Ratings2
Average rating3.5
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 who is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite 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.
Featured Series
11 primary booksHagenheim is a 11-book series with 11 released primary works first released in 2010 with contributions by Melanie Dickerson.
Reviews with the most likes.
This story started with Aladdin, so it was very interesting. However, as the story progressed, I found it really hard to like Kirstyn. I enjoyed the plot, but I couldn't quite like her.
3.5 personal rating; would give four stars if I was the intended YA audience.
This is a great, clean book that I would hand to any teen girl without batting an eye. There are some scenes with a bit of violence, but not a bunch of gore. There is a kidnapping, so heads-up to those who might dislike that element, but otherwise there's really nothing to warn against.
It was a really quick read for me and it was nice that it wasn't too terribly predictable. Aladdin and Kirstyn are enjoyable characters and the Gerstenberg family was a pleasant one as usual.
A few modern turns of phrase in conversation got on my nerves, as well as a man being called Priest (historically, he would be Father ___, not “priest”) and a few other such things. Super stars go to Dickerson for using blonde/blond correctly, since this is an error that has really been on my nerves in a whole stack of books lately.
It was fun to see an interracial couple, since that isn't often seen in CF.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. A favorable review was not required.
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