I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a lovely retelling of Sleeping Beauty, with twists and turns along the way to the events that everyone in the story had been dreading. The characters are believable, with many of them very likeable and relatable, even with their own individual issues and concerns.

In this book, we start on Mont Isle, where a royal baby is about to be born. When their daughter arrives, the Queen is determined to have a ceremony to welcome the new arrival. It is a tradition in her homeland, but there is something she is hiding. At the ceremony, a sorceress arrives to curse their daughter - in seventeen winters, the sorceress will return to kill the princess. Although devastated, the Queen leaves the ceremony, followed by her lady-in-waiting and a Masters Apprentice, who is training in the ways of magic to become a Master. The Queen goes back into labour and delivers another daughter. They agree that the Masters Apprentice will take the firstborn princess and keep her safe from the curse. If the sorceress can't find her, she can't kill her.

Taking the princess, the apprentice roams the kingdom, keeping them hidden and keeping the truth of her identity from the princess in her care. Life goes on for both parties until the seventeenth winter comes, and things reach a crescendo. Will the truth come out? Will the princess find out who she is? And can they stop the curse from being realised?

This is the debut novel from Georgia Leighton, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

2.5/5 Stars

I enjoyed parts of this book.

The world building and politics. I was intrigued by the tidbits we were given. I wanted to know more about the larger conflicts at play in the background, and more about the different kings. I realise this story wasn’t about them, but the crumbs we were giving really left me wanting to know more about the bigger picture.

The magic system was unique, and I enjoyed the way it was portrayed, would have liked more.

I really liked Sel, she was a well fleshed out, flawed character, and honestly, this story was HER story wasn’t it? You felt her frustration, her fear and her conflict. She did her best with the shite hand she was dealt. I was really glad when a bit later in the story she got to do something that gave her a bit of happiness among all her self sacrificing. And although I see WHY it was necessary to move the plot forward that she didn’t explain anything to the child she was raising, but, goodness me, just have a heart to heart with the kid that is clearly struggling.

I also liked Talia. She ended up thriving despite her circumstances. Did she manage to become well adjusted? Not exactly. But she turned out pretty well considering.

The first half of this book really had me honestly. I liked hearing from the different characters and how they were struggling with the knock on effect of the curse and where it was taking them, either emotionally or physically.
However…
The second half, things seem to stagnate a bit.

We see Briar growing up, but she felt lacking? There wasn’t much going on with her besides, she likes attention and she’s mad at Sel, which she has every right to be. But beyond that? The character just feels a bit flat.

The Queen never develops past her despair at what she’s done to save her daughters. “I don’t deserve my child’s love.” Okay, but could you make some sort of attempt? Like, at all? I mean, I get it. I’m a mother, giving up a child would destroy me, but you still have a child in front of you in need of love and guidance. Thank god Talia had her maid and teacher.

Who was Iver? Was he just an imaginary friend? He seemed like he would have some sort of significance? I kept wondering if that was going to get a call back ever.

The ending. I thought the build up was good, Briar picking up just enough context to go right to where she needed to NOT be, and then being called to the island once it was in sight. Good.
Then all the things falling into place for the curse to happen at the worst possible moment. Also good.
The sorceress, again, another flat character. When it was revealed that the queen and the sorceress were twins, I thought it was foreshadowing a nice foil for Briar and Talia. Something a bit more complex than, “I let my anger fester for 20+ years, so I’m going to kill your children.”
We get no explanation as to why Briar is able to spin all the dark magic? What happened there?
The masters show up and just erase everyone’s memory of everything?
Everyone is just told the curse is miraculously broken and everything is okay now? Briar’s existence isn’t revealed and she’s just swept under the rug? It just felt a bit anticlimactic.
Then everything is just awkward. We don’t get to see Talia and Briar’s first interaction, or Briar’s with her mother.
Sel has to leave the child she raised, during a time when she needs her the most?
We last see Briar and Jacken just, talking about travelling and the air between them also awkward?
Talia finally leaves the only place she’s ever known to prepare to rule a whole country?
The Queen is going to die soon from her injuries?
Is there going to be another book? Because if there isn’t, all these things just make for an unsatisfying ending for these characters.
The only character who does seem to have a decently wrapped up ending is Sel. Reuniting with her husband and going to claim her inheritance.

Overall the book is okay. I’m going to assume all these plot points left flying in the wind are for the story to be continued, but I would have still liked a little more wrap up.

Spellbound is a modern retelling of a classic fairytale with a twist. Focusing on the women in the story, Spellbound tells the story of Sleeping Beauty. We have multiple POVs, a spattering of magic, and a women-centric story.

On paper, this should have been right up my street. However, much like Sleeping Beauty, I slept on this one. The storytelling, while richly detailed and descriptive, is slow-paced and heavy. Knowing the story of Sleeping Beauty already, I was hoping for either a new angle or a faster pace and recieved neither, resulting in me having to pick up and put down the book several times. Ultimately, not my cup of tea, but might be better suited to those not as familiar with the fairy tale.

thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this arc in return for my honest review! :)

i love a fairytale retelling, and this sleeping beauty retelling hit the mark. we have multiple POV’s spanning over 15 years that poses the question of “what if sleeping beauty didn’t go to sleep?”.

there are some beautiful themes of found family, but the overarching theme is the art of the female power, and that a mother will stop at nothing to protect her own flesh and blood. we have a sprinkling of magic, a small (and i mean SMALL) romance and lots of strong female characters.

i enjoyed the characters, specifically Sel. i think she is the stronger character with the most depth but i just loved her happily ever after, as she was the only one who deserved it, alongside talia. i loved the subtle nods to the original fairytale, specifically with the use of the loom and being able to talk to animals!

i do think the ending was the only thing that let this book down, the book went from slow pace to suddenly 50mph and the ending wasn’t as satisfying as i had hoped for. and sadly i just couldn’t connect with briars character, but i have a feeling that maybe that was intentional from the author!

overall this was a 4 ⭐️ read for me and i would recommend to everyone who loves fairytales and women basically haha.

Spellbound was an enchanting, whimsical Beauty and the Beast retelling. I loved each of the characters, especially Sel, and found myself cheering on each of these women fighting to make their paths in life. I did feel like it was building up to something large, but was a bit disappointed in the finale/ending. But regardless, it was a lovely read that I devoured in less than a day!

Thank you for the ARC!

I would like to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Georgia Leighton for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What drew me to this book was obviously the promise of magic and the retelling of a classic fairy tale which all of us know very well.

At first it appears to be the same familiar story but with a modern take on events. I really liked the use of artwork at the beginning of each chapter, it was so beautifully done. I felt this added something extra to the story even if the story itself was a bit lacking in magic and excitement.

The author is very descriptive in her world building which I found to be otherworldly and it felt old and right. The characters were rich in their personalities and stories, however I found them to be predictable and at times I didn’t care about them at all. The pace is very slow and although there are multiple character perspectives going on nothing seemed to progress for a really long time which I found disappointing.

Overall an unusual modern take on a classic fairy tale. I didn’t really enjoy this read as I found it padded out and lacking in character depth. Not only that but I felt the ending was a bit anti climactic and some characters weren’t given the respect they deserved.

A sleeping beauty retelling with multiple points of view the original fairy tale and the plight of women trying to fight against their destinies. I enjoyed reading through the different character perspectives and seeing the story weave together. Sel was a stand out and I am not sure her sacrifice was appreciated enough.

In "Spellbound," readers encounter a captivating reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. While I personally didn't enjoy it much, I can see how it might resonate with other readers who appreciate a fresh twist on familiar stories. The narrative offers a blend of enchanting elements and modern sensibilities that could appeal to those looking for a different perspective on this beloved fairy tale.

An enchanting adult fairytale retelling of sleeping beauty with a female centric story arc. I really liked the twist on the classic fairytale we know, I think it was a really unique choice.

I really wanted to love this more, it sounded like the perfect read for me. However, I found it a bit too slow paced and that not much really happened throughout the book, no progress is made in lifting the curse and only after the 50% mark is it really investigated by any of the characters.
It was hugely character driven yet not all of the POVs were enticing and I found that I didn’t connect with all the characters, though this does usually happen with MOV.
It almost reads more like a slightly magical biopic centred around the women of the story rather than a pure fantasy retelling.

The characters were well written and complex. Rarely do fantasy books write women over the age of 20, and this book captured the complexity and intricacy of the women, each with their own burdens.

There was not a lot of magic after the initial curse which was unsatisfying. Despite the assumption that Briar would be the main character, she’s a side character and remains as a lost princess and it seems somewhat of a deflated ending for Briar. Sel’s arc is more central to the story which is unexpected but ultimately her character was likeable and ended in an enjoyable way.

I enjoyed the last 40% more , with more romance blooming between characters. 65% people actually do something about the curse.

The climax of the story was interesting but the ending a little unsatisfying, the sisters not on good terms , though perhaps more realistic.

It was generally well written with a unique premise. Not what I was expecting but if you are looking for a slightly more slow character driven fantasy that reads more as historical literature then this one may be for you.

Spellbound by Georgia Leighton is a captivating and inventive reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. Set on a windswept island in the Kingdom of Bavaugh, the book begins with the birth of a royal heir, a moment that should be filled with joy but is overshadowed by a dark prophecy. In line with ancient custom, a blessing ceremony is held to bestow magical gifts upon the newborn princess. However, along with these gifts comes a terrible curse that threatens the future of the kingdom.

But this is not the familiar fairytale you might expect. There is no prince on a white horse to save the day. Instead, Spellbound centres around three strong women: the Queen, her chief Lady-in-Waiting, and Sel, a Master's Apprentice. In the face of the curse, these women devise a daring plan that will alter the fate of the royal family forever. Sel flees the castle with the cursed princess, vowing to raise her in secrecy and protect her from the dark forces that are closing in.

Meanwhile, another child, Talia, grows up in the castle, raised as the princess everyone believes is the true heir. Talia is plain, bookish, and utterly different from the image of a royal princess, but she carries the heavy weight of expectations on her shoulders. As Sel and the cursed princess, now known as Briar, journey through the kingdom, they face growing danger from a powerful sorceress who harbours deep grudges and dark magic. As the curse nears its conclusion, the story takes a tense turn, and it becomes clear that no one is safe from the consequences of their choices.

Leighton’s writing is nothing short of enchanting. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the Kingdom of Bavaugh without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. The setting feels alive, with the windswept island and castle walls adding a sense of mystery and tension to the unfolding story.

What truly stands out in Spellbound is the character development. Each of the three women—Sel, the Queen, and Talia—has her own distinct personality and arc, making them feel like fully realised, multidimensional characters. Sel’s courage and protective instincts are palpable, and her journey with Briar is filled with emotional depth. Talia, though seemingly ordinary, evolves throughout the story, showing strength in unexpected places. Even the Queen and the Lady-in-Waiting are richly developed, their motivations and actions adding layers to the plot.

The plot itself is well-paced, balancing moments of action, intrigue, and emotional depth. Leighton masterfully weaves together the tension of the curse with the personal struggles of each character. As the story unfolds, it is clear that the bonds between these women are the driving force of the narrative, and their journeys are as much about personal growth as they are about defeating dark magic.

The themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and the consequences of power and magic are explored thoughtfully throughout the book. The dynamic between the women feels fresh and empowering, and the absence of a traditional prince figure adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Spellbound is a book that subverts expectations while still honouring the essence of the classic fairytale.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I really enjoyed this story, and I especially loved the twist at the beginning. It is built on old fairytales, but it is definitely a new story.

This one took me a while to read - but this may have been down to the world building, the characters, and depth of the story.
An interesting new take on the classic Sleeping Beauty story, but also so much more. And with a little romance and magic thrown in too!

Spellbound is a Sleeping Beauty reimagining with strong female characters and interesting world-building that delves deeper than the movies. So if you like retellings with a female centric/feminist twist, Spellbound is the book for you.

Based on sleeping beauty, this book made for a very enchanting and quick read with great character development too.i would say that this is a 3.5⭐️ but i have rounded up to 4⭐️

The book started really strong, and with the multiple POVs it was very easy to navigate the story too. I really enjoyed having the multiple POVs, especially as the story follows two groups of people in two different places. It definitely made for easy reading.

I did struggle with a pace drop come the middle of the book as it just felt very slow and almost biographical, and the ending happened just as quickly as it had started too.

Sel was probably my stand out character of the book. She was super down to earth and carried on throughout all the bad cards she had been dealt. I was really glad for her near the end, although, I do wish there was a little bit more of a focus on her romantic plot line.

Thankyou so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was good, but it made me realise i'm not the biggest fan of fairytale retellings. If you like those kinds of stories, I would recommend this book. The writing was good, and I thought the characters were fleshed out well. I liked selhah a lot, and i think that violanna was written well in the sense that she was (hopefully) meant to be annoying- in the way a perpetual victim is. It is an interesting premise. I thought the ending of the book was a little bit anticlimactic. The resolution especially, and that it was followed up by too much prose to wrap things up. Overall it was ok and I would recommend it to people who enjoy fairytale retellings!

I didn't know what to expect when I started this, but I was hooked right from the start!

The inspiration of the original story was there, recognised and honoured but the original parts really made this book shine.

I loved the characters, the perspective of the story and the magic.

A really wonderful read.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc!

Spellbound by Georgia Leighton is a cool re imagining of Sleeping Beauty, but this time, it’s all about the women shaping their own destinies. I loved how the female characters were strong, determined and written with depth. I love a multiple POV and for me this made each characters growth and bond that much richer!

The world-building is really immersive, and Leighton’s descriptions make you genuinely feel the salty sea breeze and the eerie magic of the island. The relationships between the characters—especially the mix of love, loyalty, and tension—are part of what really made the story for me!
That said, the middle gets a little bogged down with too much detail, and the ending feels rushed and I felt like I needed more. Still, if you love fairy tale retellings with a feminist twist, it’s a fun and worthwhile read!

I absolutely adored this book! If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, modern fairytales, or “Twin Crowns,” this one is for you. This YA fantasy hints at a traditional retelling but with a multitude of changes that make it feel fresh and unique. The story engrossed me from the very start; it is well-written and easy to follow, with no intense infodumps that can sometimes bog down a narrative.

The characters are richly developed, each with their own distinct personalities and arcs that keep you invested in their journeys. The world-building is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the setting without overwhelming the reader with too much detail at once. The plot is well-paced, balancing action, intrigue, and emotional moments perfectly.

One of the standout aspects of this book is how it manages to blend familiar fairytale elements with new twists and turns, keeping you guessing and engaged throughout. The author’s writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making it a pleasure to read.

I can’t wait to read more by this author and see what other magical worlds and stories they have in store. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good fairytale with a modern twist.

I wonderful re telling of sleeping beauty. I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the character development. I did find it hard to keep with with all the characters but it was a great read I highly recommended

I always love fairytale retellings and Spellbound was such an enchanting read from the very first page. I loved how the writing flowed and kept me engaged and I especially liked the fusion between the original fairytale of Sleeping Beauty and modern take on women fighting to forge their own paths in life.

I really like when there is multiple POVs as I always feel it gives you a clear picture of the whole story and to get a glimpse into the feelings, thoughts and actions of those characters and how it all weaves the story together. Sel and Briar were amazing as was the word building and the magic system this was just such an enchanting read.

The pacing did dip a little bit in the middle but picked up rather quickly afterwards and gave such a satisfying ending. Highly recommend if you are looking for a fairytale retelling with an atmospheric and enchanting spin on a beloved tale.