The Warrior Maiden

The Warrior Maiden is a reimagining of the Mulan tale set in medieval Europe, specifically fifteenth-century Lithuania. When Mulan takes her father's place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she disguises herself as a young man. As the adopted daughter of poor parents with little power in the world, Mulan knows that failure in battle could mean death—or marriage to the village butcher. Disguised as a soldier, Mulan meets Wolfgang, the German duke's son, who fights to save his people despite conflict with his own brother. Wolfgang grows exasperated by the new soldier who repeatedly finds himself in dangerous situations or inadvertently embarrasses him. As rivals gradually become reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin sharing secrets. When Mulan learns of danger threatening her home, she faces a critical choice: can she be the son her bitter father never had, or will she become the strong young woman she was meant to be? The novel explores themes of identity and duty amid the uncertainties of war. This stand-alone novel is part of the Hagenheim Series and includes discussion questions for book clubs.