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A realistic, fast-paced reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale full of royalty, romance, and danger. This masterful combination of love and heartbreak—combined with the novel's surprise ending—is everything fans of fantasy, historical, and medieval fiction yearn for.Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself show more capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same.
But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
The Healer's Apprentice:
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Member Reviews
I had a friend mention this series and thought I’d check it out. I listened the audiobook version at 1.45x so my experience may be slightly different than someone who read a physical book but I thought the story was decent. It wasn’t super surprising (how could it be knowing it’s based on Sleeping Beauty??) but I was still interested in how they would find out who Rose was (which became less and less of a mystery as the story progressed). It’s a clean romance novel for those who don’t want explicit scenes which I appreciate. I actually loved how the author showed the power of the name of Jesus over demons. I wouldn’t say it was a favorite but it was quite different than the historical western or Amish romance novels I’ve show more read.
*also, as another reviewer mentioned, Rose’s dog’s name is Wolfie, and that bothered me as well (it felt like a young child’s pet, not a woman who was soon to be married or working as a healer) but that’s a matter of preference I suppose. show less
*also, as another reviewer mentioned, Rose’s dog’s name is Wolfie, and that bothered me as well (it felt like a young child’s pet, not a woman who was soon to be married or working as a healer) but that’s a matter of preference I suppose. show less
I have to admit that I only read this book because my 10 year old son (who is now 11) told me that I had to read “The Captive Maiden”.
Now you’re wondering why…
Once upon a time, I signed up to win a copy of Melanie Dickerson’s “The Captive Maiden” and I won. I was surprised because I don’t usually win when I sign up for giveaways. I do it to show support for the author.
But apparently God meant for me to read this series!
I was not impressed when I started reading the book. The cruelty was almost too much for me and I stopped reading. Then my son picked up the book, looked at the cover and read the back. After that, he demanded that I read it. This was such a rare occurrence (usually he ignores the books I buy or teases me show more about it) that I knew I had to give it a try.
And again, it must have been God’s leading.
These books are the absolute BEST versions I’ve ever seen of what are typically know of as “classic” fairy tales!
I’ve read reviews that complain about the strong themes in these books and I’ve read reviews that say they wish more from the original tales had been incorporated. And I am here to tell you that, in my opinion, they are wrong.
Melanie Dickerson deals with hard-core themes, yes. But she does it in a way that is honest and realistic while maintaining, what some may feel are ridiculously, high standards of modesty and decency – but I find refreshing in a world of bared bodies and brutish language. Our children need to be aware of these things and how to deal with them, especially since they are very much a part of the world we live in today. As much as I would like to shelter them from everything bad or wrong in the world, they have to know that evil exists and they have to know how to confront it!
I feel that Melanie Dickerson presents these harsh issues with grace and discretion.
And as for having more from the original tales, I think it is amazing how well Melanie weaves the pieces of the classic fairy tales through her own stories – using them to help tell the story and reveal the hidden truths slowly throughout.
“The Healer’s Apprentice” is a masterpiece of reality blended flawlessly with fairy tale!
Melanie Dickerson’s characters are simply astonishing – well written, colorful and embodying the very same values and flaws of the heroes and villains that inspired them. And, as much as I would love to say that she always paints the bad guys as bad – it would not be true to life if that were the case.
Evil is deceptive and tricky and it is not always easy to see it for what it really is.
The plot is so well-conceived, it is difficult to believe this is the first book she wrote after fifteen years of not writing. It flows beautifully and there is absolutely nothing I can think that would add to it.
Amazing!
And now I have three more books to look forward to – “The Merchant’s Daughter” and “The Fairest Beauty” right now and “The Princess Spy” releases soon!
Exciting! show less
Now you’re wondering why…
Once upon a time, I signed up to win a copy of Melanie Dickerson’s “The Captive Maiden” and I won. I was surprised because I don’t usually win when I sign up for giveaways. I do it to show support for the author.
But apparently God meant for me to read this series!
I was not impressed when I started reading the book. The cruelty was almost too much for me and I stopped reading. Then my son picked up the book, looked at the cover and read the back. After that, he demanded that I read it. This was such a rare occurrence (usually he ignores the books I buy or teases me show more about it) that I knew I had to give it a try.
And again, it must have been God’s leading.
These books are the absolute BEST versions I’ve ever seen of what are typically know of as “classic” fairy tales!
I’ve read reviews that complain about the strong themes in these books and I’ve read reviews that say they wish more from the original tales had been incorporated. And I am here to tell you that, in my opinion, they are wrong.
Melanie Dickerson deals with hard-core themes, yes. But she does it in a way that is honest and realistic while maintaining, what some may feel are ridiculously, high standards of modesty and decency – but I find refreshing in a world of bared bodies and brutish language. Our children need to be aware of these things and how to deal with them, especially since they are very much a part of the world we live in today. As much as I would like to shelter them from everything bad or wrong in the world, they have to know that evil exists and they have to know how to confront it!
I feel that Melanie Dickerson presents these harsh issues with grace and discretion.
And as for having more from the original tales, I think it is amazing how well Melanie weaves the pieces of the classic fairy tales through her own stories – using them to help tell the story and reveal the hidden truths slowly throughout.
“The Healer’s Apprentice” is a masterpiece of reality blended flawlessly with fairy tale!
Melanie Dickerson’s characters are simply astonishing – well written, colorful and embodying the very same values and flaws of the heroes and villains that inspired them. And, as much as I would love to say that she always paints the bad guys as bad – it would not be true to life if that were the case.
Evil is deceptive and tricky and it is not always easy to see it for what it really is.
The plot is so well-conceived, it is difficult to believe this is the first book she wrote after fifteen years of not writing. It flows beautifully and there is absolutely nothing I can think that would add to it.
Amazing!
And now I have three more books to look forward to – “The Merchant’s Daughter” and “The Fairest Beauty” right now and “The Princess Spy” releases soon!
Exciting! show less
Being a healer's apprentice affords Rose many benefits. She reads Latin, writes stories, knows how to use herbs to heal, and earns an income that allows her to avoid marriage to a bachelor of her mother's choosing. Rose's problem is that blood makes her squeamish. When she must treat Lord Hamlin, the future duke, it isn't just the blood that makes her unsettled. His handsome features and personal integrity draw Rose's interest, in spite of his high social status and well-known betrothal. Lord Hamlin is committed to fulfilling his duty. Rose is committed to becoming a capable healer. Despite their friendship and attraction, Rose and Lord Hamlin must each learn to walk their own path and follow the One whose plans are greater than their show more own. Read more in The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson.
The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson is based loosely on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story moved very fast in the beginning and right at the end, but for the majority of the time it was well-paced with intriguing characters and an engrossing story that felt original in spite of its fairy tale basis.
The Healer's Apprentice is marketed as Young Adult reading and had definite YA overtones that were mixed with Middle Age Catholicism. I was creeped out by the strange pagan rituals and demonic possession scene. Had I known those were in the book, I wouldn't have read it. Given its Sleepy Beauty basis, I suppose this shouldn't have been as surprising to me as it was. With an obvious Catholic/Christian perspective, the name of Jesus prevails over the demons. However, for me, that didn't negate the disturbing scenes. Had that part of the fairy tale been creatively changed somehow, I probably would have given this book a five star rating. The creepiness factor brings it down to three. The Healer's Apprentice is well-written and engaging, but I wouldn't read it again or recommend it to any of my friends. show less
The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson is based loosely on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story moved very fast in the beginning and right at the end, but for the majority of the time it was well-paced with intriguing characters and an engrossing story that felt original in spite of its fairy tale basis.
The Healer's Apprentice is marketed as Young Adult reading and had definite YA overtones that were mixed with Middle Age Catholicism. I was creeped out by the strange pagan rituals and demonic possession scene. Had I known those were in the book, I wouldn't have read it. Given its Sleepy Beauty basis, I suppose this shouldn't have been as surprising to me as it was. With an obvious Catholic/Christian perspective, the name of Jesus prevails over the demons. However, for me, that didn't negate the disturbing scenes. Had that part of the fairy tale been creatively changed somehow, I probably would have given this book a five star rating. The creepiness factor brings it down to three. The Healer's Apprentice is well-written and engaging, but I wouldn't read it again or recommend it to any of my friends. show less
Rose, a woodcutter's daughter, is fortunate enough to have been apprenticed to the town healer, meaning that she won't be forced to marry just to secure her station in life. When she catches the eye of the duke's sons, her life starts to get extremely complicated. Wilhelm, the older son, is betrothed to a woman he has never met, and has spent years hunting the sorcerer who threatens her safety -- but he can't deny his feelings for Rose. Rupert, the younger son, romances Rose with flowers and jewelry and sweet words, but his love for wealth means that he will need to either marry a rich woman, or take a lucrative position in the church. Will Rose find happiness with either of the two?
I picked this up because I read a favorable review of show more one of the author's other inspirational fairy tale retellings, and I decided to start with this one because it was the first. The story, very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty, is pleasant enough, and the author ably incorporates her research on life in the middle ages into the book. There are occasionally places where the characters do or say something that seems a bit modern for their time, but those instances are the exception rather than the rule. My main issue with the book was that I found the plot entirely predictable, and not in a good fairy-tale-retelling way. There's a twist at the end, and I saw it coming from a few chapters in. Even the characters saw it coming, but dismissed it for one reason or another. It seemed entirely too obvious, so I kept reading, thinking that perhaps the author would twist it a different way at the last moment and surprise me . . . but she didn't. Also, the main character has a dog named Wolfie, and for some inexplicable reason, that minor detail irked me all the way through. Wolfie. I just can't.(I do give the author credit for not hurting the dog, though -- I always read books where the main character has a close animal companion with a looming sense of dread!) All in all, I think this is the sort of book that I would have enjoyed as a teen, back when I was less picky and read a lot more inspirational fiction. As it was, I found it just okay, and wouldn't recommend it unless the mashup of inspirational fiction and fairy tale really, really appeals to you. show less
I picked this up because I read a favorable review of show more one of the author's other inspirational fairy tale retellings, and I decided to start with this one because it was the first. The story, very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty, is pleasant enough, and the author ably incorporates her research on life in the middle ages into the book. There are occasionally places where the characters do or say something that seems a bit modern for their time, but those instances are the exception rather than the rule. My main issue with the book was that I found the plot entirely predictable, and not in a good fairy-tale-retelling way. There's a twist at the end, and I saw it coming from a few chapters in. Even the characters saw it coming, but dismissed it for one reason or another. It seemed entirely too obvious, so I kept reading, thinking that perhaps the author would twist it a different way at the last moment and surprise me . . . but she didn't. Also, the main character has a dog named Wolfie, and for some inexplicable reason, that minor detail irked me all the way through. Wolfie. I just can't.
I didn't enjoy this book very much. It cribbed heavily from the film Sabrina, and the final twist was telegraphed much too early. I had it figured out by page 47. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable, and the most interesting aspect of the protagonist (that she is a healer's apprentice) was barely relevant through most of the mid-section of the book. I was dissappointed because I had liked some of Dickerson's other books very much. Skip this one and read "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" or "The Beautiful Pretender" instead.
The Healer's Apprentice is a new take on 'Sleeping Beauty' - the "cursed Princess" is hidden away somewhere, while her betrothed is searching for her would-be destroyer. But this is no ordinary 'Sleeping Beauty' story! There's a twist: the Hero, seemingly a failure at finding the evil sorcerer threatening his future bride (whom he has never met, knowing only her name), meets a charming young lady - a peasant girl, the daughter of a woodcutter, working as an apprentice to the healer of his father's court. I think you can see where this is going ... Rose and Wilhelm are engaging main characters - their interactions and conversations are sweet and sincere. Rose knows her mind and is very well educated for a woman (let alone a woodcutter's show more daughter!) - something she's not afraid to demonstrate. She also reads the Bible, having a knowledge of Scripture that most men in the town do not. She is more careful about revealing this, but does take on Wilhelm in theological matters as their uneven, unexpected friendship develops. As a reader I loved her, she is a great leading lady: faithful, loyal, with a gentle heart and a passion for doing what she knows is right, Rose is admirable.
The true beauty of this story lays in the way it all plays out, so I'm going to try very hard not to divulge the twists and turns it takes. I will confess to having an inkling of a hunch somewhere around chapter 4, but I refused to give in and flip ahead to see if I was "right" or not. So very glad I refrained, because the development of the story was beautiful. show less
The true beauty of this story lays in the way it all plays out, so I'm going to try very hard not to divulge the twists and turns it takes. I will confess to having an inkling of a hunch somewhere around chapter 4, but I refused to give in and flip ahead to see if I was "right" or not. So very glad I refrained, because the development of the story was beautiful. show less
I have debated throughout this entire book whether to give it three or four stars. I have mixed feelings about a lot of it. I think if I had been more aware of certain things going in, I would have enjoyed it more. So, in light of that, here are my pros and cons for this book. (Mild spoilers ahead.)
PRO: The Romance
The romance was this book was incredibly charming. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it by the end. In the beginning, I wasn't convinced. I actually preferred Lord Rupert for a little while (I know, shameful, but what can I say?). But I was impressed at how tactfully the author revealed his true intentions, and how we slowly saw how wrong he was for Rose. When everything finally came out, I was happy to root for show more Lord Wilhelm instead.
Speaking of Lord Wilhelm, I found it incredibly satisfying how everything played out. The romance between him and Rose was incredibly sweet. The wait was long, but the payoff was great.
CON: The... Romance???
This book sort of has a love triangle??? I guess??? I don't know. It didn't really bother me, but I'd understand how it would annoy some people. In my mind, it was clear from the beginning what was going to happen romantically (at least, to a degree), so I didn't mind watching it play out in the slightest. It's pretty well done and doesn't last throughout the whole book, just be aware that it's there before you read.
PRO: The Spirituality
I did not realize this book was Christian until I started reading it, but it's pretty obvious once you start that it is. I recognize that being a Christian myself, my opinion is a little biased here. But I really didn't mind the use of religion in this book. For most of the book, it was very tactfully done (Christian spirituality, specifically concerning demons and intercession, plays a greater role in the last 25% of the book). To me, though, the author did a good job of presenting this in a way that wasn't too preachy. It was just what the characters believed. Unless someone is deeply triggered by Christian themes (which is a concern of the reader, and not a fault of the author), these shouldn't bother readers too much, no matter their background.
CON: It was... Predictable, to Say the Least
On one hand, the book was extremely predictable (both of the big twists are obvious from the moment they're first hinted). On the other hand, it was still fun watching the characters discover these things on their own. It did take them a little long to figure everything out, but the pay-off was good, I guess.
CON: It was a Little... Long... I Think?
When I first saw the premise for this book, I was expecting this book to be a certain length. And it was significantly longer than I expected. I honestly think that if I read it again, I would be more prepared for the length because actually, it wasn't ever boring. The length made sense once I got to the end. There was just more plot than I expected. So... just be aware of that.
In Sum
I still have no idea how to rate this. I guess... read it if you want? show less
PRO: The Romance
The romance was this book was incredibly charming. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it by the end. In the beginning, I wasn't convinced. I actually preferred Lord Rupert for a little while (I know, shameful, but what can I say?). But I was impressed at how tactfully the author revealed his true intentions, and how we slowly saw how wrong he was for Rose. When everything finally came out, I was happy to root for show more Lord Wilhelm instead.
Speaking of Lord Wilhelm, I found it incredibly satisfying how everything played out. The romance between him and Rose was incredibly sweet. The wait was long, but the payoff was great.
CON: The... Romance???
This book sort of has a love triangle??? I guess??? I don't know. It didn't really bother me, but I'd understand how it would annoy some people. In my mind, it was clear from the beginning what was going to happen romantically (at least, to a degree), so I didn't mind watching it play out in the slightest. It's pretty well done and doesn't last throughout the whole book, just be aware that it's there before you read.
PRO: The Spirituality
I did not realize this book was Christian until I started reading it, but it's pretty obvious once you start that it is. I recognize that being a Christian myself, my opinion is a little biased here. But I really didn't mind the use of religion in this book. For most of the book, it was very tactfully done (Christian spirituality, specifically concerning demons and intercession, plays a greater role in the last 25% of the book). To me, though, the author did a good job of presenting this in a way that wasn't too preachy. It was just what the characters believed. Unless someone is deeply triggered by Christian themes (which is a concern of the reader, and not a fault of the author), these shouldn't bother readers too much, no matter their background.
CON: It was... Predictable, to Say the Least
On one hand, the book was extremely predictable (both of the big twists are obvious from the moment they're first hinted). On the other hand, it was still fun watching the characters discover these things on their own. It did take them a little long to figure everything out, but the pay-off was good, I guess.
CON: It was a Little... Long... I Think?
When I first saw the premise for this book, I was expecting this book to be a certain length. And it was significantly longer than I expected. I honestly think that if I read it again, I would be more prepared for the length because actually, it wasn't ever boring. The length made sense once I got to the end. There was just more plot than I expected. So... just be aware of that.
In Sum
I still have no idea how to rate this. I guess... read it if you want? show less
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Sleeping Beauty Based Retellings
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Author Information
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2010-09-10
- People/Characters
- Rose Roemer; Lord Wilhem Hamlin; Moncore; Lord Rupert Hamlin; Duke Wilhelm Gerstenberg; Hildy (show all 30); Frau Geruscha; Wolfie; Godehard, Duke of Marienberg; Lady Osana Hamlin; Lady Salomea; Sir George; Sir Christoff; King Wenceslas; Arnold Hintzen; Peter Brunckhorst; Agathe Roemer; Lady Anne; Duke Alfred of Schweitzer; Bertolf Gerstenberg; Conrad Gerstenberg; Gunther Schoff; Bishop Albrecht; Bailiff Eckehart; Duchess Katheryn; Dietmar; Hildegund; Hezilo, the chandler; Thomas Roemer; Dorothye Roemer
- Important places
- Hagenheim, Bavaria, Germany; Lower Saxony, Germany; Germany; The Harz Mountains, Germany; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Hagenheim Castle (show all 8); Witten Abbey; Byzantium
- Important events
- May Day Festival
- Dedication
- To Joe, Grace, and Faith.
—M. D. - First words
- The townspeople of Hagenheim craned their necks as they peered down the cobblestone street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Hagenheim’s two handsome sons.
- Quotations
- “Everyone will say I'm insane, but I don't care, Rose. Is it insane to marry the girl I love? A girl with golden brown hair, with gifts of beauty and goodness and storytelling?”
“The pain in his chest grew so intense it took his breath away. So this is what a broken heart feels like.”
“Because he cared for her. If he were completely honest, he didn’t want Rupert to marry her, because he wanted to marry her himself.”
Music was food for the spirit, and she closed her eyes to better feed upon it.
Feel Better? No. Get up so I can hit you again. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)While a group of acrobats performed in the center of the tables, raising cheers and shouts of astonishment from the crowd, Wilhelm and Rose slipped out a side door. Hand in hand they hurried toward the stairs and the life that had been planned for them since before they were born.
Classifications
- Genres
- Fiction and Literature, Christian Fiction, Teen, Young Adult
- DDC/MDS
- 813.6 — Literature & rhetoric American literature in English American fiction in English 2000-
- LCC
- PZ7 .D5575 .H — Language and Literature Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Juvenile belles lettres
- BISAC
Statistics
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- 739
- Popularity
- 38,101
- Reviews
- 47
- Rating
- (3.52)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 8
- UPCs
- 3
- ASINs
- 4
