“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.

Book 1 of the Daughter of Arden series.

Maleen is the kingdom’s only princess, but she has no prince. As war gathers at the borders, her father gives her two options: marry a foreign prince, or face imprisonment in an impregnable tower. Maleen tries a third option. But knights in white armor do not always come to rescue a princess in Exile. This gentle fantasy from Loren G. Warnemuende shows little magic or strange creatures, focusing on complex emotions and relationships. A good supernatural Creator does hold this kingdom in his hand, where characters practice and discuss their faith. Exile’s lack of action could make some readers feel restless. Others will enjoy the imagination and heart of this tale.

Best for: Fans of young-adult fantasy and fairy tale retellings.

Discern: Scenes of a war’s aftermath that includes human remains, someone experiences a disturbing and evidently supernatural dream, a difficult relationship between father and daughter involves questionable behavior on both sides.