I just couldn't get into this one. It's a cute story, but there just wasn't anything original about the story--it didn't really bring anything new to the YA historical/fantasy table, and the Mulan retelling wasn't as original as I would have hoped. The writing style wasn't bad, per se, but it also didn't pull me in--the characters weren't fleshed out, and some of the dialogue felt a little forced. I know this is Christian fiction, but the religious elements were sometimes inserted a little too awkwardly/bluntly for my tastes. Not a bad book, but also nothing remarkable.

One of my favorite of Melanie's re-tellings. She followed the story really well, but made enhancements that improved on the original.
The gender reveal between the two main characters and then with the rest of the army was handled better than the disney story we're familiar with. That was possibly my favorite change.
Having the attacking army be religious zealots made the book feel a little more preachy than her others, but overall it worked for the story line.
the sidekick was spot on and really complemented Mulan's character.
The chemistry was sweet and just right. .

Melanie Dickerson's retelling of Mulan in "The Warrior Maiden" promises to be a hit with her fans and with new readers as well. With a new twist to an old fairy tail and, likeable characters (and unlikeable villains), readers will pick up the book, only to have to finish before the put it down. Heroes and villains, a strong female lead, an exciting plot, a vivid setting--what's not to like? But then I've been a fan of all of Melanie Dickerson's fairy tell retellings.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinons are expressly my own.

So, The Warrior Maiden is a Mulan retelling set in medieval Lithuania. Mulan is half-Asian in this one, but that's about it as far as that cultural connection. Mulan does masquerade as a man in this one too and soon finds herself attracted to Wolfgang, a Duke 's son that fights alongside Mulan. The enemy is the Teutonic Knights and there is a very superficial vein of Christianity interwoven in the story. Basically, the characters drop the big guy in the sky a sweet line or two every number of pages. Then there's the love story...

This book is part of a very well established series and it has a legion of fans that no doubt will enjoy the latest chapter. It didn't hold my attention and so I give it a 2 star. I think if 12 or 13 year old me read this book, I would have devoured it and recommended it to all. Adult me.... well, I just wanted it to end.

The Warrior Maiden was a disappointment. I expected something different from this book. One of the things I didn't like at all was the setting. To me, Mulan represents China with all its culture, while here the story was set in Germany-Poland... why?? With this choice the asian beauty and traditions disappeared. Plus, I wasn't particularly fond of the characters and this aspect penalized even more the reading. So, this book was a huge flop.

Mulan in medieval Europe: when her father dies, she takes his place in battle, disguised as a man, of course. Her skill at archery will prove helpful, but her small stature and lack of ability with a heavy sword could put her in danger. Nonplussed, she bravely goes forth to fight against evil. This novel has connections with the author’s other retellings of ancient tales so it make the story even more fun. The setting comes alive, and you feel like you’re among the soldiers and rooting for good to triumph. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Exciting, charming, holds quite a few scenes that allude to the storyline of the beloved Disney film. Andrei is like Mushu, Boldheart is Khan the warhorse, Wolfgang is Shang, Duke Konrad the fatherly emperor, Rusdorf the leader of the Huns, Simon and Gregorius are the loyal comrades who help Milan storm the palace. Plenty of historical detail, too.

But Dickerson has definitely made this tale her own - the story is set in Eastern Europe rather than Asia, for starters. And Mulan is rather quickly discovered to be a woman, but celebrated (not rejected) and even made a leader in the army! She’s also the only Asian character, which makes for quite a different version of the traditional story. Themes of family honor and finding your place, war, and love, along with the beloved Gerstenberg family of Hagenheim, make for a compelling novel. Not to mention Wolfgang, who starts out a bit unfocused but soon grows into a fine hero.

Now we just need to get Steffan straightened out...

The storyline may be somewhat familiar to some, but like her other fairytale stories, Melanie Dickerson adds unique elements and fresh perspectives that craft a story with depth and creativity. And, of course, there is a welcome faith aspect. She also includes subtle references to gender equality and strong, independent females. Some portions were unrealistic, but in the background of fiction, still fun to read. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more fairytale stories!

I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't connect with this story. I was expecting a retelling but having the same name just threw me off. I think. I'm not sure but I know this just wasn't for me.

Melanie has crafted another winner in this fairy tale retelling of the story of Mulan. The Warrior Maiden is full of romance, humor, and exciting moments that kept me on the edge of my seat while reading this fun story. Mulan exhibits more bravery than I could ever have and it makes for quite a compelling tale. It also sets up Steffan’s story, which releases this December, quite nicely. Can’t wait for my next visit to Hagenheim!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

4.5 stars


I admit I haven’t watched or read anything about Mulan, so Melanie Dickerson’s retelling was completely new to me. But Dickerson’s story was great.

Mulan is a likable character with her quiet manner, courage, commitment to her mother, and faith in God. Strong, competent Wolfgang makes an excellent complement to her.

Dickerson expertly balances strained family relationships, political contentions, battlefield action, and a sweet and steady romance, giving readers an engaging, exciting, and thoroughly fulfilling story.

As hard as it is to choose just one, The Warrior Maiden may be my favorite of Dickerson’s retellings yet.

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.

“The Warrior Maiden” by Melanie Dickerson has it all! Action, adventure, romance, faith and girl power! This is a Mulan retelling that takes place primarily in medieval Lithuania and Poland. I love this time period and Ms. Dickerson does a wonderful job incorporating the culture of the time into her story.

I really love the main character in this story, Mulan. She is a kick-butt heroine, but she’s also not obnoxious and in your face. I love how she grows personally throughout the story and in her relationship with God. She learns that God can indeed be trusted. Mulan gives credit to God for her abilities and victories and knows that God made her brave and fierce for a purpose. I also love the romance with Wolfgang.

During this time period, it is seen as witchcraft when a woman fights or dresses as a man. This story stresses seeing women as an equal. I love all the ways Mulan is able to prove herself and show that she is often just as capable as a man.

Mulan’s story really touched me, because as Christians, God calls us to be warriors for Him. Sometimes we have to do brave and hard things. It really inspired me to step out and trust that God will help me.

This is a wonderful book that is appropriate and entertaining for the whole family!

Content: This is a clean read with some minor content. I give it a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of alcohol and a person being drunk; allusion to a woman’s chest; a child is born out of wedlock and a man has a mistress; mention of the devil; innuendos.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Fairy tale retelling; Romance

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

Hagenheim series. Traditional tales reimagined.

Usually I love Melanie Dickerson's work. This ninth book in the Hagenheim series, a reimagination of fifteenth century Lithuania and Poland just didn't stir me. I found the lead characters Mulan and Wolfgang to be wooden in their interactions and their reflections. I know that Christianity is a central tenet for Dickerson's work and I applaud her for that. In this novel she seems to have lost the ability to infuse her characters' faith so that it comes naturally to them, to be an organic extension of their being. Maybe there was too many references when less would have been more. Mulan is the illegitimate daughter of a soldier brought back to his small Lithuanian village to live as a family with his barren wife who longed for a child. A prophecy for Mulan by a visiting friar when she was six, that she "would conquer an oppressor in a foreign land and a nation would call [her] blessed,” together with her faith in God, gives Mulan strength.
Mikolai has been called to battle by his Lord Butautas. "He is to report to Vilkaviškis to join the army in fighting the Teutonic Knights who have besieged his ally's castle [Duke Konrad of Zachev] in Poland.”
However Mikolai has died. Mulan disguises herself as Mikolai's supposed son so that her mother will not loose her meager home.
I liked Mulan's bravery in the face of impossible odds. I enjoyed her struggles with how to be a man in an encampment of soldiers. I loved the support she has from twelve year old Andrei, her father Mikolai's attendant in the last two wars he fought in.
I thought the break between Wolfgang and his brother Steffan (Duke Konrad's two sons), the causes, the interaction with each other gave depth to them as characters, but again in speech and interaction they were just flat.
The relationship between Mulan and Wolfgang grows from awkward and initially jealousy on Wolfgang's part, into one of respect and support, even when he discovers Mulan is a woman.
Dickerson's research into the backgrounds for her story is solid and her author's notes as always are a pleasure to read.

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

I acquired a copy of this book for the purpose of creating a bookstagram post for JustRead Tours.

Annie assured me that I am not required to write a review.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Sincerely,
Amanda Geaney

Title: The Warrior Maiden
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Genre: YA, fantasy
Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Mulan doesn’t want to stay home and marry the butcher’s son, but with her father dead, there aren’t many options for her and her mother. Rather than waste her life tied to a man she doesn’t love, she disguises herself as a soldier and goes off to war to protect her liege lord’s castle.

Wolfgang, a duke’s son, is eager to fight against the rampaging Teutonic Knights, but his brother, still bitter from a childhood tragedy, defects to join the Knights, leaving Wolfgang to fight his battles alone. Until he meets the young soldier Mikolai, who is inexperience but brave, and the two form a formidable team.

But there’s something that doesn’t quite add up about Mikolai, and when the boy is injured, Wolfgang realizes he’s really a girl—Mulan. She is still determined to be a soldier and to keep her mother safe, but Wolfgang just wants to protect her—and make a future for them together.

I love the Disney Mulan, and I love a good re-telling, so I was eager to read this. The story itself was solid and enjoyable, but I never did feel close to the characters. All of their emotions and motivations felt distant, and unconvincing because of it. I’m actually interested in reading more of these re-tellings from this author—I do love Disney—because she has a solid following and I’m hopeful this book just wasn’t a good fit for me.

Melanie Dickerson combines her love for history, adventure, and romance in her writing. The Warrior Maiden is her newest novel, a re-telling of Mulan.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

I ended up DNF-ing this book within the first 30 pages. I found the writing style hard to follow. I could see the Mulan-inspired elements, and they did take on a unique twist. I was excited to see where this book would take me, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

This was a great story. I loved Mulan and her tenacity as she fights to make a name for herself as well as help her mother not lose her home. Wolfgang is a man of integrity. I enjoyed watching how he looks out for those who are around him. Both are great team members and the way they fight through all the treachery and deceit. This book kept me captivated to the very end. I would recommend this to anyone that loves romance and a strong woman character that won't back down when the going gets tough.

THE WARRIOR MAIDEN by Melanie Dickerson is an inspired young adult retelling of the classic Mulan tale but with a historical twist—the story is set in fifteenth-century Lithuania, its pages are filled with castles, Teutonic Knights, and sieges. Danger, warring knights, battles and secret identities make for a fast read.

This was my first experience with Dickerson and I was looking forward to reading a fresh take on Mulan, and I was curious to see the story taking place in a whole new realm. Would Mulan still be the spirited, warrior-girl trying to save her family we all have come to love once hearing her story?

Melanie Dickerson is a well known and established writer. Her fairy tale retellings are fan favorites. They are written for readers who enjoy sweet and clean romance stories filled with adventure, authentic historical settings, and beautiful descriptions. I have to say THE WARRIOR MAIDEN was a perfect example of this.

“She knows women are expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?”

The story opens with Mulan needing to choose between accepting an unwanted marriage proposal or taking up her father’s mantle and joining other warriors in a battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights.

All her life Mulan has tried to fit in, as an adopted daughter to a warrior father who treats her like a burden, but a mother whose precious love makes up for it, Mulan wants more than anything to prove herself, her adventurous spirit calls on her for something more. At the last minute, she disguises herself as the young son her father never had, assumes his duties as a soldier, and rides off to join the fight to protect the castle of her liege lord’s ally from the besieging Teutonic Knights.

This story has some really great battle scenes featuring Mulan using the bow and arrow, riding a warhorse and fighting alongside her fellow warriors. It also touches on an interesting prophecy about her was given by a friar to her mother. The idea that Mulan may be destined for greater things, a spiritual calling by her Christian beliefs, added another interesting layer to Mulan.

Throughout the story, Mulan encounters hardships and adversity, but she remains strong in her faith. The change in her fellow warriors, and their eventual acceptance of her when she is revealed to be the daughter rather than the son of their fellow warrior, is well-written and believable. There is, of course, one particular villain who does not accept her as a woman-warrior that drives the plot, and readers are definitely not going to like him.

My one wish was for Dickerson to have included in the book some of Mulan’s rich heritage. In the story, she is adopted at a rather young age and taken back to Lithuania. It would have enriched the story even more if she had included some details of her ancestry and culture which I felt were lacking.

The building relationship between Mulan and Wolfgang is really one of rival warriors and eventual friendship. These two characters end up learning to trust one another on the field of battle and off, where acceptance plays a crucial part in their feelings for each other. Wolfgang is a fierce warrior with a heart of gold, his loyalty and devotion to Mulan make him a worthy and perfect counterpart to her.

In the End

THE WARRIOR MAIDEN by Melanie Dickerson is a wonderful example of clean YA reading while maintaining plenty of thrilling action, historical details, and sweet romance. This is a great choice if you are looking for an inspired Mulan retelling that features a spirited heroine with a unique setting and positive Christian themes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for an ARC. This is an honest review.

Based in Melanie Dickerson's world of Hagenheim, The Warrior Maiden is the ninth book of the series. Taking the legend of Mulan, Dickerson reimagines the story to fit her world. An orphan girl from Asian descent adopted by a European family Mulan was prophesied to be a warrior and now her time has come.

So when I first picked this book I did not know many things including two important factors, the heavy Christian aspects and this was a book in a series. Cultural appropriation is a big thing and it should be something to be aware of. I was very concerned about that when I first started reading this book. Once I realized this was a book that was part of series with a world already built I was less concerned about that. She kept Mulan's ethnicity correct if not the religious aspects but truly I was okay with it. Adopted children are usually raised in their parent's faith. If this had been a stand alone novel I would have cried foul. So the second thing mentioned was the Christian aspects. This is heavily Christian for an Eastern Asian story. I generally do not read Christian books because I am not religious. Well this was heavily Christian based for me, I did not find it overly preachy or completely in my face. Taking in the time frame this is based I found accurate for the customs.

Now I am going to say more about the plot and characters. I found Mulan oddly boring. This is woman who would live in a world where racism would run rampant as well as sexism. For instance when all the soldiers came together right away, Mulan barely faced any racism where Wolfgang faced a lot of prejudice? For as much as Mulan would have to overcome she was forgettable and did not seem to really address all she had to overcome. The most interesting character was Stefan but even he was meh. The plot at the end was twist because it was boringly civil.. This was supposed to be a war and I never felt like I was truly dealing with warring nations.

Final thoughts is two stars for Goodreads because it was an ok book, just bland. Three on NetGalley because I would maybe recommend it. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Book Summary (Amazon): She knows women are expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?
When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.
Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing him up in embarrassing ways.
From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Can she be the son her bitter father never had? Or will she become the strong young woman she was created to be?
This fresh reimagining of the classic tale takes us to fifteenth-century Lithuania where both love and war challenge the strongest of hearts.

My thoughts...I absolutely fell in love at first sight with this beautiful cover! For me, it's one of the best I've seen. I was intrigued with the idea of a Mulan retelling...I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as some of the other fairy tale retellings Melanie Dickerson has done. Let's just say from the start that I loved it! And here's why...
Mulan's courage throughout the novel is inspiring. I love that this is written as a young adult novel...perfect for my almost 12 year old. I let her read it as well and Mulan has become one of her favorite characters. Mulan was willing, over and over, to sacrifice herself for others. Courage, sacrifice, and humility are all character traits that I want for myself, but especially for my pre-teen. I love that this is such a big part of this novel.
I also loved the sacrificial love that was part of the romantic aspect of the story. This was a sweet romance, with an appropriate amount of romantic tension for a young adult audience. Woven through the love story was also a friendship that developed between the two main characters, compassion for each other and their circumstances, and each willing to put themselves in harm's way in order to protect the other. I can't help but think about the verse, "Greater love hath no man than this than one who lays his life down for his friend."
This is also a faith-based novel, so there are moments in which the characters wrestle with their beliefs and work out their faith. They also ponder the Bible and verses that are meaningful. Again, I like this aspect of the novel as I am personally a woman of faith and my daughter is growing in her faith.
I'm so thankful for novels like this that not only have a great storyline, but also explore important themes like honor, love, humility, and faith. This is much needed in our society today, especially for our youth. I'm so glad that I can pass on Melanie's books to my daughter with confidence that we'll both come away encouraged and entertained.

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in order to give an honest review, which I did.**