"Singing an enchanting tale that highlights the lives of the women within, as darkness, perseverance, and hope make themselves known in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty."
Sleeping Beauty, but not as you know it, in fact you could possibly read this imaginative story without fully realising the link. Once known, aspects from the original twist into being while other well-known moments remain buried in the fairytale of old. Dark magic crashes down on a baby and her mother, who will do all in her power to protect her child. Author Georgia Leighton has given voice to the strength and fortitude of women when under siege. Seventeen years and five very different women follow a difficult path. In this story love is lost, lives divide, life is fought for. Magic doesn’t rule this book, it exists, but the majority of time lies hidden or existing in a far off place. The pace is gentle as it travels across the years towards the final battle and it can take a while to settle into and understand the specific moments in time. The sense of place allows understanding of this land to grow. The castle as it stands almost abandoned, takes on a character all of its own. I love the compassion that exists here, the showing and sharing of true love and power and there is a confidence in allowing this story to meander, to dwell in the quiet places. Spellbound retells the story of Sleeping Beauty in its own very individual and thoughtful way.
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!
What if Beauty never went to sleep?
In a remote castle perched atop a windswept island, a long-awaited royal heir is born. In accordance with ancient custom, a blessing ceremony takes place to bestow the princess with magical gifts - along with a terrible curse.
But this is not the love story you may think you know.
There is no enchanted sleep for the princess, and no handsome prince to save the day. Just three women, who together concoct a desperate plan of misdirect that changes the course of all their lives.
Except dark magic cannot be tricked, and as the end of the curse edges closer, Violanna, Meredyth and Sel each has a choice to make.
They can wait to find out if the worst will happen, or they can turn to face the coming storm . . .
Praise for Spellbound
'A wonderfully imaginative retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Spellbound weaves together atmospheric prose with enchanting characters to bring fresh new life to this classic fairy-tale'
--Rosie Hewlett, bestselling author of MEDEA
'A gorgeously atmospheric Gothic fantasy that had me hooked from the first page to the last!' ? ? ? ? ?
'A spellbinding retelling that omits the shiny Disney magic of the childhood classic in favour of a dark fantasy retelling' ? ? ? ? ?
'Beautifully written and atmospheric, Spellbound is a fresh, imaginative take on the classic fairytale you thought you knew' --Sophie Keetch, author of MORGAN IS MY NAME
'A deliciously magical novel and an absolute delight to read. I devoured it!' -- Menna Van Praag, author of THE SISTERS GRIMM
'Immersive, magical, and of course, spellbinding… this book is sheer joy ? Naomi Kelsey, author of THE BURNINGS
'I can't explain how much I enjoyed it. I can't even put it into words' ? ? ? ? ?
'A fantastic retelling of Sleeping Beauty which is a story I adore. This book was insane! It was twisted, it was gripping but it was so darn good!' ? ? ? ? ?
'I devoured this story in 24 hours as I was captivated by it. The book reeled me in and kept me hooked until the end' ? ? ? ? ?
'A compelling and thought-provoking read that lingered with me long after I turned the final page. It's a testament to the strength of women, the complexities of morality, and the enduring power of motherhood, love and friendship' ? ? ? ? ?
'Spellbound is a book that subverts expectations while still honouring the essence of the classic fairytale' ? ? ? ? ?
'The characters are really well written and I felt really invested in them as individuals and also how they intertwine for the story' ? ? ? ? ?
'An absolutely perfect book to read before bed. Highly recommended it' ? ? ? ? ?
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**If you loved Spellbound, don't miss Georgia Leighton's next novel Maiden, a magical feminist retelling of the legend of St George and the Dragon - coming 2026 and available to pre-order now! **
Spellbound was number 3 in the hardback fiction chart w/c 28/04/25
Spellbound features in the following genres: eBooks of the Month, Sci-Fi / Fantasy Pick of the Month, Family Drama, Fantasy, Fairy and Folk tales / Fairy tale retellings, Historical fantasy, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Journeys and voyages, Fiction, Historical fantasy, Fiction: Traditional stories, myths and fairy tales, Fairy and Folk tales / Fairy tale retellings, Family Drama, Fiction: narrative themes, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Journeys and voyages
Spellbound is available in Paperback, Hardback
Spellbound was written by Georgia Leighton and published by Penguin Books an imprint of Transworld
Spellbound has 432 pages
£8.99
