The Captive Maiden Author: Visit Amazon's Melanie Dickerson Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0310724414 | Format: PDF
The Captive Maiden Description
From School Library Journal
Gr 6–10—Without magic dust or musical interludes, Dickerson delivers a wonderful spin on "Cinderella" that is full of engaging, thoughtful characters amid lively medieval pageantry. Gisela, 17, works as a servant for her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. When the Duke announces a grand tournament to celebrate the return of his oldest son, Valten, she risks everything to attend. A chance encounter with Valten changes their lives and sets off a dramatic chain of events. The measured pace incorporates suspenseful plot twists, keeping readers wondering if there will be a happily-ever-after ending. Readers of Dickerson's "Snow White"-inspired The Fairest Beauty (Zondervan, 2013) will recognize Gabe, Valten's younger brother, and Sophie, Valten's former betrothed. The character-driven story line focuses on Gisela's and Valten's individual growth as well as on their budding relationship. Detailed descriptions create a strong sense of a 1400s' medieval town, from the vibrant marketplace to the cold castles, to knights battling in front of a gallery of beautiful maidens in their finery. The setting emphasizes the limited options available to Gisela as a young maiden with no money or family. The inspirational and reflective tone shows her to be kind and forgiving despite her hardships, and Valten, brave and chivalrous, no longer seeks fame and glory, but rather welcomes the "idea of God-given purpose." This novel has lots of appeal for fans of fairy tales and of chivalry and knights.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA
From Booklist
Never was a Cinderella tale so fraught with menacing forces! Not only does Gisela have to contend with an evil stepmother and stepsisters who would move heaven and earth to prevent the local duke’s handsome son from pursuing her, but the evil knight Ruexner will stop at nothing to imprison the poor girl and force her into marriage. Ruexner is locked in a long-simmering grudge match against Valten, the duke’s son, who is equally smitten with our girl. Will Valten—attractive, honorable, and gifted with legendary fighting skills—overcome his nemesis to win his lady? How much luck can go Gisela and Valten’s way as they try to escape one calamitous tight spot after another? Expect high romance, melodrama, and Christian inspiration in a vivid medieval setting. Even when she seems doomed, Gisela will swoon at the thought of her handsome rescuer’s features: “How could he look so handsome with a bruised eye and dried blood at his temple?” Readers will appreciate Gisela’s pluck as she participates in her rescue—make that rescues—from Ruexner. Grades 7-10. --Anne OMalley
See all Editorial Reviews
- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Zondervan (November 23, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0310724414
- ISBN-13: 978-0310724414
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
- Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
My daughter’s thoughts: Melanie Dickerson has truly captured my attention with this outstanding story. Cinderella has always been one of my favorite princesses, but Melanie’s book proves fairy tales aren’t just for children anymore. Even grown-ups can enjoy these books.
Much like her other book, The Captive Maiden, it was very intriguing, and I found it near to impossible to put down. I loved how the story plot led up to the ending, keeping me thrilled to the very last page. The ending itself was amazing and I loved every single word of it. But what really drew my attention was the beautiful cover. It is absolutely stunning! The girl who posed for the cover is beautiful and so is the magnificent dress she’s wearing.
I feel both teenagers and adults would like this book as much as I did. Both this one and The Fairest Beauty were excellent books and I loved reading them. Having read them both, I must say that I cannot pick a favorite!
My thoughts: I would have to say, I agree with my daughter on this one.
When you have a cover that beautiful, the story had better live up to it and thankfully, this one does. The author captures the heart of Cinderella without overdoing it and making it cliche. I am also thrilled that we were able to see the older brother finally get his happily-ever-after too. This book does touch on sibling rivalry and jealousy which I think is normal for these circumstances and a lot of the time this can lead to insecurities. I love the emphasis that each of us needs to find our own way and make our own name in this world. What each of us determines to do, can make a difference in the entire world or even to one special person.
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