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Promise
When Maleen arrives in Dranneth, she hopes to find loyal Ardeners and restore Arden. To do this, she’ll continue to hide behind the safety of the Dragon Fever veil and remain dead to Crown Prince Jared of Dranneth. Dranneth has promised to protect Arden already; she doesn’t want to obligate them further, particularly Jared.But the promise of Arden’s restoration proves difficult, and alarming events cause Maleen to wonder if she really came through Dragon Fever unscathed and whether she is as safe from Melanor as she thinks. It doesn’t help that Jared, the man she rejected in favor of exile in the tower, seems to be the one person who truly understands her, even as she tries to hide.
657 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
3 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Loren G. Warnemuende
3 books38 followersLoren 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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 11, 2025
Review 2024:
This was such a fantastic conclusion of a wonderful trilogy!
Here, we pick up when Princess Maleen and her "aunt Etta" finally reach the kingdom of Dranneth with many other of the Adrener refugees after a harrowing journey (Wandering). Her plan: gather support from the surviving nobles of Arden to help take back her kingdom... all the while keeping her true identity a secret, especially from Crown Prince Jared, the man she refused in favor of the tower (Exile). But making plans on her own terms will not be easy, especially when the nobles would rather elevate their own lands than help the common folk... her closest friends Etta and Raff busy with their own work... and her heart begins to be drawn towards Prince Jared. But she'll soon discover not only enemies seeking her out... but mysterious legends that could be the key to not only the fate of her country, but all the kingdoms.
This held me captive from beginning to end, still keeping true by keeping its gentle pace as we see Maleen continue to grow as both character and her trust in the Mighty One. Even when so many things happening around her--- politics, suffering, mysteries-- that does''t make any sense. And yet, there so many unexpected twists and revelations leading to an epic showdown that keeps you both glued to your seat... and ending with a sense of hope.
This is such a unique, beautiful fairy-tale retelling/high fantasy trilogy worth reading again and again! Especially to remind us of the One Who Holds us.
This was such a fantastic conclusion of a wonderful trilogy!
Here, we pick up when Princess Maleen and her "aunt Etta" finally reach the kingdom of Dranneth with many other of the Adrener refugees after a harrowing journey (Wandering). Her plan: gather support from the surviving nobles of Arden to help take back her kingdom... all the while keeping her true identity a secret, especially from Crown Prince Jared, the man she refused in favor of the tower (Exile). But making plans on her own terms will not be easy, especially when the nobles would rather elevate their own lands than help the common folk... her closest friends Etta and Raff busy with their own work... and her heart begins to be drawn towards Prince Jared. But she'll soon discover not only enemies seeking her out... but mysterious legends that could be the key to not only the fate of her country, but all the kingdoms.
This held me captive from beginning to end, still keeping true by keeping its gentle pace as we see Maleen continue to grow as both character and her trust in the Mighty One. Even when so many things happening around her--- politics, suffering, mysteries-- that does''t make any sense. And yet, there so many unexpected twists and revelations leading to an epic showdown that keeps you both glued to your seat... and ending with a sense of hope.
This is such a unique, beautiful fairy-tale retelling/high fantasy trilogy worth reading again and again! Especially to remind us of the One Who Holds us.
December 8, 2023
I had the privilege of reading this book in manuscript form a few years ago, and reading the final, refined and polished version was a joy. After portraying the inner journey of a pampered, selfish princess in Book 1 and tracing her wanderings and adventures in Book 2, Loren wraps up the trilogy with a story of mystery, political tension, spiritual wrestling, strategizing, and romance. This is the longest book of the series, but it does not feel long when you're in the thick of it - I think I finished the second half in one night.
Some highlights of "Promise":
- Characters: The characters are drawn with astonishing vividness and complexity - their desires, histories, strengths and weaknesses make each relationship and piece of dialogue into something like a dance, verbal sparring, or collaborative building, fascinating to watch. I felt like I could see and hear Maleen, Marietta, Annet, Jared, Sumbdala, Lady Bradmore, Patrice, Lord Gavrin, and the others, they come across so clearly.
- Questions: The book raises profound questions about choices, duty, discernment, intuition, sacrifice, and leadership. I felt like I was learning and pondering alongside the characters.
- Plot: When I first read this, I was shocked at how gracefully Loren wove details from the first two books into this installment. I won't spoil anything, but certain things were *much* more significant than they seemed in Books 1 and 2...greater dangers and deeper secrets.
- Romance: I don't usually sigh dramatically (out loud) while reading books, but I did this time. I found the romantic parts sweet, wholesome, and beautiful.
Loren took a simple, beautiful fairy tale and spun it into a grand narrative of love, war, faith, longing, and loyalty. I am excited to see what other stories she shapes in this world!
Some highlights of "Promise":
- Characters: The characters are drawn with astonishing vividness and complexity - their desires, histories, strengths and weaknesses make each relationship and piece of dialogue into something like a dance, verbal sparring, or collaborative building, fascinating to watch. I felt like I could see and hear Maleen, Marietta, Annet, Jared, Sumbdala, Lady Bradmore, Patrice, Lord Gavrin, and the others, they come across so clearly.
- Questions: The book raises profound questions about choices, duty, discernment, intuition, sacrifice, and leadership. I felt like I was learning and pondering alongside the characters.
- Plot: When I first read this, I was shocked at how gracefully Loren wove details from the first two books into this installment. I won't spoil anything, but certain things were *much* more significant than they seemed in Books 1 and 2...greater dangers and deeper secrets.
- Romance: I don't usually sigh dramatically (out loud) while reading books, but I did this time. I found the romantic parts sweet, wholesome, and beautiful.
Loren took a simple, beautiful fairy tale and spun it into a grand narrative of love, war, faith, longing, and loyalty. I am excited to see what other stories she shapes in this world!
November 28, 2023
This book isn't a stand alone, you must start with Exile and continue with Wandering before you read Promise. But believe me, it is worth it. The character development and imagination that you find in this series is truly stellar.
The narrative arc of these books is an absolutely beautiful journey of discovery and growth. While the books start out in classic fairy tale fashion the creativity of this third installment takes you almost into the realm of fantasy. While the story builds slowly at first, by the time we reach Promise there are so many pieces in play I never actually wanted to put the book down. I loved the conclusion and highly recommend this series.
The narrative arc of these books is an absolutely beautiful journey of discovery and growth. While the books start out in classic fairy tale fashion the creativity of this third installment takes you almost into the realm of fantasy. While the story builds slowly at first, by the time we reach Promise there are so many pieces in play I never actually wanted to put the book down. I loved the conclusion and highly recommend this series.
March 13, 2025
Exactly the type of culture-and-politics-focused fantasy I like best, with more subplots and detail than I've ever seen in a fairy tale retelling.
Unfortunately, there's too much going on at times, so the ending is jumbled and the story doesn't really resolve. (You can't center the trilogy on a prophecy and end with most of the prophecy unfulfilled.) (Also, you don't need to have the characters fill us in on *all* the movements of every single group of side characters during important events. We can just assume some things).
Unfortunately, there's too much going on at times, so the ending is jumbled and the story doesn't really resolve. (You can't center the trilogy on a prophecy and end with most of the prophecy unfulfilled.) (Also, you don't need to have the characters fill us in on *all* the movements of every single group of side characters during important events. We can just assume some things).
November 29, 2023
Promise is a worthy conclusion to Daughter of Arden trilogy and to Maleen's story.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
December 3, 2023
Wonderful
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.
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.
December 11, 2023
A very satisfying ending to this enjoyable trilogy.
February 9, 2024
I read two or three chapters and realized that this was not a book I would enjoy reading. There are too many books out there that I would like so why spend time with one that I don't enjoy!
August 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this classic fantasy story. A satisfying conclusion (even though I didn't read books 1 & 2).
January 24, 2025
An excellent finish to the series, I was completely drawn in and could not put the book down. It was heart warming, and incredibly suspenseful, and couldn't have left me feeling more satisfied.
January 31, 2024
It deserves more than 5 stars!! This book was full of adventure and mystery and suspense and love. It held my attention from start to finish and I had to force myself not to skim just to see how things turned out. Each page held important details to make up the whole story. I loved the sweet truths from The Writings about The Almighty One and the theme of trusting the truth over fear or emotions or circumstances, putting one foot in front of the next until The One Who Guides gives a new path. Promise is my favorite of the trilogy but only bc the first two did such a great job preparing the stage for the third book. Well done, Loren, well done! ♥️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews