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Millie Maven #3
Millie Maven and the White Sword
In this epic conclusion, Millie must face her greatest challenge if she is to discover the greatest truth, one that can save everything and everyone she cares about. But in order to do so, she will have to sacrifice everything. Is she strong enough to do what is being asked? Because if she can't, Millie and F.I.G.S. will be lost forever.
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
8 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
193 books10k followersTed Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 4, 2026
I cried so much on this book!😭😭😭
August 3, 2021
This was an extremely disappointing ending to the trilogy. Dekker (squared) had a lot they could of taken these books, but decided to write a book series void of character development, and having no life of its own.
It's one thing to write a new children's series, quite another when both authors are claiming it's the next big hit.
And this is where I will get into spoilers.
The most discouraging thing about this series is the lack of good theology. Now, I'm not looking for a JI Packer, or a full systematic theology in a children's series that is bringing out analogies, and mixing it with fantasy. But when you end the series and name the great teacher "Justin", and state that the main issue everyone has is fear, and if we just overcome fear with love, that's the purpose of life, my eyes nearly roll out of my head. Not only isn't it cliche, but it's not the gospel. The nail in the coffin for me is that Millie completely forgets who the great teacher is, and she comes to the conclusion that although she can't remember who taught her "love casts out fear" that in the end it doesn't matter... Oh boy. This is the "Love wins" theology that has been rampant. Millie has no need to be forgiven of sins, nor does her mother who STOLE Millie from her REAL mother, who was also Rebecca all along? So was her mom in FIGS all along? Gosh... This book has so loose ends and it all comes down to love, and don't judge anyone for being wicked.
The sad part is most Christian parents will buy this book for their kids and won't allow them to read Harry Potter, when really... Harry potter is better for your soul then this series. It has better character development, a better story, and you could see parallels to Christ throughout the series, and the author isn't even Christian.
I'm so disappointed.
It's one thing to write a new children's series, quite another when both authors are claiming it's the next big hit.
And this is where I will get into spoilers.
The most discouraging thing about this series is the lack of good theology. Now, I'm not looking for a JI Packer, or a full systematic theology in a children's series that is bringing out analogies, and mixing it with fantasy. But when you end the series and name the great teacher "Justin", and state that the main issue everyone has is fear, and if we just overcome fear with love, that's the purpose of life, my eyes nearly roll out of my head. Not only isn't it cliche, but it's not the gospel. The nail in the coffin for me is that Millie completely forgets who the great teacher is, and she comes to the conclusion that although she can't remember who taught her "love casts out fear" that in the end it doesn't matter... Oh boy. This is the "Love wins" theology that has been rampant. Millie has no need to be forgiven of sins, nor does her mother who STOLE Millie from her REAL mother, who was also Rebecca all along? So was her mom in FIGS all along? Gosh... This book has so loose ends and it all comes down to love, and don't judge anyone for being wicked.
The sad part is most Christian parents will buy this book for their kids and won't allow them to read Harry Potter, when really... Harry potter is better for your soul then this series. It has better character development, a better story, and you could see parallels to Christ throughout the series, and the author isn't even Christian.
I'm so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
Well, the final book in this series was perhaps the best. But a lot of my issues with the writing and storyline and lack of originality remain. “Awesomesauce”? Really? No kids talk like that. And really Mac had the most realistic teenager talk in this book than any of the characters. But I just couldn’t believe how unbelievably they talk, considering Dekker is a prolific writer. (Obviously he doesn’t listen to many teenagers talk.)
Also, like the others books in these series, the ideas in this book were mixtures of other popular books or series. This one was a mixture of the smoke monster in Lost and a ton of portions of Narnia. The author obviously recognized it was like Narnia because there is even a comments that mention it.
I’m glad that my 9 & 10 year old enjoyed it, but I’m glad the series is over.
Also, like the others books in these series, the ideas in this book were mixtures of other popular books or series. This one was a mixture of the smoke monster in Lost and a ton of portions of Narnia. The author obviously recognized it was like Narnia because there is even a comments that mention it.
I’m glad that my 9 & 10 year old enjoyed it, but I’m glad the series is over.
July 11, 2025
A sweet end to the trilogy my girls loved these books and it is a series we will definitely reread in the future.
January 17, 2021
The final volume in the Millie Maven trilogy picks up six days the completion of the trial in Millie Maven in the Golden Vial. This time there are no trials. This time is not a quest. This time it’s real—assuming that the world of FIGS is real, and Millie has some idea that it’s more real than her known reality.
Soren has made his way into FIGS and he’s intent on taking it over. With the professors, Dean Kyra, and other adults gone—dead?—it’s up to the kids of Project FIGS to defend their school and this otherworldly reality. Themes of forgiveness and redemption loom large as Millie Maven must also face her hatred of Mother—actually her aunt—and Mother herself must unlock her heart from its own trauma, make atonement, and accept forgiveness.
There’s so much that happens in such a short time in this book, as the Ted and Rachelle Dekker add a new character arc even as they attempt to close the real earth and other earth(?) storylines while shoehorning in one final twist. I would have preferred if the Dekkers had taken their time on this one and given readers fifty more pages. Or even a fourth book! There’s so much of impact in both story and theme that it deserves to be dwelt on.
This series was everything I hoped it would be. Strong writing, strong themes, just enough of the Circle amid a brand-new story. Not since the Books of Mortals has a Dekker fantasy found me so enraptured. The Dekker bond continues to be a winning combination and I hope this isn’t the last we see of them writing for this audience.
Soren has made his way into FIGS and he’s intent on taking it over. With the professors, Dean Kyra, and other adults gone—dead?—it’s up to the kids of Project FIGS to defend their school and this otherworldly reality. Themes of forgiveness and redemption loom large as Millie Maven must also face her hatred of Mother—actually her aunt—and Mother herself must unlock her heart from its own trauma, make atonement, and accept forgiveness.
There’s so much that happens in such a short time in this book, as the Ted and Rachelle Dekker add a new character arc even as they attempt to close the real earth and other earth(?) storylines while shoehorning in one final twist. I would have preferred if the Dekkers had taken their time on this one and given readers fifty more pages. Or even a fourth book! There’s so much of impact in both story and theme that it deserves to be dwelt on.
This series was everything I hoped it would be. Strong writing, strong themes, just enough of the Circle amid a brand-new story. Not since the Books of Mortals has a Dekker fantasy found me so enraptured. The Dekker bond continues to be a winning combination and I hope this isn’t the last we see of them writing for this audience.
November 19, 2020
What a beautiful ending to this 3 book series! Fear is overcome by love. An amazing reminder to persevere and always remember that God is with you.
August 30, 2021
This review is on Millie Maven and the White Sword by Ted and Rachelle Dekker.
After completing the Trial of the Shadowlands, Millie knows something big is coming, something the Great Teacher has planned for her. Sure enough, Soren manipulates a student into giving him control of FIGS, and he wastes no time in wrecking the beautiful school. Everyone Millie has come to love - all the beloved professors, the kind dean of FIGS, and all of Millie's classmates (who are finally getting along) - is in danger. Millie is the only one who can save them, and the only way she can do it is by confronting her past and forgiving her greatest enemy: the evil aunt that held her prisoner for twelve years. With the help of her best friend Mac and the zany old lady that originally led her to the world of FIGS, Millie just might be able to use the love of the Great Teacher and take down Soren once and for all.
There were some parts of this series that were interesting to read, but some that I found boring. This is probably my favorite of the three because it was the one with the most emotionally-developed characters and it was the least gory (not that any of them were particularly gory, this one was just less gory in comparison). The ending left me with many unanswered questions about the world of FIGS, and even though Millie's journey ties up neatly, there's still so much I want to know. Although I like the idea of forgiving people who have wronged you, there's a difference between forgiving someone and excusing their behavior, and I think this book blended those together. Another message the series gave that I don't like is "perfect love has no fear." That's so far from true, read The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James. I also don't like the lack of representation. When Millie meets her classmates at FIGS, she says they're of various races, but as she describes characters throughout the series, it becomes clear that almost everyone is white. And there are only two fat characters; one of which is mean, the other is always eating. Really? Harmful stereotypes in a book published in 2020? Do better.
After completing the Trial of the Shadowlands, Millie knows something big is coming, something the Great Teacher has planned for her. Sure enough, Soren manipulates a student into giving him control of FIGS, and he wastes no time in wrecking the beautiful school. Everyone Millie has come to love - all the beloved professors, the kind dean of FIGS, and all of Millie's classmates (who are finally getting along) - is in danger. Millie is the only one who can save them, and the only way she can do it is by confronting her past and forgiving her greatest enemy: the evil aunt that held her prisoner for twelve years. With the help of her best friend Mac and the zany old lady that originally led her to the world of FIGS, Millie just might be able to use the love of the Great Teacher and take down Soren once and for all.
There were some parts of this series that were interesting to read, but some that I found boring. This is probably my favorite of the three because it was the one with the most emotionally-developed characters and it was the least gory (not that any of them were particularly gory, this one was just less gory in comparison). The ending left me with many unanswered questions about the world of FIGS, and even though Millie's journey ties up neatly, there's still so much I want to know. Although I like the idea of forgiving people who have wronged you, there's a difference between forgiving someone and excusing their behavior, and I think this book blended those together. Another message the series gave that I don't like is "perfect love has no fear." That's so far from true, read The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James. I also don't like the lack of representation. When Millie meets her classmates at FIGS, she says they're of various races, but as she describes characters throughout the series, it becomes clear that almost everyone is white. And there are only two fat characters; one of which is mean, the other is always eating. Really? Harmful stereotypes in a book published in 2020? Do better.
January 6, 2023
The very last but not least book in the Millie Maven Trilogy is FANTASTIC !! It was a good finale to the series and I love it when she meets Justin, aka the Great Teacher.
The book starts off with the school doing their annual competitive obstacle course with three teams. But Millie is by Doris suddenly and Doris randomly falls down and gets sick caused by worm sludge as we learned about it book #2. She gets the worm sludge from Soren (whom I think represents The Devil). She unconsciously gives him permission to DESTROY FIGS. He starts off with Doris, then the Children’s Garden and he works through Doris then turns her to dust. Then he destroys FIGS and tries to destroy Millie and Mac but they go back to the real world and get Millie’s “mom.” They bring her to FIGS because Aggie told them to.
Later in the book she reads the words that The Great Teacher writes and says in the Journal of Truth. Lol even later Soren destroys the rest of the class and he hangs Priscilla (Millie’s aunt “mom” or “mother”) on the wall with dog then Millie demands to be replaced with her. She meets Justin (the Great Teacher) and remembers the Great Love and Truth.
At the end of the book, FIGS is mended and great once again and the class has ti go back to the real world 😞😞. Buuuuuuuuut Millie meets her real mother (“Rebecca” in FIGS, “Becky” in the real world). She also comes across Mac and they feel like they’ve known each other before…😎😎😎. Then the book ends!
Thank you so much Ted and Rachelle Dekker for this wonderful, amazing, outstanding, unbelievable and irresistible book series. Please make more Millie Maven books !! Love you Dekkers! ❤️❤️❤️
The book starts off with the school doing their annual competitive obstacle course with three teams. But Millie is by Doris suddenly and Doris randomly falls down and gets sick caused by worm sludge as we learned about it book #2. She gets the worm sludge from Soren (whom I think represents The Devil). She unconsciously gives him permission to DESTROY FIGS. He starts off with Doris, then the Children’s Garden and he works through Doris then turns her to dust. Then he destroys FIGS and tries to destroy Millie and Mac but they go back to the real world and get Millie’s “mom.” They bring her to FIGS because Aggie told them to.
Later in the book she reads the words that The Great Teacher writes and says in the Journal of Truth. Lol even later Soren destroys the rest of the class and he hangs Priscilla (Millie’s aunt “mom” or “mother”) on the wall with dog then Millie demands to be replaced with her. She meets Justin (the Great Teacher) and remembers the Great Love and Truth.
At the end of the book, FIGS is mended and great once again and the class has ti go back to the real world 😞😞. Buuuuuuuuut Millie meets her real mother (“Rebecca” in FIGS, “Becky” in the real world). She also comes across Mac and they feel like they’ve known each other before…😎😎😎. Then the book ends!
Thank you so much Ted and Rachelle Dekker for this wonderful, amazing, outstanding, unbelievable and irresistible book series. Please make more Millie Maven books !! Love you Dekkers! ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
This conclusion book pushes the theme of love conquering fear very strongly. Geared towards kids it makes sense that it is fairly obvious. However, there are also some more intense and scary parts for readers who are more sensitive. A good story, but read with caution (my daughter was too scared to finish the book despite my reassurances). The ending almost reminds me of the end of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy wakes and recognizes everyone in her dream. It was good, but I still have some questions about a few characters and parts of the plot like how Aggie knew everything and what was she talking about with Mac being the girl with the red medallion in her own dream.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
This is more like a 4.5 star than an actual 5 star because it still slightly copies Harry Potter, but I loved this one!!! Much, much, MUCH better than the 1st one. Nice job, Ted Dekker. Please make more books like this one or maybe even more Millie Mavens!!! Maybe you could do one about Millie Maven's child or something??? Overall, this book was great and I loved it! Get this book if you've read Harry Potter and want some more good books! If you haven't read Harry Potter or are still in the middle of it, please read it, they are the greatest books of all time.
July 9, 2021
These books were fun reads. Ted Dekker has a way of writing God characters and Christ characters really well. I also appreciate when authors can write a really bad guy and Ted accomplished that, the Satan character accuses, shames, lies and makes promises he can't keep, he uses fear to manipulate very realistic. I appreciate the Christian themes of unconditional love and forgiveness. When authors can capture Truth without having to be "on the nose" I really value that.
May 29, 2022
Aw, the final book in the trilogy. All good things must come to an end. The suspense in this final book is good! The plot is deeeeeeep. I would have changed some things in how the authors ended the series, but I still loved it. Still, age rating of 12+ because of the deeper spiritual meanings to the context.
Keep reading!
Elise
Keep reading!
Elise
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book but… I would have liked to show a little more character arc between the friend group. I was glad it showed a little bit of redemption for the aunt. I was quite sad at the ending with her losing her memories. I feel like the writing with Millie finding her friend, was the best writing in the story! Overall I liked it just would have wanted it a little less cheesy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
I cried inside both when Millie figured out that she could've spent her last 12 years with her mother, instead of being hurt by her aunt, and when she couldn't remember anything from the magical world, she traveled in. I'm glad that her and McKenzie found each other in the real world and are friends though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2021
This was a fine allegory trilogy. You might be better off reading Narnia though. I mean if the authors were gonna give the children powers like X-men shouldn’t there be more of a purpose for them? It was ok, I did like the twist/reveal at the end 😃
March 14, 2022
This is the third book in the series and the finishes tying up most of the lose ends. I figured the ending would be similar to what it was but I felt it left the aunt in limbo. I did think the ending was a little rushed
July 24, 2023
The ending to this series was pretty good and I liked the reminder of the power that God's truth gives. I just couldn't get into this fantasy series as much as others I've read , probably in part because it is meant for a much younger audience
January 4, 2024
I do love the story. Great for kids to help visualize some of the aspects of salvation.
It wasn’t as smooth or drawing as I had hoped.
The ending is sweet, though there are some details that were glossed over and rushed.
It wasn’t as smooth or drawing as I had hoped.
The ending is sweet, though there are some details that were glossed over and rushed.
June 4, 2025
This series was ok. It didn’t really catch my attention, and I felt a bit of the writing was sorta dull. Dekker has made better, but I’m still giving it a 3.5 out of ten! It was faith filled, so that’s one pro about it. 😅
December 15, 2020
Fabulous culmination to the M Maven series. Kept the young minds anticipating, predicting, and confirming what they’d learned from first two novels.
June 6, 2021
Great for reading out loud with the whole family. Smooth reading and flows well. Interesting to see how Christian influence is woven into the story.
October 5, 2021
I honestly would have given this the same 4 star review as the others, but I can't get over them naming the great teacher Justin.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars. Solid series (8-yr-old loved it).
December 7, 2021
The best of the trilogy, in my opinion. My kids all loved the whole series. My son said it was the best ending ever.
January 11, 2023
This was better than the first two books. It just wasn’t AMAZING though, and it was a bit depressing. But I loved the ending so that’s what topped it to a 4/5.
March 16, 2023
Really loved this book. It was kind if an adaption of The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe. I found it to be very entertaining even though I think it was written for YA.
June 23, 2023
This trilogy started out slow, but by the end was gripping.
August 27, 2023
Sweet books- It is the Christian version of Harry Potter so your parents should let you read it. Basically Harry Potter and Narnia wrapped together but not as well written as the other two.
December 31, 2023
This final book started strong and ended strong, just like the series as a whole.
February 16, 2024
It’s just a little too over the top for me….
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews