disclosure: We were sent a copy of Disney Books’ Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider by Jen Calonita in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own, No other compensation was received.
“I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice. Here comes the smolder.” – Flynn Rider
Ever wonder how Flynn Rider came across the smolder in the first place? Actually, have you ever wondered how Eugene Fitzherbert came to be Flynn Rider? Well, consider your questions answered with Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider by Jen Calonita! Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider is the backstory of the legend himself, Flynn Rider. If you’re a fan of Tangled, make sure to check out this book!
- Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider by Jen Calonita
- 192 pages * age range: 9-12 years
- The Lost Legends series explores the untold origins of Disney’s most infamous rogue boys.
Flynn Rider wasn’t always known as Flynn Rider. For a while, he was just 12 year-old Eugene Fitzherbert, one of the many orphans residing at Miss Clare’s Home for Boys. He didn’t live the dangerously exciting life he would soon have, but when he and his best friend, Arnie, reenact his favorite book series (The Flynnigan Rider Novels) for his fellow orphans, he almost felt like he was Flynnigan Rider, a daring rogue who went on adventures around the world.
But when a mean tax collector threatens to shut down Miss Clare’s Home for Boys, it’s up to Eugene and Arnie to save the day! But how, they’re not exactly sure. Luckily for them, they learn of a circus coming to their town, and they’re hiring! Eugene and Arnie join the circus, only to learn of a much darker plot than clowns and magic tricks.
I am a huge fan of the whole Tangled franchise, so I was super excited to read Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider. This great book was filled with so many easter eggs and references to the movie and the show. It was a very exciting read, with a lot of twists and turns and humor, as much as a proper Flynn Rider book should have. I also loved that the whole Snuggly Duckling crew was in the book! It was so much fun seeing what they were like when they were younger.
My favorite part of Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider were the easter eggs and references. It was so much fun to read something and be like, “Oh hey! That’s from the show/movie.” One example of a great Easter egg was a young Flynn stumbling upon Rapunzel’s tower! What if Rapunzel had peered out her window and saw Flynn? They were so close! Another great part of this story was the inclusion of the Snuggly Duckling ruffians and the Stabbington Brothers, so we really understand Flynn’s backstory with these characters as well. The great thing about these references was that they weren’t crucial to the story, so someone who hasn’t seen the show would not be confused while reading this book. I do definitely recommend watching the show (Tangled: The Series) though, because it definitely made the story more enjoyable and immersive.
It was nice how you could watch Flynn and all the characters grow throughout the story. Because in the beginning, Flynn is only interested in saving the orphanage, which turns to him wanting a life of adventure, but in the end, he ends up saving the whole kingdom!
Jen Calonita is not a stranger to Disney Books. She has also also written a few of the Twisted Tales: Mirror, Mirror and Conceal, Don’t Feel. She is very detail oriented, making sure she does not stray from the original storyline. Her stories branch out from the original tales, but do not compromise the stories we all know.
The age recommendation for Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider is for older elementary school aged kids, but I think older fans would definitely enjoy this book as well. It’s a great light read, and fills in many gaps of the Flynn Rider backstory. It’s perfect for when you’re on the go, sitting by the pool, or trapped in a tower 😉
I’m NDK, and this is my review 🙂
Hi! I am the Neurotic Disney Kid – sharing my expert kid-opinion all about everything Disney! My favorite attraction is The Enchanted Tiki Room and my favorite park is Magic Kingdom. I love to read and take pictures!
