The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez (out 16 September 2025)
"The Maiden and Her Monster" by Maddie Martinez is a debut novel that weaves a dark fantasy narrative deeply rooted in fairytales, folklore, and sapphic romance. Set against the backdrop of a village plagued by a mysterious forest curse, the story follows Malka, the daughter of the village healer. The forest is notorious for consuming girls who venture out after dark, and the village is under the oppressive influence of the Ozmini Church, which dismisses any claims of monsters lurking in the woods.
The plot thickens when a clergy girl disappears near the forest, and Malka's mother is wrongfully accused of her murder. In a desperate bid to save her mother from execution, Malka makes a dangerous pact with a fervent Ozmini priest: she must capture the monster believed to haunt the forest. However, upon entering the ominous woods, Malka encounters an unexpected ally—a disgraced golem. This creature, far from the terrifying monster she anticipated, offers to take the blame for the murder, but only if Malka helps fulfill an ancient promise by freeing the rabbi who created her.
As Malka and the golem navigate their precarious agreement, they uncover a deeper, more sinister threat that endangers the entire village. Malka is torn between her duty to protect her people and her growing affection for the golem, challenging everything she has been taught to fear.
The novel is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and intricate world-building, drawing comparisons to the works of Katherine Arden, Ava Reid, and Naomi Novik. It explores themes of resilience, faith, and redemption, with a poignant focus on the complexities of love and fear. The narrative is described as a dark, enchanting fairy tale, with sharp, detailed prose that captivates readers and immerses them in a world where the lines between monster and maiden blur.
