The Rise of Flynn Rider

Lost Legends #1

by Jen Calonita

The first book in a new middle grade series that features the adventures of Disney’s most loveable roguish heroes as kids!

“You know the great thing about beginnings? It means we’re only getting started.” — Flynnigan Rider and the Hunt for the Red Pearl

Twelve- year-old Eugene Fitzherbert needs a plan. It’s not that he doesn’t love his time in the orphanage that raised him—Miss Clare and the boys are his family. As is his best friend, Arnie, with whom he’s often in cahoots, acting out passages from his favorite Flynnigan Rider books, or pretending they’re Lance Archer, the iconic thief who takes from the rich to give to the poor. But Eugene knows that most orphans his age set off to make their own way, and the orphanage already doesn’t have the means to support them all. Besides, he wants to see the world with Arnie, and maybe, just maybe find his parents someday.

So when a traveling circus comes to the kingdom promising a life of adventure, brotherhood, and riches, Eugene jumps at the chance to join them. He even convinces Arnie to come too. But soon it becomes clear that there’s more to this ragtag crew than meets the eye, and they may have a dubious plot in the works. It’ll take new heroes—namely, Flynn Rider and Lance Strongbow, to save the day.

Filled with adventure and fun, the Lost Legends series explores the untold origins of Disney’s most infamous rogue boys.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Young Adult, Adventure

186 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

Hi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).

I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!

I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.

I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.

I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!

xo
Jen

Reviews

[fer bañuelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cute cute.

¿Qué tanto les puedo decir de este libro? Es una historia super cortita que nos narra los inicios de Flynn Rider, de como desde los 12 años comenzó su carrera ilustre (di) como ladrón, y me pareció super lindo.

Desde que me enteré de la existencia de este me dieron ganas de leerlo, no solamente porque Enredados sea una de mis películas favoritas de Disney, sino también porque soy muy fan del middle grade, y este libro no decepcionó. Es cortito, lindo, atrapante, lleno de acción y encantador.

Estoy interesado en leer los siguientes de la serie, ya que Aladdin, Kristoff y Peter Pan son personajes que me gustan mucho, y si este es algún indicio de cómo serán los siguientes then I'm in for a treat. Super lindo, si son fan de esta historia y personaje sí o sí deben leerlo.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/18/21
Now, I can't say this book was great plot-wise, or pacing-wise, or even sticking-with-the-canon-of-the-series-wise. Or that it answered all of the questions I have about Eugene and Lance's past.

But it was so much fun.

I loved reading about young, tweenage Eugene and Lance. I loved seeing their relationship as children and how it compares to their relationship as adults.

I love that it feels catered directly to TTS/RTA fans. Characters, places, and names that we learn in the series are sprinkled all throughout and it felt like a big warm hug.

The one thing I am sad about is we never get to see Cass😩 Captain does mention her, but we never see her! Not even a description of a girl with dark hair that I can pretend is her! I am! So sad!

Also, I can't believe Eugene's mom's MAID gets a name but Eugene's mom sTILL HAS NO NAME. Pascal's mom gets a name. Random maid gets a name. This is Eugene's mom slander.

In all, this is a fun, quick read. I highly recommend watching the series before reading it, because it is FULL of spoilers for Eugene's character arc. If you do happen to read this before watching the series... you should watch it ASAP after reading! Find out what happens to Edmund and Dark Kingdom, and meet more people with the comet tattoo!

10/14/21
This was almost everything I could’ve wanted.
RTC!

9/22/21
Can’t believe I forgot to update this yesterday, but - happy book birthday to The Rise of Flynn Rider! I am impatiently awaiting my copy!

4/2/21
The official cover reveal is here!!! Knowing she consulted with Chris makes me even more excited!

3/29/21
The cover has not been added to Goodreads yet but it is gORGEOUS AND I AM IN LOVE WITH IT

1/22/21
EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY EUGENE AND LANCE BACKSTORY

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking cute! What an awesome little backstory to Flynn Rider from tangled!

[Reyy Loves Middle Grade Books]

I NEED THIS

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO FUN!!!! If you ADORE the TV series, then pick up this book RIGHT NOW. This is a backstory book on Eugene, and I loved the fun friendship relationship he has with Lance. It also was both adorable and hurt my heart how these two good-hearted boys so innocently stumbled their way into their life of crime.

This book has all the fun characters from the TV show. Lance. The Baron. The Weasel. They're all here. And they all feel like they do in the tv series. It felt like watching an episode of the show.

So, yes, pick this up. Right now.

I listened to the audiobook, and that just made it EVEN BETTER! The narrator sounds EXACTLY like young Eugene from the TV show. I'm not sure if it is the same actor or if someone who sounds really close, but that just made this so enjoyable!

[Aly Engaged · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a action packed full fledged adventure of our Flynn. He was so cute and funny and I loved the way he cared for his home for boys . It’s full of fun shenanigans of the boys Lance and Flynn.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene Fitzherbert has spent twelve years in Miss Claire’s home for boys and has made a good home there. He tells the young boys’ stories from his favorite books, the tales of Flynnigan Rider, and acts out with his best friend, Arnie. Yet Eugene knows that boys his age are already setting off on their own, and Miss Claire is running out of funds to house the orphans. Eugene doesn’t want to leave, yet he yearns for adventure, and maybe, along the way he’ll find his parents.

One day when a traveling circus passes through the kingdom promising adventure and riches beyond their wildest dreams, Eugene jumps at the opportunity, convincing Artie to come along too. However, it becomes clear that all is not what it seems with this ragtag crew, and a heinous plot may be working its way out. It will take a pair of new heroes-Flynn Rider and Lance Strongbow- to stop them.

Fans of Tangled, and Tangled: The Series will love this origin story of Eugene and how he became the funny, loveable thief-turned-good guy he is today. I loved both the movie and television series because you got a glimpse at what happened after the movie. Now in this book, you see how Eugene was as a kid before he met Rapunzel. A fun tale for anyone who loves adventure, friendship, and finding your path.

Reviewed by Skye Kordistos, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library District

[Clarissa Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!!! FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND STARS!

[Amani · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SUCH A FUN BOOK and I read it while on my trip to Disney world so it was cool to see rapunzel's tower and everything.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Flynn, I love Tangled, and I love Jen Calonita, so there was no way I was not going to love this book. And I was not disappointed because I loved it even more than I thought I would. All of the "Tangled: The Series" references (the best TV show ever), all of the characters from Tangled, and all of Flynn's voice made the book so much fun to read! I would recommend this book to everyone, it was so fun and full of Tangled references and so many small details that make you feel like you are really there in Corona with all the characters.

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun twist on Flynn Rider’s story and I loved the crossovers with Tangled's story. It’s fun and fast paced. Enjoyed all the twists and turns.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Summary:
5%: So we start the book with a kingdom destroyed, and a baby orphan, Eugene Fitzherbert. He grew up in the orphanage, and he only had books, and a letter from his parents with him.
20%: Eugene plans to leave the home with his friend Arnie, and luckily when he is at the circus, the first day they are in town, Eugene sees a man on stage with the same mark on his arm as his letter, from his parents.
45%: ok. So Eugene and his best friend, Arnie, decided to join the circus. Flynn sees a guy on stage with the But first they had to find the circus. When they are hiding behind a rock, they get captured. Eugene and Arnie make up fake names. Eugene is now Flynn Rider and his friend is now Lance Strongbow. (for the summary and review I will refer to the two boys as their fake names) They must have an initiation, so they are sent to find a key, from the Snuggly Duckling, for a plan unknown.
60%: So Flynn and Lance get the key to the circus. They are highly celebrated, and welcomed into the “family.” The Baron instantly likes them for bringing him the key. Flynn and Lance then get into a huge fight, and their friendship is over. They are ignoring each other, and Lance is getting used to the nice kitchen. Flynn was learning moves to steal.
End of book: Flynn and Lance learn about the upcoming heist, and are assigned the most important job. The Heist: Break into the kingdom's treasury, and steal the “Lost Princess” treasure, and hop town. Flynn is nervous, but does it anyway. While with Lance, they make a plan to trap the Stabbington brothers in the room. Flynn uses the moves from his storybooks, and brings them to life.

My Review:
Can I just say WOW? No? Okay. Where to begin. First things first there was nothing bad about this book. I am the biggest fan of Jen Calonita, and everything she writes is amazing. I never really thought about Flynn’s past, but this really showed me. The author’s writing was phenomenal! I only get digital Advanced Readers Copies (ARC’s), the kindle really can’t format the book, so it is nearly impossible to read. (I would love to get the print versions one day). Aside from that part, the book was phenomenal. The characters each are special in their own way, and in the Tangled movie, I loved the Snuggly Duckling scene, and this book got into the “thugs’” background. Have nothing bad to say about the book itself. It was a perfect read. Fun and twisted, but really amazing read.
If any teachers see this: think about teaching it.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun (possible) origin story for Eugene! The author really knew her characters as everyone from Eugene to Lance and beyond sounded like their movie or TV show counterparts which is wonderful and made this story such a blast. Eugene especially is a hard character to nail for most writers so I was really stoked to see this author got him right and did his story and personality justice. ☺️

And as someone who saw the TV series I was pleasantly surprised by the prologue as that EVENT (can’t say further because spoilers!) isn’t really explained fully in the series, so I was happy to get further context on it here.

Now I said “possible” origin story because in cannon context things don’t line up for either the movie OR TV series. (for example, Eugene and Lance know about the hidden passageway in the Snuggly Duckling which then doesn’t match up with Eugene not knowing about it in the movie. TV series example is in this book Eugene knows about the Dark Kingdom while in the series he didn’t—and it’s not something he would have forgotten!) So while it was fun seeing Easter eggs of things/people/places from both I wouldn’t recommend you read this book until after you see both as there are minor AND major spoilers throughout, especially for the series.

Despite this I really enjoyed the story and seeing a possibility of where Eugene started his journey. The cover is wonderful, the story fun, and I will certainly read it again!

Content: stealing and lying; kids are chased and tied up

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Okay so I didn’t know this connected with the Tangled tv series so if I had all the info my review might be different. 😟

Now I’m not sure what to say, haha. I found it frustrating the book introduced this massive mysterious backstory for Flynn that didn’t go anywhere and wasn’t resolved when I thought this series was meant to deal with their life stories before the films. I also didn’t like how he’s so close with Lance in the book but he’s not a movie character but I guess he’s in the show??? And the fact that he clearly now has a bad relationship with all the guys in the Snuggly Duckling, how did they not kill him in the movie? AND AND, if he left Corona with this conscience about stealing from the kingdom why is that how we’re introduced to him in the movie?

A lot of things didn’t line up film-canon wise which I always find frustrating when things are meant to be proper tie-ins. Does all of this make sense if you watch the show? Maybe. I’ll have to try it out and see.

Other than the actual story, I found the writing pretty basic and plodding along at some points, like there was a lot of repetitiveness and very simple sentences that didn’t flow very well.

Although the chapter that was the heist I thought was done very well, with the going back and forth on the Baron’s instructions from the night before and then the actual events as it happened was really cool and well written.

This is cute for kids on the younger reading side who love Tangled and Flynn especially. I love him and the movie but didn’t love this.

[myrthesouvereyns · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute story about Eugene and as a Tangled fan I was very pleased there were so many Easter eggs to Tangled the Series… BUT… there were just too many! It felt like the book was filled with Easter eggs and the story was kind of boring in my opinion.
I love that the relationship with Lance was in there!

Some things didn’t add up though:
- all the ruffians were in there and they already knew Flynn… whereas in the movie they didn’t know him at first? Or at least not personally?
- all the names were spelled correct, except for Stalyan which was spelled as Staylan?
- In the book Flynn already finds out about moonstone and the Dark Kingdom but totally forgot about that in the Series? 😂

Oh well, it was a fun read! Just too many Easter eggs and some things that confused me as I know the series pretty well 🙈

[nodie 7 · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can I say this? the book isn’t bad I just found it boring I struggled to finish this book it’s heavily based on tangled series I expected something new and a little more dark I wanted to see how did eugene became so cold to people and how he became a thief who only cares about money I wanted to see another side of him I wanted to see the cruelty he witnessed but I didn’t get that from this book it was more of a light fun adventure than an origin story :) it was ok but didn’t add anything really and in my opinion could have been way more interesting

[Shannon M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute backstory! I absolutely loved it.

Reading lines he says in the movie, as a twelve year old boy, warmed my damn heart. 😍

I’m so obsessed with Disney, and these Lost Legends books are PERFECT!

Jen Calonita, you’re the BEST. 🫶🏼

[minhal ༊·˚⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book did not to do love of my life flynn rider eugene fitzherbert justice

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Legends is a new middle school book series about “the adventures of Disney's most loveable roguish heroes as kids.” Author Jen Calonita starts off with the most lovable rogue of all, Flynn Rider.

Remember the dramatic scene in Tangled where Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are stuck in a cave flooding with water? They confess to each other their deepest secrets, including Flynn Rider’s real name:

“I’ll spare you the sob story of poor orphan Eugene Fitzherbert. It’s a little bit of a… it’s a little bit of a downer. There was this book. A book I used to read every night to all the younger kids. The Tales of Flynigan Rider! The swashbuckling rogue, richest man alive, not bad with the ladies either. Not that he’d ever brag, of course… He had enough money to do anything that he wanted to do. He could go anywhere that he wanted to go. And – and for a kid with nothing, I don’t know. It just seemed like the better option.” - Eugene Fitzherbert

Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider is an exploration of this line. A prequel to Tangled, it follows the adventures of 12-year-old orphans Eugene Fitzherbert and his best friend Arnwaldo Schnitz, though they are better known as Flynn Rider and Lance Strongbow.

The adventures of these “thieving” best friends are hinted at during the series and movie, so it was nice to get a full story of how these kids turned to a life of crime.

After reading A Twisted Tale: What Once Was Mine, which was only based on the film, I was happy to read references to Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure in this book.

Full review: https://thegeekywaffle.com/home/2021/...

Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney-Hyperion, and NetGalley for the early copy for review purposes.

[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I feel like I need to give a brief review on this one. For starters I couldn’t be more THRILLED that this book added a little more Tangled to the world, especially that it added a little more of Tangled the Series (RTA) which is the BEST SHOW EVER! There are however many inconsistencies that do not line up with Eugene’s character (especially in the series). It seems a little odd that Eugene and Lance would have known all those thugs in childhood, (especially as Eugene meets them later on and learns their names “Hook Foot. I have to admit, I did not see that coming.”) Along with that, there’s the strange meeting of Maximus (inexplicably referred to as a pony), and such a slew of characters from the series it almost makes ones head spin finding them all packed into the band of one circus? Literally? Not to mention another member of The Brotherhood who apparently defected so he could take care of pigs. (I wonder if the Moon Stone effects him when Cass is in possession? Moot point.) Eugene finds out he’s from the Dark Kingdom but also that it’s been destroyed. One would think that when he met Quirin, Adira, Hector, or maybe even King Edmund it might ring a bell somewhere in his brain? Especially with that symbol plastered everywhere. Also the secret passageway that was shown to Lance and Eugene in the Snuggly Duckling, along with Eugene actually FINDING the tower...come on! It’s a lot of memory loss. But, come to think of it, Rapunzel DID bang him in the head a slew of times with a frying pan? So maybe it’s believable. Poor fellow.

Also I was irked that Stalyan’s name was (intentionally?) spelled wrong.

[Trang Dong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Jen Calonita and Disney Books for sending me an ARC of Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider! As a huge Tangled fan I was so excited when I was approached asking if I was interested in reading and reviewing this book! It was the perfect story for younger fans of Tangled and even older fans who want to see more of their favorite characters! Filled with cameos from your favorite ruffians and thugs and even a reference to a certain lady in-waiting, “Lost Legends” shows us Eugene Fitzherbert‘s transformation into Corona’s infamous Flynn Rider! I loved this book and honestly wished it was just a tad longer but it was a fun, fast read perfect for any Tangled fanatic! Such a delight to see these characters live on again! This book is also the perfect companion read for fans of Tangled the series!

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much NetGalley for this eARC of The Rise of Flynn Rider audiobook!
This middle grades novel was nonstop fun. The author totally nails Eugene’s personality from the movie Tangled! There are enough little Easter eggs that are fun for those who have seen the movie, but honestly it’s not required for the book. It follows Eugene, who is the thief-turned-love interest in Tangled, but several years prior to the movie. He is only 12, and is trying to find his way in the world after growing up in an orphanage all of his life. He does this with his best friend, Arnie.

As a protagonist, Eugene was amazing. Jen Calonita really nailed the line of swashbuckling confidence and complete adolescent insecurities. Sean Giambrone is an excellent narrator (/voice actor in general), and made listening to this as an audiobook even more delightful. I’ll be getting a paper copy to add to my classroom library!

[Lindsical · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable and fun Flynn Rider and Lance Strongbow 'origin story.'

I love that this book is actually canon material! It takes place before the events of Tangled, but is directly related to Tangled the Series. It references characters, events, and certain plots from the television series and that makes my little Tangled loving heart happy. I love getting to see Flynn and Lance's friendship from the beginning during their childhood and learning more about how they grew up and chose their aliases.

This book was written for ages 9-12, and I'm 35 but that didn't stop me from really appreciating this tale. The author writes well and doesn't simplify the writing in a way that can't be enjoyed by all ages.

If you love Tangled and especially if you have enjoyed Tangled the series, read this book.

Also I hope she plans on writing more! There is a lot she can do with it now that it's gotten going!

[Kathryn Scarlett Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see that Eugene Fitzherbert was finally getting his own book and I purchased my copy as soon as possible. Having finished the book in a day (it’s a short read) I knew I had to give it a review on Goodreads so here I am.

Let’s go ahead and jump right in. Eugene has always deserved his own full blown backstory. Not the snippets that we got in the Tangled movie and the small bits of Dark Kingdom history told in Tangled the Series. I am ecstatic to say that Jen Colonita has done Eugene justice. “Lost legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider” chronicles Eugene and Lance’s rise to theif-dom. The book starts with their last days in an orphanage in Corona to their first encounter with the infamous Baron.

Eugene and Lance are two boys coming of age in a Disney fantasy world, okay? Keeping that in our perspective, this book was surprisingly realistic in how it portrayed Eugene and Lance’s goals. Yes, of course they dream about finding treasure and being famous and well liked. But those are dreams and they both know it. Their real goals are providing for the ones they love and trying to find a place in the world. Sadly, because of their limited means and not always working brains, they find the solutions in The Baron.

Yeah, sure, like THAT will work out 🤦‍♀️

This book DOES NOT justify stealing. Eugene and Lance both know what they are doing is wrong and their consciences overcome them more often then not. However, we know that Eugene becomes a well known thief in the Tangled movie so the fact is unavoidable. He likes the shiny stuff. He takes the shiny stuff. Needless to say, he is just a child and barely able to steal a bracelet (I’m looking at you Chapter 12 👀).

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reacquainting myself with Stalyon. She is one of my least favorite characters in TTS. She is rude, arrogant, and vain and she treats Eugene with disrespect, referring to him as more of an object than a human. But this book helped humanize her for me. Unlike Eugene, she was surrounded by ruffians and thugs from infancy. I mean, her dad is The Baron. That’s a hard situation to rise up from. Stalyon has a deep empathy somewhere inside of her, she really does. She has allowed herself to become bitter is all.

The book had Eugene and Lance’s characters down 100%. Eugene has the best one-liners, as per usual and Lance provide’s the slapstick sidekick comedy. Stalyon is just how I imagine she would be at a tween age. And the guys from the Snuggly Duckling are spot on…this book actually explains why most of them dislike Eugene so much, especially Hook Hand.

My one big criticism is this: canon compliance. Bringing in the Dark Kingdom and the Moonstone will probably make the next books in the Lost Legends series more intriguing but that plot line really doesn’t belong. Eugene is supposed to have no idea that the Dark Kingdom even exists before TTS. If he had known about it since he was twelve, he would have told Rapunzel the minute they first encounter the scroll pieces, not to mention Adira.

Another thing that doesn’t make sense is the Flynn Rider storybooks. While I love the idea that King Edmund gave them to Eugene when he was just a babe, why then would he instruct Hamuel to take it as a keepsake for himself?

Maybe I am just overthinking the canon compliancy. Calonita’s goal was to write a captivating story and I admit these slightly questionable elements did make the plot more interesting.

[Sreenidhi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Jen was able to go deep into what SHOULD be the possible back story of our favorite thief. I love this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the Lost Legends!

[Jill Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Disney retell of 2024. While these are some of my fav reads and this was a cute read it was not what I expected. Maybe I had my own thoughts on Flynn Rider.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5***
Nothing bad, it was cute, just not for me!

[Florence Migga]

DNF @ 37%

It’s not a bad book. Kinda cute. But it wasn’t holding my interest.

[Xena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such a great story from another point of view. It's such a great small adventure story.

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Flynn Rider before he became Flynn Rider. I loved this origin story of one of my favorite Disney rogues. Before Flynn was Flynn, he was Eugene Fitzherbert, an orphan. And of course, he runs away and joins the... yup, you guessed it - the circus. But it's not a normal circus - Eugene and his best friend Arnie find themselves in a whole new cut throat world. Luckily, they've been reading stories of rogues and thieves their entire stay at the orphanage. Can they pull off a double or triple heist at only 12 years old?
We get a glimpse into Eugene's past and his origins - and man, it's juicy. So you need to read to find out just how dreamy and perfect he is for Rapunzel.
I do love that all my favorite characters are contained in this novel as well as the Snuggly Duckling.