Exile

by Loren G. Warnemuende

“I will give you three days in which to choose your fate.”

No matter which choice Maleen made, it appeared bondage was the life her father lay before her.

In this retelling of the Grimm’s tale, “Maid Maleen,” war advances on the nation of Arden. To keep Princess Maleen safe, the king gives her two options: marriage to a prince she doesn’t love or retreat in a tower protected by the work of a Stone Sage.

Hoping that her beloved Prince Melanor will come rescue her, Maleen chooses the tower. In Exile, Maleen must not only come to terms with her decision, but with her family, her country, her place in old prophecies, and, ultimately, the heart of the Mighty One.

Daughter of Arden – Exile is the first in a trilogy following Maleen’s story and the fate of Arden. Wandering and Promise will release in 2023.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Retellings, Christian, Fairy Tales

290 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2022

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

[Kate Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid and heartfelt fairy tale retelling!

It's truly magical when I stumble on a fairy tale retelling that I love because I find these are the books I connect with on a deeply personal level. There were no magic potions or hidden portals to another world in this story; it was the writing that was pure magic.

You follow Maleen as she is given such a hard choice: marriage to a man she doesn't love or being exiled to a tower with no exit until the impending war has ended. Maleen can't bring herself to marry a man she doesn't love and decides to choose the tower.

What follows is a time of intense personal growth and the whole range of emotions a person would experience if they were locked away for a significant portion of time. What really added a lovely richness to this story was the character of Maleen's servant - Marietta. She sees the ways in which Maleen needs to grow and does her best to gently guide her there.

There is such a love of story and words and I loved how different prophecies and sacred texts were woven into this story. Such a life giving reading experience and I can't wait to read the next in the series - Wandering.

[Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was more interesting and stressful than i thought it would be. Still it was a great book! Definitely continuing the series.

[D.T. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic trilogy opener. Looking forward to the other two books.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD. I read it in about two days, and I will definitely be continuing the trilogy.

First off, I've never met Loren in person, but I've connected with her in various ways online, and as far as I can tell, she's the real deal. This book comes from a lady with a solid Christian worldview that I share.

This is a retelling of the Maid Maleen fairy tale. The basic premise is that a princess refuses to marry the prince her father chooses because she is in love with a different prince. As a result, her furious father locks her away in a tower for seven years to break her perverse spirit. Her waiting maid accompanies her into the tower, and the story continues from there.

Here, Princess Maleen starts out as a willful young woman who is in love with a prince who has pretty manners but poor morals. Her father has selected a more upstanding prince for her to marry, but in a fit of teenage rebellion, she refuses. Because her father is preparing for an impending war, he decides to lock her in a tower to protect her in case of disaster (since she won't agree to the protection provided by marriage). For the first half of the book, Maleen is rather insufferable, and if that puts you off, don't worry. She changes.

I like the spin that Loren put on this tale. Instead of being a tyrant, Maleen's father is a good man who wants the best for her, but she resists it. It's a great message for young people who think that their elders are too controlling and out of touch. We can easily see how Maleen's selfish plans are not only (somewhat) detached from reality but also foolhardy. This is a coming-of-age tale, where Maleen goes from Maiden to Hero, and I'm excited to see what's in store next for her.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had the privilege of reading an Advance Reader copy of this book, and can't wait for the next book in this series!

Daughter of Arden: Exile details the story of Maleen, a Princess of Arden, who must choose between marrying the man her father the King has chosen for her --in spite of her feelings for Melanor, a prince from a neighboring country -- or exile in a tower built for her safety in light of a prophesied war.

The very title of the book suggests her answer; she chooses exile, and this book follows all that happens to her as she is shut away in a tower, with only her maidservant Marietta to tend her. The plot twists and turns as the women experience uncertainties and fear as well as an awareness of the care and compassion provided by the Mighty One.

Release from exile (an adventure in itself) brings Maleen and Marietta face to face with desolation, mysteries, and grief, as well as a new determination to go forward into the unknown -- but not before one final act of faith on Maleen's part . . .

[Alicia Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy tale retellings are some of my favorite books, and I'm always looking for new ones. This book retells a less-well-known fairytale, the story of "Maid Maleen," a girl who is shut up in a tower for seven years when she disobeys her father.

This book is a delight. In simple and eloquent prose, it presents complex characters like the Princess Maleen, King Darrick, and Maid Marietta, a rich world full of complex alliances and histories, and the tension of personal choices against the threat of war. The book thoughtfully addresses spiritual as well as physical realities with the presence of cryptic prophecies, sacred Writings, sages, temples, and a Mighty One over all.

I known Loren, and I read and provided feedback for this book in manuscript form, as well as its sequels (so many surprises are coming). I am very excited for others to enjoy it. :)

[Lily Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read this book! I enjoy a fairy tale retelling, especially one that has some extra added to it as this one does with the dynamic of the kingdom being discussed. It is also so rare to find a book nowadays that actually points to the Lord! 5/⭐️ can’t wait to have time to read the next two!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quiet and profound story. Maleen's introspective journey of self-discovery was very believable. The writing is beautiful, and the world drew me right in. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the trilogy!

[Lavay Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from Sept. 2023:

I came across this unique book through Lorehaven Magazine, which describes a "gentle fantasy" that shows "shows little magic or strange creatures, focusing on complex emotions and relationships." Naturally, I was intrigued. (I was not even familiar with the fairytale of Maid Maleen, so it's nice to try something new.)

From the moment I turned the page, I was immersed. Here we have a kingdom threatened by war, a prophecy foretelling a final victory and a final defeat, and the kingdom's only heir, Princess Maleen... who could be the key to everything.

Except, this princess has... MUCH needed growth--- she's been spoiled rotten (by her ladies-in-waiting) that has caused a rather painful strain with her relationship with her father King Darrick. And when she's given the choice of marriage to a foreign prince (whom she doesn't love) or protection in an impregnable tower, she stubbornly chooses the tower-- in hopes that the prince (whom she's infatuated with) would rescue her. Little is she prepared for the consequences and journey she will face... where she will never be the same.

I love how this story takes its time and pace, especially Princess Malen's personal growth and her relationship with Marrietta, a motherly servant who accompanies her in the tower. There's plenty of tension, both internal and external-- especially with looming invasion of their enemies. And most of all... I love how the presence of the Mighty One is woven throughout the story... how He is always near, even in darkness and despair... or even when many seem to ignore Him, blinded by prosperity... until they realize, as Maleen learns, that they need Him.

But this is just the beginning of what could be a beautiful "gentle" yet high fantasy trilogy of hope amid despair, light in darkness, and beauty and joy in pain and desolation. I'm looking forward to the rest of Loren G. Warnemuende's Daughter of Arden series, Wandering and Promise.

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairy tale retelling and people who love this genre will be captivated by this rendition of one of the Brothers Grimm's deep cuts. The sense of place in the book is beautiful and vivid—there is much introduction to the world within Maleen's castle which may feel like excessive exposition to some readers but pays off tremendously in its emotional climax. The other strength of the book is that rather than relying on typical fairy tale tropes, it instead draws its energy from the main character. Maleen is extremely human in all her faults, and I found her to be extraordinarily relatable. It is my hope that teen female readers will also relate to her story and perhaps be compelled to change as a result of Maleen's character growth. I look forward to seeing how the story develops over the next two books!

[Carolyn Givens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of the Grimm's Tale "Maid Maleen" begins with a spoiled princess who chooses exile in a tower rather than marrying the man her father has chosen. This choice sets her on a path for growth and change—she had to enter a tower to learn that the world does not revolve around her. While the setting is unique, Maleen's journey is one that many young women will relate to. Her story is one that builds and grows, even just in the first book of the trilogy, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Maleen knows what she wants, and is willing to endure imprisonment rather than accept what her father the king wants. Inside the tower events transpire that lead to a change of heart. This fairy tale retelling has me hooked on what happens to the Daughter of Arden.

[Robert Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this retelling of Grimm’s fairytale “Maid Maleen”, the spoiled princess of the kingdom of Arden is given two options by her father: marry a prince that would take her to a foreign kingdom far away from the encroaching war, or be sequestered in a magically protected tower for the duration of the fighting. Princess Maleen already has her heart set on a different prince, and, sure that he will come rescue her, she chooses the tower. But as the days of her exile stretch on, with only one servant as her companion, Maleen’s faith in everything she thought she knew is shaken. Is the Mighty One her father believes in really in control?

This particular fairytale compiled by the Grimm brothers is not as often told as others, which left Warnemuende with room to play. She draws readers into the kingdom politics and whims of a heroine who is flawed, but still likeable. It was satisfying to watch young Maleen slowly mature as circumstances spiral out of her control. During difficult times, she must learn to trust the Mighty One and his provision. It was a fun read that felt simultaneously like a modern fantasy story and an old-fashioned fairytale. There was a large portion of the book that passed with little action, but to be fair to Warnemuende, that was part of the original tale as well. With how the ending is set up, the next book in the series promises to pick up speed.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exile is the first book in what is to be the Daughter of Arden Trilogy. The story follows Princess Marleen of Arden as faces a difficult choice and the consequences of her choice. The choice- to marry a man she does not love or to enter into a specially built tower- is put before her by her father as her nation is facing an approaching war. What follows is a tale of longing, heartbreak, and learning to trust the Mighty One.

This is a very typical first book for a trilogy. The main focus of the plot is to introduce the reader to Marleen, our protagonist, and the conflict that she will be facing. As such, a lot of this book is mostly character development. Exile is a YA novel under 300 pages, so readers should go into it not expecting a Sanderson level of development and worldbuilding. I expect that over the next two books we will see a lot more of Arden and its people. There is also a time span of three years covered in this novel, so be prepared to also go through time jumps.

That being said, I did largely enjoy this book. It has a certain fairy tale quality that makes it compelling. If you are looking for a low/no magic fantasy to read (or read with your children) I would happily direct you to Exile. I look forward to the next two books in the series.

[A.A. Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loren Warnemuende has taken one of Grimm’s fairy tales, Maid Maleen, and transfigured it into a rich tapestry of kingdoms and battles, prophesies and promises, choices and regrets. Warnemuende begins by showing us a Princess Maleen who is pampered, protected, indulged, and self-centered. Maleen has heard of the Mighty One and pays lip service to him like most of the court, but what has the One Who Sees to do with the ordering of her life or the life of her kingdom? As war with the southern tribes approaches, her father the king, to provide for Maleen’s safety, gives her a choice: to marry Prince Jared of a neighboring kingdom, or be locked in a magic tower for the duration of the war. Maleen chooses the tower. Warnemuende cleverly uses the tower, with all of its hardships and constraints, to force Maleen to grow up, get real, and become acquainted with the Mighty One and his love for her. And Warnemuende does it little by little so that the reader can come along with Maleen in her journey of transformation. I found this first book in the trilogy satisfying, yet leaving me wanting more. Fortunately, I already have the second book in hand!

[Rebecca Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Princess Maleen is forced to choose between marrying a man she doesn't love (or even know) and being trapped in a tower to keep her safe from the impending war, she chooses the tower in hopes that the prince she does love (or thinks she does) will come and rescue her. But years pass, war rages outside the tower, and Maleen has to come to terms with her new life and learn to be a better version of herself.

Most of the story takes place inside the tower, which seems like a great way for a story to become monotonous. But the author does a good job of building tension, especially as it relates to the relationship between Maleen and the servant who accompanies her to the tower. She also provides ample opportunities for character growth as Maleen is forced to learn new skills and how to put someone else's needs ahead of her own for the first time in her life. Though I sympathized with Maleen in the beginning, I didn't like her very much. But she grew on me throughout the story, and by the end I was cheering for her and hoping for the best for her and the people she loves.

A great book for fans of fairy tales reimagined.

[Chelsea Barnwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fairy tale retelling! Maleen is an interesting character facing an extreme situation. It is sweet to see her slow development from a spoiled focus on herself to an outward focus on others and her kingdom. As I am unfamiliar with the original Maid Maleen story, I'm also curious about what will happen in the next two books!

One word of caution is that while the majority of the book is very gentle and sweet, the last few chapters do have some grim descriptions about the devestations of war. For that reason, this book would probably be best classified as YA, though more mature children may be able to handle the descriptions.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grew on me with each page I turned. At the beginning I wasn't sure how I felt about Maleen and her perspective on the world. There was also a prophecy that the author introduces to us that seems to hover over and intertwine with all the other elements of the story.

As the story moves forward Maleen makes her choice. Choices define outcomes and following Maleen's "exile" her perspectives begin to shift, hope starts to rise and the Mighty One is further introduced taking on a more active role in the tale. As Maleen grew so did my investment in the story and I found the ending satisfying enough to hold in the waiting, while also rich enough to long for the next book in the series.

Exile is a book about a young woman growing into her own. Follow Maleen's journey as she discovers what is of real value and where the heart of the kingdom is to be found.

I received a free digital copy of this book for review. I am giving you my honest opinion.

[Emma Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Arden: Exile is the first in a YA trilogy that retells the Grimm fairytale of Maid Maleen. It's a quiet book that primarily focuses on Maleen's inner transformation from a spoiled, childish princess to a young woman who truly loves her kingdom and is willing to go through great hardship to see it restored. The ending left so many unanswered questions...but the other two books in the series are releasing soon! I'm looking forward to seeing the world and characters continue to expand in the sequels, and I'm curious to see how all the plot threads will tie together.

[Charlesa Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a grown up version of a fairytale; a princess living in a tower, a maid serving the princess, the king off to war, etc. then check out Daughter of Arden Trilogy written by Loren Warnemuende and published by Bandersnatch Books.

In book one the princess grows her understanding of who she is because of the revelation of who the Mighty One is. Warning - it is a bit of a cliffhanger so plan to read book 2 (Daughter of Arden: Wandering). Review of book 1 👇🏻

The Daughter of Arden: Exile by Loren Warmemuende is a weaving of a fairytale and coming of age story.

An entitled motherless princess with hopes her teenage heartthrob will rescue her faces the consequences of a life changing decision she has made.

The pure love and sacrifice shown by the king demonstrates true faithfulness. As a father, he trusts and hopes that her heritage and eventual understanding will empower his daughter to grow into the royalty she has been born into.

The gentle relationship development through the story draws in the reader with hopes that the princess will finally become the woman her father hopes for.

The word pictures painted by the author create a vivid imagery of the constant provision and protection extended by the king and ultimately the Mighty King.

CC - the aftermath of war is described in detail ie bodies and skeletons.

This would be a great book for 12+ who isn’t sensitive to the destruction of war which is found at the end of the book.

[Emma Byler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is okay. I like really fast paced books, and this one isn’t so much, so that’s my dislike. It’s mind-boggling how selfish the princess is, but she changes so much and I really like how much The Mighty One plays a role in this story. This book was just okay, but I have a feeling it gets better later in the series. Not a top recommendation, but if you’re in a book block than maybe I’d say to read it.

[Bobby Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy/fiction book is a great read for teens and young adults. The storyline presents a dilemma in which the king‘s daughter is faced with some difficult decisions, as her father protects her and his kingdom. The story presents excellent character development, and the storyline seems reasonable while being fantasy.

[Sandra Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this fairy-tale retelling of Maid Maleen.

Warnemuende crafts a powerful tale of personal growth as the protagonist struggles with selfishness and arrogance and slowly grows through her time in the tower. Though it's written for middle grade, I enjoyed this book as an adult as well. I look forward to the second installment!

[juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to great 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.

[Willa Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. This book took me by storm. After meeting the author at a book signing and hearing some of her inspiration for Maleen, I was intrigued to see what she would do with the story. And she did not disappoint! I absolutely gobbled up the last half of this book. It was intensely compelling, the set up and the character work. I can’t wait to start the next one!

[Danyce Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written retelling of an old tale with relatable characters, vivid descriptions, and a gentle pace that allows the messages of trust, perseverance, hope (and more) to work their way into the reader’s heart. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.

[Lana Lynne Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful retelling of an old tale. The author's style has vestiges of George MacDonald's lyrical prose. It is well paced and builds anticipation with each page turn. I look forward to the other two books in the trilogy.

[Charity Boozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful retelling of a great story.

[Sunny Kim]

i liked this book very much! i love how Maleen and Marietta take care of each other. It is very descriptive and entertaining to read.

[DeAnna Witzenburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! I was pulled right into the world, and enjoyed the main character and her depth! The story was well done and I will be returning to read the rest of the trilogy!