I was extremely lucky to receive a digital ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

I don't even know how to go about reviewing this book. I definitely didn't like it, but I don't know if anyone could "like" this book - they might love the girl power, or girls getting violent, bloody revenge against disgusting rapists, but I don't think anyone will read this and say "Wow, that was a fun and happy story that I enjoyed reading."

But it's more than "this book wasn't fun to read." I had trouble getting into this book because it was all over the place. It was realistic, but the writing was so over-the-top and sometimes lyrical, sometimes bleeding purple, that it was difficult to take it seriously sometimes.

This book was also a wonderful example of female revenge and rage , but also bordering on misogynistic? Protagonist Jade judged every girl that wasn't her friend, and she was the kind of mean girl I am SO tired of seeing in media - they don't seem powerful and in love with their friends & themselves, they're just needlessly cruel because they're rich and beautiful. It's hard to cheer them on when it comes to rightful anger and revenge when Jade thought so little of innocent and inconsequential people as well.

I didn't hate this book, but I really don't think I liked it. There are also so many triggers that it's ridiculous, and I don't know if the people who need this most (survivors of sexual assault) will be able to handle it, but at least there's a revenge adventure out there for them if they can handle it.

I usually love a good retelling, so I was excited to read this modern-day version of Macbeth (one of my favorite Shakespeare plays). Elle and her friends attend a party thrown by some of the most popular boys at a local prep school - where Elle is assaulted by a group of boys who feel entitled to take what they want without a second thought or any remorse. Elle isn't going to let them get away with this, however. She's going to exact her revenge meticulously, picking the boys off one by one.

I really liked the idea of the storyline, but found the execution to be a bit over-the-top and unrealistic. I feel like the author could have found other ways for Elle to get her "revenge" that might have been more believable, and at times I found the writing style to be just a bit too...different for my taste. It had a very dreamlike quality to it - if, in the end, we found that it had all been a fantasy, I might have liked it a bit better. As is, it just didn't totally work for me.

This one was DARK! Seriously unbelievable plot with so much hatred and murder. The big issue for me was this definitely didn't feel like a YA book (I would not let my young teenager read this).

The plot was interesting, a girl taking revenge on the boys who raped her. Everyone who was involved needs to pay and not in the traditional way of going to the authorities, but by taking it to your own hands and killing everyone. Not only does she do it, she does it with help and what seems without anyone understanding what is happening.

The writing was so different, but so lovely. It kept me hooked and kept me going. I really enjoyed that. The descriptions, the feelings - they just jumped off the page. The character seemed very strong willed and purposeful.

However, that't where the good ends. I didn't find this relatable in any way. The rich families living a life of luxury, calling out "call my lawyer" whenever someone asks a question about the events. Being able to manipulate as these kids did, noone from adults being the wiser. Death being as common as the drinking parties. The parents allowing it, even though they knew of what was happening. All of that just seemed was there for the plot to be better and not closer to reality.

The big reason for this not feeling like a YA is the Triggers - there's a lot of discussion of murder, bloody and gory scenes, rape, attempted suicide, actual murder. All of that seems like a lot for a younger mind to process especially in one book filled with so much hate and contempt.

Many thanks to Wednesday Books & Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Macbeth meets Mean Girls...only significantly more bloody? Sign me up. I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare, but I love diving into modern retellings. In fact, I really didn't know anything about Macbeth except for the quote "What's done is done." As I would make my way through Foul is Fair, I would read the synopsis of Macbeth to see how the story matched up to the original and found it to be an interesting reading experience.

I love a good vengeance story because it's a fictional way to deal with the injustices people face in the real world. It was exciting to see how true this would stay to the original story while carving its own path in 2020. The beginning of this story drew me in with the sharp writing style and aggressive characters. It was dark and edgy, something lovers of Sadie by Courtney Summers would likely enjoy.

My main issue with this story was the repetitive nature of the storytelling. Many lines were repeated so endlessly it started making the story feel tedious. There were certainly parts I needed to skim just to get to the next point of action. I definitely felt this story could have been cut down a bit or edited a little more to make the story as action-packed and exciting as it could have been.

Overall, Foul is Fair was very dark and at times entertaining, but in the end, it was overshadowed by the length and tiresome storytelling. Unfortunately, I can't pull out much more of a reaction to this book to share in a review. I wish the book had inspired me more but it was just another lackluster book to add to my list.

I didn't really connect with this book like I was hoping I would. It was good at times but slow and felt like there needed to be more.

The tone of this book made it really hard for me to read. I made it about 10-15% and DNFd it. I was really excited about it, but the way it started off just didn't work for me personally. I have seen quite a few positive reviews on Goodreads which shows to me this just isn't the right fit for my reading tastes. Just a sad case of...it's me, not you.

Ooo this book was something else haha, this was a retelling of Macbeth but for the new generation giving me full on vibes of heathers, mean girls, riverdale and a few other shows. This was a revenge filled and violent book.

Very dark retelling with characters that lots of people may dislike and some people may like, but for me this book was an okay book, in the middle ground as it was enjoyable but I wasn’t blown away by.

Going back onto my earlier point the characters for me I just couldn’t connect with unfortunately and I felt some of the characters were a little over the top/cheesy but that’s just my own opinion.

It’s a very unique book though I will say that :)

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for sending me a copy of this book and I’m on the blog tour for this too

I’m going into this review feeling very conflicted about this book. Based on the synopsis, I was hooked. I The only thing I might love more than a good retelling is a revenge plot. Seems like a recipe for success. But this didn’t quite hit the mark for me. ALSO: SUPER TRIGGER WARNINGS ! the author has a great page that details all of the content that may be a trigger to readers, and it can be found HERE. I think this page is a great resource and should be viewed by everyone prior to reading this book or reviews. (I would love to see this from more authors!) Okay, just wanted to make that very clear from the start.

The way this book is written was hard for me to get past at first, and typically I don’t have an issue with POV’s, prose, or writing styles, but this one was odd for me. Once I was past that and was comfortable with it, I realized VERY quickly that to get through this book I would have to completely suspend my disbelief and try to just accept things, no matter how COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE they are. They become so far reaching that it gets TOUGH.

This book is dark, surreal, over the top, sardonic, and violent. It’s easy to say all of that, but it’s hard to express other things that kept me reading, like the strong bonds of female friendships that do shine through. It’s harder to describe the feelings one doesn’t want to admit they have. The author uses so many beautiful words to describe the pain and fear and sometimes it felt like she was describing emotions I didn’t even have a name for, but I could feel what the words were meant to convey.

The other thing that kept me reading was the fact that the content (rape, abuse, suicide, ect…) is all a very real part of our lives, especially for teens, whether in private or in social settings. That left me with the need to see how the story played out and how the author planned to wrap up all of the crazy things that happened. And I did like how it all ended, the ending was good!

This book does have a place in our world right now due to rape culture and the need to not feel like a victim. But at the same time, I wouldn’t want anyone taking away any ideas from this book on how to deal with that kind of trauma. On the other hand, I could see how this book might also get sympathizers who may have been through some of these experiences, and for some people, reading about things we have been through is cathartic and makes you feel not so alone. I am torn on this book, but I think it will be loved by many and hated by just as many, as anything with such controversial and sensitive topics does. But the author did not shy away from her words and goals, and I have respect for that.

What a freaking whirlwind! I don’t think there was anything that could have prepared me for my reading of Foul is Fair! I absolutely knew going into it that this was going to be all about a group of girls vengefully taking back the main character, Elle’s, power after she is sexually assaulted by a group of boys from another prep school...BUT DAMN, Elle pulls no punches! She is 100% here for vengeance the whole way through, no matter the consequences.

There is an element of surreality to this book that occasionally had me questioning some elements, but in the end, I could not resist cheering Elle on as she took down every single boy who erred in trying to make her powerless that night. She is a master manipulator and her group of friends are loyal to a fault, together they make up a team that no one can stand in the way of, and the boys at St. Andrews prep quickly find out they made a huge mistake.

I loved this story for its absolute badass cheer factor, it’s willingness to pull no punches and leave no one standing, but also its ability to show Elle’s trauma and vulnerability even when she was at her most powerful. This story packs a huge punch and it’s not always an easy read, but I enjoyed it immensely and sometimes you just need to see shitty people (and characters) get the punishment they deserve!

I received an electronic ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5

Daaaammnnnnn. All the women in this book are terrifying. And I. LOVE. It.

Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin is a book about revenge, anger, justice and yes, even love. Elizabeth Jade Khanjara isn’t the first girl to be blinded by dazzling-smile boys during a party. Isn’t this first to be chosen by boys who live without consequences. But after the night they chose her, she vows she will be the last. And consequences will be had.

Jade is one of the most bad-ass girls I have had the pleasure of reading about. Her coven, her best friends, though, are truly my favourite. They remind me of my friends. The ones I would kill and die for. Their undying love and belonging to each other is the core of this book. The power of women who protect women.

I don’t usually read contemporary books, especially dark, heavy, revenge-full ones, but I’m glad I gave this one a go.
It was also strange reading about a society of privileged, rich people because somewhere in the world, a community exists like this. Where money and reputation rules.

Capin’s writing was really interesting and captivating. Though I did find it a bit confusing sometimes. Her writing is delicious though and I ate it all up hungrily.
She had a way of making you feel like Jade, like the world had wronged you and you’re just putting things back to right, and I felt all the more powerful for it.
I’m fortunate that I’ve never had to go through what Jade experienced. And I feel dumb even saying that I’m fortunate enough, as if I’m “lucky”, because this thing happens much too often that it’s inevitable you will know someone who has suffered sexual assault of any degree. And I love Capin for giving girls (and boys and everything between and beyond) back some of that power that should never have been stolen from us in the first place.

Thank you Capin for this book full of strength and fierceness and power.

This powerful and lyrical book by Capin takes on the culture of toxic masculinity through protagonist Jade and her coven of equally strong female friends. This book tackles complex themes of sexual assault woven in a revenge narrative.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Foul is Fair, written by Hannah Capin, will push your boundaries, it certainly pushed mine in many ways. This story is savagely dark, ruthless at times but also shows the vulnerable side of young women and highlights the fantastic bond that women can have with each other. Vengeance is the central theme and is woven into every part of this story. Dark, manipulative revenge propels this book and keeps the reader on the proverbial cliff edge, wondering what will happen next. It did take me a while to gain my reading stride, the writing style being a mixture of prose and poetry. I found this style of writing a bit wordy and distracting at times, but it certainly added an artistic visual picture of what was going on in the book. I liked that the story is told using part dialogue from all the characters and part inner monologue from the main character Elle/Jade. I felt that it gave an authentic voice to all the characters.


The story is over the top and hugely exaggerated, but maybe it needed to be like that to highlight the real-world issues and taboos this book throws at the reader. Foul is Fair delves into some very dark subject matter, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, peer pressure, bullying, physical violence, substance abuse including drinking, and marijuana use, and other types of substance use. All set within the halls of the hierarchies of high school.
(This is the link for content advisory page from Hannah Capin http://hannahcapin.com/foulisfair)

Without going into too much of the story, Elle and her “coven,” which includes her three best friends, Mads, Jenny, and Summer, crash a St. Andrews party on Elle’s sixteenth birthday.

“Tonight Jenny and Summer and Mads and me, we’re four sirens…”

That night everything changes for Elle, the night she becomes Jade. These group of girls is so tightly bound together that they will do absolutely anything for each other, and I do mean anything. I do like that the author did not make these girls perfect. These girls are spoiled, rich, and intitled and, at times, are not the most admirable group of girls.

“…how to make boys think we want them, so then they want us, too. How to make them do anything we say.”

Now on to the most horrid evil group of boys on the planet. These boys, too, are rich, spoiled, and entitled. However, what makes them extremely dangerous is they know that no matter what they do, they are above the law. And their influential, affluent families will do anything they have to do to protect them.

“Duncan. Duffy. Connor. Banks. Four boys from the room with the white sheets and the spinning lights…”

Unfortunately, these boys didn’t recognize the storm they created that one fateful night. But they all came to realize that they picked the wrong girl.

Foul is Fair is a gritty unapologetic revenge story that will keep you turning the pages. This book is a fantasy portrayal of what a girl is willing to do when everything is taken away from her. I will say that this book is not for everyone, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

** Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published**


*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***

Although it was an extremely hard book to read at times, and I understand why it's not for everybody, I think it's an import book to read, especially if it makes you uncomfortable or angry. It's one of those books which deserves to be read by everybody who can handle the trigger warnings.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Capin and St. Martin’s Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what to expect going into this book as I didn’t even read the synopsis and had just heard so many good things that I had to read it! I was thrilled by how shocking and amazing this novel really was. I flew right through this novel and kept my mind spinning the entire time. I was immersed right into the plot of this novel and I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened in the end. I would definitely recommend this one if you love a surprisingly addicting dark novel! I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

Wow. What the heck did I just read?? Violent, dark, twisty and an utter guilty pleasure, this book is Mean Girls, Heathers and Kill Bill all rolled into one. Every girl that has been wronged by a boy has probably had a deep secret wish to exact revenge, nay vengeance, against that boy. The more violent the better. This book is every wronged girls fantasy imagined.

Elle and her friends Mads, Jenny, and Summer are at the top of their social circle. They've got it all and everyone wants to be them. To celebrate Elle's sixteenth birthday, the girls crash a party at St. Andrew’s Prep. That school has a group of golden boys at the top of their social circle, and they have a cruel tradition that they exact on unsuspecting girls. When the golden boys target Elle as their next victim, they picked the wrong girl.

Elle and her friends are determined to get vengeance. Elle transfers to St. Andrews Prep and insinuates herself into the golden boy's circle by cozying up to an ambitious boy named Mack. Once done, Elle and her coven get to work on destroying every boy responsible for Elle's pain. One.By.One.

This book is told in short chapters and is a quick and easy read. The story is fast-paced and keeps the reader's attention. Obviously the reader has to suspend belief when reading this book, but it's a fun fantasy ride. This book isn't for everyone. It's violent and twisty and glorifies exacting deadly vengeance on teenagers. But, if you're up for it, I recommend you reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the way this book was written, although it took me som time to get used to it at first but once I got the hang of it I couldn’t put it down. I really liked the meaning of the book and what it stood for.

While I was not as captivated by Foul is Fair as I was by Dead Queens Club, I did laugh out loud quite a few times! Hilarious hijinks ensue for sure.

“So I point at my hair, and I say, This color. Know what it’s called? She shakes her head: No. I say, REVENGE. She says, Good girl, Kill him.”

Oooohh buddy, this book just blew me away. I was already prepared to love it- revenge story, Shakespeare retelling, tight knit friends group? No need for more information because I’m already sold.

Our main character, Jade, is assaulted at a party thrown by the popular kids at another school. In the aftermath she reinvents herself, transfers to that same school, and intertwines herself in their group so she and her coven can take down (in the most final way possible) those who wronged her. And she did it using one of their own. Jade thinks everything will work out perfect, but emotions (Jade’s as well as others) come into play and information about her target comes to light that shakes her up a bit. You see things start to spiral out of Jade’s control, but she and her coven pull it back in to Jade’s manipulative, murderous hands. I loved it.

And THAT ENDING!! I’m not going to say anything else about it.

This was just a beautifully twisted book that had my attention from the very first page. I read the whole thing in one sitting. Hannah Capin had a wonderful grasp on the tension through the entire book and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Parts of it read sort of like a play which I enjoyed as it added to the Shakespearean feel. I saw the plot twist coming, but knowing what it was only had me more interested in seeing how it was going to affect the outcome.

Foul is Fair is a book written for every girl who has ever wanted revenge. It does get quite a bit dark at times. Hannah Capin has content warnings on her website so I recommend checking those out before you read the book if you need to

Scheduled to post 3/3/20.

FOUL IS FAIR is a deliciously complicated book that should make every woman roar, incite table-flipping, curtain shredding, and mayhem and destruction at the hands of everyone who's ever been wronged and who felt powerless to rectify it. This is a revenge fantasy that should boil everyone's blood, make everyone question their feelings, and come out of this book with their panties on fire and ready to fuck things up.

Elle, Mads, Jenny, and Summer are not likable characters. In any other situation they would be the snotty, rich bitches who rule the school and play with people like paper dolls, throwing them away when they're done. And I like how Capin is not shy about this. It's repeated throughout the book that these were girls who were on top, who manipulated people to do whatever they wanted, who always got their way. They're not likable in life and then this happens to Elle and they funnel all of that nastiness about themselves into this revenge plot to bring justice where they knew no justice would come. They channeled their evil powers for good.

Although I'm sure some would question whether what they did was good. And that's the point. It certainly felt good reading it. It certainly felt good to read about these abhorrent little shits who would get away with whatever they felt like, and ruin whoever they felt like, who played not just with emotions but with bodies, who took whatever they wanted because they could, get their comeuppance. Some would say to let the law handle it. That would be the appropriate way. Those boys would get theirs eventually. Because that's worked so well for rape victims in the past, yeah? Because worthless little fuckers like this don't grow up to be the Brett Kavanaughs of the world, who will screech and cry and yell about what they are OWED in this world but have no regard for what they've taken.

FOUL IS FAIR is an uncomfortable read. For all of the synergistic rage I felt reading this, it's still not easy to read about teenagers unapologetically killing other teenagers. Like I said, this book is deliciously complicated. Like a warm blanket that's warm because it's on fire. Part of me didn't want to see these boys die because, for the most part, they're a product of their environment, raised poorly by uninvolved parents who think money can get them out of anything. And it can. The much larger part of me warmed my hands on the bonfire of their bodies. Because if it's fair for them to do whatever they think they deserve and want, then the foulness that they attract because of that is fair too.

It's not an easy book. It's not meant to be black and white and make you feel one way or another. It's meant to be complicated. It's meant to be difficult. It's meant to make you feel uneasy. It's meant to make you feel guilty for seeing children die and enjoying it. And I fucking loved it. I'm going to have to edit the swears out of this review in order to post it on Amazon, which I don't generally do, but FOUL IS FAIR is gold. It's what this world needs. And I'll do what I can to get it out there.

5

I was really, really into this - loved the characters, the callbacks to Macbeth, the story itself. Things got a little too fast paced at the end and I was a little confused by a few things, but definitely an excellent book about very justifiably angry women.