Maiden

In Maiden by Elizabeth Chadwick, an atmospheric feminist fantasy reimagines the St George and the Dragon legend, with three women determined to rewrite a kingdom’s rules. Set in the rugged mountain realm of Calestra, it’s a dark fairy-tale–tinged story about power, fear and what communities will excuse in the name of “peace”.

Each spring, as the thaw begins, a young woman is chosen by lot to be offered to the Great Dragon—a brutal bargain that has kept the kingdom standing. With the sacrifice approaching again, Cressyda, Alinore and Maylie find themselves caught at the centre of the ritual, each carrying her own loyalties, anger and dangerous secrets.

Perfect for readers who love myth retellings, dragon lore, and character-driven fantasy with rebellion at its heart—especially if you enjoy stories of women finding sharp, hard-won agency.

Step into Calestra and see what happens when the chosen refuse to be cinders.