Let me start by saying that I love Melanie Dickerson's books. I've read almost all of them, and each one is intricate and well written, including The Warrior Maiden. The characters are interesting, lovable (or hateable), and complex. With that being said, I had a *much* harder time than I expected with the setting of this book. I know that all of her books are set in the same general area, but it was really difficult to suspend the idea of Mulan being a warrior in China. Still a great book (I devoured it!), but I couldn't really get over it.

This book was easy to get into, and lots of fun. Not quite as cookie-cutter as her other books, this one has several flawed characters muddling through and doing their best. It wasn't as tight a plot as some of Dickerson's books though. For example, instead of the big "war" I was expecting between the Teutonic Knights and the other soldiers (including Wolfgang), it turned out to be a skirmish with the other soldiers defending the local Lord. In fact, the longer I read, it seemed to become more clear that the Teutonic Knights were supposed to be good guys, but that they were being led by an evil man...? But that seems to go against the beginning premise when Steffan & Wolfgang's parents didn't want them to join the Knights. Something fishy there...

Also, I would have liked a few more resolutions. (Lots of spoilers here...) Like the evil Rusdorf, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights should somehow have been removed because of his selfishness and the wickedness of his actions. The Teutonic Knights needed a good cleansing, as many were corrupt, while some obviously had truly righteous intentions. Mulan's mother, an amazing character in her own right, could have had a more integral part in the story, instead she kind of dropped out after Wolfgang defended her in battle. There just seemed to be so many hints of "almost" more to the story than what we got. Steffan's story turned out quite satisfying, with more obviously to follow.

All in all, the book was still pretty satisfying. I really liked this retelling and interpretation of the Mulan story. I love Melanie Dickerson's books!!

This was alright. Recommend for those who want clean YA and enjoy retold fairy tales and romance. This story is a retelling of Mulan but set in Europe during the crusades. It is the first book I've read by this author. It was a decent story and closely follows the Mulan story we know from Disney, and veers off on its own once they find out who she really is. There's good action and some twists. However, I never got over the weird white washing feeling of this new version of the story so I never really connected with it. But it’s clean YA fantasy and even has some Christianity themes snuck in.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this title!*

I really, really wanted to love this. Unfortunately, there were many issues with this book that I just couldn't get past. I hate to speak ill of people's books, but I need to give an honest review, so here goes:

The Warrior Maiden is the story of Mulan, retold and inexplicably set in Europe. Mulan is half-Asian by birth, and "already knew her name" when she was adopted at age 3 by her biological father (who was a jerk, apparently, even though he adopted her when her mother died) and his wife. There is no reason at all that she is Asian, exception that it makes sense that her name might be Mulan; she considers herself to be Lithuanian and also speaks Polish.

Mulan takes her father's place in the army because he was unable to fight (in this version, he was dead), to save her family. But instead of saving all of China, she saves one small part of Poland from another group of knights, both of whom are positive they are doing this in the name of God. And then she falls in love, and everyone learns her secret, which could get her killed -- except nobody actually cares.

There was also a LOT of religious talk, which I didn't expect, and as a non-religious person myself, I would have much rather that things were because of magic than the fact that one person prayed harder than another.

***4.5 stars***

I love fairy-tale retellings when they are well done. This book was very well done! I wasn't sure how the story of Mulan would be told in a German/Polish setting. The only similarities to the story that I am familiar with are that Mulan is Asian and that she fights in her father's place because he is unable to.

This really was a fresh and unique take. Mulan is amazing. Really, who doesn't love a woman warrior in a time when women were basically oppressed? Wolfgang is an unlikely romantic interest for her. He is the son of a Duke and a warrior. He always thought that he would be the typical male defender of his home, not fighting as an equal partner, but he overcame his preconceived notions to fall in love with Mulan, sigh.

There is a lot of great story from the beginning to the end, I don't think anything I have mentioned would be a spoiler because we expect a happily-ever-after from a good retelling. This story has action and adventure, it also has descriptions of the time and the political climate. I have read a few of the stories in this series and realize that I have a lot of catching up to do.

This book contains kissing and non-graphic war violence.

Source: I requested a review copy using Netgalley. My thanks to Thomas Nelson for the ebook copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own

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

I really wanted to give this story a try. It was hard to get into it and I had to DNF it. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to read this book. Clearly from other reviews this story is for someone and I think everyone should at least give it a shot!