What do you think?
Rate this book
Maiden
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26THIS PRINCESS IS GOING TO SAVE HERSELF
Discover a world of forbidden magic, court politics and sacrifice in this enchanting new myth retelling, perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
The Kingdom of Calestra was built on blood. Every spring, when the snow melts in the mountains, one young woman is chosen by lot to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon.
As the Maiden Sacrifice draws near once more, three women stand at the heart of its brutal ritual: Cressyda, desperate and trapped, Alinore, torn between duty and rebellion and Maylie, whose secrets burn hotter than dragonfire. Together, they carry the power to shatter a treaty written in blood and ash.
Yet freedom comes at a cost, and first they must face the ancient fury of the Great Dragon.
The sacrifice is coming.
But this time, the maidens refuse to burn.
Prepare for…
ancient dragons
lady knights
cunning princesses
castle libraries
fierce fairy folk
forbidden magic
and much more!
Discover a world of forbidden magic, court politics and sacrifice in this enchanting new myth retelling, perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
The Kingdom of Calestra was built on blood. Every spring, when the snow melts in the mountains, one young woman is chosen by lot to be sacrificed to the Great Dragon.
As the Maiden Sacrifice draws near once more, three women stand at the heart of its brutal ritual: Cressyda, desperate and trapped, Alinore, torn between duty and rebellion and Maylie, whose secrets burn hotter than dragonfire. Together, they carry the power to shatter a treaty written in blood and ash.
Yet freedom comes at a cost, and first they must face the ancient fury of the Great Dragon.
The sacrifice is coming.
But this time, the maidens refuse to burn.
Prepare for…
ancient dragons
lady knights
cunning princesses
castle libraries
fierce fairy folk
forbidden magic
and much more!
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 4, 2026
About the author
Georgia Leighton
2 books59 followersGeorgia Leighton lives in London with her family. Her debut adult novel, SPELLBOUND, is a reimagining of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Her brand new novel, MAIDEN, will be published in June 2026 - available to pre-order now in hardback and special editions.
Her brand new novel, MAIDEN, will be published in June 2026 - available to pre-order now in hardback and special editions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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!
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
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.
April 6, 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, which surprised me because I bought I’d find it confusing but I 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, which surprised me because I bought I’d find it confusing but I 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 🐉 🐎 🗡️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After reading Spellbound I already knew I adored Georgia’s writing, but Maiden absolutely blew me away. This is a story built on hard choices, resilience, love, friendship, family, hidden strength, loss, hate, sacrifice, and perseverance. For 300 years, maidens have been sacrificed to the dragon for protection, and that history shapes everything.
We follow a royal family with two sons (one kind, one cruel), their adopted daughter, and her closest friend, alongside two sisters from the mountains. Among the mountain folk, some have the sight and can speak to the hidden people, which adds such a rich layer to the world. Their lives intertwine in a way that feels both inevitable and deeply emotional. The fantasy elements are beautifully crafted and incredibly easy to fall into: historical fantasy with dragons, magic, and a sense of ancient power.
The romance is a true slow burn, full of yearning that feels earned and tender. The girls completely stole the show for me, and I loved the hidden meanings threaded through their journeys.
We follow a royal family with two sons (one kind, one cruel), their adopted daughter, and her closest friend, alongside two sisters from the mountains. Among the mountain folk, some have the sight and can speak to the hidden people, which adds such a rich layer to the world. Their lives intertwine in a way that feels both inevitable and deeply emotional. The fantasy elements are beautifully crafted and incredibly easy to fall into: historical fantasy with dragons, magic, and a sense of ancient power.
The romance is a true slow burn, full of yearning that feels earned and tender. The girls completely stole the show for me, and I loved the hidden meanings threaded through their journeys.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley and georgia leighton for the opportunity to read and review this ARC audiobook.
A centuries old deal with the Great Dragon requires a maiden from the mountain folk to be sent up the mouantains every year to meet their grisly, but important fate. The royal family ensure this maiden is recognised for their sacrifice with ceremony.
A princess, loved in great but strange ways by the queen, lives a lonely life, watching and unsettled by this yearly tradition.
When friendship finds her, she struggles with the balance of secrets and sharing. And her secrets are big and scary. But when the kingdom changes very quickly. Can she figure out how to trust who she is meant to be, and survive?
The character development and settings in this book are absolutely great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue around how the characters learn to be who they want to be.
I found the pace a little odd, with almost 85% of the book being build up, leaving the final scenes to feel a little rushed. I would have loved more time on the big climax and to learn more about the resolution.
A centuries old deal with the Great Dragon requires a maiden from the mountain folk to be sent up the mouantains every year to meet their grisly, but important fate. The royal family ensure this maiden is recognised for their sacrifice with ceremony.
A princess, loved in great but strange ways by the queen, lives a lonely life, watching and unsettled by this yearly tradition.
When friendship finds her, she struggles with the balance of secrets and sharing. And her secrets are big and scary. But when the kingdom changes very quickly. Can she figure out how to trust who she is meant to be, and survive?
The character development and settings in this book are absolutely great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue around how the characters learn to be who they want to be.
I found the pace a little odd, with almost 85% of the book being build up, leaving the final scenes to feel a little rushed. I would have loved more time on the big climax and to learn more about the resolution.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Georgia Leighton offers another imaginative retelling, this time revisiting the myth of George the dragon slayer with some fantastic and unexpected twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
The story’s familiar feel, clear narrative, and simple, lyrical language make it an easy and comforting read.
By breaking away from traditional storytelling, this retelling challenges the reader.In Maiden, three women take charge, rescuing themselves and the Kingdom of Calestra.
The detail and originality show that the author truly enjoyed bringing this magical world and its inhabitants to life; she is fully immersed, and the reader is carried along. The result is a joyful epic that delves into themes of female identity and independence.
A great read for fans of modern fairy tales and strong female characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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📚
📚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📚
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review coming soon!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This Princess certainly didn’t need a prince to safe her. I enjoyed reading this. I liked the different pov’s and storylines that linked together
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews