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Maiden
Brought to you by Penguin.
THIS PRINCESS IS GOING TO SAVE HERSELF
Discover a world of forbidden magic, court politics and sacrifice in this enchanting myth retelling, perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
The small, land-locked nation of Corfuia is known for its strict customs, historic battles and mountainous borders. And for its dragons.
On the first day of Spring each year, a young woman chosen by lot from the towns and villages is sacrificed to the dragons in a legendary treaty known as the Maiden Sacrifice.
As spring approaches, and the Maiden Sacrifice with it, the fates of three women are called into question. Between them, Maelle, Cressyda and Alinore hold the key to breaking free of the centuries-old treaty that hangs over Corfuia.
But first, they must face the dragons...
Georgia Leighton 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
THIS PRINCESS IS GOING TO SAVE HERSELF
Discover a world of forbidden magic, court politics and sacrifice in this enchanting myth retelling, perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
The small, land-locked nation of Corfuia is known for its strict customs, historic battles and mountainous borders. And for its dragons.
On the first day of Spring each year, a young woman chosen by lot from the towns and villages is sacrificed to the dragons in a legendary treaty known as the Maiden Sacrifice.
As spring approaches, and the Maiden Sacrifice with it, the fates of three women are called into question. Between them, Maelle, Cressyda and Alinore hold the key to breaking free of the centuries-old treaty that hangs over Corfuia.
But first, they must face the dragons...
Georgia Leighton 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
Published June 4, 2026
About the author
Georgia Leighton
2 books70 followersGeorgia Leighton is a Sunday Times bestselling author living in London with her family. Her novel, SPELLBOUND, is a reimagining of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, and her brand new novel, MAIDEN, is a captivating, feminist retelling of the legend of St George and the Dragon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 24, 2026
There's a dragon, but it's not about him.
A multi POV with a lot of characters to keep up with, I felt this story handled the different characters well, without making me feel confused as to who knew who, or who was speaking. Each character felt distinct, with their own history.
This is heavy on the female rage, and light on the romance, which I preferred. I do wish the story has shown more diversity is my only gripe, so the lack of (as far as I could tell) did make the story feel a little more dated.
A multi POV with a lot of characters to keep up with, I felt this story handled the different characters well, without making me feel confused as to who knew who, or who was speaking. Each character felt distinct, with their own history.
This is heavy on the female rage, and light on the romance, which I preferred. I do wish the story has shown more diversity is my only gripe, so the lack of (as far as I could tell) did make the story feel a little more dated.
July 1, 2026
a feminist fantasy showcasing the strength of women who have been wronged
this a slower paced, character driven fantasy which took me a bit of adjusting to, it felt reminiscent of classic fairytales with dragons, lady knights, princesses with a dash of female rage
this a slower paced, character driven fantasy which took me a bit of adjusting to, it felt reminiscent of classic fairytales with dragons, lady knights, princesses with a dash of female rage
July 4, 2026
A really lovely, satisfying fantasy story with well-written female characters. This would be the perfect cosy read for autumn. 👸🏻🐉
June 4, 2026
What a powerful and almost unputdownable book! I had loved Georgia Leighton’s previous novel Spellbound, so I was very excited to pick up her newest feminist fantasy, and she did not disappoint.
Every spring in the kingdom of Calestra, a maiden is chosen by lot to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon as part of an old treaty to keep the kingdom safe. As the Maiden Sacrifice approaches once more, the lives of three women weave together and could change the cards on the table: Cressyda, adoptive daughter of calestra's royals and trapped within her own court; Alinore, torn between her bond with Cressyda and her brother and her desire to be a lady knight; and Maylie, a Mountain woman whose secrets could change everything.
With three strong women at its centre, the book delivers a very engaging story told through alternating POVs across a long timeline (roughly twenty years, i think?). This structure allows us to see each character and their relationships evolve in depth and understand how time, duty, and circumstance shape them. The development of Cressyda and Alinore’s friendship was particularly interesting, and I appreciated that this particular story centred female friendship rather than romance. (That said, Prince Ottone was absolutely precious and deserved every one of his brief appearances.) Maylie’s storyline was also really intriguing; at first, i couldn't see how she would fit into the wider narrative, but I really enjoyed how her arc unfolded and how some elements were left open-ended in a way that felt fitting rather than unfinished.
What impressed me most, though, was how consistently gripping the writing remained despite the slower pace. The looming threat of the Maiden Sacrifice is always present, but much of the novel focuses on lore, character-building and relationships, which made me deeply invested in everyone's fate long before the action escalated. I was completely take by the writing style throughout - absolutely beautiful.
The only aspect I would have liked more of was the action section (which I can’t say much about to avoid spoilers). It felt like it was over a little too quickly and could have been developed further, even if it wasn’t the main focus of the story, especially given how long it had been building up.
I’d definitely recommend this to lovers of character-driven high fantasy and stories centred on female power and friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Every spring in the kingdom of Calestra, a maiden is chosen by lot to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon as part of an old treaty to keep the kingdom safe. As the Maiden Sacrifice approaches once more, the lives of three women weave together and could change the cards on the table: Cressyda, adoptive daughter of calestra's royals and trapped within her own court; Alinore, torn between her bond with Cressyda and her brother and her desire to be a lady knight; and Maylie, a Mountain woman whose secrets could change everything.
With three strong women at its centre, the book delivers a very engaging story told through alternating POVs across a long timeline (roughly twenty years, i think?). This structure allows us to see each character and their relationships evolve in depth and understand how time, duty, and circumstance shape them. The development of Cressyda and Alinore’s friendship was particularly interesting, and I appreciated that this particular story centred female friendship rather than romance. (That said, Prince Ottone was absolutely precious and deserved every one of his brief appearances.) Maylie’s storyline was also really intriguing; at first, i couldn't see how she would fit into the wider narrative, but I really enjoyed how her arc unfolded and how some elements were left open-ended in a way that felt fitting rather than unfinished.
What impressed me most, though, was how consistently gripping the writing remained despite the slower pace. The looming threat of the Maiden Sacrifice is always present, but much of the novel focuses on lore, character-building and relationships, which made me deeply invested in everyone's fate long before the action escalated. I was completely take by the writing style throughout - absolutely beautiful.
The only aspect I would have liked more of was the action section (which I can’t say much about to avoid spoilers). It felt like it was over a little too quickly and could have been developed further, even if it wasn’t the main focus of the story, especially given how long it had been building up.
I’d definitely recommend this to lovers of character-driven high fantasy and stories centred on female power and friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2026
“The Great Dragon’s yellow gaze bore down upon her. You will be the first sacrifice, it said. You will be mine.”
Maiden is a captivating feminist fantasy adventure from Georgia Leighton.
Utilising an interesting structure of five parts and three alternating perspectives over an extended timeline, Leighton tells the story of three women whose fates intertwine.
Princess Cressyda is the adopted daughter of the King of Calestra whose status is tenuous, even more so when her eldest brother eventually takes the throne; Alinore is Cressyda’s orphaned companion who dreams of becoming a knight like her father; and Maylie is a mountain healer, hiding more than one secret.
Maiden is very much a character driven story. Each of the protagonists have a distinctive voice, and their own journey that both binds and separates them. The structure allows the reader insight into the development of their personalities and the forces that shape them as Leighton explores themes such as friendship, duty, sacrifice, privilege, and female agency.
The plot, while also including court politics, magic, romance, and secrets, builds to the 300th anniversary of the Maiden Sacrifice. Every Spring in the kingdom of Calestra, an 18 year old maiden with mountain blood is selected to satisfy a centuries old treaty with the Great Dragon. This occasion proves to be pivotal for Cressyda, Alinore, and Maylie as they face their destiny.
Most of the action in the novel is confined to the last few chapters, and while I think Leighton could have made a bit more of it, the ending is both dramatic and satisfying.
A rewarding story, I enjoyed Maiden and would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with strong female protagonists and a feminist sensibility.
Maiden is a captivating feminist fantasy adventure from Georgia Leighton.
Utilising an interesting structure of five parts and three alternating perspectives over an extended timeline, Leighton tells the story of three women whose fates intertwine.
Princess Cressyda is the adopted daughter of the King of Calestra whose status is tenuous, even more so when her eldest brother eventually takes the throne; Alinore is Cressyda’s orphaned companion who dreams of becoming a knight like her father; and Maylie is a mountain healer, hiding more than one secret.
Maiden is very much a character driven story. Each of the protagonists have a distinctive voice, and their own journey that both binds and separates them. The structure allows the reader insight into the development of their personalities and the forces that shape them as Leighton explores themes such as friendship, duty, sacrifice, privilege, and female agency.
The plot, while also including court politics, magic, romance, and secrets, builds to the 300th anniversary of the Maiden Sacrifice. Every Spring in the kingdom of Calestra, an 18 year old maiden with mountain blood is selected to satisfy a centuries old treaty with the Great Dragon. This occasion proves to be pivotal for Cressyda, Alinore, and Maylie as they face their destiny.
Most of the action in the novel is confined to the last few chapters, and while I think Leighton could have made a bit more of it, the ending is both dramatic and satisfying.
A rewarding story, I enjoyed Maiden and would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with strong female protagonists and a feminist sensibility.
March 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author/publisher.
There’s dragons, lady knights and princesses saving themselves - what more do we need?!
This book was incredibly easy to get into and incredibly difficult to put down!
Just like Spellbound, the chapters are short and gripping. Georgia’s writing really does make you say “just one more chapter” and that coupled with those short chapters makes it so easy to inhale the book. I think it’s testament to Georgia’s writing style that although the action and main crescendo of the story didn’t happen until 300 pages in, I was still kept engaged as a reader. The build up to that moment and the character development through the book was essential in making that sequence as pivotal as it was.
The story is told over a number of years from multiple POVs (which you know I love) and having the story written in this way allowed for more natural character development. I like that rather than be told who the characters are and the author having to prove it to us, this method if story telling allows us to see these characters become who they are supposed to be. I was really rooting for all of the characters in this book and it was lovely watching them grow within the pages of the story. Well, all except one who instantly reminded me of Hoath from ODW and I hated him instantly.
Maiden is based in the same world as Spellbound and one of the characters even got a name drop which I loved as I really wanted to know more of their story after the book ended and it gave a little insight into that. I can’t believe how much joy that one line brought me!
I simply adored the ending, it really did make me smile.
If you enjoyed Spellbound, or even if you just enjoy fairytale retelling (especially those with a feminist twist) this is definitely a book for you.
Thank you again Georgia for sharing Maiden with me, it really has been such a privilege to read it. You are most definitely an auto-buy author for me!
There’s dragons, lady knights and princesses saving themselves - what more do we need?!
This book was incredibly easy to get into and incredibly difficult to put down!
Just like Spellbound, the chapters are short and gripping. Georgia’s writing really does make you say “just one more chapter” and that coupled with those short chapters makes it so easy to inhale the book. I think it’s testament to Georgia’s writing style that although the action and main crescendo of the story didn’t happen until 300 pages in, I was still kept engaged as a reader. The build up to that moment and the character development through the book was essential in making that sequence as pivotal as it was.
The story is told over a number of years from multiple POVs (which you know I love) and having the story written in this way allowed for more natural character development. I like that rather than be told who the characters are and the author having to prove it to us, this method if story telling allows us to see these characters become who they are supposed to be. I was really rooting for all of the characters in this book and it was lovely watching them grow within the pages of the story. Well, all except one who instantly reminded me of Hoath from ODW and I hated him instantly.
Maiden is based in the same world as Spellbound and one of the characters even got a name drop which I loved as I really wanted to know more of their story after the book ended and it gave a little insight into that. I can’t believe how much joy that one line brought me!
I simply adored the ending, it really did make me smile.
If you enjoyed Spellbound, or even if you just enjoy fairytale retelling (especially those with a feminist twist) this is definitely a book for you.
Thank you again Georgia for sharing Maiden with me, it really has been such a privilege to read it. You are most definitely an auto-buy author for me!
May 7, 2026
Oh, this was good!
Georgia Leighton’s MAIDEN is a daring and enthralling read. Brutal but not gratuitous, Leighton portrayed the exploitation of women for power in an honest, heartbreaking way. Despite the prophecy not specifying gender, it is girls as young as 18 who are the sacrifices.
Alinore and Cressyda are both fantastic protagonists, and I loved finding their similarities within all their differences. Both girls are just ultimately trying to do what’s best to ensure their survival, even if now they do it looks different. Leighton brings privilege to the forefront and questions how much privilege there is within what is still a cage — bound by a prophecy, by a monarchy, by a substitute mother.
I really liked the lore of the Dragons, however I wish we got to see more of it! I found it severely underutilised. I also found myself confused with some inconsistencies (or I suppose a character is just lying, as there is some ambiguity there around his honesty) saying that “no dragon had been slain in 300 years” but a characters Father was known as a Dragon Slayer.
I loved that we got different POV chapters in this. Alinore, Cressyda and Maylie all offered complimentary perspectives to each other. Giving the audience a bit of extra information there, like backstory or world building lore. All three perspectives worked well towards the ultimate climax.
I do wish we had a bit more time with the characters as the ending felt quite rushed and incomplete. While I felt we led up to everything well, the pay off wasn’t all there for me. It felt very quick and I think the character development fell flat with quick decisions. I wish we had a little more time to settle with the decisions and the impact.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. I just wish the book was fleshed out a little bit more, both with the world building and the character development.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the e-arc
Georgia Leighton’s MAIDEN is a daring and enthralling read. Brutal but not gratuitous, Leighton portrayed the exploitation of women for power in an honest, heartbreaking way. Despite the prophecy not specifying gender, it is girls as young as 18 who are the sacrifices.
Alinore and Cressyda are both fantastic protagonists, and I loved finding their similarities within all their differences. Both girls are just ultimately trying to do what’s best to ensure their survival, even if now they do it looks different. Leighton brings privilege to the forefront and questions how much privilege there is within what is still a cage — bound by a prophecy, by a monarchy, by a substitute mother.
I really liked the lore of the Dragons, however I wish we got to see more of it! I found it severely underutilised. I also found myself confused with some inconsistencies (or I suppose a character is just lying, as there is some ambiguity there around his honesty) saying that “no dragon had been slain in 300 years” but a characters Father was known as a Dragon Slayer.
I loved that we got different POV chapters in this. Alinore, Cressyda and Maylie all offered complimentary perspectives to each other. Giving the audience a bit of extra information there, like backstory or world building lore. All three perspectives worked well towards the ultimate climax.
I do wish we had a bit more time with the characters as the ending felt quite rushed and incomplete. While I felt we led up to everything well, the pay off wasn’t all there for me. It felt very quick and I think the character development fell flat with quick decisions. I wish we had a little more time to settle with the decisions and the impact.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. I just wish the book was fleshed out a little bit more, both with the world building and the character development.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the e-arc
July 5, 2026
Again Georgia Leighton did not disappoint!!
Maiden reminded me exactly why I’ll never get tired of a good fairytale/ legend retelling—especially one that dares to shift the focus back onto the women at the heart of the story.
I loved how the story unfolded in layers with multiple POV’s, which surprised me because I thought I’d find it confusing but it wasn’t. The time jumps could have been difficult to follow, but instead they felt purposeful and gradually revealed a narrative far richer than it first appears. It’s the kind of book where each new piece of the timeline deepens your understanding rather than pulling you out of the story.
The multiple POVs really stood out to me. Being female focused, each one carries her own struggles, her own voice and her own kind of strength. There’s no waiting to be saved here just resilience, complexity and quiet defiance. It felt like a true reclaiming of a legend, told through a feminist lens that gives space to different kinds of power, even the quiet kind of person.
I also really enjoyed the undercurrent of courtly intrigue and politics, which added tension without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The ending was fast-paced, sharp and full of tension and was incredibly satisfying, bringing everything together in a way that felt fluid.
I’d definitely recommend Maiden to readers who love layered, female-driven retellings with a touch of political intrigue, especially fans of The Rose Bargain and Spellbound.
I can’t wait to see was Georgia does next 🐉 🐎 🗡️
Maiden reminded me exactly why I’ll never get tired of a good fairytale/ legend retelling—especially one that dares to shift the focus back onto the women at the heart of the story.
I loved how the story unfolded in layers with multiple POV’s, which surprised me because I thought I’d find it confusing but it wasn’t. The time jumps could have been difficult to follow, but instead they felt purposeful and gradually revealed a narrative far richer than it first appears. It’s the kind of book where each new piece of the timeline deepens your understanding rather than pulling you out of the story.
The multiple POVs really stood out to me. Being female focused, each one carries her own struggles, her own voice and her own kind of strength. There’s no waiting to be saved here just resilience, complexity and quiet defiance. It felt like a true reclaiming of a legend, told through a feminist lens that gives space to different kinds of power, even the quiet kind of person.
I also really enjoyed the undercurrent of courtly intrigue and politics, which added tension without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The ending was fast-paced, sharp and full of tension and was incredibly satisfying, bringing everything together in a way that felt fluid.
I’d definitely recommend Maiden to readers who love layered, female-driven retellings with a touch of political intrigue, especially fans of The Rose Bargain and Spellbound.
I can’t wait to see was Georgia does next 🐉 🐎 🗡️
July 1, 2026
What a great fairytale-like novel, I loved every little thing about it!
The prose was evocative but simple, the pacing quick and it made me want to read continuously.
Reading about the main characters from their early age to adulthood makes you feel for them in an absolute way, you get to see how their ideas and behaviours develop and shape them into the women they become.
All of them are lovable, it’s one of the first books where I actually like all the main characters with no restraint. They’re smart and strong in their own way, but the most important thing is that, even though they have their flaws, they are actual good people and do not change their nature.
The multi-povs and division of the book in parts with different “tales” was so intriguing and, again, it just makes you want to read more and more.
It’s highly recommended from me, especially to those who love fairytales and old school fantasy.
Georgia Leighton actually wrote a little masterpiece and I can’t wait to see what she does next, bravo!
The prose was evocative but simple, the pacing quick and it made me want to read continuously.
Reading about the main characters from their early age to adulthood makes you feel for them in an absolute way, you get to see how their ideas and behaviours develop and shape them into the women they become.
All of them are lovable, it’s one of the first books where I actually like all the main characters with no restraint. They’re smart and strong in their own way, but the most important thing is that, even though they have their flaws, they are actual good people and do not change their nature.
The multi-povs and division of the book in parts with different “tales” was so intriguing and, again, it just makes you want to read more and more.
It’s highly recommended from me, especially to those who love fairytales and old school fantasy.
Georgia Leighton actually wrote a little masterpiece and I can’t wait to see what she does next, bravo!
June 8, 2026
This was such an interesting feminist fantasy. If you love stories with strong female friendships, multiple POVs, court intrigue, ancient bargains, and women fighting against the roles they've been given, I'd recommend this one.
The story follows three women whose lives slowly become intertwined. The themes of duty, sacrifice, freedom, and female agency were woven throughout the story, and I loved that friendship was at the heart of it all rather than romance.
It's is a slower, character-driven fantasy, but the gorgeous writing, rich lore, and constant tension surrounding the maiden sacrifice kept me hooked. My only complaint is that I wanted a little more from the final action scenes after such a long build-up. Other than that, this absolutely delivered and reminded me why I love Georgia Leighton's writing so much.
The story follows three women whose lives slowly become intertwined. The themes of duty, sacrifice, freedom, and female agency were woven throughout the story, and I loved that friendship was at the heart of it all rather than romance.
It's is a slower, character-driven fantasy, but the gorgeous writing, rich lore, and constant tension surrounding the maiden sacrifice kept me hooked. My only complaint is that I wanted a little more from the final action scenes after such a long build-up. Other than that, this absolutely delivered and reminded me why I love Georgia Leighton's writing so much.
May 30, 2026
Many thanks to Bantam for the preview. All opinions are my own.
If you love character driven stories with feminine rage, dragons, lady knights, a princess that will save herself, and the most satisfying villain death ever, then Maiden is for you. Just like Spellbound, Leighton focuses on the women in a mythology story, and creates something so fresh and meaningful that will absolutely stick with you.
Alinore was probably my favorite character. Who doesn't love a girl determined to be a knight despite what anyone around her thinks. Cressyda was harder for me to like initially because she was just so determined to keep her head down and stay safe by staying small. But she's actually brilliant, and the way she outthinks the villain AND the dragon at the end was amazing. My heart just ached for Maylie, and I'm so happy things turned out well for her in the end.
Like I said, this is a very character driven story. There's a lot of action at the end with the climax, but up to that point, we're following first just Cress and Alinore, then also Maylie as they navigate lives that are not easy. There are palace politics and schemes, a terrible prince I hated, and a prince that was just so nice. There's a very subplot m/f romance that was sweet.
Highly recommend, and I can't wait to see what Leighton writes next!
If you love character driven stories with feminine rage, dragons, lady knights, a princess that will save herself, and the most satisfying villain death ever, then Maiden is for you. Just like Spellbound, Leighton focuses on the women in a mythology story, and creates something so fresh and meaningful that will absolutely stick with you.
Alinore was probably my favorite character. Who doesn't love a girl determined to be a knight despite what anyone around her thinks. Cressyda was harder for me to like initially because she was just so determined to keep her head down and stay safe by staying small. But she's actually brilliant, and the way she outthinks the villain AND the dragon at the end was amazing. My heart just ached for Maylie, and I'm so happy things turned out well for her in the end.
Like I said, this is a very character driven story. There's a lot of action at the end with the climax, but up to that point, we're following first just Cress and Alinore, then also Maylie as they navigate lives that are not easy. There are palace politics and schemes, a terrible prince I hated, and a prince that was just so nice. There's a very subplot m/f romance that was sweet.
Highly recommend, and I can't wait to see what Leighton writes next!
June 17, 2026
Omg, this was so good!!
The growth in both the writing and storytelling from Spellbound to Maiden is incredible. This was everything I wanted it to be: magic, princesses, lady knights, fairy folk, and dragons.
Hundreds of years ago, during a war that would decide the fate of the mountain folk, a bargain was struck with the Great Dragon. In exchange for saving them, the dragon would receive a yearly sacrifice forevermore. As the next sacrifice approaches, old promises, hidden truths, and magic begin to unravel.
The character work was one of the strongest parts of this book. Compared to Spellbound, the characterization feels much deeper and more confident. We get three female POVs, and I genuinely loved all of them. They're each strong in completely different ways, with distinct personalities, motivations, and struggles. Their journeys felt authentic, and I was invested in every perspective.
The supporting cast was fantastic, particularly the male characters. Whether they were loyal allies, morally gray, or outright villains, they all felt layered and believable. They added so much tension, emotion, and depth to the story.
If you love female-led fantasy, feminine rage, fairy tale vibes, dragons, and a compelling plot, I highly recommend picking this one up.
✨ Magic
🐉 Dragons
⚔️ Lady knights
🧚 Fairy folk
👑 Princesses
🔥 Feminine
The growth in both the writing and storytelling from Spellbound to Maiden is incredible. This was everything I wanted it to be: magic, princesses, lady knights, fairy folk, and dragons.
Hundreds of years ago, during a war that would decide the fate of the mountain folk, a bargain was struck with the Great Dragon. In exchange for saving them, the dragon would receive a yearly sacrifice forevermore. As the next sacrifice approaches, old promises, hidden truths, and magic begin to unravel.
The character work was one of the strongest parts of this book. Compared to Spellbound, the characterization feels much deeper and more confident. We get three female POVs, and I genuinely loved all of them. They're each strong in completely different ways, with distinct personalities, motivations, and struggles. Their journeys felt authentic, and I was invested in every perspective.
The supporting cast was fantastic, particularly the male characters. Whether they were loyal allies, morally gray, or outright villains, they all felt layered and believable. They added so much tension, emotion, and depth to the story.
If you love female-led fantasy, feminine rage, fairy tale vibes, dragons, and a compelling plot, I highly recommend picking this one up.
✨ Magic
🐉 Dragons
⚔️ Lady knights
🧚 Fairy folk
👑 Princesses
🔥 Feminine
June 16, 2026
Title: Maiden
Authors: Georgia Leighton
Pages: 432
UK publish date: available now
Published by: bantam books
⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.
Maiden by Georgia Leighton is such an empowering, strong female lead read!
We're talking lady knights, princesses who save themselves, sacrifices, both metaphorically and physical and just an all round strong plotline.
The book focuses on a three person perspective and I must admit the life of Maylie did bring a tear to my eye. (Keep that between us!)
This book explores folk tales of the hidden people. Really inkeeping with Leighton's previous work of mythical fairytales. Bringing rituals, traditions and not questioning powerful people to the forefront of the story. Of course she quickly smashes all these old archaic rules back down again!
It was fast. It was fiery and it was fun. Empowering women, fortifying friendships, exploring grief of motherhood, loss of parents and the fairytale that all little girls should be told. Of lady knights and princesses that save themselves.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
⚔️ Lady knights
✨ Dragons
⚔️ The princess saves herself
✨ Myths, folklore and fairytales
⚔️ Romance side quest
✨ 3 person perspective
⚔️ Found family
Authors: Georgia Leighton
Pages: 432
UK publish date: available now
Published by: bantam books
⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.
Maiden by Georgia Leighton is such an empowering, strong female lead read!
We're talking lady knights, princesses who save themselves, sacrifices, both metaphorically and physical and just an all round strong plotline.
The book focuses on a three person perspective and I must admit the life of Maylie did bring a tear to my eye. (Keep that between us!)
This book explores folk tales of the hidden people. Really inkeeping with Leighton's previous work of mythical fairytales. Bringing rituals, traditions and not questioning powerful people to the forefront of the story. Of course she quickly smashes all these old archaic rules back down again!
It was fast. It was fiery and it was fun. Empowering women, fortifying friendships, exploring grief of motherhood, loss of parents and the fairytale that all little girls should be told. Of lady knights and princesses that save themselves.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
⚔️ Lady knights
✨ Dragons
⚔️ The princess saves herself
✨ Myths, folklore and fairytales
⚔️ Romance side quest
✨ 3 person perspective
⚔️ Found family
June 7, 2026
Really solid second book from Georgia Leighton, short chapters & character driven plot meant I was H O O K E D
Thank you to NetGalley & Bantam/Penguin for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bantam/Penguin for the eARC.
June 9, 2026
Let me begin by saying one word: masterpiece.
I completely devoured Maiden in just a few days. The opening pages immediately hooked me, and I didn’t stop reading until I reached the final page. The story was incredibly immersive. I felt as though I was part of the world of Calestra and friends with Cressyda and Alinore.
From Cressyda’s journey to discover her roots, beginning in the castle library, to Alinore’s early-morning sword practice with only Ottone knowing her secret desire to become the first Lady Knight, every moment captivated me. Then came the battle with the Great Dragon and, eventually, the meeting with Maylie.
Each character undergoes remarkable development throughout the story. Alinore and Ottone learn to embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and watching their relationship blossom into what I had hoped for was incredibly satisfying. Maylie’s mysterious presence adds intrigue to the story and becomes intertwined with Cressyda’s path. Meanwhile, Cressyda’s mysterious origins and magical abilities lead her to uncover Maylie’s secret as she embarks on a journey to find her biological mother.
And let’s not forget the most detestable character in the book, Samsel, who ultimately meets his fate along the way.
Maiden is a stunning and fiercely feminist retelling filled with unforgettable characters. By the end of the book, I found myself deeply attached to these three remarkable women and their journey together. I will truly miss their companionship and the world they shared.
I completely devoured Maiden in just a few days. The opening pages immediately hooked me, and I didn’t stop reading until I reached the final page. The story was incredibly immersive. I felt as though I was part of the world of Calestra and friends with Cressyda and Alinore.
From Cressyda’s journey to discover her roots, beginning in the castle library, to Alinore’s early-morning sword practice with only Ottone knowing her secret desire to become the first Lady Knight, every moment captivated me. Then came the battle with the Great Dragon and, eventually, the meeting with Maylie.
Each character undergoes remarkable development throughout the story. Alinore and Ottone learn to embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and watching their relationship blossom into what I had hoped for was incredibly satisfying. Maylie’s mysterious presence adds intrigue to the story and becomes intertwined with Cressyda’s path. Meanwhile, Cressyda’s mysterious origins and magical abilities lead her to uncover Maylie’s secret as she embarks on a journey to find her biological mother.
And let’s not forget the most detestable character in the book, Samsel, who ultimately meets his fate along the way.
Maiden is a stunning and fiercely feminist retelling filled with unforgettable characters. By the end of the book, I found myself deeply attached to these three remarkable women and their journey together. I will truly miss their companionship and the world they shared.
June 8, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you love fairytales, strong women and character-driven stories, this book is one for you.
Beautifully written from start to finish, Maiden is the perfect feminist fairytale. From page one, it had me hooked and I found myself wanting to fly through it but also to savour every sentence.
Encompassing years from multiple points if view, it builds a rich and detailed world, gives a great sense of an interesting magic and shows just how crap men in power can be. Luckily, there are also dragons.
I loved how thoroughly I got to know the three characters that the story follows and how much I wanted the best for all of them. None of them perfect, they're beautifully human and it makes the story even better.
The magic was so subtle and well done. You won't get a great understanding of how it works and that's fine, because even those with magic don't have all the answers. It gives folktale vibes that I enjoy.
Probably my favourite thing about this book is that the ending is realistic. There is no happily ever after. Instead, there is work to be done, power to be claimed and relationships to fix and build. It isn't really the end at all, just the start of A new story full of possibilities so you finish the book full of hope - the way fairytales should be.
If you love fairytales, strong women and character-driven stories, this book is one for you.
Beautifully written from start to finish, Maiden is the perfect feminist fairytale. From page one, it had me hooked and I found myself wanting to fly through it but also to savour every sentence.
Encompassing years from multiple points if view, it builds a rich and detailed world, gives a great sense of an interesting magic and shows just how crap men in power can be. Luckily, there are also dragons.
I loved how thoroughly I got to know the three characters that the story follows and how much I wanted the best for all of them. None of them perfect, they're beautifully human and it makes the story even better.
The magic was so subtle and well done. You won't get a great understanding of how it works and that's fine, because even those with magic don't have all the answers. It gives folktale vibes that I enjoy.
Probably my favourite thing about this book is that the ending is realistic. There is no happily ever after. Instead, there is work to be done, power to be claimed and relationships to fix and build. It isn't really the end at all, just the start of A new story full of possibilities so you finish the book full of hope - the way fairytales should be.
June 15, 2026
3.5
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This feminist fantasy story was a delight! I loved the strong female protagonists who drove this story, and I just loved seeing their relationships develop over time. This was aided by Leighton’s writing style and the way they managed to convey the ever-present threat of the Maiden Sacrifice throughout the whole novel. However, the changing timelines did take me out of the novel at times, and I felt there didn’t need to be as many. Saying this, I would recommend this to readers who love a character-driven story with a strong female cast.
TW: violence, death, miscarriage, alcoholism, death of a parent
-
This feminist fantasy story was a delight! I loved the strong female protagonists who drove this story, and I just loved seeing their relationships develop over time. This was aided by Leighton’s writing style and the way they managed to convey the ever-present threat of the Maiden Sacrifice throughout the whole novel. However, the changing timelines did take me out of the novel at times, and I felt there didn’t need to be as many. Saying this, I would recommend this to readers who love a character-driven story with a strong female cast.
TW: violence, death, miscarriage, alcoholism, death of a parent
June 11, 2026
What a powerfully inspiring book - I absolutely love a retelling, but truthfully I could not remember the tale of George and the Dragon to begin with! So I essentially went in blind, but I loved it even more for this!
The three female leads are wonderfully powerful and relatable - Cressyda, Alinore and Maylie - and I loved the interspersed POVs throughout the story, each with their own compelling backstory and reasons for why they are the way they are. The writing was beautifully poetic, filled with rich lore, and I could see the mountains and the city built up in my mind so clearly.
It goes without saying I love there being a character to hate, and this story gave me that in spades.
I loved the way the story rounded itself up, leaving no stone unturned - a character-driven great second book from Georgia Leighton!
**Thank you so much to Bantam Books for the early advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own**
The three female leads are wonderfully powerful and relatable - Cressyda, Alinore and Maylie - and I loved the interspersed POVs throughout the story, each with their own compelling backstory and reasons for why they are the way they are. The writing was beautifully poetic, filled with rich lore, and I could see the mountains and the city built up in my mind so clearly.
It goes without saying I love there being a character to hate, and this story gave me that in spades.
I loved the way the story rounded itself up, leaving no stone unturned - a character-driven great second book from Georgia Leighton!
**Thank you so much to Bantam Books for the early advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own**
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June 14, 2026dragons are always a yes from me
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
Headlines:
Lady knight
Family found and foul
Dragons
This feminist tale was striking and satisfying in all the good, fantastical ways. Women were at the fore, leading quietly and then pushing forward saving the kingdom. Three women told their stories, Alinore the knight's daughter left with a king while he fought, Cressyda the adopted princess and Maylie, a mountain woman.
Pervading this story was a gift of the mountain folk, to see, hear and communicate with the hidden people (fey). The hidden people were mostly in the shadows, feared but Cressyda could hear them. I thought Alinore was the most interesting voice, until I got to know Cressyda and then Maylie drew me in too.
The time phases of the POVs was clever and different. How we saw these women evolve from childhood to women was a different journey for each, steeped in tragedy but also resillience. There were some rotten men causing trauma, no more than Samsel. In balance to this, was Chrisanie.
I did see the foreshadowing of where the main plot was going by half way but I still enjoyed the development immensely. Still, there was plenty I hadn't expected along the way.
Georgia Leighton has a natural, appealing narrative style. I love her empowerment of women in these stories. They aren't women waiting to be saved, they will always save themselves.
Thank you to Bantam Books for the review copy.
Headlines:
Lady knight
Family found and foul
Dragons
This feminist tale was striking and satisfying in all the good, fantastical ways. Women were at the fore, leading quietly and then pushing forward saving the kingdom. Three women told their stories, Alinore the knight's daughter left with a king while he fought, Cressyda the adopted princess and Maylie, a mountain woman.
Pervading this story was a gift of the mountain folk, to see, hear and communicate with the hidden people (fey). The hidden people were mostly in the shadows, feared but Cressyda could hear them. I thought Alinore was the most interesting voice, until I got to know Cressyda and then Maylie drew me in too.
The time phases of the POVs was clever and different. How we saw these women evolve from childhood to women was a different journey for each, steeped in tragedy but also resillience. There were some rotten men causing trauma, no more than Samsel. In balance to this, was Chrisanie.
I did see the foreshadowing of where the main plot was going by half way but I still enjoyed the development immensely. Still, there was plenty I hadn't expected along the way.
Georgia Leighton has a natural, appealing narrative style. I love her empowerment of women in these stories. They aren't women waiting to be saved, they will always save themselves.
Thank you to Bantam Books for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I initially gave this book two stars, but after a week or so has passed, I’ve dropped that down to one. The more I think about this book, the more I realise that there wasn’t much I enjoyed at all. There were things at the start that bothered me a bit, such as half-baked backstories, a drawn-out first act, or too much of the action happening off-screen. At the time they didn’t particularly bother me, as I assumed things would pick up, but they never really did.
It wasn’t a particularly slow read, but more than half of the book passed before anything much happened. I do generally love a character-driven book, and I was enjoying getting to know these characters lives, but we did have a dragon to defeat. There was so much mundane information about Cressyda and Alinore’s childhood, but very little actual detail. The first half of the book could have been trimmed down significantly and still been just as effective.
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My bigger issue, however, was with how the story was resolved. We have a ruling class, and we have the Mountain folk. There is an unbending class and cultural divide between the two, and while it’s unclear as to whether it’s an ethnic divide as well, there is clearly a sense of heritage that is strong enough for the ruling class to be exempt from the agreement that one of the Mountain people would be surrendered to the dragon.
Spoiler time! Cressyda is a Mountain girl who is adopted by the queen. When the king dies and her older brother takes the throne, he forces her to become the sacrifice. She and Alinore negotiate with the dragon for the new king to be taken instead, and for a new treaty to be agreed. Cressyda’s second oldest brother then takes the throne, and they all live happily ever after.
Issue one: the whole selling point of this book was that ‘the princess saves herself’. If Cressyda saves herself by selling the king to the dragon, is she really saving herself? Is she just doing the exact same bad thing her brother and father did, except because he’s a meany boy and she’s an underestimated girl, that makes it okay? Is feeding people to dragons okay, as long as it’s a woman doing it to a man and not the other way around? It didn’t really feel like she was outwitting the dragon, or using any particular skill or even brute force to resolve the situation. Who was the real villain all along? Was it the dragon, or was it the ruling class?
Which brings me to issue number two. After the dragon was defeated, I was hoping/expecting that Cressyda would take over as ruler. After all, she was raised a royal, but she is descended from the Mountain folk, and could potentially unite these two classes for a new and brighter future. But no! That would involve structural change, and facing the underlying problems existing in the kingdom! So instead, her other brother takes over as king, but it’s okay because he’s nice so everything’s okay now.
It’s not that I expect all fantasy books to be overtly political (not that you can really write truly apolitical sci-fi or fantasy, but that’s a discussion for another day). I just think authors should have the self-awareness to know when they have created a political allegory, and follow it through to the end. When a book is deliberately written to go against the status quo (in this case by being very clear that this is a story where the princess saves herself), it’s incredibly disappointing when it fails to do more than the bare minimum.
Perhaps most frustratingly of all, if the author had actually engaged with the political aspects of the world she’d created, I think it would have made for a much stronger and more interesting story. Yes, the princess saved herself, and many others too. There was just scope for so much more.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
It wasn’t a particularly slow read, but more than half of the book passed before anything much happened. I do generally love a character-driven book, and I was enjoying getting to know these characters lives, but we did have a dragon to defeat. There was so much mundane information about Cressyda and Alinore’s childhood, but very little actual detail. The first half of the book could have been trimmed down significantly and still been just as effective.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
My bigger issue, however, was with how the story was resolved. We have a ruling class, and we have the Mountain folk. There is an unbending class and cultural divide between the two, and while it’s unclear as to whether it’s an ethnic divide as well, there is clearly a sense of heritage that is strong enough for the ruling class to be exempt from the agreement that one of the Mountain people would be surrendered to the dragon.
Spoiler time! Cressyda is a Mountain girl who is adopted by the queen. When the king dies and her older brother takes the throne, he forces her to become the sacrifice. She and Alinore negotiate with the dragon for the new king to be taken instead, and for a new treaty to be agreed. Cressyda’s second oldest brother then takes the throne, and they all live happily ever after.
Issue one: the whole selling point of this book was that ‘the princess saves herself’. If Cressyda saves herself by selling the king to the dragon, is she really saving herself? Is she just doing the exact same bad thing her brother and father did, except because he’s a meany boy and she’s an underestimated girl, that makes it okay? Is feeding people to dragons okay, as long as it’s a woman doing it to a man and not the other way around? It didn’t really feel like she was outwitting the dragon, or using any particular skill or even brute force to resolve the situation. Who was the real villain all along? Was it the dragon, or was it the ruling class?
Which brings me to issue number two. After the dragon was defeated, I was hoping/expecting that Cressyda would take over as ruler. After all, she was raised a royal, but she is descended from the Mountain folk, and could potentially unite these two classes for a new and brighter future. But no! That would involve structural change, and facing the underlying problems existing in the kingdom! So instead, her other brother takes over as king, but it’s okay because he’s nice so everything’s okay now.
It’s not that I expect all fantasy books to be overtly political (not that you can really write truly apolitical sci-fi or fantasy, but that’s a discussion for another day). I just think authors should have the self-awareness to know when they have created a political allegory, and follow it through to the end. When a book is deliberately written to go against the status quo (in this case by being very clear that this is a story where the princess saves herself), it’s incredibly disappointing when it fails to do more than the bare minimum.
Perhaps most frustratingly of all, if the author had actually engaged with the political aspects of the world she’d created, I think it would have made for a much stronger and more interesting story. Yes, the princess saved herself, and many others too. There was just scope for so much more.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A solid 3.5 stars, Maiden takes the story of Saint George and the Dragon and tells it from the perspective of three women, rewriting the tale to focus on the women who save themselves. Having enjoyed Spellbound, when I saw Georgia Leighton was going to write about dragons and have a lady knight, well, say no more, I was in.
And for the most part, I really enjoyed this! It was well-written and had such a fantastic idea behind it, all while making the story very much her own. We got to see the story develop over a matter of years as all of our main characters age, and that narrative choice helped to build the world, giving the reader a lens into the world over a wider period of time.
We have Alinore, the country lady left at a foreign court where she doesn't fit, especially as she is desperate to become a knight; Cressyda, the princess whose past ensures she'll never quite be seen as a true member of the royal family; and Maylie, a mountain healer working to balance her past and her family along with the magic she's seen all of her life. We follow both Alinore and Cressyda from childhood into their teen years, and Maylie from her own childhood all the way into adulthood over the course of a couple of decades.
I liked all three main characters and felt that I had a pretty good feel for them as people. However, I felt that only Maylie only got natural development as we saw her story play out. For both Alinore and Cressyda, yes, we had less time with them so they of course wouldn't grow as much, but so much of their arcs were told, not shown. For example, even their friendship developing, we didn't get to actually see that happen. Some of the jumps from year to year felt too rushed, robbing the story from being able to let the characters grow on the page. As such, I found it hard to care much about Alinore or Cressyda, as they just didn't feel fully fleshed out to me. It didn't help much that much of their stories were kind of predictable, which would have been offset if you got to see them more as characters of their own as opposed to vessels for this story to happen to.
This book is marketed as adult, but is definitely perfectly fit for a YA reader. In fact, I think this is the type of book I would have loved and would've helped define me as a reader when I was a pre-teen/early teen. This isn't a knock on the book at all, but the writing was good yet simple, and Alinore and Cressyda, the two characters we spent the most time with, had coming-of-age type of stories and we spent time with them from ages 12-18. While I personally wish this book had been more adult, more brutal, and much more complex with its character development and presentation, it would be a strong crossover book, one that I'll earmark for if my niece one day becomes a voracious reader (at 2, I don't think this could quite crossover to her just yet!).
When I look back at this book, I look back fondly, but with a wish that it could've been just a little bit more for me personally. However, Georgia Leighton has found her niche in multi-POV retellings and I'll be very happy to see her continue to explore such stories in years to come.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, and to NetGalley for the ARC.
And for the most part, I really enjoyed this! It was well-written and had such a fantastic idea behind it, all while making the story very much her own. We got to see the story develop over a matter of years as all of our main characters age, and that narrative choice helped to build the world, giving the reader a lens into the world over a wider period of time.
We have Alinore, the country lady left at a foreign court where she doesn't fit, especially as she is desperate to become a knight; Cressyda, the princess whose past ensures she'll never quite be seen as a true member of the royal family; and Maylie, a mountain healer working to balance her past and her family along with the magic she's seen all of her life. We follow both Alinore and Cressyda from childhood into their teen years, and Maylie from her own childhood all the way into adulthood over the course of a couple of decades.
I liked all three main characters and felt that I had a pretty good feel for them as people. However, I felt that only Maylie only got natural development as we saw her story play out. For both Alinore and Cressyda, yes, we had less time with them so they of course wouldn't grow as much, but so much of their arcs were told, not shown. For example, even their friendship developing, we didn't get to actually see that happen. Some of the jumps from year to year felt too rushed, robbing the story from being able to let the characters grow on the page. As such, I found it hard to care much about Alinore or Cressyda, as they just didn't feel fully fleshed out to me. It didn't help much that much of their stories were kind of predictable, which would have been offset if you got to see them more as characters of their own as opposed to vessels for this story to happen to.
This book is marketed as adult, but is definitely perfectly fit for a YA reader. In fact, I think this is the type of book I would have loved and would've helped define me as a reader when I was a pre-teen/early teen. This isn't a knock on the book at all, but the writing was good yet simple, and Alinore and Cressyda, the two characters we spent the most time with, had coming-of-age type of stories and we spent time with them from ages 12-18. While I personally wish this book had been more adult, more brutal, and much more complex with its character development and presentation, it would be a strong crossover book, one that I'll earmark for if my niece one day becomes a voracious reader (at 2, I don't think this could quite crossover to her just yet!).
When I look back at this book, I look back fondly, but with a wish that it could've been just a little bit more for me personally. However, Georgia Leighton has found her niche in multi-POV retellings and I'll be very happy to see her continue to explore such stories in years to come.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, and to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maiden by Georgia Leighton is a magical, feminist, folktale retelling of George and the Dragon set in the same world as Spellbound. If you loved Spellbound or love stories that are so easy to read and worlds that you just find yourself falling in to then you will most definitely want to get your hands on Maiden!
The Mountainfolk are compelled to sacrifice one of their own to the Dragon in accordance with a treaty between their Princess and the Dragon nearly two hundred years earlier, when in exchange the Dragon saved them and their kingdom from an invading enemy. You will soon note that there was no definition of which gender the sacrifice should be but, this soon became The Maiden Sacrifice and each year an 18 year old girl/woman from the Mountain region is chosen to be sent to the Great Dragon.
Now if that doesn’t give you a hint of the feminist element, I’ll add in the bonus there isn’t just one, there are three brilliant female protagonists in this story. Cressyda is the ‘adopted’ child of the Queen Flavria, ‘sister’ to the heir (Prince Samsel) and spare (Prince Ottone,) hated by one and adored by another, her status wholly dependent on the whims and favour of the Queen. Alinore is the daughter of a military man who initially came to the castle for a temporary period whilst her father served but following his death is now Cressyda’s maid/companion and then there is Maylie, a married woman of the mountain region who lives a quiet life away from the capital with her husband and sons but, there is far more to each of these characters than meets the eye.
I absolutely love how Georgia Leighton puts women front and foremost in her stories, as they lead the way towards saving the kingdom and most importantly, themselves. This wonderful focus is so strong and so needed in the world we live in today, especially when you consider the skill it takes to write a story that leaves the reader never wanting to put the book down…yes, Georgia’s writing is the stuff of ‘just one more chapter.’ Her worldbuilding and magic system are beautifully woven into the story, this you will see when you discover the inherent magical ability of the mountain folk to see shadow people.
There is so much I could tell you about this book and so much I want to tell you but, rather than risk spoiling a brilliant tale, I will say that if you love dragons, if you love stories that put women at the forefront, if you love found family – good and bad, and most definitely adore wonderfully written prose and narrative, then rush to pick up Maiden as soon as it is released.
Thank you Bantam, Transworld Publishers, Random House UK and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
The Mountainfolk are compelled to sacrifice one of their own to the Dragon in accordance with a treaty between their Princess and the Dragon nearly two hundred years earlier, when in exchange the Dragon saved them and their kingdom from an invading enemy. You will soon note that there was no definition of which gender the sacrifice should be but, this soon became The Maiden Sacrifice and each year an 18 year old girl/woman from the Mountain region is chosen to be sent to the Great Dragon.
Now if that doesn’t give you a hint of the feminist element, I’ll add in the bonus there isn’t just one, there are three brilliant female protagonists in this story. Cressyda is the ‘adopted’ child of the Queen Flavria, ‘sister’ to the heir (Prince Samsel) and spare (Prince Ottone,) hated by one and adored by another, her status wholly dependent on the whims and favour of the Queen. Alinore is the daughter of a military man who initially came to the castle for a temporary period whilst her father served but following his death is now Cressyda’s maid/companion and then there is Maylie, a married woman of the mountain region who lives a quiet life away from the capital with her husband and sons but, there is far more to each of these characters than meets the eye.
I absolutely love how Georgia Leighton puts women front and foremost in her stories, as they lead the way towards saving the kingdom and most importantly, themselves. This wonderful focus is so strong and so needed in the world we live in today, especially when you consider the skill it takes to write a story that leaves the reader never wanting to put the book down…yes, Georgia’s writing is the stuff of ‘just one more chapter.’ Her worldbuilding and magic system are beautifully woven into the story, this you will see when you discover the inherent magical ability of the mountain folk to see shadow people.
There is so much I could tell you about this book and so much I want to tell you but, rather than risk spoiling a brilliant tale, I will say that if you love dragons, if you love stories that put women at the forefront, if you love found family – good and bad, and most definitely adore wonderfully written prose and narrative, then rush to pick up Maiden as soon as it is released.
Thank you Bantam, Transworld Publishers, Random House UK and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
July 13, 2026
Another magical entry from this author that is held back slightly by similar issues.
This book follows three women throughout a period of time, while the Maiden Sacrifice plays out in the background - every year, a single maiden is given to the Elder Dragon in honour of a treaty made long ago...
You have Alinore, a lady who dreams of being a knight and is probably better than most men around, although she has to hide it. You have Cressyda, the Princess, the Pet, beholden to a Master and so draped in magic and secret that you don't know where the true woman is. And then, over half way through the book, you are introduced to Maelle, a woman from the Mountains. I guessed who she had to be almost instantly but it took a while for me to realise what part she would play in this book.
And its with Maelle that the first real echoes of Spellbound, the author's previous work come into play. Because Maelle is very similar to Sel, just with a few steps removed.
The Queen in this book is almost a carbon copy for the Queen in Spellbound, with the same issues, flaws and a lack of an actual end to her character arc. To have someone so important to the book just... fade from the narrative and her reactions merely guessed at is infuriating.
But those nagging feelings of Deja vu aside, this is still its own beast. The Princes do not get enough page time, which makes sense when this is a book about female rage but with one the villain and one the perfect sweet summer child, I wish we could have seen more, for the sake of the story. And boy is the villain a nasty piece of work.
I am not sure I wholly buy his motivation because it is challenged so often by Cressyda's PoV but perhaps there is something to be said for siblings and their perceived view of the same event. And honestly, he doesn't even need a motivation because that boy is just a bad apple throughout.
As people have already said, the action is all in the last chunk of the book which is a shame but its highly entertaining and a great exploration of love, loss and rage.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
This book follows three women throughout a period of time, while the Maiden Sacrifice plays out in the background - every year, a single maiden is given to the Elder Dragon in honour of a treaty made long ago...
You have Alinore, a lady who dreams of being a knight and is probably better than most men around, although she has to hide it. You have Cressyda, the Princess, the Pet, beholden to a Master and so draped in magic and secret that you don't know where the true woman is. And then, over half way through the book, you are introduced to Maelle, a woman from the Mountains. I guessed who she had to be almost instantly but it took a while for me to realise what part she would play in this book.
And its with Maelle that the first real echoes of Spellbound, the author's previous work come into play. Because Maelle is very similar to Sel, just with a few steps removed.
The Queen in this book is almost a carbon copy for the Queen in Spellbound, with the same issues, flaws and a lack of an actual end to her character arc. To have someone so important to the book just... fade from the narrative and her reactions merely guessed at is infuriating.
But those nagging feelings of Deja vu aside, this is still its own beast. The Princes do not get enough page time, which makes sense when this is a book about female rage but with one the villain and one the perfect sweet summer child, I wish we could have seen more, for the sake of the story. And boy is the villain a nasty piece of work.
I am not sure I wholly buy his motivation because it is challenged so often by Cressyda's PoV but perhaps there is something to be said for siblings and their perceived view of the same event. And honestly, he doesn't even need a motivation because that boy is just a bad apple throughout.
As people have already said, the action is all in the last chunk of the book which is a shame but its highly entertaining and a great exploration of love, loss and rage.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A gorgeous, fairytale-esque story that was gripping and gorgeous.
Alinore comes to visit the royal household with her father, only to find she is staying there as a member of the court. Cressyda is the princess, although she is regarded as the Queen’s “pet” since everyone she’s not royal by blood. And Maylie is a mountain woman who lives a simple life but has a story to tell from her past. Once a year, a maiden in her 18th winter is given as a sacrifice to the great dragon to protect the United Kingdoms. But strange magic is afoot and things are changing, and the three women have something to do with it.
The magic is this story is somewhat hidden and not particularly celebrated; and dragons are feared. It was an interesting world, one which we’ve been introduced to in the author’s previous book, Spellbound, although this stands totally alone.
We see the world through the eyes of each of the women at different times in their lives which built up a gorgeous depth to the story. Each has her own distinct voice.
The focus of the story being on women saving themselves without needing a man was, of course, excellent. All the main characters are women, including one who is training herself to be a lady knight, and men feature either as background players to support the story or as villainous figures.
This book was so close to 5 stars for me, it just missed the mark because it took a little while to really get into a solid storyline. I get that there needed to be some character building and background setting, but the time it took felt like it would have fitted better with a novel that was the first in a series rather than a standalone. I wish we had a little more of the high tension and action that came towards the end of the book.
The ending was brilliant, I especially loved the epilogue which gave me chills. It was told like the ending of a folkloric fairytale, it was nicely rounded up but wasn’t a 100% happily ever after for everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Alinore comes to visit the royal household with her father, only to find she is staying there as a member of the court. Cressyda is the princess, although she is regarded as the Queen’s “pet” since everyone she’s not royal by blood. And Maylie is a mountain woman who lives a simple life but has a story to tell from her past. Once a year, a maiden in her 18th winter is given as a sacrifice to the great dragon to protect the United Kingdoms. But strange magic is afoot and things are changing, and the three women have something to do with it.
The magic is this story is somewhat hidden and not particularly celebrated; and dragons are feared. It was an interesting world, one which we’ve been introduced to in the author’s previous book, Spellbound, although this stands totally alone.
We see the world through the eyes of each of the women at different times in their lives which built up a gorgeous depth to the story. Each has her own distinct voice.
The focus of the story being on women saving themselves without needing a man was, of course, excellent. All the main characters are women, including one who is training herself to be a lady knight, and men feature either as background players to support the story or as villainous figures.
This book was so close to 5 stars for me, it just missed the mark because it took a little while to really get into a solid storyline. I get that there needed to be some character building and background setting, but the time it took felt like it would have fitted better with a novel that was the first in a series rather than a standalone. I wish we had a little more of the high tension and action that came towards the end of the book.
The ending was brilliant, I especially loved the epilogue which gave me chills. It was told like the ending of a folkloric fairytale, it was nicely rounded up but wasn’t a 100% happily ever after for everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to @georgialeightonauthor and @bantambooksuk for sending me this stunning proof copy ✨
After devouring Georgia’s debut book ‘Spellbound’ I was absolutely over the moon to be offered an early copy of Maiden. And I was not disappointed. Georgia has delivered a completely magical, empowering and captivating novel yet again. This book gave me a classic fairy tale vibe but with a strong feminist edge.
The level of world building and character development in this book is mind blowing. I was completely transported to Calestra and the lives of Alinore, Maylie and of course, Cressyda. The resilience of these women was inspirational. I definitely want them on my team next time I’m confronted with a dragon 👀.
The level of fantasy in this book is spot on for me. High fantasy scares me slightly, but this was perfect. If you want to dip your toe into the fantasy world and still be completely immersed in magic, folklore, dragons, curses, princes and princesses, fairy folk and of course sassy women (with names you can pronounce 😅), this is the perfect read.
This is very much a slow burn tale. The story builds over many years (or winters), but this sedate progression is so worth it. The originality and imagination that went into this novel was stunning 🤌🏻.
The story telling and the world building was vivid and detailed and the backstory of all the main characters were so compelling and pulled me in effortlessly. The characters shone in this novel, especially Cressyda, who I felt really drawn to. I felt like she a bit bookish, which I loved. Her story was so intricate and enchanting. How she grew and developed was a pleasure to read.
With the magical premise and all the characters together this made for a truly unforgettable story, especially the three main female characters. Even the bad guys in the story had their place. There always has to be a villain in a fairy tale.
I highly recommend this completely charming, magical and vibrant tale.
After devouring Georgia’s debut book ‘Spellbound’ I was absolutely over the moon to be offered an early copy of Maiden. And I was not disappointed. Georgia has delivered a completely magical, empowering and captivating novel yet again. This book gave me a classic fairy tale vibe but with a strong feminist edge.
The level of world building and character development in this book is mind blowing. I was completely transported to Calestra and the lives of Alinore, Maylie and of course, Cressyda. The resilience of these women was inspirational. I definitely want them on my team next time I’m confronted with a dragon 👀.
The level of fantasy in this book is spot on for me. High fantasy scares me slightly, but this was perfect. If you want to dip your toe into the fantasy world and still be completely immersed in magic, folklore, dragons, curses, princes and princesses, fairy folk and of course sassy women (with names you can pronounce 😅), this is the perfect read.
This is very much a slow burn tale. The story builds over many years (or winters), but this sedate progression is so worth it. The originality and imagination that went into this novel was stunning 🤌🏻.
The story telling and the world building was vivid and detailed and the backstory of all the main characters were so compelling and pulled me in effortlessly. The characters shone in this novel, especially Cressyda, who I felt really drawn to. I felt like she a bit bookish, which I loved. Her story was so intricate and enchanting. How she grew and developed was a pleasure to read.
With the magical premise and all the characters together this made for a truly unforgettable story, especially the three main female characters. Even the bad guys in the story had their place. There always has to be a villain in a fairy tale.
I highly recommend this completely charming, magical and vibrant tale.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the age of twelve, Alinore comes to the court of Calestra, where she grows up alongside Princess Cressyda and her brothers, Ottone and Samsel. According to an ancient pact with the Great Dragon, an eighteen-year-old maiden from the mountain folk must be sacrificed each year to protect the kingdom. While Alinore dreams of becoming a warrior and slaying a dragon like her father, Cressyda must carefully maintain her place as the queen’s pet. As she is not the queen’s biological daughter, her position at court depends entirely on royal favour – and Crown Prince Samsel never misses an opportunity to show his contempt. But who is Cressyda really, and what does the sacrifice of the maidens have to do with her own fate?
The story alternates between the perspectives of Alinore and Cressyda and spans six years, allowing the reader to explore the inner lives of both young women in depth while gradually getting to know their world. Only in the final third does a third major character appear: Maylie, whose perspective reveals the backstory behind Cressyda’s life at court. Although this additional viewpoint ultimately fits well into the narrative and proves important for the plot, it briefly disrupted the flow of the story for me at first.
Overall, however, I greatly enjoyed the novel. The characters are well developed, and the story unfolds in a compelling and logical way. Alinore in particular stands out as a strong and determined protagonist who consistently follows her own path. At the same time, Cressyda’s situation is portrayed with great sensitivity: even though she is constrained by expectations and obligations, she gradually finds ways to reclaim her own agency.
A captivating fantasy novel about three women whose fates are deeply intertwined – and about courage, identity, and breaking free from the rules imposed by others. Highly recommended.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Alinore and Cressyda and spans six years, allowing the reader to explore the inner lives of both young women in depth while gradually getting to know their world. Only in the final third does a third major character appear: Maylie, whose perspective reveals the backstory behind Cressyda’s life at court. Although this additional viewpoint ultimately fits well into the narrative and proves important for the plot, it briefly disrupted the flow of the story for me at first.
Overall, however, I greatly enjoyed the novel. The characters are well developed, and the story unfolds in a compelling and logical way. Alinore in particular stands out as a strong and determined protagonist who consistently follows her own path. At the same time, Cressyda’s situation is portrayed with great sensitivity: even though she is constrained by expectations and obligations, she gradually finds ways to reclaim her own agency.
A captivating fantasy novel about three women whose fates are deeply intertwined – and about courage, identity, and breaking free from the rules imposed by others. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2026
I absolutely ate this book up. This is the second book I have read from Georgia Leighton, and she has become one of my auto-buy authors.
Three young women are living in a time of the Maiden Sacrifice. Every year, an eighteen-year-old woman from the mountain regions is chosen to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon. They have been doing this for many generations, but this year, it will be very different.
This book takes you on a sensational journey with FMC's that keep you turning pages. What could be better than three fantastic FMC's. Three!
Cressyda is a Princess who wasn't born into the Royal Family. Because of this, her place in the family is always tenuous, especially given that the heir to the throne, Prince Samsel, hates her. She is only there at the insistence of the Queen Flavria, who sees her as the daughter she never had. She feels totally out of place in the castle. Could it just be because she wasn't born a Royal, or is there more to it? What is it that she can see in the shadows of the palace?
Alinore is living with the Royal Family after her father's death. She and Princess Cressyda are close, but she also has a special friendship with the youngest Prince Ottone. But she wants more than a life at the Royal Court.
Maylie is a young woman living in the mountains with her husband and children. It's a quiet life, and one that she enjoys, but there is something hidden behind her smiling eyes. Something from her past that no one else knows, and that could change the course of history.
Georgia has a beautiful way of writing that makes her books nearly impossible to put down. She explains the worlds we are in so wonderfully that you almost feel like you are there.
If you love fantasy, romantasy, dragons, and three badass FMCs, then I think this book is one you will love.
Three young women are living in a time of the Maiden Sacrifice. Every year, an eighteen-year-old woman from the mountain regions is chosen to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon. They have been doing this for many generations, but this year, it will be very different.
This book takes you on a sensational journey with FMC's that keep you turning pages. What could be better than three fantastic FMC's. Three!
Cressyda is a Princess who wasn't born into the Royal Family. Because of this, her place in the family is always tenuous, especially given that the heir to the throne, Prince Samsel, hates her. She is only there at the insistence of the Queen Flavria, who sees her as the daughter she never had. She feels totally out of place in the castle. Could it just be because she wasn't born a Royal, or is there more to it? What is it that she can see in the shadows of the palace?
Alinore is living with the Royal Family after her father's death. She and Princess Cressyda are close, but she also has a special friendship with the youngest Prince Ottone. But she wants more than a life at the Royal Court.
Maylie is a young woman living in the mountains with her husband and children. It's a quiet life, and one that she enjoys, but there is something hidden behind her smiling eyes. Something from her past that no one else knows, and that could change the course of history.
Georgia has a beautiful way of writing that makes her books nearly impossible to put down. She explains the worlds we are in so wonderfully that you almost feel like you are there.
If you love fantasy, romantasy, dragons, and three badass FMCs, then I think this book is one you will love.
June 9, 2026
"She imagined the cold. The fear. And then the dragon. A real dragon. Not something from a painting or tapestry, not a monster from a tale or ballad, but something alive and seething with fire. She wondered how it felt. in those final moments. Not iust to die.
but to burn."
- Maiden, by @georgialeightonauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, be honest, if a whiny prince forced you up a mountain in sacrifice to The Great Dragon, what are you going to do? Because the women in this book did 👏 not 👏 disappoint 👏.
We've got Alinore- wannabe lady Knight, Cressyda - the princess who is no longer putting up with being called 'pet', and Maylee - a mountain woman determined to right some wrongs. Separately, these are all women you'd be glad to have as an FMC. Together, they're an unstoppable force. Fuelled by feminine rage, and a refusal to let the patriarchy decide their fate, they set out on a path to save themselves and ultimately one another - and I just loved everything about this book. Listen, it is not a romantasy- although there is a smidgen of romance- the real love story here is the friendship between Alinore and Cressyda- and honestly, I was here for it. Their friendship faces challenges along the way but ultimately the love they have for one another is a sisterhood and that is so real.
But the book is so much more than 'we don't need no man' energy. It is about standing up for your dreams, even when duty tells you something else is required of you; it is about owning your mistakes and choosing the right path, even if it is difficult; and it is about trusting your instincts, embracing who you are, and having the courage to follow through on a plan and believe that it can work. It was honestly such a satisfying read that had me punching the air, and feeling proud to be a girl.
Maiden is a book every girl should read. It has all of the above - but it also has dragons. Honestly, what more could you ask for? No notes. No crumbs. This book was ✨️magic✨️.
P.S. Down with the patriarchy! 🔥🤣
Thank you to @instabooktours, @bantambooksuk, and @georgialeightonauthor for the #gifted copy of the book in exchange for the honest review.
but to burn."
- Maiden, by @georgialeightonauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, be honest, if a whiny prince forced you up a mountain in sacrifice to The Great Dragon, what are you going to do? Because the women in this book did 👏 not 👏 disappoint 👏.
We've got Alinore- wannabe lady Knight, Cressyda - the princess who is no longer putting up with being called 'pet', and Maylee - a mountain woman determined to right some wrongs. Separately, these are all women you'd be glad to have as an FMC. Together, they're an unstoppable force. Fuelled by feminine rage, and a refusal to let the patriarchy decide their fate, they set out on a path to save themselves and ultimately one another - and I just loved everything about this book. Listen, it is not a romantasy- although there is a smidgen of romance- the real love story here is the friendship between Alinore and Cressyda- and honestly, I was here for it. Their friendship faces challenges along the way but ultimately the love they have for one another is a sisterhood and that is so real.
But the book is so much more than 'we don't need no man' energy. It is about standing up for your dreams, even when duty tells you something else is required of you; it is about owning your mistakes and choosing the right path, even if it is difficult; and it is about trusting your instincts, embracing who you are, and having the courage to follow through on a plan and believe that it can work. It was honestly such a satisfying read that had me punching the air, and feeling proud to be a girl.
Maiden is a book every girl should read. It has all of the above - but it also has dragons. Honestly, what more could you ask for? No notes. No crumbs. This book was ✨️magic✨️.
P.S. Down with the patriarchy! 🔥🤣
Thank you to @instabooktours, @bantambooksuk, and @georgialeightonauthor for the #gifted copy of the book in exchange for the honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’m a huge fan of fairytale and legend retellings, and Maiden was no exception. This is a fresh twist on the tale of St George and the Dragon, set in a world where maidens are sacrificed each year to keep a great dragon at bay. The story follows three POVs: Cressyda, the adopted princess; Alinore, an orphan determined to become a knight; and Maylie, whose secretive past holds the key to ending this brutal tradition.
I really enjoyed all three characters and the nuances between them. Alinore was a standout for me in particular. She is fearless, stubborn, and refusing to bend under the expectations placed on her as a young woman. Watching her and Cressyda grow up together and form a strong, loyal friendship was one of my favourite parts of the book. Both girls come into their own beautifully as the story progresses. Maylie’s chapters are more mysterious, slowly revealing her past, but the alternating POVs worked well and the short chapters kept the pacing quick. I’m not usually a big fan of multiple timelines, jumps or flashbacks, but they were handled clearly here and never felt confusing.
As a dragon nerd, I loved how central the dragons were. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric, and the lore felt rich. The plot is a little predictable, but there’s a nice twist at the end, and you can’t help rooting for these three girls as they push back against tradition and reclaim their power.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging retelling and I definitely recommend if you enjoy books with strong female characters. Thank you so much to Bantam Books for the gorgeous ARC.
I really enjoyed all three characters and the nuances between them. Alinore was a standout for me in particular. She is fearless, stubborn, and refusing to bend under the expectations placed on her as a young woman. Watching her and Cressyda grow up together and form a strong, loyal friendship was one of my favourite parts of the book. Both girls come into their own beautifully as the story progresses. Maylie’s chapters are more mysterious, slowly revealing her past, but the alternating POVs worked well and the short chapters kept the pacing quick. I’m not usually a big fan of multiple timelines, jumps or flashbacks, but they were handled clearly here and never felt confusing.
As a dragon nerd, I loved how central the dragons were. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric, and the lore felt rich. The plot is a little predictable, but there’s a nice twist at the end, and you can’t help rooting for these three girls as they push back against tradition and reclaim their power.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging retelling and I definitely recommend if you enjoy books with strong female characters. Thank you so much to Bantam Books for the gorgeous ARC.
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