Maiden
by Georgia Leighton
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Pub Date 4 Jun 2026 | Archive Date 4 Jun 2026
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Description
THIS PRINCESS IS GOING TO SAVE HERSELF
Discover a world of forbidden magic, court politics and sacrifice in this enchanting new myth retelling from the Sunday Times bestselling author, 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!
Readers are enchanted by Maiden!
'Filled with myth, forbidden magic, political intrigue . . . It’s a perfect blend' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'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' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'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' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A powerful, lyrical and moving fairytale retelling that I loved' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'If you like dragons, princesses, knights and magic this is a high recommendation for you!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Maiden is a fiercely feminist tale of family, friendship and female rage. Leighton has expertly crafted a story of glittering proportions that sizzles off the page. Utterly breathtaking'
Hazel McBride, Sunday Times bestselling author of A FATE FORGED IN FIRE
'Leighton is an expert at taking well-known tales and making them her own. Epic and vivid, the world of Maiden captivates from the very first page and thrusts you into an unforgettable journey alongside characters you can’t help but root for'
Samantha Sotto Yambao, Sunday Times bestselling author of WATER MOON
‘Maiden interweaves the stories of three very different women. Rich in folkloric elements and full of surprises, this is a powerful tale of women finding their true selves. Highly recommended!’
Juliet Marillier, internationally bestselling author of DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST
‘Leighton has created a beautiful, enchanting world with twists and turns as enchanting as her characters’
Isabelle Schuler, author of LADY MACBETHAD
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780857505934 |
| PRICE | £16.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 18 members
Featured Reviews
Emma R, Reviewer
A powerful, lyrical and moving fairytale retelling that I loved. The world building, the multiple perspectives, the themes of family, friendship, love, and finding yourself make Maiden an important and endearing tale. Five stars Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Educator 654991
This novel offers a fresh take on familiar mythic elements, weaving them into an immersive and evocative narrative. The setting is richly described, and the story unfolds at a thoughtful pace. An interesting read for those drawn to folklore-inspired fiction.
Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
Book Trade Professional 1587183
I found Maiden to be a powerful and thought-provoking read. Georgia Leighton writes with intensity and sensitivity, exploring themes of identity, autonomy, and resilience in a way that feels both raw and deeply compelling. I was drawn in by the atmosphere and emotional depth, and the story stayed with me long after I finished. It’s a striking novel that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions.
Maria F, Reviewer
I loved Georgia Leighton's debut novel Spellbound, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a decidedly feminist twist and so I was excited to hear of her latest novel, Maiden; a tale of history, dragons and strong female characters. To paraphrase a popular movie quote, "They are damsels, they are in distress. They can rescue themselves ".
In Maiden, a young woman is sacrificed every spring to appease the dragons as part of an ancient accord but this spring, Cressyda, Alinore and Maylie, are about to prove that women should never be underestimated and that they can truly save themselves in this epic, high fantasy novel.
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