Andromeda

Ella McLeod writes so beautifully that every sentence is one to savour. This is a lyrical, deeply emotional reimagining of myth with a brave and passionate heroine at the centre and a bittersweet love story unlike any other. A thoughtful, poetic and compelling novel that quietly stole my heart. – Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of ARIADNELyrically magnificent, romantically elegant and poetically divine. McLeod’s writing is as sensual as it is evocative, a tender yet fierce reclamation of myth crafted by a masterful hand. Andromeda breathes fresh life into both the ancient world and the literary landscape – a truly exceptional tale. – Bea Fitzgerald, Sunday Times bestselling author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEENWith poetic prose and a phenomenally magnetic protagonist, McLeod weaves a tale both heartbreakingly romantic and heartbreakingly beautiful. ANDROMEDA is utterly unforgettable. – Natasha SiegelIn this passionate reclaiming of a woman consigned to the margins of mythology, told with the grace of a gifted poet, McLeod not only instils Andromeda with agency and spirit, but renders her journey in prose as powerful, mercurial, and swift-flowing as the Nile. This is a hymn to women – women dismissed as monsters and damsels, who hunger for more than what the world has offered. It is a love story and a coming of age, and it is imperative that you read it.’ – Samantha Shannon, international bestselling author of the BONE SEASON seriesAndromeda is utterly exquisite - the story flows with such gorgeous prose, it swept me up in its currents and I never wanted to be let go! The way McLeod brings ancient Aethiopia to life is nothing short of breath-taking, and so, too, is Andromeda herself crafted with such care and consideration, giving the famed princess the voice (and love story) she has long deserved. This book proves, undoubtedly, that McLeod is an exciting and important new voice in the myth retelling scene and I can’t wait to see what she writes next! – Rosie Hewlett, Sunday Times bestselling author of MEDEAWith elegance and defiance, Andromeda reimagines one of mythology’s most famous damsels in distress, reshaping her story into one of survival, autonomy and profound love. McLeod’s voice is confident, poetic and deeply heartfelt—a remarkable addition to myth retelling fiction. – Kika Hatzopoulou, Sunday Times bestselling author of THREADS THAT BINDThis book was like finding a lost jewel, restored to us through McLeod’s masterful prose and voice. A must-read for lovers of Classical retellings who have wanted to see more of the epic past than we’ve ever seen before and readers seeking searing sapphic stories. ANDROMEDA has flung open the doors to the under-explored and diversely rich society along the Nile, re-throned Black beauty and royalty, and boldly grappled with the cost of desire and autonomy in a world ruled by patriarchal and power-hungry gods. A triumph and a treasure, not to be missed! – Megan Scott, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE TEMPTATION OF MAGICUtterly captivating, I could not put it down. Ella’s storytelling is nothing short of exceptional. Andromeda’s story told anew is tragically poetic and moving. The best Greek mythology retelling I have read in a long time. I will be thinking of the story of Meda and Ceto for years to come, the little queen and her worm have burrowed their love story into my heart and mind. – Andy Darcy Theo, bestselling author of THE LIGHTS THAT BLINDS USWith ethereal prose and unforgettable characters, Andromeda explores the meaning of beauty, love, and loyalty; the many methods women use to survive a patriarchal society; and the complexity and intersectionality of gendered power dynamics. McLeod’s writing is enchanting. The story is achingly romantic and deliciously thought-provoking. I loved this more than I can say. – Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author of THE PRINCESS TRAPAndromeda is a lushly written, gorgeous retelling of the myth of the ruler of men. Sensual, furious, tender, a story to sip and savour like ambrosia. – L.R. Lam, Sunday Times bestselling author of DRAGONFALL and PANTOMIME

E.S. McLeod is an author and podcaster. She has written two YA novels under the name Ella McLeod- Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair is a retelling of the Rapunzel story that explores themes of race, gender and coming of age. It was nominated for the prestigious Branford Boase Award and received rave reviews. Her second novel The Map That Led to You is a romance which interweaves pirate and Caribbean mermaid mythology, and was a Best Books Pick. Both were published by Scholastic in the UK and Yellow Jacket at Little Bee in the US.

Ella graduated first in class in English Literature with Theatre at Warwick University and also hosts the podcast Comfort Creatures. Andromeda is her first adult novel.