A reimagining of the beloved folktale, Aladdin, set in medieval Germany.Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion, and their childhood … companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break.
Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Through his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke’s steward. But that isn’t enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child—or the fact that he’s an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune.
Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he’s worked so hard to obtain?
An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan’s Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what “family” really means.
- Full length clean fairy tale reimagining
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
more
The Orphan’s Wish (2018) by Melanie Dickerson is the eighth book in her Hagenheim series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this novel took me two days to read. I received a copy of this book in paperback form from the author via her publisher, Thomas Nelson Publishing. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give The Orphan’s Wish 5 STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance.
Melanie Dickerson is one of my most favorite Christian Fiction authors. I have read EVERY book she has written, and I will read everything she ever produces in the future. Her storytelling is SO good. I get lost inside the pages of every single one of her novels. The Orphan’s Wish is no exception. In fact, yesterday while I was reading, my daughter stood in front of me for a good five minutes attempting to get my attention, but I truly didn’t even notice because I was so captivated by the story. Mrs. Dickerson’s novel had completely transported me to Kirstyn and Aladdin’s world! I absolutely adore when a novel allows me to escape my world for a whole new world (hehehe, I couldn’t resist an Aladdin reference).
When people come from nothing, when the world tells them that they are nothing, people often feel like they have to prove themselves. There is this sneaky message on repeat in peoples’ brains that everything they do must be done well and perfect every time. There’s no room to fail, and when failure happens it’s like you have let down yourself, your loved ones, the world, and God. It is a lot of pressure to live life like this. In fact, no one can live life like this because at some point we all fail. It’s inevitable. When Aladdin is a small boy — I’m talking 5 — he is manipulated into doing something bad in order to stay alive. The guilt from this act causes him to believe he must constantly be perfect — make the right choice, make the right decision, be the best at school, etc. — or no one will love him. He believes that a mistake means people will see him as nothing but a dirty street rat. Poor Aladdin! Many, many times the mom in me wanted to reach into the book and hug this broken man, and find a way to erase that errant looped message in his head.
I found Aladdin’s struggle very real. My whole life was about trying to meet my mom’s supposed expectations for me. I could NEVER fail at anything. I had to prove I was a good enough daughter. This meant I had to get good grades in school. I had to be well behaved in public everywhere we went. I had to win all the academic awards I could. I had to make Varsity soccer in high school. I had to get into a good college. I could not afford to make a mistake or I felt I would be letting my mom down. I desperately wanted her to see that I was not a mistake. The funny thing is my mom never set up these expectations for me. Somehow, I got it into my mind that if I made a mistake my mom wouldn’t love me anymore. What a crazy thing for a kid to think! And, to this day, I have no idea where that thought came from. All my mom has ever wanted for me is to be safe and healthy and happy and to love Jesus with my whole heart. That’s it. She has always been proud of me because I am her kid. I didn’t have to do anything or be anything other than me. Man, if I had realized that when I was a teen, life would have been a lot easier for me.
Aladdin realizes that his need to be perfect all the time is a rough road to walk. He grows to learn that mistakes happen, but God still loves him no matter what. And, he comes to understand that the people in his life still love him, too. A single mistake does not make up a person’s identity! Aladdin learns to go to God and ask for forgiveness. He also learns the value of communication. People are not mind readers. They don’t know Aladdin’s amazing plans if he doesn’t tell them. They don’t know his feelings if he doesn’t tell them. I actually think this is the perfect novel to give to tweens and teens so they can learn these two very valuable lessons at an earlier age, and maybe save themselves some needless suffering! When my kid is old enough, I am definitely giving her this book so she and I can have a good discussion about what it means to make a mistake and seek forgiveness, and the value of good communication.
I appreciate how Mrs. Dickerson twists Disney stories and makes them her own. They are always so unique and engaging. In The Orphan’s Wish, not only does Mrs. Dickerson make her own Aladdin tale, but she puts a spin on the Joseph story from Genesis, too. I love Joseph’s story — it’s one of my most favorite in the Bible. So, to see it weaved a bit throughout Aladdin’s tale is a lot of fun for me. I appreciate it because we have a tendency to believe that the men and women in the Bible are separate from us, some may even say better than us because they were chosen by God to be in His book. But, the men and women of the Bible were just like us today. They made mistakes. They loved. They hated. They needed forgiveness. Bad things happened to them. They needed to go to the market. They had to pay bills. They really were just like us, which I think is the point. Any one of us can be an Aladdin or Snow White or Wreck it Ralph. Any one of us can be a Joseph or Esther or Ruth or Peter. Stories — good stories — are meant to teach us how to be better people. The Bible shows us that God uses cracked pots … no matter the time period. So, in this, I really loved that Mrs. Dickerson used the Joseph story and the Aladdin story because they really are just the stories of us!
Overall, The Orphan’s Wish is a very good story. It’s filled with excellently created characters, timely and thoughtful themes and lessons, and a plot line that’s so engaging I could not put the book down. I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a captivating read, then The Orphan’s Wish is the book for you!
The Orphan’s Wish Is a Christian retelling of Aladdin. Oh how enjoyable it is there Ms. Dickerson is so gifted on how she works this out for you. It is so fantastic this story breaks your heart in the very beginning, but as it goes on it gets happier and you are hooked from word one in pulling for Aladdin. Will he find true happiness again as an orphan? The author was able to make this world come to life in your mind. You really visualize and conceptualize the entire world of Aladdin. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
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I am repeatedly impressed by Melanie Dickerson’s ability to take a well-known and well-loved fairy tale and create something unique while retaining elements of the familiar. And while she’s doing that, she also weaves elements and characters of her previous stories into the new one!
The Orphan’s Wish is a retelling of Aladdin. While you will find an orphan boy determined to make his mark on the world and to gain wealth in an attempt to become worthy of the girl he loves, there are no magic lamps or wish-granting genies.
Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn become fast friends in childhood. They grow up sharing everything. But an orphan is not good enough for a duke’s daughter—even one with a heart wide open to spending her life caring for those less fortunate than her.
Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn do spend a lot of the book apart and there are plenty of obstacles to them finding each other again, but their thoughts remain centered on the one they love.
This book explores what love is willing to risk, what courage can lead a person through, and what a foundation of friendship can build. All that while providing an entertaining and sometimes action-packed storyline.
Next up for Dickerson is a Mulan retelling. Go ahead and add that one to your Goodreads shelf.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is a lovely story with all the fun of a fairy tale retelling and a faith theme woven throughout as this author is so good at doing.
Not sure I connected on all levels with the characters, but it was so easy to like the main characters. They were both fun, and I enjoyed the childhood adventures they had together. I loved hiking and similar type adventures when I was young.
I think my favorite thing really is that I can pass this book onto my young teen daughter and know she’s getting a clean read with good morals included as well as faith and forgiveness. Included is a message that with Gods help an individual doesn’t have to be tied to their bad habits or past sinful actions.
All in all, this was an enjoyable quick read that I’m thrilled is clean enough for my daughter! Also my daughter is adopted so this read will be special to her. I love the fact that much is talked of about children needing a home!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is another fantastic tale from Melanie. She has crafted a lovely tale with Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn, that kept me spellbound from beginning to end. I loved finally seeing Kirstyn’s story, and meeting Aladdin, It was so fun to read and see how their story unfolded. If you like fairy tale stories, I highly recommend this one, it’s got all the necessary pieces: great characters, romance, danger, a cool setting and time period, good guys and bad guys, and much more. I read it in less than a day so it’s a quick and easy read and it is sure to hold your attention. Check it out!
I was provided this book for review by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I was either deprived or preserved from experiencing fairy tales in Disney fashion outside of reading them in an encyclopedia or other books.
Melanie Dickerson’s retellings are enchanting. They give fresh spins on the old tales that I loved from the books from long ago and make me wish I enjoyed Disney movies. I really enjoyed this story, with the germanic twists and turns.
I feel as though, when I want a comforting story, where I know that the character will suffer, but in the end, things will go right, I can pick up one of her books and know it will be that way. But what is even better than that, is the skillful way the life lessons are woven into each one.
I obtained this book from the Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.
The story of Aladdin is given a new spin in this latest fairy tale from Melanie Dickerson. The story begins in the Holy Land when Aladdin is just a small boy and we get to watch him grow up before our eyes. As an orphan, Aladdin feels like he has to work harder and strive to be perfect in order to earn love and affection.
Lady Kirstyn has a tender heart for those less fortunate. She longs to give love and a sense of family to the orphans of her family’s homeland. As the middle child, Kirstyn often feels overlooked and under-appreciated in her large family.
Aladdin & Kirstyn are children when they meet and they quickly become friends, going on adventures, and exploring the woods around Hagenheim. They learn to trust one another and build a special bond of friendship. But no one said growing up is easy.
I enjoyed this face-paced story. This story can easily be read as a stand-alone, however, you are sure to treasure Melanie’s other fairy tale stories! I would have like to have seen a little more character growth and maturity before the last couple of chapters. However, that alone shouldn’t discourage you from reading this fun story! Aladdin & Kirstyn are sure to find their way into your heart and take you along on their incredible journey!
If you, like me enjoy reading the fairy tale stories from Melanie Dickerson, then you won’t want to miss out on this latest addition. I give this story 4 stars and would encourage you to pick up this story to enjoy!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Melanie Dickerson once again proved her unique ability to take a well known fairy tale, rework it and make it into a spiritual take. This go round, she takes on the story of Aladdin. We meet him as a young boy whose mother had just died and he must find a way to support himself as an orphan. He is taken in by a greedy crook who forced Aladdin to steal. Then a kind priest take a him in and shelters him and introduced Aladdin to Christ. I love fairy tales and enjoy how Dickerson puts her special skin on them. Haven’t missed a one!
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of This book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here is entirely my own.
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This absorbing story by Melanie Dickerson is exactly what you would expect it to be: A Christian fairytale with the author’s own imaginative retelling of the story of Aladdin. She sets Aladdin’s tale in Germany, instead of the Middle East, and he interacts with some of the other characters in the Hagenheim realm. It’s a sweet, clean tale of growing up, friendship, love, and hope.
If you want your fairytale to be be “modern” and address specific issues from that viewpoint. then this isn’t the book for you. If you don’t want to read “flowery” phrases, then skip this one. But this is exactly what I hoped it would be: A lovely, captivating fairytale filled with action, suspense, and romance. Aladdin is portrayed as a young man of faith and honor who struggles at times with his own imperfections, but learns from his own mistakes. Aladdin and Kristyn have to go through many struggles on their way to their happily-ever-after. But isn’t that one of the things that makes a good fairytale?
I always enjoy a good fairytale. I loved this book.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful series. I normally don’t read in ya but with this author I do! I enjoyed the retelling of Aladdin. It held my interest from begining to end. There was a nice flow in the story. Each story can be read as a stand alone. Great imagination and retelling to make this an enjoyable read.
I loved this book. I was completely engrossed with the story and found myself gasping, crying, or laughing with the characters.
Wow! What a truly wonderful novel! Melanie Dickerson always delivers a beautiful story, and this one was no exception!
I absolutely LOVED the main characters Aladdin and Kirstyn. To be honest, I didn’t really know much about Kirstyn from the other novels, but I fell in love with her gentle and kind spirit! Aladdin was super swoon-worthy and his talent for business was admirable. They are so perfect together and complement each other marvellously.
The plot was interesting and had enough twists and turns to keep me entertained the whole time! I was madly turning the pages to get to the well-deserved happily ever after.
The secondary characters were all developed well and I particularly liked Abu!!
Overall, this is an amazing novel filled with adventure, love and the traditional of all fairy tale themes; good versus evil. I would highly recommend this novel!! A fantastic addition to the Hagenheim series!
Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale remakes usually capture my attention. I love her take on the stories. She sprinkles in a little bit of her Dickerson magic and tosses what I know of the popular tales and whips up a batch of a new perspective. With her latest installment of her Hagenheim series, The Orphan’s Wish, I believe it wasn’t as good as the others preceding it.
The only approach to Aladdin I had is the Disney version with the Genie and Jasmine, so I’m not that familiar with the true written story. Dickerson does a great job at inviting me into the Hagenheim kingdom and bringing back familiar characters that I’m familiar with. Clear and concise writing is what Dickerson does best. She really invites me into the character’s mind and allows me to feel and think right alongside the characters.
But . . . I have some issues with The Orphan’s Wish. First, the first forty percent of the book features a lot of flashback into Aladdin and Kirstyn’s early relationship. I would be reading the story, and then be thrown into an aspect of importance to show how Aladdin and Kirstyn’s past cemented their present world. Second, I believe, there were too many internal dialogue and thoughts from Aladdin and Kirstyn about the other person. Every decision Aladdin made was because of a “might” relationship with Lady Kirstyn. He couldn’t really make any decision on his own. He thought about Lady Kirstyn ALL THE TIME.
The romance appeared a little childish. They met as young kids and became best friends. Then the romance grew, even though Aladdin and Kirstyn were not socially in the same station in life. Aladdin and Kirstyn’s thoughts drove me nuts. They thought of each other all the time like a young couple in love. Plus, they were too afraid to admit to each other how they honestly felt.
I wish the bad guy was more. I don’t know how to explain it without giving away the plot. He appears, kidnaps, and threatens. Not too much of a threat. Then he is captured, released, and captured / killed for the final time. The conflict wasn’t deep enough for me. If felt too shallow.
Overall, I really looked forward to Melanie Dickerson’s take on Aladdin with The Orphan’s Wish, but it fell short for me. The romance and the plot didn’t capture my attention and left me wanting more with the story. I believe I will still collect the book to complete my collection. Fans of Dickerson’s other novels should read the novel and see if they enjoy it for themselves.
I received a complimentary copy of The Orphan’s Wish by Melanie Dickerson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Super cute re telling of Aladdin. I actually listened to this on audible and the narrator did a wonderful job. This book is a young adult book and I highly recommend to young girls who want a sweet and romantic tale that is clean and has an inspirational message.
Great Fantasy YA Novel
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is another wonderful fairy tale told in this series. I have read other books from Melanie and this one stands out just like the rest. It is nice to read one when it isn’t a Disney version of it. I love how each of the characters are described so that you can almost picture them in your head. Thank you for another retelling of a fairy tale.
“But I will always be just a servant, and it will never . . . . . . . . It will never be enough.”
Reluctantly, Aladdin leaves Hagenheim Castle behind along with a hefty piece of his heart; the Duke of Hagenheim’s lovely daughter, Kirstyn. Orphaned at an early age, forced into stealing for a cruel master in order to keep a roof over his head, Aladdin feels the need to prove himself worthy of a future with his childhood friend. Having been rescued from his life of thievery, brought under the tutelage of a kind priest and employed as the duke’s assistant steward is simply not enough; Aladdin is convinced that he needs to become a successful man on his own merits.
Along the path to independence, Aladdin’s bravery earns the attention of a wealthy Ludenburg merchant who smartly recognizes his young mentee’s ability to reconcile accounts. Soon Herr Kaufmann is calling Aladdin his son; disinheriting his biological offspring who is reputed to be a cruel and notorious criminal. Meanwhile, back in Hagenheim, the unthinkable happens; Kirstyn is kidnapped and disappears, sending Aladdin into a downward spiral of guilt and despair over not having been close enough to protect his beloved. How valuable is his wealth now?
What a lovely retake of a most familiar story, with its many twists and turns; leaning heavily on the importance of truth over deception and faithfulness over foolishness.
Melanie Dickerson has quickly made me a fan of YA and I’m loving her Fairy Tale Retellings. This retelling of Aladdin had me quickly turning pages to see what happened next. At times it had me on the edge wanting to help the characters out of situations. I loved that it started at childhood and built the relationship of Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn slowly. This story shows how God restores our brokenness if we remain faithful. I will save this for my granddaughter to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
The characters of Lady Kristyn and Aladdin were wonderfully written. It was a fun read.
The Orphan’s Wish #8 Hagenheim by Melanie Dickerson
The Orphan’s Wish is a lovely and fun retelling of the fairy tale Aladdin. Melanie Dickerson weaves a delightful story with a faith theme woven throughout which gives a deeper depth of the story-line and characters. There are several characters that soon made it to my favorites list and those who had evil intents that had me hoping they would be found out in time. I enjoyed the childhood adventures Aladdin and Kirstyn had and hoped they could recapture that adventurous spirit once again in adulthood. Of course, things are so different for them now than when they were children. Will these differences hinder their friendship or give them a strength to build upon? Then something tragic occurs that forces Aladdin to rethink his priorities and goals. Will he be in time to help Kirstyn before it is too late and never be able to declare his true feelings for her? Will the ordeal Kirstyn is forced into destroy her or will she find the strength she needs to keep going and believing God will provide a miracle for her?
I appreciate the faith elements within the story-line and the lessons the characters learned. . .such as, to learn to lean on God and trust Him in all areas of their lives (a lesson for us all). I enjoyed the descriptive details of the era the story is set in, which brought the story to life for me. Growing up, Aladdin was never a favorite fairy tale but this retelling has changed my mind about the story.
~I received an e-book copy of this book from the publisher/author/NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I love reading Fairy Tales retellings and MelanieDickerson’s are the best!
I liked that this book is set in the medieval era, which I love. And that there are characters that I know from her previous books. The Duke of Hagenheim’s family, Lena the healer, etc.
Both main characters are very likeable. I liked Aladdin’s integrity since he was young, and his loyalty for his childhood friend. Lady Kirstyn is sweet and so kind… I felt a bit bad that she didn’t feel worthy at times because she was the youngest in a big family and was often overlooked. But she grew up through out the story. Both characters were endearing.
The plot had the Aladdin theme but it was original in itself. It had unexpected twists, and it captivated me from the start until the end. I especially liked the second half. The ending was great!
I liked that the romance was sweet and clean. The only thing is that I thought they took very long to admit their feelings for each other when it was so evident. But even with that, it made it more interesting and intriguing.
I has everything: love, adventure, suspense and a bit of humor.
I totally recommend this book as well as the rest of Melanie Dickerson’s books. For teens and adults as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.