Wandering

by Loren G. Warnemuende

"We must be careful. These times are treacherous, and we know nothing." Princess Maleen and her maidservant Marietta survived three years of exile in a tower only to escape and discover their kingdom’s capital, Ardenay, in ruins. Now Maleen must forge ahead and make decisions about her future, even though she has no idea what happened to her country or to her father, King Darrick. Why didn’t Pandor and Prince Melanor come to their aid? What happened to King Etham and Prince Jared of Dranneth? The state of Arden is much worse than she or Marietta imagined—Maleen’s life is in danger, and those she thought were friends are the very ones she should fear the most. Wandering is Book 2 in the Daughter of Arden Trilogy

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Fairy Tale Retellings

500 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Loren G. Warnemuende is a wife, mom, teacher, and writer who loves to explore stories and ideas in the world around her. These stories and ideas have found their way into things she's writing, including two short stories in The Lost Tales of Sir Galahad (2022), published by Rabbit Room Press. She is also the author of the Daughter of Arden Trilogy (Bandersnatch Books), an epic retelling of the Grimms fairy tale, "Maid Maleen." You can follow Loren and her writing updates on her Substack newsletter, Sun Shafts.

Reviews

[D.T. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this trilogy. Looking forward to reading book 3 a little later this year.

Content note: Because of a couple intense scenes, including a failed assault, I'd recommend this for 16+

[Kate Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful continuation after Exile! I love the growth we see in Maleen as she is in quite a valley in her life. Things often seem hopeless in the story but I have enough trust in the author to keep persevering through the story and I'm so glad I did.
I can't get enough of this story and the beautiful writing it contains. I absolutely can't wait for the release of Promise!

[Lavay Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 Review:
Ever since Exile, I have been anticipating this sequel, wondering and fearing of what is to come. And this did not disappoint!

"Wandering" immediately picks up to when Princess Maleen and her faithful maid, "Aunt Marietta", have finally left the tower after three years. Only to find their beloved kingdom Arden in ruins... and that the enemy that conquered her is NOT whom they expected. What's more, the people of Arden have fallen in such a state that acts of prostitution and human-trafficking has become the norm. More than anything, Maleen wishes to save her people... but her very life is in danger... and those she thought were allies or friends are the very people who are hunting her.

I was not expecting such a journey with such emotions, trauma, fears, and even danger. (While not super heavy, even with battles of violence, it was enough to leave me holding my breath.) So much so that, like Maleen must've felt, I found myself muttering under my breath: "Where are You Creator?" It's a question probably many of us asks when we're faced with evil.

And yet, the story doesn't end there. Like in Exile, Maleen grows even more as she, time and time again, is reminded that there is always HOPE... and that the One Who Holds is with her. Imagine by sigh of relief at the last few chapters... but the journey is not yet over.

Now, more than ever... I am looking forward to what will be a beautiful conclusion in Promise!

[A.A. Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loren Warnemuende continues her transfigured tale of Maid Maleen in this second book of her trilogy. She begins with Princess Maleen and her maid Marietta, newly emerged from the tower, discovering the extent of the war’s devastation. If the tower was where Maleen grew out of her preoccupation with self and learned of the Mighty One, leaving the tower and contending with a world changed beyond recognition and dangerous is where that growth and learning is tested to the breaking point. Warnemuende has Maleen journey across her kingdom to find information and loyal nobles, encountering people and situations that open her eyes to the truth about who she can trust, and how the Mighty One works in her life. As with her transformation in Exile, Maleen’s growth comes slowly and often with great suffering, making it all the more relatable. Throughout her travails, Maleen remains dedicated to restoring her kingdom someday. I liked the character of Princess Maleen even more in book 2, and I’m eager to read the rest of her story in book 3 when it is released!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wandering surpassed my expectations as a sequel!

Due to massive life changes I took my time reading Wandering. But taking the journey with Maleen was well worth the wait. We see her struggle - both physically against the hardships on her journey and emotionally as she works to understand the best path forward in the face of the devastating conquering of Arden.

Maleen becomes a character that you sympathize with and root for during Wandering. And her companions along the way are also compelling and all work towards making the story richer. I can't write more lest I risk typing out spoilers, but if you read Exile definitely move on to the sequel!

[Charlesa Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wandering is a powerful continuation of the Daughter of Arden trilogy. After leaving the confines of the tower, Maleen and her faithful maid step into the wider world, where new challenges and discoveries await. What makes this story shine is not just the challenges of a a kingdom abandoned, but the themes of community, steadfast support, and unexpected favor that surround Maleen—granted freely, even without the recognition of her royal identity. It’s a moving reminder that true worth and belonging are not tied to titles, but to the bonds we form and the grace we receive along the way.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I reviewed the first book in the series I told you it had to grow on me. In this second installment I was immediately all in. The character development is beautifully done and while Maleen still has a lot to learn I am now fully rooting for her. The breadth of this story, and of Maleen's journey, is beautiful and thought provoking. Wandering left me awaiting book three with great anticipation.

[juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book of trilogy

If you enjoy C. S. Lewis’ Lion, Witch and Wardrobe books, this trilogy is for you. This is a wonderful set of books about a young woman coming-of-age and finding her faith in trying times in a world of kings, princesses with a touch of magic. Very well done, both captivating storyline with deep truths and insights woven throughout.

[Carolyn Givens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wandering moves Maleen's story to a richer, deeper level. Unraveling some mysteries, reminding us of others, and raising new ones, this is an excellent second book in a trilogy, priming us for what's to come in book 3!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Denise LaJuan Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series. I highly recommend it for its characters and accurate depictions of faith, suffering, and growth.

[Layla Gayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZING!! A perfect sequel to wandering!!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loren Warnemuende's writing is incredibly immersive!

[Rachel Toadvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟

[Jaime Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many wonderful (and despicable) characters to meet! I love how the characters are developed so well as they're introduced. It's such an interesting adventure the entire way through with perfect little details. Such a beautiful story of God's guidance and faithfulness woven in.