Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

5 out of 5 stars

When Elle and her friends crash a party thrown by the wealthy kids from St. Andrews Prep on her sixteenth Birthday something terrible happens. While most of us would only dream of getting revenge on the "golden boys" that attacked us Elle and her besties whom she calls her coven decide to actually get the revenge we all would want. After telling her parents about her rape Elle tells them she needs revenge and she asks them to help her. First she needs to become Jade, second she needs to get into St. Andrews Prep by Monday. It doesn't hurt that her Father is a big deal deal in L.A. and gets her in right away.

You will need trigger warnings if sexual assault and violence bother you. This is a hard core revenge story that really holds nothing back. I won't really go too much into this novel because it is hard to cover too much without giving much away but this is a really good book. It kind of brought to mind "Sadie" by Courtney Summers.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book had been on my radar almost as soon as it was announced, as I had heard fantastic things about Hannah's debut (though I still haven't managed to get a copy of it), and I love the idea of a modern retelling of Lady Macbeth. In Foul is Fair, the main character, Elle, goes to a party held by the infamous students of St Andrew's Prep for her 16th birthday, with her sisters, Mads, Summer, and Jenny. While there, they all get separated, and Elle get's drugged and raped by the golden boys, led by their king, Duncan. Now, Elle was the wrong girl to attack, and she reinvents herself as Jade, enrolling in St Andrew's to take them down from the inside, and by take them down, I don't just mean knock them down a peg, but actually kill them. There's a target on the boy's heads (Duncan, Duffy, Banks, and Conner, as well as anyone else who was an accomplice, including wannabe queen, Piper), and Jade is going to get one of their own, Mack, to turn and do her dirty, in true Lady Macbeth style.

I did definitely enjoy this book, but it took some getting into. Elle/Jade is an anti-hero, and her and the coven weren't characters I immediately was drawn too. Until the main action started, I think I was probably skimming the sections that was wholly them four. Once you got to St Andrew's and met the Court and the hangers on, including Lilia, who I liked, and sweet, sweet Mack, that's when my interest was piqued, and I found myself getting through it a lot faster. Jade does grow on you, especially once her murderess nature comes out, and people start to fall. If you enjoy the source material, or any of the film adaptations that have been made about Macbeth (the 2015 one is my favourite, with Marion Cotillard portraying a perfect Lady Macbeth), this is a book for you!

This book is one of my all-time favorites. This contemporary young adult take on Macbeth completely engrossed me, and it is impossible for me to convey the fantastical atmosphere and writing that infuses this story. I loved the feverish mix of dark and disturbing violence combined with bursts of female empowerment, confidence, and friendship.

The craziest thing was that I had to keep reminding myself that maybe I shouldn’t be rooting for the main character, Jade, and her ‘coven’ of friends to unleash her revenge murder spree. She was damaged and twisted and fascinating. She was unapologetic about knowing her worth and standing up for herself.

This was intense yet it went down so easily. This was over the top with high schoolers of seemingly unlimited material resources and no parental boundaries. This is a book for readers who enjoy slipping into worlds as they are presented without having to logically explain all details and situations. There is a dark fairytale vibe to this book. Imagine high schoolers committing murder in the vein of Macbeth, and if that intrigues you or makes you excited, this book should hit the spot. I want to make clear that no previous knowledge of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is necessary to enjoy this book.

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: Death, rape culture, rape, sexual assault, abusive relationship, physical violence, gore, gender-based violence, bullying, transphobia, suicide, substance abuse, vigilantism, revenge

Thank you to Wednesday books, Hanna Capin, and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to first point out and applaud the author. Every trigger warning I have listed is mentioned on her website about the book. Each one goes into more detail and explains why/how it is used. There is also a disclosure that the book is rather violent and encourages you to go to her website to check the content warnings at the beginning of the book. This should be common practice and I think is incredibly respectful and thoughtful to readers.

This story is a dark reimagining of Lady MacBeth. (A truly dark and twisted Mean Girls) Elle and her three best friends go to a party for her sweet sixteen. While she is there she is roofied, and raped. Elle leaves the party and reinvents herself as Jade. A badass girl with revenge on her mind. Her coven (her besties) support and drive her with whatever she needs.

This book was intense. I first of all had to do a Wikipedia search and reintroduce my brain to Macbeth. This reimagining does an incredible job bringing the rape culture society to the front and center, and making it pay. Rapist, instigators and those who turn a blind eye or ignore it.

While I didn’t like any of the characters I enjoyed the story. The characters were all rich, snobby, and generally cruel to anyone outside their circles. I could sympathize with characters and appreciate their personalities I just know I wouldn’t be friends with any of these kids back in the day. Also feel that with the modern day Macbeth their personalities make sense (seriously brush up on Macbeth to really appreciate this one lol)

This book is definitely grade 10 or higher reading, and absolutely mature reading. It is a book I would recommend be discussed with your teens to talk about the issues in the book and how they correlate to real life. The topic of rape culture may be uncomfortable to talk about but the characters in this book are teenagers, and in real life this exists.

This story is way over the top and very Shakespearean in a way that makes it poetic and dramatic.

Foul is Fair is a brutal retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, Macbeth. In this take of the story, main character Jade, and her three closest friends, Mads, Jenny, and Summer, crash a St. Andrews Prep party to celebrate Jade’s sweet sixteen. These four girls are the ruling circle among their peers and are practically untouchable. Every other girl either hates them or wants to be them. Until the night of her sixteenth birthday when St. Andrews Prep golden boys choose Jade as their next victim.

Over the next several weeks Jade and her coven plan her vengeance against every single person who played a part that fateful night. Jade enters St. Andrews Prep as a student and quickly climbs the social hierarchy using Mack, an all-around good boy whose ambition will be used against him.

This time, they chose the wrong girl.

Whew, where to even start! This book is so unique and Hannah Capin really has a way with words. The writing is so sharp it’ll cut you if you aren’t careful. This story is brutal and bloody. Every girl who has ever been a victim will let out a war cry when reading this book. I loved the protagonist, Jade. She was strength and bravery incarnate. A girl pushed to the ground who refused to stay there and then decides to make her abusers pay. Her friend group, or coven, was one of the best elements of the book. The relationships were portrayed beautifully and realistically; each girl having their own identities and personalities. I particularly loved Mads, Jade’s very best friend. Described as a beautiful dark-skinned warrior and someone who would stop at nothing to defend her friends. I am pretty sure she is a trans girl based on how she was described in the book. It wasn’t explicitly said but it was made pretty clear. I also loved Summer for the simple fact that we share a name and also because she is more a lover than a fighter but can still be counted on to do whatever it takes to help the rest of the coven. Summer is also either a lesbian or bisexual. This was also not explicitly stated but implied. It’s been a long time since I’ve loved a girl friend group as much as I did in this book.

This story is portrayed very dramatically, which is fitting since it is a retelling of a play. Because of this, many metaphors are used and the reader has to parse out the true meaning of the words at times. I really enjoyed this part of the story but can easily see how some people wouldn’t care for it. Some suspension of belief is required to fully enjoy this book as well. In the real world many of the things that the characters did would’ve been discovered by police pretty quickly. Another aspect that may require a suspension of belief is the fact that upon meeting Jade, Mack is willing to do and believe anything she tells him. Even though they’ve only known each other for a matter of hours. I think all of this plays into the drama of the story though and I found it easy to accept.

There are trigger warnings galore for this book which I’ll add at the end. When it is said that this story is brutal, make no mistake, it IS. There is a lot of blood and violence happening. There is also poisoning, and stabbing. This is a revenge story after all and it wouldn’t be much of one without these gory elements! If this is something that doesn’t bother you then I’d say definitely give this book a go. This story does deal with very important but sensitive topics. So please be sure to read the trigger warnings before picking this up if you are at all worried about any of the more sensitive aspects of the book.

TW: sexual assault (not depicted), rape culture, violence, an abusive relationship, a suicide attempt, and a brief scene with transphobic bullying.

Macbeth for the #MeToo era, this book was utterly thrilling and wonderful to read. It is written with magical dream-like surrealism that connects you to the mind frame that our main character Elle is in. The style of writing is one that I am having trouble describing but suits not only the tone of the source material but also softens the brutal things that happen within the pages.

I loved so much about this, like the fact that it tells the whole story from “Lady Macbeth’s” perspective as such and has her colluding and friends with the three witches. Mads who is Elle’s badass best friend and second in command is also a trans girl which I loved! The way it was dealt with and spoken about was absolutely the best, I loved Elle for her utter devotion to Mads. Summer and Jenny are really fascinating as well, and absolutely amazing support characters.

I just have to say Elle is absolutely not a good person in this, she plots, plans and initiates the murders of multiple boys. Yet I found myself absolutely cheering for her at every point in this book. She has a reason for wanting them dead, they are all despicable people. This book is rough and gritty and violent all of which suit the source material completely.

This is somehow both an easy read (I read it in 24 hours) and a very difficult read. Not only does the whole book center around Elle’s trauma post gang rape, but it also has a very gruff tone. The misogynistic tone it is written in is very authentic yet hard to read at times.

I loved this tale of a girl fighting back and getting revenge, and in an utterly brutal way! Boys who think they are untouchable, be warned, something wicked this way comes indeed!

Foul is Fair is the story of a victim of sexual assault exacting revenge on the boys who attacked her, loosely based on Macbeth. When Jade Khanjara is assaulted at a party she doesn’t want to be a victim, she wants revenge. She transfers to St. Andrew’s, a local private school, with the sole purpose of exacting her revenge on the members of the boy's lacrosse team that were involved in what happened to her. With the list of boys she wants to take down, one by one they’re killed. But how far is Jade willing to go to get her revenge.

This story dealt with some heavy topics, but the author handled them well. The style took some getting used to for me. The book is told in the first person but is written from a psychotic teenager’s voice. The lead character and narrator, Jade Khanjara, truly scared me. I was never sure if I could trust her, or any of the characters for that matter.

The plot of this story is dramatic and juicy, by design. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be realistic, but once Jade arrives at St Andrew’s, it becomes clear that that is not the case. It is outlandish and unpredictable in the best way possible. I recommend Foul is Fair to fans of dramatic YA.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the review copy!

Anyone who knows me knows I ADORE the Bard. Shakespeare is my dude. So much so that my Master's thesis was on YA Contemporary Adaptations of Shakespeare. And after finishing Hannah Capin's new novel, Foul is Fair, I was REALLY wishing it had come out three years ago, because it is a FABULOUS reimagining of Macbeth.

Jade is the Lady Macbeth figure, with three friends - Mads, Jenny, and Summer - who serve as her coven. As the book opens, Jade and her friends go to a party hosted by Duncan, the "king" of St. Andrew's Academy. Though Capin leaves the graphics off the page, Jade is drugged and raped by the crew - Duncan and Duffy (Macduff), Connor (Cawdor, perhaps), and Banks (Banquo). And she wants REVENGE.

Jade and her friends orchestrate the deaths of the boys who wronged Jade in awesome fashion. Using Mack (Macbeth, natch), the one boy Jade believes was not involved in her rape, she propels him into Duncan's "King" spot and rules as his queen.

Not going to spoil the ending - but Shakespeare would totally approve. I adored the flow of this story and couldn't put the book down. A great and worthy read (even if you're not a fan of Shakespeare and miss some of the allusions!)

A while back, I saw Foul is Fair pop up on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to the cover. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the cover has nothing on what is inside of this amazing novel. Described as a modern-day retelling of Macbeth, this also has a lot of Heathers in it mixed with a touch of Mean Girls and Quentin Tarrantino. It’s psychologically, emotionally, and physically violent – but, oh so good.

Elle and her powerful, beautiful friends (the coven) decide to crash a party thrown by the king of neighboring school St. Andres Prep the night of Elle’s sweet sixteen. Unfortunately, a group of over-privileged and over-indulged St. Andrews boys decide to make Elle their next target. By the next morning, Elle has cut and died her hair, decided to go by her middle name, Jane, and asks her parents to transfer her to St. Andrews Prep. Jade and her coven – Mads, Summer, & Jenny – have devised their plan to make each boy pay. And after looking at the pictures of the Lacrosse team (all of her attackers), she finds one unfamiliar face and decides that he will be the one to kill them all for her – Mack.

Foul is Fair is undoubtedly the bravest, most unashamed, and unique novel that I have read in a long time. To say that there are **trigger warnings** is the understatement of the year, which Capin addresses prior to the start of the novel, including rape/date rape, suicide, bullying, and murder. However, the main theme of the novel is rising above one’s trauma, power, control, and revenge. And because this is based on a tragedy, there are no signs of forgiveness.

Everything that happens to Jade and everything that she does eventually catches up with her and she certainly has some dark moments, but she chooses revenge and strength, united with her coven, over letting herself feel like a victim. Granted, the majority of events that occur once Jade transfers to St. Andrew certainly require some suspended belief, but I was so incredibly addicted to this book by that point that I easily overlooked some things that seemed just too far-fetched.

This was my first time reading author Hannah Capin and I cannot find enough words to praise her beautiful writing. It sounds sort of silly to use the word beautiful to describe a novel about repeated murders, but once you start reading, you will understand. She writes with a prose-like quality and uses enough imagery to make you squirm at times, while also leaving things intentionally vague at other times. The characterization is similar to where some characters you feel as if you know intimately and with others, you keep wondering if you are missing something. Mack was a difficult character for me because I initially loved him. I wanted to love him. But then I felt like I wasn’t allowed to love him anymore. Again, a tragedy.

Foul is Fair is a compilation of pain and violence wrapped up into a deliciously addicted package. I’m not sure that this is a book for just anyone, but it certainly blew me away and it is one that comes with my highest recommendation. Hannah Capin is an author to watch and I can easily see her becoming a screenwriter in the future. Her characters are uncomfortably honest, thinking and doing the things that we really think we shouldn’t think or do. Overall, this novel is absolutely brilliant and one that I know I will read again.

*Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Modern day Macbeth, meets Cruel Intentions (holy prep school nightmare), with a healthy side dose of Kill Bill (all the revenge), and a friend group just like old school Heathers (those girls are tight). I love this blurb: "Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes." Oh yeah- I am in.

Elle/Jade is turning is celebrating her 16th birthday and what should be a fantastic party turn into an assault which spirals her downward to need ultimate revenge on the boys who wronged her. By her side that night and always are her BFF's Jenny, Summer and Mads. They vow to take down those boys no matter what.

This book has a few triggers: sexual assault, rape culture and attempted suicide. The assault is mentioned but not described. The violence is there but not overly gory or graphic. My biggest problem with the book is that I just didn't like these girls, this coven as they refer to themselves. No redeeming qualities. I feel horrible that Elle/Jade was assaulted but dang girl. She was so ice cold and way over the top in the revenge business. Overall a 3 star read for me. This book comes out February 18, 2020.

Thank you to the publishers and author for an advanced copy to read and review.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. While I commend the author for trying to have women reclaim themselves and their bodies following the trauma of rape, I just didn't agree with so much of this story. I had a fundamental issue with the parents being told of Elle's rape, and rather than both spring into action to come to the aid of their daughter, they agree to let her get revenge and transfer to the school of her attackers. I know that this is fiction, but that just put a sour taste in my mouth.

I’m not normally one for contemporary novels. However, Foul is Fair reminded me of Sarah Henstra’s The Red Word — which I adored —so I was curious to see how to topic would translate to a YA market. This book was dark gritty, all about revenge and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Elle Jade Khanjara and her friends sneak into St. Andrew’s Prep party on her sweet sixteen where she’s drugged and raped by four boys. Elle becomes Jade and she swears to a bloody and unforgiving takedown of those who attacked her. Although her memory is fragmented, Jade and her friends piece together their plan piece by piece. Jade infiltrates St. Andrew’s with one goal in mind; manipulating Mack and have him kill the boys responsible.

I will put a little warning here and say this book isn’t going to be for everyone. Unsurprising, the topic matter is quite dark. The rape and the subsequent revenge killing is the main focus on this story so if you find these topics triggering I would recommend avoiding this one.

Despite the heavy themes, the story isn’t graphic, which is thanks to Hannah Capin’s gothic writing style, which I fell head over heels in love with. The lyrical writing is what kept me hooked and it ties in really well with the Macbeth retelling. The boys who assaulted Jade are contently referred to as a pack of wolves — power-hungry, vicious and unrelenting — while Jade and her friends are eagles — just a ruthless but just and majestic. The imagery throughout is fantastic. It would be interesting to see it adapted for the screen.

Female friendships in books are one of my favourite things to read about. I adored that this was a huge part of the story. Jade has her friends — Mads, Summer and Jenny— with her every step of the way. They support her through the aftermath of the assault and with the planning and executing of Jade’s revenge. The girls fiercely follow Jade’s lead but what I adored is that while they followed and support Jade no questions asked but it did not mean they always agreed with what was happening.

Some times the Macbeth storyline does feel at odds with the prep school setting. But I guess that’s only to be expected since these events had different consequences during Dark Age Scotland compared to modern-day LA.

Also, I found the timeline of events to be slightly off. Mack is head of heels in love with Jade and ready to turn on his childhood friends after a few days. That for me was too quick. I felt like the story would’ve benefitted from a longer time frame, it takes place over three to four week, to develop the pair’s relationship and play into the Lady Macbeth and Macbeth dynamic.

Overall this was a fun, stabby, feminist thriller and I was happy to go along for the ride and see these privilege boys get what they deserved.

“Something wicked this way comes…”

Hannah Capin’s latest novel, Foul is Fair, is a violent and disturbing tale of revenge. It is deliciously entertaining in the darkest of ways. While it reads like a mash-up of Mean Girls, Riverdale, and Pretty Little Liars, Foul is Fair, as you may have surmised from the title, is actually a modern retelling of the Shakespearean tragedy, Macbeth.

I’m a total Shakespeare nerd and the tragedies are my favorites, so Foul is Fair was a must-read for me. As I was reading, I was just so impressed with the creative revenge plot the author devised to mirror the original Macbeth storyline. Foul is Fair follows Elle, who as the novel opens, is planning a night out with her best friends to celebrate her sweet sixteen birthday. The girls get all glammed up and attend a party at the local elite prep school. The night turns tragic, however, when Elle is drugged and raped at the party. Elle knows who did it, and she also remembers who just stood around and let it happen. The name of the game for Elle is vengeance as she vows to take them all down.

With the help of her girls (or her coven as she calls them), Elle, the Lady Macbeth of Foul is Fair, changes her appearance so that she isn’t recognizable, changes her name to Jade, and finally, arranges to transfer to the prep school. Once there, she sets her plot for revenge into motion, with the first step being to seduce a boy named Mack (the Macbeth of Foul is Fair) into doing her bidding and ultimately taking the fall for anything she does in her quest for vengeance.

My favorite part of the novel is the revenge plot itself. I flew through the pages once Jade started taking her rapists down, one by one. Her quest for revenge is more intense than anything I could have imagined, truly vicious! Elle/Jade is a master manipulator and the mind games she and her coven play on these boys are brilliant. She practically has them drowning in their paranoia and turning on each other. I found myself cheering the girls on in a show of solidarity but also sitting there shocked at myself for cheering such violence. I love a read that can do that to me.

Foul is Fair works well as a Macbeth retelling, but it also felt wholly unique and unpredictable even with the numerous references and shout-outs to the original Shakespearean play peppered throughout the novel. If you’re into Shakespearean tragedies, retellings, or even just revenge thrillers, Foul is Fair is a must-read for you too.

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On a side note, I also want to thank the author for posting clear trigger warnings regarding the subject matter. I knew going in that, as a Macbeth retelling, Foul is Fair would be a dark revenge tale, but I was grateful for the warning that the primary thematic content “centers on sexual assault (not depicted), rape culture, and violence. Additionally, the book includes an abusive relationship, a suicide attempt, and a brief scene with transphobic bullying.”

For a more detailed description of sensitive content in Foul is Fair, please visit hannahcapin.com/foulisfair.

Foul is Fair is a novel unlike anything I have read in a while. It centres around a group of girls who are out to help their friend Elle/Jade get revenge on the boys and girl who were involved in her rape on her 16th birthday. After heading to a party at the house of a student from a rival school, Elle was drugged and abused, leading her to want vengeance on those involved. If you were expecting light and fluffy, you’ve got the wrong book.

At first, its disjointed. Like super disjointed. So, disjointed that I had to read the opening 10-15% three times to work out what the hell was going on. There are unfinished sentences, paragraphs with only 1 or 2 sentences and conversations that seem to be incomplete. But after getting past this initial confusion, it turns out to be a fantastic story.

So, as I mentioned before Elle/Jade and her ‘coven’ are out for payback. Her friends will do absolutely anything to make sure her rapist and his conspirators don’t run free. Be it blackmail, brainwashing or murder, it’s all here. Now Jade and her buddies could just go on a murderous spree and call it a day but what fun would that be? Instead Jades plan is to one by one turn them against each other and make those within the group perform the deed. Which is actually kind of genius when you think about it.

‘But what’s it like Tash?’ you ask. Its messed up and kind of gruesome and all things mean girls. There’s untraceable texts, blackmail and psychological warfare, all within the first half of the novel. Its broken down into super short chapters, each giving you a sneak peek as to what’s to come within the titles BUT it’s still surprising when you hit each and every crucial event because no one wants to think of 16 year old high schoolers as raging psychopaths.

In the opening pages, the author gives a glimpse into just why this novel is the way it is. Essentially its about rape culture and the treatment of people (young women in this case) who have been through the traumatic experience that is sexual abuse. In Foul is Fair, Jade, while not taking the path that a normal rape victim would, enacts what some survivors could only wish for, total and absolute revenge on the perpetrators and their enablers. Does she do the morally ‘right’ thing? No. Does this book drag you in so fricking deep that you can’t help but feel like Jade and her friends are justified? Definitely. This is not to say I would condone this behaviour in my child/sibling/niece, but it gives the reader an opportunity to give every rapist a big middle finger.

I have purposely kept this one short and sweet because honestly, it’s a novel that you need to read for yourself. I didn’t love, but I definitely did like it. It’s a novel that embraces the inner strength of survivors of abuse and hurtles them head on into their attackers path. It’s not a book that glorifies the seeking of revenge, but it is one that fully submerges the reader into the psyche of the abused. Gritty and compelling while also a stark analysis on the stigma surrounding sexual abuse, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good revenge plot.

Elle and her best friends Mads, Jenny, and Summer refer to themselves as The Coven. They are an untouchable group of friends who hold the level of power others their age can only dream of having. On the night of Elle’s sweet sixteen the girls set out to a party hosted by the golden boys of another local LA school, St. Andrew’s Prep. The night turns out to be anything but what the girls had planned. This group of boys has a dark, predatory secret and Elle becomes their target. Little do they know, they’ve chosen the wrong girl.

Determined to stop at nothing to seek revenge, Elle transfers to St. Andrew’s and quickly works her way to the top of the popular group. She has one goal in mind: destroy the boys who attacked her. Elle’s got a plan and at the center of the plan is Mack, a boy from the inner circle whose ambition she will turn deadly. Just how far will Elle take her revenge?

FOUL IS FAIR by Hannah Capin is a modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a timely #metoo movement message behind it. Capin is upfront in her book warning the reader that this content is not for the faint of heart. There are trigger warnings to be had and Capin even has details on her website for those interested. While FOUL IS FAIR is marketed as a young adult book, I think it is best suited for an older teenage reader or adult audience. This book is very dark and while not graphic about sexual assault, there are scenes that involve death/suicide and the details related to them.

If you’re okay with those warnings then prepare yourself to buckle up while Elle takes you on a wild revenge-fueled ride! I instantly connected with Elle as the first few chapters of this book unraveled. The reader can feel her confidence, feel that confidence shatter, and then feel the hatred driving her actions. This is a book that anyone who has ever been wronged can get behind. It’s about Elle speaking up for herself and the message that no one should be made to feel the way she has. The message from Capin is timely and told with a character who truly embodies everything a reader needs to fully buy into this story. Did I think Elle’s actions were a bit over-the-top? Sure! Did I love every single moment of this story? Hell yes!

FOUL IS FAIR has all of the best elements of a thrilling literary ride with a powerful message fueling the experience. This book is fun, quirky, and just a little bit kooky! Capin keeps the chapters short with the action at a high octane pace to continuously keep the reader hooked on Elle’s revenge plot. I was continuously wondering what Elle would do next and where her devious plot would lead. This is definitely a book that begs to be read in one sitting! If I had to pick a comparison for you to get a better feel of FOUL IS FAIR I would say reading this book is almost like watching a teen movie from the 1990’s or early 2000’s. Something like Cruel Intentions meets Mean Girls instantly comes to mind!

A huge thank you to Wednesday Books for sending me a free copy of this book!

I knew this book would be a Shakespeare retelling of sorts about revenge but I didn't realize it would suck me in so fast. ⁠
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If you're looking for a book with some bad ass females who own their shiz, this book is for you. ⁠
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Some scenes were a bit confusing but I adored the lines from Shakespeare to tie it all together. This book covers some dark and powerful topics, so it might not be right for you, please consider the note from publisher before reading. ⁠

Elizabeth Jade Khanjara and her friends, Jenny, Summer, and Mads go to a party hosted by the “golden boys” of St. Andrews Prep. But when things turn toward the darker side, and the boys do something unforgivable, the four plot their revenge.
Elizabeth—now going by Jade—creates elaborate plans as a means to get back at the “golden boys” for what they did to her. As the story moves along to the beat of the execution drum, things get darker and darker as Jade grows more and more spiteful.
While revenge stories aren’t my first pick, I was captured by author Hannah Capin’s descriptions—of the girls having claws and fangs, of the shadows becoming Jade’s wings. There are subtle hints to the original Macbeth; the coven, the king, the young man who wants to rule. But this story is told from the perspective of Hecate, the mistress of the three witches, and leader of all their evil deeds.
The plot moves at a faster pace as we near its end, until we reach Jade’s final moment. And while the ending can’t be called satisfying, it is as it should be.
Foul Is Fair is perfect for those who love subtle retellings, revenge stories, and/or thrilling tales of power.

NOTE: I received an ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this modern day, YA retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The book starts just after Elle has arrived from a party that she and her friends crashed where she was raped by a group of boys. Following the rape, Elle swears revenge with the help of her friends, her coven. As Elle changes into new girl Jade, she infiltrates St. Andrews Prep, the school of the boys who raped her. Jade skillfully inserts herself into the popular group, draws in golden boy Mack and with him by her side works to take down Duncan and the others who hurt her one by one. Hannah Capin has managed to present not only the rage one experiences and feels towards her attackers following a violent rape, but also allows Jade to exact the kind of revenge many wish they could in real life. A must read for any Macbeth fans, especially ones who love Lady Macbeth and wanted more of her in the original play.

Hannah's writing hand me hooked from the moment I opened up this book! It was everything I was looking for in trying not to hit a slump.

Foul Is Fair reads with such a dark and gritty feeling. Jade, from the moment we meet her, has such a feeling of emotional disconnect - before we end knew what happened to her - but that somehow made me feel even more connected to her. I found Jade to be a strong character. I loved how she interacted with the other characters, the St. Andrew's crowd and her friends, who she constantly refers to as her coven (love!). However, with Jade's emotional disconnect, I never really felt the love of her friends. Everyone felt like they were kept at an arm's length, even when she was getting their help.

I don't know how she manages it, but Hannah manages to make everything so dark and gripping that I never wanted to put the book down. I'm still reeling after finishing the book only a few short days ago and I'm not even fully sure of my feelings. What I do know is that this tackles rape culture in a fantastical, yet somehow respectful way. I have seen others compare it to Heathers, and yes I feel like it has similar tones to it (although it has been many years since I have watched Heathers).

Overall, I would gave this book 4 stars and I'm glad I got to read this when I did. Thank you Hannah and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy.

Just a few trigger warnings for you. If sexual assalt, rape culture, murder, and abusive relationships are a touchy subject, this might not be the best book for you. The story centers around Jade, who was drugged and raped at a party by the lacrosse team. I was captivated from the very first chapter when Jade dyed her hair “Revenge” black. Jade and her friends, who call themselves “The Coven” (great AHS reference), are on a mission to take down the boys who assaulted her. Although this novel is highly unrealistic, like the fact that her parents were completely fine with what was going on, I did enjoy it! This is pretty much a Macbeth retelling in a fresh and new way mixed with some Mean Girls. I think if I was a Shakespear fan I would have enjoyed it a lot more. I felt at times the way it was written it was a little confusing, but absolutely beautiful and dark. I found myself at times semi-feeling bad for the boys because this was unforgivingly brutal! So much imagery and details. However I am all for this thrilling revenge fantasy!