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Andromeda
- Author
- E.S. McLeod
- Narrator
- Phoebe Campbell, E.S. McLeod
- Publisher
- Transworld
- Publish Date
- 14 May 2026
- Run Time
- 10 hours 2 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
Brought to you by Penguin.
Blessed by the gods with unparalleled beauty, Andromeda lives a life of ease within her Aethiopian palace walls. Content with her sanctuary, the young princess has no concerns other than the royal expectations her parents have for her – until a single, fateful proclamation changes everything.
When the queen defies the gods with a blasphemous claim, Poseidon, fearsome God of the Seas, delivers a deadly ultimatum that puts the queen’s life in Andromeda’s hands. Poseidon sends his loyal servant, the shape-shifting Ceto, to seal the princess’s fate.
But Ceto is not just a servant. With a sharp tongue and hardened heart, she has little interest in the princess’s appearance – and even less in the games of gods. Yet an undeniable tension begins to bloom between them, and both quickly realise Andromeda’s beauty is not only a gift, but a weapon to wield. As Poseidon’s judgement draws ever closer, the two women find themselves pulled into something far more passionate – and dangerous – than either could have predicted...
© E.S. McLeod 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Critics Review
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Ella McLeod writes so beautifully that every sentence is one to savour. This is a lyrical, deeply emotional reimagining of myth with a brave and passionate heroine at the centre and a bittersweet love story unlike any other. A thoughtful, poetic and compelling novel that quietly stole my heart.
Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of ARIADNE
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Lyrically magnificent, romantically elegant and poetically divine. McLeod’s writing is as sensual as it is evocative, a tender yet fierce reclamation of myth crafted by a masterful hand. Andromeda breathes fresh life into both the ancient world and the literary landscape – a truly exceptional tale.
Bea Fitzgerald, Sunday Times bestselling author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN
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With poetic prose and a phenomenally magnetic protagonist, McLeod weaves a tale both heartbreakingly romantic and heartbreakingly beautiful. ANDROMEDA is utterly unforgettable.
Natasha Siegel
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In this passionate reclaiming of a woman consigned to the margins of mythology, told with the grace of a gifted poet, McLeod not only instils Andromeda with agency and spirit, but renders her journey in prose as powerful, mercurial, and swift-flowing as the Nile. This is a hymn to women – women dismissed as monsters and damsels, who hunger for more than what the world has offered. It is a love story and a coming of age, and it is imperative that you read it.'
Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of the BONE SEASON series
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Andromeda is utterly exquisite - the story flows with such gorgeous prose, it swept me up in its currents and I never wanted to be let go! The way McLeod brings ancient Aethiopia to life is nothing short of breath-taking, and so, too, is Andromeda herself crafted with such care and consideration, giving the famed princess the voice (and love story) she has long deserved. This book proves, undoubtedly, that McLeod is an exciting and important new voice in the myth retelling scene and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Rosie Hewlett, Sunday Times bestselling author of MEDEA
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With elegance and defiance, Andromeda reimagines one of mythology's most famous damsels in distress, reshaping her story into one of survival, autonomy and profound love. McLeod's voice is confident, poetic and deeply heartfelt—a remarkable addition to myth retelling fiction.
Kika Hatzopoulou, Sunday Times bestselling author of THREADS THAT BIND
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This book was like finding a lost jewel, restored to us through McLeod’s masterful prose and voice. A must-read for lovers of Classical retellings who have wanted to see more of the epic past than we’ve ever seen before and readers seeking searing sapphic stories. ANDROMEDA has flung open the doors to the under-explored and diversely rich society along the Nile, re-throned Black beauty and royalty, and boldly grappled with the cost of desire and autonomy in a world ruled by patriarchal and power-hungry gods. A triumph and a treasure, not to be missed!
Megan Scott, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC
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Utterly captivating, I could not put it down. Ella’s storytelling is nothing short of exceptional. Andromeda’s story told anew is tragically poetic and moving. The best Greek mythology retelling I have read in a long time. I will be thinking of the story of Meda and Ceto for years to come, the little queen and her worm have burrowed their love story into my heart and mind.
Andy Darcy Theo, bestselling author of THE LIGHTS THAT BLINDS US
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With ethereal prose and unforgettable characters, Andromeda explores the meaning of beauty, love, and loyalty; the many methods women use to survive a patriarchal society; and the complexity and intersectionality of gendered power dynamics. McLeod's writing is enchanting. The story is achingly romantic and deliciously thought-provoking. I loved this more than I can say.
Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author of THE PRINCESS TRAP
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Andromeda is a lushly written, gorgeous retelling of the myth of the ruler of men. Sensual, furious, tender, a story to sip and savour like ambrosia.
L.R. Lam, Sunday Times bestselling author of DRAGONFALL and PANTOMIME
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Details
- Author
- E.S. McLeod
- Narrator
- Phoebe Campbell, E.S. McLeod
- Duration
- 10 hours 2 minutes
- Release Date
- 14 May 2026
- ISBN
- 9781529973297
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Transworld
- Genre
- Myths and Legends / Mythic fiction, Historical romance, Romance: the rich / famous / powerful, Ancient Greek religion and mythology
Synopsis
Brought to you by Penguin. Blessed by the gods with unparalleled beauty, Andromeda lives a life of ease within her Aethiopian palace walls. Content with her sanctuary, the young princess has no concerns other than the royal expectations her parents have for her – until a single, fateful proclamation changes everything.When the queen defies the gods with a blasphemous claim, Poseidon, fearsome God of the Seas, delivers a deadly ultimatum that puts the queen’s life in Andromeda’s hands. Poseidon sends his loyal servant, the shape-shifting Ceto, to seal the princess’s fate.But Ceto is not just a servant. With a sharp tongue and hardened heart, she has little interest in the princess’s appearance – and even less in the games of gods. Yet an undeniable tension begins to bloom between them, and both quickly realise Andromeda’s beauty is not only a gift, but a weapon to wield. As Poseidon’s judgement draws ever closer, the two women find themselves pulled into something far more passionate – and dangerous – than either could have predicted...© E.S. McLeod 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
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