What if the Queen knew her daughter was likely to be cursed? What if she had a hope for a second chance, a loophole that might distort the curse, even if she couldn't break it?

Spellbound is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty following the choices of the Queen, her lady in waiting, and a master of magic.. Between them, two girls grow into their own, confused and angry by the fates thrust upon them by people unwilling to give them the whole story. It's a slow paced story, weaving together five different perspectives which are, for the most part, fairly well balanced. Each character has unique ambitions and drives, and has their own idea of what a happy ending looks like.

I did sometimes feel that I wanted something more from this story; more of the worldbuilding, perhaps, or more depth to some of the hints and rumours. But overall, this was an engaging read.

A beautiful retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where the princess never goes to sleep!

This book uses multiple POVs to follow the lives of our FMC’s.
The Queen, her lady in waiting, Sel (a Master’s apprentice) who show us the lengths mothers will go to to protect their children and friends will go to to be supportive.
You also see the viewpoints of Talia and Briar, who are living very different lives but both in the shadows of the curse they know nothing about.

The pacing was quite slow but I was driven to find out how the curse would conclude. The POVs definitely made the plot more interesting as you could see how each of our character’s lives were panning out

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this was a good story. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, though at times it felt like something was missing. I struggled to like the vast majority of the characters - though maybe that’s the point? I always think it’s difficult to read a story where I already know the ending or the concept in this case, but there were enough differences to make it so that it didn’t feel like a chore to read. I felt like I wanted a little more from some parts of the story - to understand how we got here and the history of it more and other parts felt like they were longer than necessary.

This retelling of Sleeping Beauty brings its own twist to the traditional fairy tale.

I really enjoyed the first third of the book but then felt as though the pacing slowed. There are some interesting concepts and characters, but the world-building gets put to the side as the book progresses. The ending hints at a potential sequel and leaves several issues unresolved. All in all this was a quick read, but it left me wanting more.

A recommended read for fans of fairytale retellings.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty but poised differently than other retellings I have read. Georgia Leighton focuses not on the beginning and end of the curse but instead on the three women who are working together in different ways during the years after the curse was placed upon a baby princess. Later into the story, we get POVs of the princess themselves and their lives. I don’t want to give too much away so there is a pretty early on plot twist that makes a difference in the whole story.

I enjoyed this almost slice of life in a cursed world. I liked Sel especially, and I was happy with her ending. I also liked Brair and Talia, and I’m interested to see how they grow apart and together. I am assuming that there will be a sequel, I don’t know for sure, but I really enjoyed this fantasy story. Leighton’s writing was easy to read and immersive, keeping me entertained. As the climax of the book was rising, I found myself unable to put it down.

The blurb sounded really good, a feminist retelling of the Sleeping Beauty. However, it fell flat for me, I didn't find the characters interesting enough and it didn't hold my attention, so sadly I DNFed

Spellbound is a new retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I enjoyed the new twists and turns of this story, and the writing was easy enough to read through quickly to find out what happened to the characters. The multiple POVs of the main female characters kept it interesting, although I didn’t have much empathy for some of them, it would’ve been good to delve deeper into their personalities and feelings. The pace dips in the middle and is slightly repetitive but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book and wanting to know how it turned out. I was slightly disappointed with the ending but it seemed to be leading into another story which I’d definitely pick up to find out how these characters’ lives unfold. The magic system was also really interesting but sadly we didn’t get much explanation of it. Overall I’d recommend this as an easy read for lovers of fairy tale retellings.

DNF @ 40% - YA fantasy

Advanced reader copy from NetGalley and I only try to request books that sound really good and I know for certain I will enjoy. The blurb of this one sounded great - a sleeping beauty feminist retelling, however I found the story really slow paced and for the most part, boring.

I contemplated even naming this YA fantasy as there is very little fantasy involved, other than the magical blessings the baby receives at birth, the land in which its set in is against magic, as such we see very little. Obviously, I only read part of the story so this may pick up.

The story focuses on the Queen, her ladies maid and the apprentice magician (who swears off magic) who takes Briar and a little before 40%, we get the added POVS of Briar and Talia. I kept pushing myself to read until Briar came into the story, thinking it would pick up, but it never. I found myself dreading picking the book up so decided to DNF. I found no action or adventure, very little story and character progression and the no depth to the characters that made any of them likeable.

spellbound is a charming modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and I really enjoyed the fresh twist it brought to a familiar story. The writing was fluid and engaging, and the world felt atmospheric and cozy, almost like settling into a dark fairytale by the fire. I loved how the story focused on strong female characters taking control of their own destinies instead of waiting for a prince to save them.

The multiple POVs added a lot of depth, and I found myself especially drawn to Sel’s character arc. The emotional beats were strong, and the magic system felt quietly powerful without overwhelming the character-driven plot.

That said, I did find the pacing a little too slow at times. There were sections where the story dragged, and I struggled to stay fully invested in parts of the middle.

Still, Spellbound is a heartfelt debut that will definitely appeal to fans of dark fairytales, strong heroines, and retellings with a unique twist. I’m looking forward to seeing what Georgia writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m slightly sad by this rating and review because I had high expectations! I loved the first 30% ish and was instantly hooked through the blessing scene but then it just lost me tbh, I felt the conflict at the end was resolved too quickly and then it just finished? During the middle and main part of the book I lost interest and just wanted to rush to the ending!! I did appreciate the twist on sleeping beauty and the all female centered story. I think Sel was the only character I really liked out of all of them.

I really liked it, from the beginning I was hooked. I enjoyed the writing, easy and fluid
The several POV
The pace and the element of a Sleeping beauty retelling here and there but with a new and authentic way.
Definitely recommend it and already preordered it

Spellbound is one of those books that pulls you in without trying too hard. It's got magic, romance, secrets—basically everything you need for a cozy escape. The main character goes through a lot, and it’s easy to get caught up in her story as she figures things out.

The writing flows nicely, and the world feels real even with all the supernatural stuff going on. It’s not super fast-paced, but that kind of works here—it gives you time to get into the characters and their relationships. If you're into mysterious vibes and stories with a bit of magic and drama, this one’s a fun pick.

It’s been a while since I read a fairytale retelling but, having been given advanced access to Spellbound by Georgia Leighton, I can truly say my love for these types of story still remains.
This book is a retelling of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty with a truly modern twist - who needs a prince?

King Felipe and his realm are overjoyed at the birth of the princess to Queen Violanna. The queen hails from a realm where magic is widespread and accepted, and blessings for royal children from Magical Masters are the norm, however, the babe Princess’ blessing event transforms into. Nightmare when an uninvited dark sorceress attends the blessing and curses the babe to die when she turns seventeen.

This is where the retelling comes into play, Queen Violanna tasks one of the magical masters - Sel to hide the child from the curse, thus beginning Sel’s travels through the kingdom as she enacts the Queen’s secret plan, of which only she, the Queen and the Queen’s Chief Lady in Waiting Lady Laskin know if. Meanwhile the Queen will raise an uncursed daughter in the Princess’ place.

Primarily following the narrative of Sel as she raises the Princess, and Merydth (Lady Laskin,) and the two princesses this retelling twists away from the classic narrative- rather than a sleeping curse, there is an imprisonment on Mont Isle for the Queen, and rather than a Prince, strong female characters with their own will, determination and strength.

I must admit I was Spellbound reading this book, racing through the story to the magical conclusion and being happy to find that not every loose end was tied up in this story. There isn’t always a perfect happy ending and, Leighton has crafted an engaging and beguiling world that totally transported me and left opportunity for further chapters in the stories of so many characters. If you’re looking for a great fairytale retelling that doesn’t succumb to the downfalls of misogyny and perfect happy ever afters pick up Spellbound.

Thanks to Randomhouse UK, Transworld and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Spellbound is a modern retelling of the well known Sleeping Beauty tale. I say 'modern' because our beautiful princess needs no man to save her; she has her female heroes to change the story.

In a remote castle, a long-awaited royal heir is born. In accordance with ancient custom on her mother's side, a blessing ceremony takes place to bestow the princess with magical gifts. But one of the guests delivers a terrible curse. Three strong women vow to protect the princess and together make a plan to trick the curse. But dark magic cannot be tricked...

This is a brilliant debut; the writing is engaging and flows really well, the pacing is mostly spot on, and the story itself so imaginative. This is the story every woman wants to read. Because we don’t need no Prince Charming coming to save us. We have our mothers, aunties, sisters, female friends around us to save us, guide us and lift us up. The female characters in this book were incredible - sometimes strong, sometimes vulnerable, always painfully real. Each with flaws, but also so much strength. I couldn't even pick a favourite!

Although not quite a 5-star read for me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and see myself going back to it one day. Because the best tales are those we go back to again and again.

Spellbound will be published on 24th April. Congratulations to Georgia Leighton for an excellent debut! And thank you Random House UK for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review..

This had a lot of potential but fell flat for me. I didn’t feel connected to the characters enough to care about the curse. It suffered I think from having too many point of views, we didn’t spend enough time with anyone to really understand and root for them.

I’m not sure if this is the first in a series but the ending was too ambiguous for me. It didn’t feel complete and frustrated me rather than intrigued. All in all this was a good premise but didn’t land well with me.

a beautifully written Sleeping Beauty retelling with a unique twist, rich world-building, and an enchanting atmosphere. The story explores love, fate, and identity through a cast of strong female characters and a quietly powerful magic system.

3.75 - Spellbound is perfect for anyone who loves a dark fairytale. Cursed at birth, one princess lives life as an anonymous orphan and her twin sister assumes the position of the cursed princess.
This is a story which follows five women, of varying ages. It is a story of love, sacrifice and friendship, but above all else we learn that you cannot outrun your fate.
It was quite slow paced, but I was gripped by it. The last 30% things really picked up.
My favourite character was Sel - she was roped into this and her character arc was great.

I didn't love it, but I enjoyed it. The characters did not feel very likeable, apart from Sel, and the ending felt a bit flat.It hints at a book 2 but I've seen nothing to confirm this will happen, Still, an enjoyable read. Thanks to the publishers for my copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Georgia Leighton for this ARC!

I think this book is great for its attempt at worldbuilding, I think the history and landscape in this book were well established and could be appreciated by those who enjoy the “lore” of what they read. I think where this book shoots itself in the foot is in its marketing. Fairytale retellings with a modern twist are often so character driven that I think people who come to this book looking for that (like me) will be quite disappointed by how flat the characters are. In my mind, I can see this book sticking itself in the middle of the Fourth Wing/ACOTAR readers and Joe Abercrombie/George RR Martin readers and ending up not really fulfilling the expectations of either of them.

My Initial Thoughts

I am such a huge fan of retellings, that I just couldn’t wait to start reading this, and it started with flare that’s for sure, after that I was settled into the plot watching the winters go by, as Briar and Talia get older.

Plot

The plot definitely has its own twist, I enjoyed the twist and how the was the unknown cursed princess who never is a princess. The spinning wheel had its part and I have to say I really enjoyed it and wasn’t expecting that!
The plot is very slowed paced, (for me) and I found myself only reading small amounts at a time. I loved the chapter headings, but it is mainly in parts so no chapters so to speak.

Characters

I think my favourite character was Jacken, although he was just a side character, he had such a calming nature and I would of loved a bit more background on him and how he ended up in his own situation. The plot was different for both daughters, Talia felt invisible on the island whereas Briar moves from village to village hiding from the world, but she has the love of Sel. I really loved how Sel gave everything for Briar despite everything she wanted out of life. Gad was the wildness man for Sel.

Recommend

If you like retellings and Sleeping Beauty then this could be a read for you.

Favourite Quotes

“Some day you will be old enough to enjoy reading fairy tales again.”

“But what was to become of a kingdom with a cursed heir?”

“We can’t have a mad Queen and a cursed Princess.”

“It’s a strange place here, is it not? Said Meredyth. “Bleak and beautiful and troubling all at once.”

Favourite Chapter/s

I liked part 3 and part 6 the best.

Summed up in one sentence

A twist on a classic with a unique use for the spinning wheel.

Overall Wrap up

I did enjoy this, I just felt the pacing was quite slow, and not a lot was actually happening. Time jumped and I never knew as to where they was in the winters until it was mentioned.

Stars - 3 stars.
Book Information – Spellbound by Georgia Leighton.

Genre – Sleeping Beauty Retelling.

Pages – 406 pages.

Tropes –
Retelling.
Magic and curses.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Not planned to be available on KU.

Available Formats – Kindle, hardcover and audiobook.

Publishing Information – Will be published on 24th April 2025 by Transworld Digital.

Format in Which I Read – Kindle.

Where my copy come From – Netgallery.

POVs – Multiple POVs – Sel, Violanna, Briar, Talia and Meredyth.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Single timeline.

1st or 3rd Person – 3rd person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – HFN.

Series or Standalone – Standalone.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.