you do, too!
I’ve now read 14 of the books in this series and have really enjoyed all of them. They are interconnected but that doesn’t detract from reading them. It does add another level of enjoyment.
In this story which is a rift on the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Sara and Zoraicus are the core of the story. The character development is great and the world view evolves as the story progresses. Based in medieval times in Europe , the church definitely comes off badly. There is some magic, but mostly strong characters that strive to do what is right.
I enjoyed the story and hope you do, too!
July 3, 2020
I received an arc and the opinions and views are my own. Oh My! What an excellent retelling of the pied piper who is an assassin! Zoticus is an assassin and has been in two previous books. He has helped out Godfrey and his sister Melisende and now he is trying to right a wrong. The plague is going through the towns and he is trying to get rid of the rats and ships that started it. He also finds something he wasn’t looking for. I so enjoyed this book and would read it again. I would recommend this book to all.
July 6, 2020
I received an ARC of this novel. I loved Zoticus from previous books, so I was excited to read his story. He was a great hero and learning about his history added even more depth to his character. Sara was a strong, independent woman but also had some insecurities that grounded her and made her more realistic. The plot hit home because of the plague and felt very relevant for what we’re facing today. The writing flowed gracefully and captured the time period well. As a caution, there were some intimate scenes.
June 23, 2024
I did not realize this story was part of a series, this being part of the Pied Piper Retold. The main character is named Zoticus and has some magic, but not as much as his sister and mother (I guess females have more magic than males). He is an assassin and travels to towns where a plague has taken many people's lives. He eventually travels to Mirroten and meets a woman named Sara that owns the lands around the town. He takes her and the children of the town to a monastery to get away from the plague. The story continues from there.
June 30, 2020
It is always hard for me to hear or read the foolishness of brash, arrogant men such as Ahab but Sara and Zoticus were always better. Harsh story with tragedy for some and good fortune for a few. A small number of the chapters were difficult for me but, by and large, the story is well done.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
July 26, 2020
A Pied Piper retold much better! Good storytelling. The plague was coming and towns were dying, the people needed to be ready. Zoticus was an assassin with magic but he came to town to help. After getting out all the rats and bugs that carry the plague germs away. what does the town elders do, they throw Zoticus in jail! After getting himself out of jail, he tries to get the children out of town. Well written, good reading.
July 1, 2020
Demelza sets the gold standard in fairytale interpretations. The classic images of the Pier Piper tale are used to tell the highly entertaining story of Zoticus.I love how she takes characters from other stories and gives them their own. I did receive an Advance Review Copy of this book and was so glad to read this very well written tale.
July 3, 2020
Another superb retelling of an old fairy tale. This one covers Zoticus the assassin and Sara the widow who owns a large area of land. The plague is descending and killing everyone in its path. Can the assassin save the villagers and realise his vision. Brilliant story telling. This can be read as a standalone. I received a free copy from the author but I am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 2, 2020
A wonderfull re telling. What can an assassin do in a time of a deadly plague? Those that just want money and do not truly realize truly what will happen by their actions. A time period where very little communication between towns or a big city so people trust peddlers that bringgs things to trade. Love the book and will read again!
October 15, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 20, 2020
Another stonkingly good tale
Another stonkingly good fairy tale retelling by this excellent author. I love her stories that always make me laugh out loud, and the character crossovers make you feel a bit special for knowing something in advance, even if it’s just because you’ve read another book!
Another stonkingly good fairy tale retelling by this excellent author. I love her stories that always make me laugh out loud, and the character crossovers make you feel a bit special for knowing something in advance, even if it’s just because you’ve read another book!
July 1, 2020
This isn’t the pied Piper you think you know.
Another entry into the revisionist fairytales, this one is very different and I found quite relevant as well. An assassin as the hero? Yep. An extensive cast and a rapid moving take? Check.
Recommend.
Another entry into the revisionist fairytales, this one is very different and I found quite relevant as well. An assassin as the hero? Yep. An extensive cast and a rapid moving take? Check.
Recommend.
July 2, 2020
Demelza has done it again. Another fairytale rewritten to be read by and enjoyed by adults.I have read all of her medieval fairytales and this one may be my favorite of course I tend to think that after each one.
July 6, 2020
This was an entertaining, well-written book. This was an updated version of the Pied Piper fairy tale. It was clever and funny with action, intrigue and passion included. I enjoyed this retelling and look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 9, 2020
Oh Wow!
This is a great book and esp with our own plague going on! Maidens and magic and knights and assassin's.. what a great story! Well worth your time no matter what you usually read! Great job and a novel you don't want to miss!
This is a great book and esp with our own plague going on! Maidens and magic and knights and assassin's.. what a great story! Well worth your time no matter what you usually read! Great job and a novel you don't want to miss!
January 9, 2021
Love!
I love reading these stories and seeing a different perspective from a child’s version. I love how every story she writes connects with other books and you see these characters in other books! Love them!
I love reading these stories and seeing a different perspective from a child’s version. I love how every story she writes connects with other books and you see these characters in other books! Love them!
Read
July 9, 2021Enchanting. Couldn't put it down.
It was a bit confusing in the beginning to get the characters sorted, but it was worth the effort. What a charming, elegant tale. Definitely a n adult fairy tale.
It was a bit confusing in the beginning to get the characters sorted, but it was worth the effort. What a charming, elegant tale. Definitely a n adult fairy tale.
July 15, 2020
Very nice take on a very old tale
I completely enjoyed this tale, so much so that I read it on my phone as well as the iPad. You will not be disappointed by this new telling
I completely enjoyed this tale, so much so that I read it on my phone as well as the iPad. You will not be disappointed by this new telling
April 20, 2021
LOVED IT!
Amazing story once again...Loved finding out more about Zorticus since he was so mysterious in Float...
And Sara was a delight...
Amazing story once again...Loved finding out more about Zorticus since he was so mysterious in Float...
And Sara was a delight...
July 6, 2021
Excellent read
Ideally enjoyed this book . It took a little to get into it but then the story took off and it became a good read
Ideally enjoyed this book . It took a little to get into it but then the story took off and it became a good read
July 18, 2021
Call
Another great read from this amazing author. An assassin that saves lives, definitely an interesting retelling of the pied piper.
Another great read from this amazing author. An assassin that saves lives, definitely an interesting retelling of the pied piper.
September 17, 2021
Good retelling. If you have read the previous books you will recognize Zoticus. We now get to see his story. I really like the blending of the story and history in this book.
October 11, 2021
This one was interesting. I'm not sure how successful it was as a romance between the assassin and Sara, but it was pretty enjoyable just the same.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews