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The Maiden Ship: Book 1 of 3 Paperback – February 7, 2020

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 187 ratings

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There's a time to hide, a time to run, and a time to fight. Dain Alloway was only nine years old when he began a new life with his father, sailing aboard The Maiden. Eight years later, the aristocratic city-boy turned merchant-sailor feels like he lives with one foot on land, and one foot in the sea. Life floats smoothly by until the night he wakes to find a mysterious woman in his cabin. The events that unfold after her appearance transform Dain's world. Now, hunted by empty-faced demons, he finds himself thrown into a dangerous web of intrigue and magic. As the crisis grows, the young sailor discovers powerful gifts buried deep within, talents that might shift the tide of a centuries-old war. Whether or not he's ready, Dain will have to risk it all for the salvation and freedom of those he loves.Micheline Ryckman's debut YA fantasy novel is the first book in an upcoming series. If you enjoy epic sea faring adventures full of fantastical magic and intrigue then this is the right book for you.
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whimsical Publishing (February 7, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0986937355
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0986937354
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 187 ratings

About the author

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Micheline Ryckman
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Micheline Ryckman lives on a farm in the Rocky Mountains of Canada with her family and multiple pets. When she’s not spending time with said family and pets she writes, reads, and illustrates. It was her love of art and literature that inspired her to build Whimsical Publishing up to the point where she could support and lift up other authors and artists. She gives thanks everyday for how her little company continues to grow and do just that. She has a Bachelors degree in both History and Fine Arts, she co-owns Whimsical Publishing with her family, and she’s an accomplished author/artist/illustrator. Her young adult, epic fantasy series, The Maiden Ship, and young adult, cozy fantasy, Charting Stars, are all available now.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
187 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable and heartwarming adventure with a sweet romance and magic. They appreciate the well-developed characters and world-building. Readers enjoy the heartwarming scenes and slow-burn romance. The book is described as an easy, fun read with a great writing style and family dynamics.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

23 customers mention "Adventure"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the adventure. They find it a sweet, slow-burn romance with magic and intrigue. It's a wholesome seafaring tale with stunning cover art. The story has the action it needs and the necessary character development. Readers appreciate the fascinating fantasy world with some interesting backstory. The story is relaxing and a nice read about young adult coming into their talents.

"...as soon as you're in the mood for an adventurous and suspenseful YA nautical fantasy tale. It is SO DAMN GOOD, Y'ALL!!..." Read more

"...Micheline’s writing updates on Instagram, and she has a much better grasp on plotting and how the story is working now...." Read more

"...Highly recommend to anyone! It's a YA adventure with a sweet, slow-burn romance, magic and self discovery...." Read more

"3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 This is a fascinating fantasy world with some interesting characters and an intriguing magic system...." Read more

20 customers mention "Character development"17 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the characters' development. They find the characters amazing, touching, and gripping. The book features magical, evil villains, lost royalty, found families, and clever leading ladies.

"...Sable herself is a wonderfully badass and clever leading lady, and the only thing I wish was that there were chapters from more than just Dain's..." Read more

"...a fancast Pinterest board I loved it so much 🙈 I loved pretty much all the characters...." Read more

"Wow! I just loved everything about this book! Very lovable characters, beautiful world building, established magic system, tension with some bad guys..." Read more

"...of thought, effort, and heart into building this world and crafting these characters. I'm looking forward to reading The Lion of the Sea...." Read more

20 customers mention "World building"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's world-building. They find it unique and filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. The characters are lovable and well-crafted. Readers appreciate the author's effort in creating a magical world that unfolds as the story progresses.

"...The realization that Ileana was the wooden maiden of the ship--SO incredible, and immediately made me think--dang, this book is really about to set..." Read more

"...He’s kind, caring, and considerate, learning how to be a leader, and understands what the stakes are...." Read more

"...Very lovable characters, beautiful world building, established magic system, tension with some bad guys, and an overall conflict that arcs pretty..." Read more

"...and it's clear Ryckman put a lot of thought, effort, and heart into building this world and crafting these characters...." Read more

16 customers mention "Romance"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it sweet, heartwarming, and a slow-burning love story with perfect pacing. The characters have a refreshing innocence about them, and the adventure blends well with the romance. Overall, it's a great blend of adventure and heart.

"...He’s kind, caring, and considerate, learning how to be a leader, and understands what the stakes are...." Read more

"...system, tension with some bad guys, and an overall conflict that arcs pretty nicely for a sequel...which I now cannot wait for!!..." Read more

"...There’s a fair amount of mystery, action, magic, and a very subtle romance with longing that had me swooning over Dain and Sable’s scenes together...." Read more

"Definitely enjoyed this heartwarming, magical adventure on the sea with its huge found family vibes, colorful cast, a sweet slow-burn romance, and..." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability and find it engaging. They appreciate the well-written story with endearing characters that keeps them hooked until the end. The pacing is also noted as good, keeping readers interested until the end.

"...It is SO DAMN GOOD, Y'ALL!!..." Read more

"...If you read The Maiden Ship, you’re in for a real treat! This book was such a blast, and buddy reading it made it even more fun...." Read more

"Wow! I just loved everything about this book!..." Read more

"...Will definitely be reading book 2!" Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They praise the author and illustrator for their work.

"...This is a well written and well paced book. Having been a fan of Micheline’s art, I truly wasn’t expecting such a well edited story...." Read more

"...This books was a good, clean read. There were three or four curse words, and some kisses. There is death and some scary bad guys...." Read more

"...Micheline's writing is magical and I enjoyed every bit of it. The story had the action it needed and the necessary character development...." Read more

"...Micheline is such a precious author and illustrator. I adore her so much. 1) a seafaring theme 2) a mysterious lost princess..." Read more

3 customers mention "Family dynamics"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the family dynamics in the book. They find it engaging with its mystery, adventure, and found family vibes.

"...this heartwarming, magical adventure on the sea with its huge found family vibes, colorful cast, a sweet slow-burn romance, and old lore...." Read more

"...seas adventure, magical characters, evil villains, lost royalty, found family, and an ages old quest to reunite star-crossed lovers and free the..." Read more

"The Maiden Ship is a fun story about magic, mystery, adventure and family...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive5 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing. Some find it perfect and fast-paced, with an enjoyable read. Others feel the story is slow-paced with little action.

"...This book was a really fast read. I read it in just a little over a day as I never wanted to put it down...." Read more

"...I took off half a star for some plot/pacing issues. Around the 40-50% mark, it got to be in the slow side...." Read more

"...Micheline Ryckman builds her world quickly but efficiently and doesn't leave anything undescribed...." Read more

"...It is a fast-paced story, replete with adventure, danger, friendship, and love that perfectly coalesces on the page...." Read more

A Magical Adventure on the Sea
5 out of 5 stars
A Magical Adventure on the Sea
The Maiden Ship is the first book of a trilogy with the same name and it is Micheline Ryckman’s debut book.The story starts with Dain Alloway, the main character, at the age of 9 getting on board of The Maiden, one of his father’s ships. Life on the sea hasn’t captivated Dain and at the age of 17, he only thinks of getting a new life and settling his own business on any shore. He’s never been close to his father, but one of his best friends is Mo Crouser, The Maiden’s First Mate. When they stop at the port of Tallooj, for supplies and trading, Dain remains on board for safety reasons and a series of events will take place, changing his life and everything he knew until then completely… namely finding out the existence of Magic in the Four Realms!I have to say that I absolutely loved this book!The book world is well built and detailed. The magical system is very interesting and kept me wanting to know more, along with the characters. Speaking of the characters, I loved the way they are layered and Mo is definitely one of my favorites, always so wise and kind.The story is well paced and its rhythm totally suits this adventure.There are several plot twists and I never saw what happened in the final chapters coming!Micheline is such a wonderful storyteller and this book shows it!I’m going to start reading The Lion of the Sea, book 2 from this series, right away!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022
    Allow me to just start this review by saying PLEASE GO READ THIS BOOK as soon as you're in the mood for an adventurous and suspenseful YA nautical fantasy tale. It is SO DAMN GOOD, Y'ALL!!

    Okay so the first thing that struck me about this book was how much I loved the women hiding aboard ships trope! The realization that Ileana was the wooden maiden of the ship--SO incredible, and immediately made me think--dang, this book is really about to set itself apart from any other YA fantasy! I'm an enormous fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise and Sable's dressing as a cabin boy to board the Maiden was reminiscent of Elizabeth Swan doing the same, which just connected my heart to this story and its characters that much stronger!

    It's been a HOT minute since I've read a book with a teen male point-of-view, and I was a bit hesitant at first but almost immediately I began to adore everything about Dain! I loved to watch his awkward 17-year-old self develop into the strong Captain he is by the end of this novel. His banter with Sable was so on point, I love these two SO freaking much and I'm so ready for more! Sable herself is a wonderfully badass and clever leading lady, and the only thing I wish was that there were chapters from more than just Dain's perspective, because I'd love to get inside her head. What was most apparent though was how beautifully developed all of the side characters are. I really feel like I got to know Morgan Crouse, Toff, etc. extremely well, making me feel like I was part of the crew!

    Apart from characters, I really enjoyed the plotline structure of the narrative as well. It was interesting to learn about the magical secrets slowly over the course of the book alongside Dain and Sable, so that it was never just a total info-dump. The world-building is rich and lush and I am SO pumped to learn more about all Rykman has crafted, especially the Wildflower!
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2020
    4.5/5 stars (rounded up on GR)
    <i>“‘You are not alone, Dain Alloway. We are not alone. Since I met you, I have grown, and learned so much. It is better that we fight for freedom. It is better that we fight for a chance at a normal life. Now, no matter what we face, I would rather try for freedom than regret never having tried at all. You taught me that. And even if the outcome is not what we want, even if we never get to have the life we dream of, we can still make a home right here, right now, for however long we have, with each other.’” </i>
    ~
    I’ll be reviewing the CW with my reading buddy but for now CW: homelessness

    Y’ALL!!! (You know when I start something off with that I’m going to be passionate). If you read The Maiden Ship, you’re in for a real treat! This book was such a blast, and buddy reading it made it even more fun. I loved almost everything about this book! Like, I even started a fancast Pinterest board I loved it so much 🙈 I loved pretty much all the characters. I loved seeing Dain’s character growth, it made me feel so proud (he’s unofficially my baby). He’s kind, caring, and considerate, learning how to be a leader, and understands what the stakes are. But he’s also a bit lost, his new role being flung on him unexpectedly, he’s got a lot of people depending on him, he has zero experience with love, and still doesn’t quite feel like he belongs on the ship—-but he has to make it work for now. And Sable! So fierce and sassy, love the eyebrow raised and banter! But she definitely has her sweet moments, and seeing her worry over an injured Dain was so cute. I’m fact Dain and Sable were so freaking adorable in general. The romance depicted in Micheline’s artwork is what actually convinced me to read the book! It looked so cute, and I had to see it unfold, and it exceeded my expectations! It is so tender, but not without its complications and conflicts.
    ~

    <i>“If you were to pray for any one thing, just for yourself, right now, what would you pray for?” Sable leaned toward him. “If I had any faith, and it was just for myself, I suppose I’d pray for a chance at a normal life.” Her breath was warm on his skin, and he bent closer yet. “That’s all? Nothing else?” Dain could hear a quaver in her voice. “You don’t think that’s enough?” His reply was soft. “You deserve that, and so much more.” </i>
    OH MY GOODNESS MY HEART!!!
    ~
    I can’t wait to see Sable grow some more in the sequel, as well as see more of Tars and his dynamic with Sable and Dain. And more Mo! Can I say he’s my favorite character? Possibly???? I loved his father/son dynamic with Dain.
    ~
    There were so many twists and reveals that I didn’t see coming, and some that I did but it was still exciting, because of what it meant for the plot progression and fate of the characters. The magic system (and kind of connected, religion) was really cool and I know we’ll learn more about it in the next book as Dain and Sable also learn. The world building was really solid too.
    ~
    I took off half a star for some plot/pacing issues. Around the 40-50% mark, it got to be in the slow side. As much as I liked what was happening, I had concerns for how Micheline was going to carry out what she had set up—-there was a lot left to do to get things moving, answer a few questions and ask more, and properly set up the sequel(s). Of course, only a chapter or 2 later things started picking right up! The second plot/pacing issue was around the last quarter. There’s a big showdown, and while I was anticipating one, it certainly didn’t go in the direction I thought it would, and set up a lot of questions for me. While I was reading it, in the moment I was wondering how the attack connected to the rest of the plot and where it was supposed to be going. Once things resolved, it was a bit clearer, but not completely.
    ~
    I’m super excited for The Lion of the Sea.. I’ve been been following Micheline’s writing updates on Instagram, and she has a much better grasp on plotting and how the story is working now. I am sure it will be a 5 star Book for me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020
    Wow! I just loved everything about this book! Very lovable characters, beautiful world building, established magic system, tension with some bad guys, and an overall conflict that arcs pretty nicely for a sequel...which I now cannot wait for!!

    A while ago I discovered Ms. Ryckman on Instagram and after falling in love with her art, realized she was an author too! Not only do I love to support indie authors, it makes it even more fun and personal when you get to know them, even if it's just through social media. I was so excited to buy her book and I'm so glad I did!

    I absolutely adore Dain and Sable and their dynamic. She's so feisty and goes after what she wants. Dain does let his temper get the better of him many times but he's also fiercely loyal and I willing to do the work himself. I love how toward the end he realizes that Sable is right: that he is not alone in what he wants to do. That his family is going to be right there with him.
    I loved all the Mo-isms that Dain always quotes. Mo truly was a father figure for him as he grew up on The Maiden. He's a fantastic role model for anyone.

    Highly recommend to anyone! It's a YA adventure with a sweet, slow-burn romance, magic and self discovery. Can't wait for book #2 The Lion of the Sea in 2021!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Maria pagesofmaria
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simply enchanting!
    Reviewed in Italy on October 8, 2020
    I am enchanted by The Maiden Ship. There is simply no other way to put it. Having gotten to know the author through social media, and knowing the history behind each word on these pages made the reading experience all the more lovely, and I could see pieces of Micheline’s soul in every sentence.

    The author is an artist, and that translated beautifully into her prose. The Maiden Ship reminded me of a storybook from a fairytale, where every sentence is filled with imagery and every word brings you deeper and deeper into the story, until you’re lost to it heart and soul. It was a delicate storytelling, with no great amount of action sequences and a slower narrative, which accompanied the reader through the magical events of the novel like a friend.

    The Maiden Ships’s greatest strength were its characters. Dain was a wonderful protagonist, mature for his seventeen years and yet with the sensitivity and inexperience that often characterizes that age. It was so easy to warm up to him because of how relatable he was throughout the entire book. Dain wears his emotions on his sleeve. His doubts, his insecurities, his emotions made him feel incredibly real. I wanted to hug him whenever the world hurt him, I wanted to laugh with him and share in his joys when he was happy. I felt like a proud auntie as he grew more confident in his role and his journey. Dain is the kind of character who is at once righteous and flawed, who makes mistakes and lives up to them. I just love him, okay? I think you can tell!

    Like every great character-driven book, Dain could count on the support of an incredible cast of secondary characters. It goes without question that I loved Sable. Her liveliness and spunky sass were a perfect counter to Dain’s personality and I couldn’t help myself from shipping them like a crazy fangirl! But I also appreciated Mo and Toff and Casper and Lydia and Ileana…gosh I loved all the characters in this book!

    I was a huge fan of the representation of women in this novel in general. Women don’t always have to wield weapons to be badass. Our inner strength is the most powerful weapon of all. Be it through Ileana’s regal grace, Sable’s steely resolve or Lydia’s motherly protectiveness, we are a force to be reckoned with! But when in doubt, frying pans are excellent weapons. You’ll get it once you read the book.

    So in case you couldn’t tell so far, I absolutely adored this book. I cannot wait to learn more about this world (which I am sure holds many surprises for us in the next installment!) and to be reunited with these wonderful characters.
  • VizeJenny
    5.0 out of 5 stars I need the next book right now!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 2, 2020
    So awesome! I love the way it was written, I love the story and I was very surprised and sad when I saw 'epilogue' ... The characters are human, with strengthes and flaws, unique and loveable. There was humour and seriousness, sadness and joy and I always felt with them. I need the next book, right now.
  • Tara K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly creative and wonderful debut
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2020
    I absolutely adored this, it’s amazing, I was so looking forward to this and I was not disappointed at all. Micheline is as fabulous an author as she is an artist, you wouldn’t know this was her debut novel at all. I loved every character, the time and thought into the development of each is clear and because of that you connect with them easily and it makes it an addictive story, from page one to end you just want to know what happens next, you’re on the edge of your seat and my big criticism of this, I now have to wait for the next book. Seriously recommended for great characters, romance, mystery and humour. A wonderful debut and hopefully the first of much more to come.
  • Kylie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanted by a new world adventure
    Reviewed in Australia on March 28, 2021
    Wow! Micheline you have provided an enchanting world full of adventure and unsolved mysteries... capturing an array of emotions through your collection of wonderful and well developed characters...glad there are more books to come in this series! 💕
  • Tiffy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Get ready to sail the high seas...
    Reviewed in Canada on August 31, 2020
    Are you a fan of the sea? Adventure? Magic? If so, this book might just be right up your alley.

    The story follows a young man abroad a ship called The Maiden whose world is about to be turned upside down. With the help of his crew family and a few new faces, he journeys to find truth, missing people and hopefully, a safe haven.

    I very much enjoyed the Maiden Ship. There was a good amount of magic, action and romance. I am very curious as to where the story will take us next.