Wish: Aladdin Retold

Romance a Medieval Fairytale #11

by Demelza Carlton

A sultan's daughter. A pretend prince. Can a genie make all their wishes come true?

Once upon a time...

When Princess Maram and street rat Aladdin meet in the marketplace, sparks fly, and Aladdin swears to move heaven and earth in order to make the lovely courtesan his wife.

He steals a magic lamp with a genie inside, thinking all his troubles are over...only to find they have barely begun.

Can Aladdin win the princess's hand without losing his head?


Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Ebooks

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

16/07/18 Decided to re read this book since Maram's best friend and step sister, Anahita, has her own story in "Kiss: Frog Prince Retold" and I want to refresh my mind of who she was before I read her story

Now, I'll re read "Melt: Snow Queen Retold", since she is also mentioned there and then I'll read "Kiss"


08/01/18 What a wonderful retelling of Aladdin!

This was a very different retelling than the others of this series. It was sweet, funny and sexy like always but it was a little darker, which I surprisingly liked

Princess Maram is the Sultan's daughter, his favourite of many. Since she is his favourite, she gets certain privileges like travelling and gaining private access to her favourite public bathhouse.
But even if her life is full of jewels and so much riches, she isn't free to love or marry who she wants. As the Sultan's daughter, she status and body are greatly treasured, which is an advantage she uses to gain allies for her father. Thus she uses seductions spells to lure the men and gain information.
After her latest mission, her father gives her permission to marry, as a reward for what she does, but Maram is not fooled to believe her father will let her marry whoever she wishes. It's likely he will marry her off for advantage. And Maram wishes for true love but knows no one will want her for love, she's been used too much.
But an encounter with a humble spinner son at a bathhouse may change her mind

Aladdin was a merchant's son but his father died and so his mother and him have been living in poverty ever since. But when he mistakenly takes a wrong turn and ends up in the bathhouse the princess washes in, he knows his heart is doomed. A princess will never be able to marry him, a lowly peasant, which is why he agrees to accompany a crazy man in search for riches and princesses to marry. But in this journey, he will travel far and wide, face dangers, djinns and magic that can save and destroy him.
But both Aladdin and Maram will do anything to see each other again.

Really loved this story, keeps you interested throughout the journey. There are hints that a secondary character's story will be told in the next books, which I can't wait to read. Looking forward to reading more!

Received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!!

[TamaraT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good! I never knew I needed to read a retelling of Aladdin until I read this. The Disney version is the only one I knew before and ooooh was this so much more and dare I say better.

Maram is one of many Princesses but she helps her father by touring around and 'persuading' those that need to be influenced for trade agreements etc. As a courtesan Maram has certain freedoms and she feels content enough. Her mother cheated on her father and her lover was sentenced to live inside a lamp and grant wishes...Genie anyone? Maram like her mother has a small amount of magic and uses that to make her seductions easier, no man has ever resisted her until she meets Aladdin.

Aladdin is a poor son of a hardworking mother, always looking for work. By chance he meets Princess Maram and loves almost immediately. When she tries to seduce him he resists because he feels she deserves better. He vows to accumulate wealth and power and then come back to marry her.

The road is far from easy though and the rest you need to read yourself. Definitely worth the read!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great retelling of the classic story. Like all of Demelza Carltons fairytales they are well worth reading. Great fantasy to lose yourself in.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of Aladdin is AWESOME!! I literally read it from beginning to end without stopping as soon as I downloaded it, it was so good, and I can't recommend it enough. Based on the original Aladdin story (which Demelza had sent an English translation out to her newsletter readers just before Xmas, so I had it fresh in my mind!), I loved the difference from the sappy Disney version - this is much more realistic, Earthy and yucky (in places - getting eaten by lions anyone?!), yet still with that twist of romance, magic and a "happy ever after" we love from Demelza's spellbinding fairytales.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maram, one of the daughters of the Sultan is is returning home from a trip to another kingdom where she had been acting as her father’s envoy and ambassador. Her mother had been one of the Sultan’s wives, but had been condemned as a traitor for falling in love with a man other than her husband. Maram is not just one of the Sultan’s daughters, but as the daughter of a traitor she has been raised to be a courtesan, trained in the ways of pleasing men.

Aladdin is what is commonly known as a “street rat” or someone who has nothing and is out seeking work every day, often not finding enough work to keep himself and his mother fed. Years before, his father had been a successful merchant, though he had died before he had been able to have his son apprenticed anywhere. Without a husband and his income, Aladdin’s mother had been forced to sell anything of value over the years to keep the two of them fed. Unlike most, Aladdin is somewhat educated and always honest and true to his word. He meets the princess by accident on one of her trips to a bathhouse, and is quickly as enamored of her as she is of him. But her status places her entirely out of his reach.

This was a fun retelling of the Aladdin story. It has all of the expected parts of the tale: a genie, a magic lamp, a princess, a Sultan, and his advisors. I enjoyed the description in this book of how Aladdin comes into possession of the magic lamp and the genie. One aspect of this retelling that I wasn’t familiar with was the explanation of how the genie came to be. I also enjoyed the fact that Maram isn’t your typical pampered princess. She was an ambassador for her father and quite successful in negotiating treaties and trade deals for the kingdom.

I enjoyed the twists in a story that many of us are quite familiar with. This is not a simple story of a young man finding a magic lamp that makes all his wishes come true. There is so much more to the tale. I found this book highly entertaining and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys twisted fairy tales.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WISH is the tenth story in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. Each does stand on its own, but there are some overlapping characters that make it more enjoyable to read them in the order of release.

I have now read nine of the ten released. I don’t have the third book and it’s bumming me out!

Nobody knows who the original writer of Aladdin was. Before this, I would have said my knowledge of began with Bugs Bunny and ended with Disney. Now, I’ll say it ends with Demelza Carlton! I’ve never read the story books from which those previous adaptations were made. I don’t know that I want to now.

What I do know is that I love the story that I just finished reading. Societal norms are twisted, magic is in the air, and there is just enough of a nod to the Disney version that I do know and love (the procession to the castle is amazing), but so many new nuances and subplots that I hope we see more of these characters in the future. One that I’m guessing is that her sister will return in a twist on the story of the frog princess. What do you think? Read it and make your prediction.

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.



Title: WISH: ALADDIN RETOLD
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #10
Category /Genre: Adult Fairytales; Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Demelza Carlton (as a gifted copy)

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish: Aladdin Retold (Romance a Medieval Fairytale series Book 11)
by Demelza Carlton ,
Mary Sarah (Narrator)

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is one story which is part of the “ Romance a Medieval Fairytale “ series but can be read as a standalone as each book is an individual fairytale.

Princess Maram is the Sultans' daughter and also a courtesan, used to travelling and “ softening up “ dignitaries by whatever means necessary. She is not the usual sweet innocent female, knowing what she wants and used to achieving it which is refreshing for a middle eastern female in this setting. She meets Aladdin unexpectedly and he can resist her magic but inevitably they can't resist one another or deny the spark between them.

Aladdin is a wonderful character, wanting to do what is right but sometimes no matter his best efforts, things don't always work out the way he hopes.

Not only does Demelza Carlton create an amazing and modern look at this wellknown fairytale but the cover is breathtaking, with what we expect Princess Maram to look like.
The audio version is narrated by Mary Sarah. Her voice and tone lends itself perfectly to this style giving an emotional and potent performance.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. It is NOTHING like the story of Aladdin from your childhood, and it is amazing!

Imagine if Princess Jasmine/Princess Maram was actually a courtesan sent by her father to negotiate with foreign powers by using her seductive powers. Imagine she and Aladdin fall in love but he refuses to give in to her sensual desires until they are married. Not too difficult. Now, imagine a kingdom where a magnificent palace can spring up overnight without notice and can also disappear just as quickly. C’mon, this is a fairy tale. Anything is possible - even magic and love at first sight!

I loved the characterizations created to depict these well-known characters. So unexpected! Back stories were also interesting and added greater depth to character motivations. This is NOT a children's story, but I highly recommend it for anyone else.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Maram is the Sultans daughter and has been working a a courtesan softening deals for him. Aladdin just lives on the streets getting work when he can. When they meet there is some kind of spark between them and he vows to do whatever it takes to have her as his wife. He manages to steal a magic lamp with a genie inside bu instead of being the end of his troubles it is just the start. Can they get through everything and be able to marry or will disaster mean that Aladdin loses his head?

Lots of drama and excitement in this retelling of Aladdin. I liked the side of story as told by Maram and it was nice to have a couple of strong women in this tale set in a very male dominated world. Well written and very enjoyable.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍👍Aladdin, will the djinn grant your wishes and win you the future of your dreams?!🌈
January 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I love this author's unique retelling of established fairy tales. This one is full of magic and has plenty of surprises, including an unexpected reunion. Maram, the Sultan's daughter, is a strong and determined woman. She knows what she wants and makes it happen, whether it's deciding who she will marry or finding an assassin! I liked her Aladdin too; he is a humble suitor, a loving and caring son, and brave. As appropriate in fairytales, the villains have no redeeming qualities and meet well-deserved ends.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My eighth read from author Demelza Carlton, an interesting re-telling of The Aladdin Tailor fairy tale. The thought of reading a “fairy tale” doesn’t normally appeal to me but I’m glad I did read it, Carlton does a wonderful job with this genre and her spin on this fairy tale makes for can’t put down reading. Extremely well written, the characters well developed. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make a reader get invested into the characters and thereby the book. By the end of this book, I couldn't turn pages fast enough to see how Carleton's carefully crafted tale would unveil. I’ll be reading more from this author!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demelza Carlton's Romance a Medieval Fairytale series are some of the best reads out each year, I do love the twists to some of the classic fairytales and this was no exception. This time there is now Princess Jasmine, but instead Princess Maram. The Princess in this tale isn't a princess who rarely sees outside the palace, instead she is the Sultan's favourite daughter but also a courtesan sent to foreign leaders to use her seductive powers and broker deals.

I loved both lead characters in this story, as well as the locations and settings described to the readers. I yet again thoroughly enjoyed this tale and read it in one sitting. I can't wait to see what else Demelza Carlton brings to the table!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great fairytale retold with a twist by Carlton. A great addition to this series, this is the re-telling of Aladdin. I love the twist on the princess and who she is and how she's helped her father the sultan. I love how the history of her parents played a clear role in the decisions and actions of the princess. I love that she has powers but that Aladdin is immune to them and how honorable he is throughout the read. A great re-telling - I can't get enough!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read (really gobbled up) virtually all of Demelza Carlton’s Romance a Medieval Fairytale series books as they’ve appeared and found them to be uniformly fabulous. Wish: Aladdin Retold, book 10 in the series, is no exception. Once again we get a story that’s clearly based on a beloved fairy tale (or, in this case, perhaps the most famous of Scheherazade’s Thousand and One Nights, the Tale of Aladdin). And once again the author has taken the tale and run with it to new and fabulous directions. Yes, we still have Princess Maram and street rat Aladdin. Yes, we still have the Djinn, but there’s so much more. I’m not going to spoil things but simply leave it that while my love for the original is not diminished, this retelling has also grabbed a special place - and is a book bound to be regularly re-read.

Highly recommended.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish: Aladdin Retold (Romance A Medieval Times Fairytale Series Book 10)

A wonderful twist on the retelling of the classic Fairytale Aladdin. A well crafted tale that is brimming with magic & suspense. A sweet, humourous, & sexy tale that is a bit darker than the other tales. The unparalleled writing style captures the genre perfectly. Princess Maryam (The Sultan's Daughter) & street rat Aladdin are superbly written. A perfect blend of creativity and supporting character's that accentuate the narrative. A wonderful addition to the series that I recommend reading.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this review difficult to write simply because I didn't know how to rate it or what to write.
Wish: Aladdin Retold by Demelza Carlton is exactly as what the title suggests, a retelling of Aladdin. I found that it was just a telling of a story and I found it difficult to get "lost in" or even "imagine" anything because I didn't feel like it was a story that showed much, just told.
If you're a fan of twists in your beloved fairy tales, give it a try. Personally, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and well written fairytale retelling of Aladdin. The characters were engaging and definitely made the story what it is. I would probably say this is one of my favorite novels in the series so far. I like that there are references to other places and people we have met throughout the series; it allows for a common thread to be found throughout, but it is not necessary to have read previous novels in the series in order to enjoy the story. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings. As a caution, there were a couple of intimate scenes.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, but a really great one. Aladdin is honorable and not at all what is expected. Maram is brave when she needs to be. Kaveh and Amani both have great qualities and I hope Amani has his own story. I once again love the small tie-in with other stories that we see. It fascinates me how all the story lines interlink and I am constantly waiting to see that tie. I just can't get enough of these revised fairy tales as they really are revamped in a very unique way. Each is a must read. I volunteered to read this book.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different take on Aladdin. I loved the story because she knew that he was not a prince to begin with and she wanted him anyway. In this story he had two djinn to do his bidding and it was wonderful. There was a mystery as to where the castle and the princess went but Aladdin found her and was able to take her back home. They faced some trials and tribulations and overcame them all to be together. I enjoyed the narrator she did a good job throughout the entire tale.

i received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fairytale was a beautiful adventure as child and now Demelza Carlton has delivered an outstanding unique adult version that will have you completely engrossed as you once again eagerly follow Aladdin and his princess Maram’s journey. Blended flawlessly with the non stop action and suspense, you’ll find the characters truly likable. They'll have you laughing and crying right along with them. I absolutely loved it!! This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this story and could not put it down. What a wonderful retelling of Aladdin and the magic lamp. This story had everything magic, princesses, evil men and blue djinns. I love the palace and the jewelled garden, best yet the bathhouse inside the palace. Demelza Carlton knows how to tell a good story even one that has been told before. I recommend this book to all who love fairytales.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Wish: Aladdin Retold written by Demelza Carlton. In this book we are granted a look into the Arabian Nights world with a royal princess and Aladdin the street rat. Throw in some wonderful treasures and a few Djin and you may just have the story....but, not so fast! This is a re-telling of a classic tale with plenty of plot twists to keep you captivated. Great series! I received an advance readers copy and chose voluntarily to leave this review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful characters. Entertaining. Romantic. Steamy: not your 7 year olds Aladdin. Happily ever after.

While this is original story is familiar to many, the retelling has details never seen before. Maram and Aladdin are fantastic and realistic characters. The dangers feel real as does the relationship which develops between Maram and Aladdin.

I was provided this book as an ARC by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.

[LuAnn Rodriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

WISH by Demelza Carlton is the story of Aladdin retold. The magic throughout and the love connection between Aladdin and Princess Maram are exciting, sweet, and entertaining. Ms. Carlton has a great writing style and this book about a good man and a beautiful woman are worth the read, particularly if you enjoy the retelling of any kind of fairy tale.

I received an ARC of this eBook in exchange for my honest review of it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another amazing story by Demelza Carlton. This is the second story I've read by this author, and she is "one to watch" for me. I don't know the original tale for the "Arabian Nights", but this was a lovely and very fun adventure. I'll post more, after I digest, but if you want a quick, honest opinion....definitely check this story (and this author) out!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.5

To be able to add your own spin to a beloved fairytale, this author has mastered the art. Alluding retold has brought a new appreciation to the tale. I envisioned so many different ways this tale would play out and was very pleased with the direction this author took. The mature content was tastefully inserted without any overkill, which I love and appreciated. Looking forward to more of these tales.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling had more in common with Disney's animated movie than it did with the original Arabian Nights story. I found Aladdin less idealistic though more romantic (in the adventure sense of the word) and Maran is definitely no Jasmine, no matter that they are both daughters of a sultan. Still, the author gives us a plausible meeting of two unlikely lovers and a reasonable explanation for the loss of the lamp. Mothers always think they know better, don't they?

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an imaginative recreation of the fairytale of Aladdin with an adult orientation. I enjoyed this tale a lot as the princess takes an active role in her own story and Aladdin is written as a more believable character. Since some of the described scenes are somewhat explicit, this story is for mature readers. Mary Sarah does an amazing job as the narrator. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

I loved how the adventure and romance unfolded in this story. Aladdin and Maram make an amazing couple. I love how capable and crafty Maram is. I would highly recommend this story and the whole series (they are connected, but don't need to be read in order).

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. I think I like this version better than Disney’s. Surprise! My strong woman knows what she wants. I look for a strong woman in most of the books I read. This is not a fairy tale for children but there is very little real action. (Know what I mean?)