A Maiden's Wish

A Novella

Young Adult - Coming of Age
119 Pages
Reviewed on 05/08/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Bayelle is not happy with her life. She is already eighteen, but love and men's affection elude her. Bayelle is not content with her appearance and is ashamed of her naivete. As Bayelle's older sister, the beautiful Evora, collects admirers, Bayelle dreams in the fields after a busy day in the infirmary, where she cares for the sick and elderly. Evora laughs at her little sister. She urges Bayelle to join her on the dangerous journey to the wise man who lives high on the mountain. This shaman can fulfill one wish of those ready to pay the price. Unwillingly, Bayelle agrees. What will she sacrifice for just one wish? And what does the enormously vain Evora want to get from the shaman? A Maiden's Wish by Alyssa Charpentier is an engaging coming-of-age novella for young adult fantasy, historical fiction, and adventure fans.

In A Maiden's Wish, Alyssa Charpentier skillfully depicts the conflict between purity and depravity. Evora belittles Bayelle because her lifestyle and views dramatically contradict Evora's beliefs. It is a familiar situation to many who want to keep their ethics pure and focus on good deeds despite several temptations. A Maiden's Wish will resonate with readers facing moral challenges. Yet, a holier-than-thou stance is never an option because of Bayelle's strong sense of compassion. Evora is also a profound character to study. She despises hypocrisy. But in her eagerness to prove her progressiveness and independence, Evora becomes greedy for earthly pleasures. The author thoroughly explores how this type of greed affects the young mind. The narrative touches on the themes of responsibility and loyalty and offers extraordinary twists and turns in a compelling plot. Charpentier's deep understanding of human nature makes A Maiden's Wish a must-read for those who enjoy character-driven stories.

Luwi Nyakansaila

A Maiden's Wish by Alyssa Charpentier is an engaging tale that follows the story of two sisters, Bayelle and Evora Idran. They are very different from each other, with distinct personalities and desires. Bayelle yearns for love and companionship, while Evora is drawn toward materialism and rebellion. Both sisters get a chance to have their wishes fulfilled when they visit a powerful shaman, who resides on top of a rugged mountain. Bayelle realizes that she may not need his assistance, but Evora is determined to make her selfish wishes come true. As they face the consequences of their decisions on the mountain, the sisters undergo personal growth and self-discovery and learn the outcome of pursuing human desires through magic and supernatural means.

A Maiden's Wish is a captivating story that explores themes of sisterly love, sibling rivalry, morality, and the trade-offs of seeking fulfillment through magic. The book intertwines historical, religious, and fantasy elements to delve into the complexities of human desires, ultimately challenging readers to question what truly matters in life. The differences between Bayelle and Evora are like night and day, providing a thought-provoking look at the contrasting paths individuals may take in search of happiness. Their journeys reflect a rich tapestry of human experience, blending modern concerns with timeless values. This juxtaposition allows for a nuanced exploration of complex issues like love, altruism, faith, and societal expectations, showcasing the multifaceted nature of human existence. Readers will learn valuable lessons from these characters and find their stories relatable. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves emotionally engaging tales with life-changing lessons.

Pikasho Deka

If you love fantasy tales with a medieval setting, grab a copy of Alyssa Charpentier's A Maiden's Wish. When she is not working at the infirmary, eighteen-year-old Bayelle loves to spend time in the fields. Her older sister Evora, however, takes pleasure in making men her playthings and wishes for the life of her idol, Melena Wintrelle. At Evora's behest, Bayelle joins her on an audacious quest to meet a powerful sorcerer living on a mountain. After a treacherous climb, the sisters find the 'Interci,' who has the power to grant one wish to a visitor. Shockingly, Evora tries to betray Bayelle, who somehow manages to save herself using her wits. But now, Evora has sold her soul in exchange for fame and beauty. Over the years, the sisters' choices will lead them on two different paths.

A Maiden's Wish by Alyssa Charpentier is a captivating dark fantasy novella that poses the question, "What truly brings meaning and fulfillment to a person's life?" Laced with mystery, intrigue, and a hint of dark humor, the story offers readers a riveting tale of magic that romance lovers of fantasy won't want to miss. The characters are well-developed and also have distinct and vibrant personalities that leap off the pages. Bayelle and Evora couldn't be more different than one another. While Evora has extraordinary beauty and charm, Bayelle is blessed with a noble spirit and a kind heart. Despite their differences, these two play off each other brilliantly, creating drama that is delicious to consume as a reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fantasy romance readers.