Exile (Daughter of Arden, #1), by Loren G. Warnemuende

(Paperback, 241 pages, first published in 2022)

“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, and was a finalist for the 2023 Realm Awards in both the Fantasy and Debut categories!

Storyglory Cautions: Maleen is going to be married off to a prince she doesn’t love and chooses to be exiled in a tower instead. Romance is implied although there is no kissing. There is some violence toward the end of the book; Maleen finds skulls on stakes.

Recommended Age: 15+