Spellbound

Brought to you by Penguin.


Step into a dark and magical world in the enchanting new fairytale retelling, perfect for fans of Katherine Arden, Naomi Novik, and M. A. Kuzniar.

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 . . .

'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

'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


© Georgia Leighton 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025