This book gave me the most utterly delightful feelings of nostalgia. When I was poorly and off school as a child, I’d curl up on the sofa drinking lots of soup and watching Sleeping Beauty, Spellbound really transported me back to that time in my life and awakened my inner child, while also having enough grit and depth to keep adult me engaged.

The story instantly feels familiar and comforting but the authors spin on the tale keeps you turning the pages. Often with multi POV books I’ll find myself wanting to skip through certain parts but I loved hearing from every character in this one. Each POV was unique and I like that their individual journeys took them in such different directions. Sel was my favourite, her development was beautiful.

I recommend this to anyone who has ever loved fairytales, and wishes their adult lives had a little more childlike wonder.

Tp summarise my thoughts: Spellbound is a glorious retelling that brings a much loved fairytale to new heights!
Now, I've loved fairytales since my childhood but I often found myself annoyed with the princess of the story, why were they always in need of rescuing?
To paraphrase a popular Disney character, "I'm a damsel, I'm in distress. I can rescue myself". And so, with the promise of strong, feisty female protagonists, Spellbound reminded of my old wish for a princess who could save herself and I was eager to jump right into the storyline.
The story moves at a rapid pace, partially because the author is fitting 16 years of narrative into one book and at times, it was becoming a little difficult to keep track. Of the two princesses, Talia was the more interesting and dynamic. But I was curious how the curse would impact as Briar grew older.
A fun, fast-paced and original retelling

Fairy tale retellings are my bread and butter, so I dove into Spellbound with high hopes. A Sleeping Beauty reimagining with secret identities, political intrigue, and magic? Count me in. And while this book certainly delivered on accessibility, pace, and fun, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was holding back—teasing me with the promise of depth but never fully diving in.

The story crams sixteen years into a single novel, and that compression takes its toll. With multiple POVs jostling for space, character development often feels rushed, and the emotional beats don’t land as powerfully as they could. Briar, our cursed princess, never quite leaps off the page. She’s beautiful, she’s angry, she craves attention—but beyond that? I wanted more. Talia, the decoy princess raised in her place, had a much stronger arc, but even she felt constrained by the sheer volume of plot the book was trying to juggle.

And then there’s Sel. The woman who steals the show. If this book belonged to anyone, it was her. Flawed, layered, and endlessly compelling, she made the best of an impossible situation and carried the emotional weight of the story on her shoulders. I only wish the same level of care had been given to the magic system, which felt more like a vague background force than an integral part of the world. So many tantalizing elements—dark magic, the Masters, the island—remained frustratingly surface-level, never explored with the richness they deserved.

The pacing is uneven, with a strong first half giving way to a more meandering second. And then there’s the ending, which rushes to tie up loose threads with the flick of a wand. Memory erasure? Convenient. The curse resolving in a way that doesn’t fully acknowledge Briar’s existence? Disappointing. Characters making monumental life changes with little emotional payoff? Frustrating. If this were a duology, I could see these issues being resolved with more room to breathe. But as it stands, Spellbound felt like it was sprinting toward a finish line instead of truly allowing its characters and conflicts to develop.

That being said, it’s still a fun, fast read. If you’re looking for a light, accessible fantasy that plays with fairy tale tropes and doesn’t demand too much from its readers, this one delivers. I just wish it had trusted itself to go deeper.

Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for the ARC. Spellbound will be published on April 24, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book, it was cosy and whimsical and revolved around female lead characters.

Definitely more character driven, with a lot of character development and a slight hint of romance.

The pacing was easy, quick to get into the book with the help of short chapters and I enjoyed the writing style. I did feel like it ended rather suddenly, it could’ve been explored more as I felt like 80% of the book was a build up to the big finale and then the finale was sudden and short.

Overall a good read and what I would class as a cosy, easy book

I enjoyed Spellbound, the female characters and the world building being my favourite aspects.

I do wish there was much more detail on the magic system. It sounded interesting - there was mentions of the written form of magic, symbols which could be layered into spells - but not much other detail.

I liked the political element, but there could have been more on this too!

The ending was a bit unsatisfying for me and left me with a lot of questions, but I would definitely read more if this was a series as I did overall enjoy the story and the setting.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.

A beautiful and fantastical story! I loved every second of this book and I already have a physical copy pre ordered! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Thank you to Bantam Books for the free proof copy in exchange for an honest review.

Spellbound is a moving and compelling reimagining of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty, wherein three women hatch a desperate plan to avoid the deadly curse laid by an evil sorceress on a baby princess. As a girl I loved this fairytale, but as I got older there were elements of the original that left an unsavoury taste in my mouth. I was thrilled when I first heard the premise of this book and the delivery lived up to my hopes.

There is a classic simplicity to the writing style reminiscent of fairytales, which was refreshing and made this comforting and easy to read. Although some of the beats of the plot will be familiar to most, I really enjoyed where Leighton expanded upon or adapted elements of the story to fit this narrative. To me, this read like a fantasy crossed with a fairy tale crossed with historical fiction; a Tudor wouldn't have been out of place in some parts of the story, and the author blended these elements well with the modern feminist themes. Leighton gives the characters of this tale depth and agency, and while they are not always likeable they are all the more interesting for that. Although the pacing is slow at the start, I found it ramped up from the halfway point along with my investment in the characters. As the pages went on I was increasingly dreading the completion of the ever looming curse.

I found the character arc of Sel particularly compelling and moving, and the themes of found family and motherhood were most prevalent in her POV to me. I think she will be the favourite for a lot of readers of this book.

My favourite part of this story was the conclusion; it was satisfying and yet also bittersweet.

I will definitely be recommending this to those who enjoy fairytale reimaginings and I am excited to see what this author does next.

I was very excited to read this one! I love a good fairy tale retelling and this one kept me hooked the whole time!

I found some of the writing style and content to not be for me as much as I would have hoped but this was still a fun and captivating time!

I love love loved the Sleeping Beauty inspired story through the lens of what the modern day woman is fighting for. I was engaged the whole story and couldn't put it down.

I truly enjoyed this book. 
It is a lovely retelling of sleeping beauty, with plenty of hints to other fairy tales as well. 
It starts strong but quickly becomes a little slow, and I struggled reading up until the 50% point when it stars to pick up again,  in order to take us to the conclusion. I am glad I stuck to it. It is a great first book, both as a debut and the first of a series. I don't know if it is intended to be a series, but the ending kind of let us think it will. I also got really curious about the magic system, the politics, and the conflicts between the kingdom, and I would enjoy reading about it in future books. (Spoiler alert) I would also love to read Jacken and Briar story. What Talia does as a queen and how Sel becomes a great master.

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.