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.

Spellbound is a ya, fantasy book based on a Sleeping Beauty retelling with magic, curses and a multi-pov story. I really liked the world building and the magic system. The characters were good but I struggled to connect with them. The book was told in six parts which I enjoyed and found it helped with the timelines and timeframes for the characters. There are great themes of female power, magic, found family and fairytales. Thank you Random House for an arc of this book!! 🫶

This was a very different and unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty and I can imagine this being a hit with other fantasy lovers!
There was some great character development in this book but also a lot of side characters that come and go.
It did feel a little slow in the first half or so but definitely picked up the pace towards the end.
I also think this book would have benefited from a map given the frequency of location changes

3.5 ⭐️
A good retelling of sleeping beauty and if you like retellings then you might enjoy this. The book is quite gripping and dramatic from the beginning so draws you in. Its multiple POVs which I do love but its written in 6 parts and there are no numbered chapters which took me a while to get used to 😅 the characters are likeable but unfortunately, are not very interesting. The world building is good and the magic system is intriguing however I feel like there should've been more magic. Whilst I enjoyed reading it, I didnt love it.

Spellbound by Georgia Leighton is a retelling of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty. This book tells the story of multiple women, and how their lives changed after a terrible event. The book begins with the birth of a princess, the heir of a kingdom where magic is met with disapproval and suspicion. The Queen is from a kingdom where magic is acceptable, and newborns are traditionally given blessings by the Masters of Magic. It is a tradition that the Queen insists take place after the birth of her daughter, and the King indulges her. What should be a joyous occasion turns into a nightmare as a dark sorceress appears and curses the Princess to die when she’s seventeen.

The Queen, desperate to save her child, ropes in a visiting mage to hide the princess and protect her until the curse ends, one way or another. Sel came to the Blessing in place of her recently deceased Master with the hopes of finding a Master to finish her apprenticeship. She did not expect to leave with a newborn baby in her arms, a part of a secret plan that only the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting knew about.

To keep the cursed princess hidden Sel wanders the kingdom as she raises her. Meanwhile, another girl is raised in her place. In Spellbound the narrative follows the two girls as they grow up, raised in completely different situations. Their story is told through the narrators of Sel, the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting, Merydth, while the girls are young and later when they become teens, through their own narratives.

Unlike the original and other retelling I’ve read, the curse laid by the dark sorceress does not include a sleeping curse. I liked the way the blessings given to the princess were interpreted and entwined with the magic system. While the magic system is interesting, other than the curse and a few other situations, there is very little magic on the page. I would have liked to see more active magic on the page since the entire book is based on an act of dark magic.

I enjoyed Spellbound while I was reading, and couldn’t put it down. But looking back at what I had read, I realised that it wasn’t that substantial and what kept me reading was the need to know how everything ends rather than the story itself—finishing this novel satisfied that need, however, the ending itself was less so. At present Spellbound appears to be a standalone novel, and in that context, the way each character’s story arc ended felt incomplete. They make more sense if this is the first book in a series as many felt incomplete as if their stories were set up for another book.

I found Spellbound to be an intriguing retelling, taking the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty in a new direction and ultimately that is what I am looking for in a fairytale retelling. This is an enjoyable easy read for anyone who loves fairytales.

A retelling of Sleeping Beauty, told through the different perspectives of the women surrounding the princess. A great premise with descriptive writing and strong world building, but overall it lacks depth and nuance. The characters are fairly flat, never really developing beyond the tropes they've been cast as, and the ending is rushed, leaving a lot unresolved. Not one for me.