Reid’s prose is so stunning. I have never seen anyone describe the world as she does. The way she takes such tragic events and turns them into some of the most beautiful sentences I’ve ever read is such a gift.

Ava Reid does it again, proving she's a literary powerhouse with her latest masterpiece, Lady Macbeth. This book is not just a story; it wraps you in its pages and refuses to let go. I found myself lost in the narrative, unable to put it down—a true testament to Reid's gripping storytelling amongst an atmospheric backdrop.

"Lady Macbeth" is a vivid reimagining that might not be everyone's cup of tea unless you're a fan of Anglo-Saxon literature, Middle English stories, or Shakespeare. Reid expertly weaves elements from these eras, drawing heavily on the classic tale that defines it. This isn't the Lady Macbeth we know from modern portrayals. She's a woman of her time, navigating the treacherous waters of societal expectations and the male-dominated world of the Scottish lords, which at first seems similar to the source text, however that Lady isn’t this Lady.

What's truly remarkable about this book is Reid's ability to marry the historical essence of Macbeth and the cultural backdrop of Scotland, offering a fresh perspective on the infamous queen. Reid's talent for creating characters so rich and a story so compelling confirms that this is a must-read for the year.

Thank you Random House for the Arc! It will be shared on 3/26 and again as the publication gets closer.

Unfortunately, this was not my Lady Macbeth. I don't know if this was just lost on me, or what, but I genuinely felt blindsided by this. I adore the original character and play, I thought this was going to be her +100 but it fell so short. So short that was a step backward. It felt like Reid took one of the most interesting women in Shakespeare and made her unbearably boring. I'm heartbroken.

I went into this book without looking too much into the description and without having familiarity with the play. I would definitely recommend it to others, even if you haven’t read Macbeth like me.

This book was really good. I especially liked the dark atmosphere portrayed. I really could feel and imagine everything described in the story. The prose was very different than I’m used (typically a romance and urban fantasy reader) but it was easy for me to get used to. It seemed very inspired by classic literature.

This was my first Ava Reid book and I am adding her others to my TBR. I really enjoy her writing style.

I had a bit of a hard time getting through this, despite being very excited about it when it was first announced. I think I would have liked it more if it wasn't sold as a Macbeth retelling, even if it has been advertised as a loose retelling. Enough of the basics were changed that this easily could have been an individual story and not a retelling. I also think I would have liked it more if she hadn't been aged down so much, but that's a personal preference. Oddly xenophobic towards Scots?

The lady doth protest too much. The lady in question: Ava Reid.

DNF @ 25%

I had such high expectations for this book as Lady Macbeth is one of my favorite female characters. She’s a mother and a wife, but despises both titles. She wants the courage and apathy of a man, as well as the power and respect that comes with it; however, these ambitions ultimately lead to her downfall.

Going back to the original text, she even prays for god to unsex her and rid her of her typical, female emotions. It’s giving Cersei Lannister or Margaret of Anjou.

Spoiler alert if you’ve never read Macbeth, but ultimately she cannot overcome her empathy and guilt over the regicide her and her husband commit, so she ends her life.

In general, there is a serious lack of female main characters over the age of 19 in fantasy novels and this was the perfect opportunity to give us one - and a powerful, cunning one at that.

Ultimately, the lack of depth with Lady Macbeth and the overuse of similes (there were at least 4 within the 4% mark) as well as the convoluted, overly described setting meant this wasn’t for me.

I’m also a huge fan of Scottish history and this trashed it for no reason. Nowhere in the original text did it condemn Scots the way Ava Reid did in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wish I loved it. Alas, what is done cannot be undone.

Thank you for the free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

I was truly excited to enter the world of Lady Macbeth. I found the atmosphere lush and inviting, and truly felt immersed within Scotland. Reid has a talented way with words, and is truly successful in establishing both a setting and a narrative. However, I found myself unable to connect with the main character. Her inner monologue was sparse, and revealed little to no autonomy. I appreciate that this may be what Reid was going for, but in promoting the book as a retelling of one of literature's most autonomous women, I find myself in disbelief that this was a stylistic choice. In addition, I found the direction of the plot interesting, but found it too slow to truly engage with or care for. Many plot points seemed to be thrown at us, such as the sudden attack on the king, the dragon, and other events. I also found the "dragon" romance to be quite unnecessary, and a bit forced. As a result of these, I unfortunately decided to DNF this book, since I could already anticipate the ending and found no urge to continue reading.

I hope to try one of Reid's other works in the future!

Let me start by saying I am a huge lover of Macbeth; it is among my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays and Lady Macbeth was a huge reason for that (along with the witches of course.)

Ava Reid did a good job creating a rich gothic landscape and tone for this novel. I would say it has the same “general” feel of the play in that regard. Where this story lost me was in the actual characterization of the FMC, Lady Macbeth. I understand this a “retelling” and therefore, does not need to stick to the original story but it seems almost disingenuous to writing a story from her POV and not portray her as overtly strong and cunning. I may have just been expecting too much simply because I love the play so much.

I had a hard time getting into this from the beginning, it was highly repetitive & I did not particularly enjoy that like 70% of her thoughts were about how brutish and harsh the Scotts were, especially considering the in the play she was also Scottish. Again, I know it’s a retelling so it doesn’t matter that she’s not Scottish but I don’t think this change actually added anything to the story.

This book would probably sit well people readers who enjoy Historical Fiction with a tinyyy bit of magic sprinkled in, though it doesn’t come in until like 2/3 of the way through the book.

I’ve read most of Ava Reid’s books & really liked them. This one just wasn’t meant for me, sadly.

*thank you NetGalley & Del Ray for the ARC!!*

This book was from such an interesting POV. I loved that it was written from the Lady’s eyes. Personally, I loved the language around the veil; I don’t know I just loved that touch. It definitely seemed to show the traditional patriarchy and how she handle to handle herself against that, which in those times, darn near impossible, I love Ava Reid and hope to get read more ARCs from her!

A very different title for Ava Reid, but a change I enjoyed. It takes a bit to get used to the language used, including the multiple variations of spelling each name in the different languages, but within a few chapters it becomes second nature. The retelling aspect was fantastical in a way I hadn't expected it to turn out, and made the entire concept a worthwhile endeavor, rather than just Macbeth from Lady Macbeth's perspective. Found a few typos, mostly toward the end of the book.

Wow, what is there to say? I was fully immersed in this reimagining of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Ava Reid's vision for Lady Macbeth, made me fall more in love and intrigued with her character and how she is perceived by scholars and readers alike. I feel and know that I can read this story over and over again, and not fail to be intrigued and captivated by the language and "the eyes" of Lady Macbeth.

*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

A retelling of a classic tale with new twists and ideas turning the story on its head.

I really, REALLY wanted to like this book more, but I just couldn't. The pace was too slow, and I didn't feel any connection to the characters. To me they didn't have depth or redeeming qualities. However the one thing I did like was the style of writing, it is easy to see that the author is a talented writer, this book was just a miss for me.

as someone who isn't familiar with the source material, i found the pacing quite uneven. a lot of time was spent setting up the political dynamics, but i found that uninteresting to follow as i wanted more of roscille's experience as a woman surrounded by men in power. the nuggets of gold in the writing that explored this made the read worthwhile (and i will continue supporting ava reid's work), but i think this one just wasn't for me.

Absolutely loved this phenomenal reinterpretation of the iconic Shakespeare character Lady Macbeth .This Dark Gothic fantasy novel with hints of fairytale lore ( dragon/ shifter , unicorns, witches) left me in awe and wanting to not put this book down. All elements of this story made you feel like you were deeply immersed in the dark atmosphere of Scotland and “Glammis “ . Lady Macbeth was first portrayed as a meek young lady who hides behind her bridal veil , but as the story progressed she turned into a more powerful badass FMC and I love how Ava Reid wrote this character . Macbeth MFC was this brutish, insane Scot that wanted nothing to be king , and made sure no one got in his way. Overall I loved this reimagining of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and I would highly recommend it. ~Also check your triggers, there are some barbaric torture scenes.



Favorite quotes
~Macbeth “ He chokes and falls to the ground, where he writhes for a moment and then goes still. The other men do not move as the wind ruffles their hair and beards, their tattered flags, their mismatched tartans. Macbeth raises his sword and licks the end of the blade. Blood glistens on his lips. “This is the fate that awaits any man who questions my power,” he says.

Lady Macbeth ~
“She may look a fragile flower, white-petaled, but this merely conceals her; it does not bind her.”

“If she cannot have safety, if she cannot have love, at least she can have this. Vengeance.”

Ava Reid's "Lady Macbeth" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, reimagined through the lens of Lady Macbeth. Reid's narrative unfolds with gripping intensity, offering readers a fresh perspective on one of literature's most enigmatic characters.

Set against the backdrop of medieval Scotland, Reid's portrayal of Lady Macbeth is both haunting and compelling. Through her meticulous prose, Reid delves deep into the psyche of Lady Macbeth, exploring the inner turmoil and desires that drive her to commit unspeakable acts in the pursuit of power. The character development is nuanced and complex, allowing readers to empathize with Lady Macbeth's struggles while simultaneously grappling with the consequences of her actions.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Reid's ability to evoke a sense of atmosphere and tension. From the eerie corridors of the castle to the windswept moors of Scotland, the setting is vividly rendered, immersing readers in a world fraught with political intrigue and moral ambiguity. Reid's skillful use of language further enhances the atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of foreboding that lingers long after the final page is turned.

In addition to its rich characterizations and evocative setting, "Lady Macbeth" also offers a timely exploration of themes such as ambition, power, and the nature of evil. Through Lady Macbeth's journey, Reid raises important questions about the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires. These themes resonate deeply in today's society, making the novel not only a compelling work of historical fiction but also a reflection of contemporary concerns.

While Reid's reinterpretation of "Macbeth" may deviate from the original in certain aspects, it remains faithful to the spirit of Shakespeare's tragedy. By giving voice to Lady Macbeth and exploring her motivations in greater depth, Reid offers readers a fresh perspective on a familiar story, challenging them to reconsider their preconceptions and engage with the text in new ways.

In conclusion, "Lady Macbeth" is a haunting and evocative novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and thought-provoking themes, Ava Reid's retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary reimaginings alike.

Rage. Ruin. Rapture.

Ava Reid has done a masterful job of capturing the volatile, dark nature of Macbeth while capturing feminine rage in a completely new (although very familiar) picture of the tale. It is a retelling, but not necessarily word for word. Rather a thematic one, from a certain point of view.

Reid’s prose is akin to a monument; carefully constructed, memorable in its definitive edges and curves, and a beauteous, magnificent, composite of words. All the more so, it’s unforgettable. Reid writes the sort of stories that stick with the reader, epitomized by the beatific way in which she captures them. It’s so meticulous, so much so that I feel like the nature of the story—the poignant themes looming underneath the story are unmistakable. The underlying message is impossible to turn away from, it’s reflected so precisely, imbued in the prose.

Lady Macbeth is a variety of fairytales folded into one. Dragons, Bluebeard undertones, druids, the influx of folklore’s whims. There was the soft current of Macbeth’s beats—a trio of witches, a reflective pond. And yet, each pointed theme of Macbeth was used as a device for our main character, Roscille. Traditionally, madness is a sort of reflexive, overlooked, expected thing in the thrall of Shakespeare’s play. Reid shifts the narrative, and instead of telling the story of how Lady MacBeth has been continually portrayed historically, she allows Roscille the space to portray herself. Thus, in a stroke of brilliance, reclaiming the story for us all.

And the ending? Cue, “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift. This book is a masterpiece, a defiant stand alone with bite and grit—please be wary that this is a dark fantasy. There are elements in it that should not be without remiss—gore, violence, assault—tread lightly. I read the entire thing in a day, and it certainly is the sort of story that’s bound to stick with me for months, years on end.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this ARC!

I will also be posting my review to my Instagram account, linked below.

First, thank you to the amazing author and NetGalley for the wonderful chance to review this arc! I really appreciate this opportunity.

Lady Macbeth is a dark fantasy based in Scotland. It’s inspired by one of William Shakespeare’s plays. It’s a raw story about what it is to be a female in a world of men and how women in the 11th century were mere quiet, submissive companions to their husbands.

Roscille, our FMC, is clever and determined to make the best out of her situation after getting engaged to Macbeth. Although a woman, she tries her best to hide the fact she is utterly intelligent and manipulative in the ways of court as a seventeen year old newlywed bride to her husband in a Land that isn’t her own and a Court that isn’t what she’s accustomed. Throughout the book, we see how Roscille determination to become more than wife without awakening her husband’s suspicions progress until she no longer decides to hide her own self and intentions.

Although this is a genre that isn’t necessarily my style and I went in blind about Scottish literature, I found myself interested at the beginning of the story but loosing interest throughout the book right until the last 40 pages or so. World building, court ethics and discontent among the Lands took up a lot of time to develop in the book. Although necessary, it made me lose interest and found myself unable pick up the story after a long day of trying. But once I pushed through it and got towards the last chapters, everything started unraveling and the story became very interesting and found myself reading every chance I could.

Eva Reid is an amazing author with beautiful writing and amazing storytelling. She writes raw characters and real emotions. I always enjoy her work and will continue to support her in the future books.

Well well well… what do we have here? Another Shakespeare retelling on my TBR? COUNT ME IN!
I’m always a down for Shakespeare retelling and I ATE THIS UP!

I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can tab tab tab all those quotes! There’s so many captivating quotes that had me pausing and thinking damn that was a beautifully written string of words put together! Reid's narrative is adorned with lines that compelled me to pause and highlight on my Kindle. One such quote that resonated deeply was, - “Madness, of all things, is the most unforgivable in a woman.”.
The vibes within this book are nothing short of perfection. Sign me up for anything that iblends elements of spookiness, gothic allure, and witches! The prose was poetic and beautiful!
The story of Roscille was heartbreaking to read, it was a journey to see her growth through the hardships she faced and her eventual win towards the end of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ava Reid has done it again! I have been a MASSIVE fan of hers since "A Study in Drowning" was released last year. This book fits perfectly into my favorite niche book genre, feminist retellings of traditionally patriarchal stories, along with "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kid and "Circe" by Madeline Miller

Though she diverges from the original characterization of Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare, I found the retelling refreshing. Reid's Lady Macbeth is just as powerful, cunning, and vengeful as the original Lady, with added feminist coming-of-age elements. Once again weaving the perfect amount of fantasy into her novel, Reid acutely punctuates the retelling with the brutal aftermath of feminine rage.

Less of the story of a femme fatal and more of a coming-to-power tale of fantasy, manipulation, and gender dynamics, Reid's "Lady Macbeth" focuses on Roscille, a teenage daughter to a French noble forced into a political marriage to a much older Macbeth by her father. Tainted by rumors surrounding her beautiful and bewitching eyes, Roscille wears a veil when in the presence of men. Forced to navigate the dangerous, male-dominated region of Glammis, Roscille uses her slippery status as a supposed witch to protect herself and those she loves, with bloody results.

If you are an Ava Reid-stan, a fan of liberal manipulation of source material into something of merit as a stand-alone, and/or a gothic fantasy nut unafraid of a few minor trigger warnings, I would highly, highly recommend you check out "Lady Macbeth."

Lady Macbeth is an exceptionally-written and unique reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth, presenting a contrast to the original's theme of the wicked, manipulative wife. Author Ava Reid continues to prove why she is one of the most consequential voices in literary fantasy.

Winston Churchill said that history was written by the victors, but it is more apt to say that history is written by the powerful. As is fiction. Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as the impetus to some of Macbeth's most egregious deeds--a flashpoint to his paranoia. What Reid does is shift the narrative. What if Lady Macbeth got to write her own story? How well would it resemble a tale told by men?

This novel is as much literary fiction as it is a fantasy. My preferred genre is fantasy in part because it generally provides escapism. Admittedly, Lady Macbeth was not written for the way I consume stories, as its themes and on-page descriptions of misogyny and interpersonal violence are heavy and difficult. Escapism it is not. But I recognize when these subjects are handled well and the importance of fiction that questions our perspectives on why old stories were written as they were. I believe there is a large audience that will find this novel engaging, heartbreaking, and yet still hopeful.

Thank you to Del Ray and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.