Maiden

by Georgia Leighton

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

Genres: Fantasy, Adult

Audible Audio

Expected publication June 4, 2026

About the author

Georgia Leighton lives in London with her family. Her debut adult novel, SPELLBOUND, is a reimagining of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Reviews

[Lydia-Marguerite Mannering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything you need - epic fantasy, strong and amazing female leads who you will root for till the end and (of course) dragons! Leighton has taken the myth of George and the Dragon and written an epic fantasy that I fell completely in love with. I did not want the book to end as I wanted to stay in the world Leighton had created!

The three female leads all feel distinct and real, with their own fears, strengths, and growth arcs, and watching their stories unfold was incredible (and at times stressful!). The bond that forms between them is powerful and emotional and utterly beautiful.
What I loved most was how epic and immersive everything felt—the danger was real, the world was vivid, and I could not get enough! This is the kind of fantasy that reminds you why you love the genre in the first place. I absolutely want to read more set in this world, and I’d jump on a sequel without hesitation. Highly recommend to anyone who loves brave heroines, legendary monsters, and stories with heart.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A defining element in the identity of the Kingdom of Calestra, the Maiden Sacrifice involves an ugly bargain. Each year, the Dragon receives a sacrifice of the life of a human girl - a price believed to be necessary for the continuing prosperity of the land and its people.

But this year, things are going to change. Because the maidens are no longer willing to be used for dragon pacification purposes...

An engaging and clever fairy tale retelling, this will appeal to those who like magical stories with a bite. It easily earns 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving Spellbound as an ARC previously and loving it I had high hopes for Leighton's next book Maiden. I was not disappointed. This book has everything you would want from a fantasy novel, it is epic fantasy with expertly written female characters. It is a fast paced read that keeps you interested. The author has a superb knack for retelling fairy tales and making them epic fantasy. If you like dragons, princesses, knights and magic this is a high recommendation for you!

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Georgia Leighton and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Karen Mannering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher. I read quite widely fiction and non-fiction, but would not really choose magic/fantasy/romantasy books - but this is so much more. In fact it is an exciting adventure that kept me turning the pages to the end. I usually guage a book by how much it 'lives' with me while I am reading it, and this delivered. Would defiitely recommend.

[Milly Percival · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Maiden was a decent story with some good moments, but it just felt like it dragged in the middle - I enjoyed the ending, but we took too long to get there.

Also, PSA for Fantasy writers - not all names need to be whimsical or hard to pronounce. The mountain people's names all having to end in 'ie' drove me mad.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.