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Maiden
- Author
- Georgia Leighton
- Narrator
- Taj Atwal
- Publisher
- Transworld
- Publish Date
- 4 June 2026
- Run Time
- 10 hours 48 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
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What to expect
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!
© Georgia Leighton 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Critics Review
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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
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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
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'Georgia Leighton has created a beautiful, enchanting world with twists and turns as captivating as her characters'
Isabelle Schuler, author of LADY MACBETHAD
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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
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Leighton has breathed fresh life and the fire of feminine rage into her reimagining of St George and the Dragon. I was enthralled from the very first page, immersed in its vivid setting and rich folklore, and swept up in the deftly braided lives of its three central characters. MAIDEN is a celebration of the multiplicity of womanhood, the importance of honouring your true nature, and the abiding power of female friendship
Venetia Constantine no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LAST STARBORN SEER
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Praise for Spellbound
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Captivating . . . immersive, magical, and of course, spellbinding!
Naomi Kelsey, author of THE BURNINGS
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Beautifully written and atmospheric . . . a fresh, imaginative take on the classic fairytale
Sophie Keetch, author of MORGAN IS MY NAME
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A deliciously magical novel . . . I devoured it!
Menna Van Praag, author of THE SISTERS GRIMM
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A perfect blend of fairy tale magic and family drama
A.C. Wise, author of WENDY, DARLING
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Georgia Leighton
- Narrator
- Taj Atwal
- Duration
- 10 hours 48 minutes
- Release Date
- 4 June 2026
- ISBN
- 9781529971309
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Transworld
- Genre
- Fairy and Folk tales / Fairy tale retellings, Fantasy, Historical fiction
Synopsis
THIS PRINCESS IS GOING TO SAVE HERSELFDiscover 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 dragonslady knightscunning princessescastle librariesfierce fairy folkforbidden magicand much more!© Georgia Leighton 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
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