I adore backstories. And this was no exception. If you didn’t already like Flynn Rider, this is just another reason to love him.

3.5 ⭐ Rise of Flynn Rider by Jen Calonita ; narrated by Sean Giambrone.
This was a fun middle school adventure novel, the first of what seems to be a new series. The story revolves around an orphan and his friend as they set out from the orphanage to make their own adventures as well as some money for their beloved orphanage. They run into and join a band of circus performers that they learn later have a side job. Eugene and Arnie (i.e. Flynn and Lance) must decide to fully fall into this side business or follow what they feel is right.

The story has a prologue revealing Eugene’s true background. I had hoped he would learn of it and perhaps find unknown relatives, but only time will tell in the upcoming sequels in the series whether this will happen. The narrator did a fine job relating the story and characters.

I thank Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for allowing me to listen to this fun adventure story. I think middle school and perhaps upper elementary students will enjoy this book and its future sequels.

I've watched most of the animated series so I wasn't as confused in reading this. It was such fun to see an origin story for Flynn. The only problem was sometimes I was trying to mesh this story to everything I vaguely remembered about the show. So I kept wondering if Flynn double crossed all these people why they would work with him in the future. Like why are the Stabbingtons with him in the beginning of the movie, if he messed with them multiple times when he was 12? I guess it might be a sign of Flynn's ability to talk people into anything, but I was just left wondering. Overall a fun read and definitely quick and fast paced. I am intrigued to see what other characters this series will tackle.

As a huge Tangled fan, I enjoyed this story. I think my students would also enjoy it, especially my less mature readers. I am looking forward to adding this to my classroom library!

This was a good book, my kids really enjoyed listening to it. It's always fun for them to get a little more backstory to some of their favorite characters

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.

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!