The Orphan's Wish
by Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson--FICTION
Thomas Nelson
Christian , Teens & YA
Pub Date 26 Jun 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Orphan's Wish through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:



Get ready to be transported back to the early fifteenth century where Aladdin, Orphaned and alone at the age of five travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange and faraway place. Aladdin ends up growing up in an orphanage where he meets young lady Kirstyn her father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Aladdin quickly becomes Kirsten's favorite despite their different stations in life. The two develop a friendship that neither time or opposition can break!


As a child Aladdin works hard, learning everything he can from his teachers. Through his integrity intelligence, and sheer tenacity he is able to earn a position servicing as the Dukes Steward, that does not take away the shame of having been forced to steal as a child, or the fact he has no status due to the fact he's an orphan. Aladdin must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune if he wants to be equal to his beautiful, generous friend Kristyn.


Once Aladdin departs though his friend Kristen becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Aladdin and Lady Kristyn must rely on their bond to save Kristyn from danger. Saving Kristyn could cost cost Aladdin his Newfound status, but it is worth the risk.


The Orphan's Wish is a beautiful twist on a well known tale. The Orphan's Wish is a story of courage, loyalty and friendship.


I give The Orphan's Wish five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I've read some others by this author, and found them enjoyable. She writes retellings of old familiar fairy tales, and they are especially geared for YA.

Aladdin is an orphan boy who really does find himself living in a fairy tale. Everything good seems to happen to him.

I like the fact that it is set in the 1400s. A truly delightful setting.

There wasn't as much depth to the characters as I would have wanted to see, but overall, this is an enjoyable read. Lighthearted, fairy-tale like, and yes-- charming.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

In The Orphan’s Wish, orphaned Aladdin travels from his Arab homeland to the German orphanage where he meets Lady Kirstyn, daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim. Kirstyn’s mother is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives. They become childhood friends in spite of the differences in their stations.

Aladdin works hard to secure a position serving the Duke. He loves Kirstyn but believes he cannot overcome his family background without a fortune. Aladdin leaves the Duke’s service to make his fortune, leaving her open to fortune hunters. When she is kidnapped, he returns to rescue her. Will he be in time? Will they have a future together?

Dickerson’s tales feature wholesome relationships, making this a good choice for teen readers. Dickerson excels as a storyteller with a carefully crafted plot. Dickerson creates characters who learn the meaning of sacrifice and nobility as they adjust to life’s difficult situations. As in her earlier books, the faith element is not preachy but clearly evident. The Orphan’s Wish is told more from Aladdin’s point of view. Aladdin is hard-working and determined to prove himself in order to improve his chances for a future with Kirstyn.

About a year ago I discovered how much I loved Melanie Dickerson’s books. After I read the first book in this series, I went and found all her books and read them. I have loved all of her books so when The Orphan’s Wish became available, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! This book did not disappoint! I actually had not read anything about it before I started reading it so it wasn’t until I was a couple chapters in that I realized it was based on Aladdin’s story. Both Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn have wishes in this story. They are both wishing for something that may not be considered acceptable in that day and age. She comes from a wealthy and powerful family. He grew up in an orphanage. Their worlds are miles apart, yet they desire to be together and will do whatever it takes to be there for each other and take care of each other. I love the friendship you see between the two friends and how they grow to love each other even more.

You will enjoy The Orphan’s Wish! Be sure to check out all of Melanie Dickerson’s other books, too!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love the Hagenheim series and the Fairytale Retelling series, but this one was not my favorite. There were a couple things at play, the first being that I felt like the book was rushed. We sped through so many years that it never felt like you were really getting into the characters' lives. Dickerson sort of made up for that with the flashbacks when they were older, but I feel like the story was just trying to cover too much time.

While this is supposed to be an Aladdin retelling, that didn't work for me. I think Aladdin would have been better served in the other series. Bringing the Middle East to 15th century Germany just didn't seem to fit. And there really wasn't much from the Aladdin story after the beginning, besides the names Aladdin and Abu. I didn't love that those were the names either. One thing I've really enjoyed throughout this series is the subtlety of the stories. There aren't overt names and plotlines. Enough so you know the story usually, but no more.

Honestly, what I did keep thinking of while reading was the account of Joseph, in the Bible. Aladdin's story sort of reminded me of that in some ways. I don't know if Dickerson intended for that or not.

I know this review sounds like I didn't like the book, but that's not true. I did like it, it just wasn't my favorite and I think that the story she was trying to tell would have been better told as a stand alone or in a different series.

-- I received a free review eARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review --

This book sets out to be a 'retelling' of Aladdin during the Crusades. Aladdin is the titled 'Orphan' who gets taken to Germany by a priest who encounters him in the Middle East during his crusading journey, he is smart, social, and all over incredibly perfect. Once he grows up, he has one goal, and achieves that and much more.
I found this book rather frustrating. The first few chapters of exposition read very well and made me excited for the story, but as soon as Aladdin gets to Germany, it all goes downhill. He barely struggled, and was great at everything and charmed everyone he met - there was no character growth and the story was utterly predictable. The secondary characters stayed even more one dimensional as Aladdin himself... Sadly, the Middle Ages as described in this novel have absolutely nothing to do with the actual Middle Ages, which, as a medieval historian, I tend to find very frustrating, and apart from the name, there seem to be no similarities to the tale of Aladdin.

Aladdin refocused!

An interesting take on Aladdin joins Melanie Dickerson's insightful series of traditional folk and fairytale retellings, set in the German dukedom of Hagenheim. The vision Dickerson brings to these works is so original. I am always in awe of the prism through which the stories are told and the wellspring of creativity Dickerson seems to flawlessly draw upon. That said, for all its interesting perspective, I didn't warm to Aladdin's story in the same way that I have to others. The tale of a young boy rescued by a monk from an Oliver Twist type start to life in Palestine, who journeys to an orphanage in Hagenheim and then to Lüneburg. A tale of love, courage and friendship.
Growing up with the Duke of Wilhelm’s daughter Kirstyn, Aladdin and she become inseparable. As he becomes older Aladdin realizes he must leave to make his fortune in order to be deemed worthy of Kirstyn. A deeper challenge for Aladdin is his self image, his needing to redeem himself. Even though he is successful, he continues to see himself through the eyes of Mustapha, his old thief mentor, his "Faigin."
Aladdin "needed to prove he wasn’t just a poor, unlovable thief. A rat, Mustapha had called him. Those memories brought him so much shame. "
Back in Hagenheim, all is not as it should be, and when Kirstyn is kidnapped, all that Aladdin loves is threatened.
A rewarding read despite my misgivings.

A NetGalley ARC

This book is a loose retelling of Aladdin. The story begins as Ala Ad'din's mother dies. He is left an orphan with no one to see to his well being. But a kind man (crook) takes him in and teaches him the art of stealing. When he tries to steal from the wrong, or right, people, he finds himself in better circumstances.

I liked that even as a small boy Aladdin had a strong sense of right vs wrong. He wanted to do what is right and hated doing something he knew to be dishonest. He always stood up for the less fortunate and treated everyone with respect. This mindset brought him respect, honor, and loyalty to those who were fortunate enough to work with him.

The love interest is the daughter of a Duke. Aladdin is always trying to prove his worth to himself, so he can feel worthy to be with Kirstyn. He causes a lot of anguish to himself and those he loves because he wants his fortune for the wrong reasons. It is mentioned that he has the "Midas touch". It seemed more like he was smart and had a good work ethic.

The book looks at greed and how it cause the downfall of a person. For the most part, the book ran smoothly, but it also had places where it seemed a little slow. Aladdin is deeply religious and he looked at everything through his faith. Don't get me wrong, that is a trait that I greatly admire, it just slowed the book down.

This book contains domestic violence, kidnapping, religious themes, and romance. I would consider it appropriate for an older teen on up.

Source: I requested a copy to review from Netgalley. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Has Melanie Dickerson changed to writing YA novels? Did I miss something somewhere? It seems like her earlier work was for an adult audience. I don't mean that any of the content was inappropriate or anything, it just seemed less juvenile than her current writings. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a good YA novel, except I'd like to be expecting it, and this just seemed...well, a little juvenile.

It's an interesting take on the Aladdin story. I didn't have any problems with the changes the author made. I kind of like it when the author takes liberties like that. I want to read something different from all the rest of the versions. And since there aren't a lot of versions of Aladdin (that I've read anyway) it was fun for me to read those changes. I also didn't have a problem for Germany to be involved in this telling. I don't think there was some deeper meaning. I think the author has set up a lovely world and family in Germany, and it made sense to move some of the setting to this time and place.

All that being said, I hate love triangles. I especially hate love triangles when the people don't really love each other. It makes for awkwardness, and I hate reading about awkwardness. It's definitely a personal opinion, but that kind of ruined this book for me. Other than being a little juvenile it was a fine story, but then the love triangle happened and I just cringed and kept reading because I hate stopping in the middle of a story.

If you don't mind love triangles, are looking for a quick clean read, and are a fan of Melanie Dickerson's newest stuff, definitely give this one a try.

A retelling of Aladdin that is in no way near the original story. And that is ok! This story follows Aladdin and his love as they search for a way to be together through all odds.
I really enjoyed that this wasn't like any Aladdin book I have ever read. I have read most of the other books by this author and always love how characters pop up from the other stories. This one was different in the way that you felt more for Aladdin. He wants to be able to provide, to show that he can take care of Kirstyn. In the end this book has all the romance, swooning, and love that all her other books do. A solid addition to a non-series that I can't wait to add to my collection.

I think I own all of Melanie Dickerson’s books and have enjoyed the Hagenheim series...it’s been a few years since I’ve read the first few books, so maybe I can’t remember her style of writing very well, but in this book, it felt like the story was more targeted to a young teen audience rather than young adults. The writing and conversations were more simple so I never truly felt like I knew or connected with Aladdin or Kyrsten.
However, if you are a Melanie Dickerson fan then you’ll probably enjoy the book...I just think that since I read so many books, I have developed a preference for different types of writing styles. :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am repeatedly impressed by Melanie Dickerson’s ability to take a well-known and well-loved fairy tale and create something unique while retaining elements of the familiar. And while she’s doing that, she also weaves elements and characters of her previous stories into the new one!

The Orphan’s Wish is a retelling of Aladdin. While you will find an orphan boy determined to make his mark on the world and to gain wealth in an attempt to become worthy of the girl he loves, there are no magic lamps or wish-granting genies.

Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn become fast friends in childhood. They grow up sharing everything. But an orphan is not good enough for a duke’s daughter—even one with a heart wide open to spending her life caring for those less fortunate than her.

Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn do spend a lot of the book apart and there are plenty of obstacles to them finding each other again, but their thoughts remain centered on the one they love.

This book explores what love is willing to risk, what courage can lead a person through, and what a
foundation of friendship can build. All that while providing an entertaining and sometimes action-packed storyline.

Next up for Dickerson is a Mulan retelling. Go ahead and add that one to your Goodreads shelf now.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book was very different than Melanie Dickerson's previous books in that its subject area covered some new territory. It did follow along the Aladdin story line, which many of us are familiar with, but it was transformed into something much more realistic. I really liked that. (**spoiler alert...no magic genies came out of lamps in this story**) The new territory was that the heroine, Kirstyn, was kidnapped and treated terribly. You could even say she was abused by her captors. Later the story addressed, but not in these terms, the effects this type of event can have on a victim and issues of PTSD. I found this to be a well written aspect to this story, even though it is a delicate subject matter. For those who may have suffered a traumatizing event like this, or suffered abuse from someone, this may be difficult for them to read. It may also be difficult for a younger audience to read. The author does, as in her other novels, provide a spiritual connection to the resolution of the story, which is one of my favorite aspects of her fairy tale retellings. It makes Melanie Dickerson unique as an author.

I truly enjoyed this novel. I was somewhat surprised at the level of intensity I felt as I was reading it, especially as Kirstyn was kidnapped. As I read I wasn't sure what to expect next or how all of the plot twists were going to be resolved, which is a good thing for a reader. It was hard to put it down!

Personal takeaway...God is our rescuer, our mighty warrior, who walks with us through the battle and comforts us and binds our wounds after the fight.

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

I enjoyed this medieval retelling of the tale of Aladdin. As a young orphan, he is rescued from a ring of thieves and taken from the Holy Land to the Holy Roman Empire by a priest. There he becomes enamored with a duke’s young daughter and the two form an enduring friendship. As they grow up, the two face danger and trials and misunderstandings. Will their love endure? What does the future hold for their relationship? Aladdin wants to make his own way and prove himself worthy. Is there any hope that he and Lady Kirstyn could ever marry? The characters portrayed seem real and make you care about them. The story drew me in and held me captive until the final page. I didn’t want the book to end. I have enjoy the author’s retellings of fairy tales and recommend them all. Each novel is thought-provoking, with lessons that could be applied to our lives. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Title: The Orphan's Wish

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Chapters: 34 plus epilogue

Pages: 352

Series: Hagenheim Series book 8



Genre: Christian fairy tale retelling, Christian Teen Historical

Rating: 3.5 stars

The Orphan's wish by Melanie Dickerson is the 8th book in the Hagenheim series Lady Kirsytn is the youngest daughter of the duke of Hageheim, and Aladdin an Orphan from the Holy Land. Kirstyn is the daughter of character's from The Healer's Apprentice the first book in this series as well as the younger sister of characters from book 3 The Fairest Beauty, book 4 The Captive Maiden, book 5 The Princess Spy and book 6 The Golden Braid. So it is best to read this series in order.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would mainly because Aladdin was one of my least favorite Disney movies and I had read the original story that it was based on. Melanie was able to put on own spin on the story and make it her own. With all of her previous novels in this series and her other fairy tale series her characters have a strong Christian faith. While it wasn't my favorite book of the series it was still good. Readers will see aspects of the Aladdin but it is still a new story because Mrs. Dickerson adds to the story and makes it her own.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fairy tale retelling and Christian teen historical fiction. I would say that this book is appropriate for older teens about 15 or 16 and up. I look forward to next book in this series which just happens to be a Mulan retelling.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Orphan's Wish Is a Christian retelling of Aladdin. Oh how enjoyable it is there Ms. Dickerson is so gifted on how she works this out for you. It is so fantastic this story breaks your heart in the very beginning, but as it goes on it gets happier and you are hooked from word one in pulling for Aladdin. Will he find true happiness again as an orphan? The author was able to make this world come to life in your mind. You really visualize and conceptualize the entire world of Aladdin.

A fun retelling of the beloved tale Aladdin with a daring rescue and a love story for all.

After being orphaned at a young age, Aladdin travels around trying to find his place to belong. When he ends up at an orphanage and meets Lady Kirstyn, the daughter of the Duke of Hageneim, they quickly form an unbreakable bond. Aladdin didn’t let being an orphan stop him from working hard and proving his worth. Every day he strived to prove he could be more than a poor orphan. He wants to show he can put his past of having to steal behind him and make amends for his wrongs. He wants to earn his fortune so he can be considered to marry Lady Kirstyn, but in order to do that he feels he must leave Hagenheim. Shortly after Aladdin leaves, Lady Kirstyn is kidnapped and used against both her father and Aladdin. Aladdin has to decide what is more important, his fortune he has worked for to prove he is worthy of Lady Kirstyn or saving the woman he loves.

At first I didn’t realize this was a retelling of Aladdin and was surprised with a few of the aspects of the book that made me chuckle. I enjoyed the way Aladdin worked hard despite all of the obstacles in his way. Lady Kirstyn was put in some difficult situations as well but never gave up hope in those she loved and her own abilities. This is one of the types of books I enjoy sitting down to read without having to think too much about, just enjoying the story while I’m in it and not worrying about anything else. The characters, with exception to one or two, were enjoyable to me in the story and I am happy to say the story played out well and didn’t leave me hanging or angry. There isn’t much negative I have to say about the story except for the fact that at times the story did feel a little slow but didn’t take long to pick up and keep me going. I haven’t read a lot of Melanie Dickerson but am sure to keep her on my list for upcoming reads. I recommend this book to those that enjoy a good historical romance with fun little tid-bits sprinkled in to make the story light hearted.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

3.5 Stars

This is part of the Hagenheim book #8 series, however it is the first I have read in the series and I feel it is a stand alone book.

I was not entirely sure what to expect from this novel. However I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, I guess it is a spin off of Aladdin. However, if you were to change the names I'm not sure everyone would make the connection. If you love Aladdin you will love it, if you are not a fan of Aladdin you will still enjoy this book, I think. Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn are front and center in this book. I love their friendship from the beginning. There are twist, turns and mystery in this novel. I look forward to reading more from Melanie Dickerson.

Dickerson has done it again! She magically recreates the tale of Aladdin with her own unique spin. She captures the reader from the first page and holds them captive until the very end. Aladdin is such a loving and selfless character and Kirstyn is so good hearted and kind, although a bit naive. I loved how they were friends before they ever realized they loved each other. When I thought I knew what would happen in this story, I found myself surprised at each and every turn! A delightful tale with faith and hope for all, The Orphan's Wish is a must read for any fairy tale lover!

3.5 stars
I've only read a few Melanie Dickerson books but I am really trying to remedy that situation! I have a few sitting on my kindle, waiting to be read but when I saw this one coming out, I just had to read it because, Aladdin! (one of my favorites) The hard thing with re-telling is you cannot help but compare. This story was very loosely based on the Disney version of this story in the beginning but that really is where it ends. I almost wish that Aladdin's name had been changed so I didn't try to associate at all because I really liked the story but it I just had that little hang up with the name and Disney!

I did love the way Aladdin and Kirstyn came to be friends and I loved how much time they spent together as children. The memories they had together were sweet and it made so much sense for those childhood feelings to develop into something more as they grew older.

Aladdin was so determined to be good and prove himself and I found him ever so endearing. His kindness was his strength. My emotional connection to Kirstyn wasn't as strong which is weird because she went through the greatest hardship in the book. I'm not sure why that connection wasn't there.

This book is clean, which I really appreciated. The characters are young (teenagers) for most of the book but they often didn't feel that young. I felt like they were more young adults and that's the way I kept hearing them in my mind. I did enjoy this story though and I'm looking forward to the other books by Melanie Dickerson that I have waiting for me!

Content: Christian fiction elements, some abuse and peril, mild violence

- I received a complimentary copy of this book at my request. All opinions expressed are my own.