Receiving the ARC for this was so exciting! I was already very much looking forward to it, and it did not disappoint!

We follow Roscilla, Lady Macbeth, as she gets married and has to navigate the plot of the Shakespearean play. Reid does not completely stick to the plot, but her additions and subtractions work beautifully. Macbeth is one of my favorites, and I was worried she wouldn't completely do it justice but this was a really great read.
The supernatural elements were my favorite part. While the play leaves that open for interpretation, I love that this book confirms it and that Roscilla is able to manipulate Macbeth through the power he doesn't understand and doesn't appreciate.
The only part that I didn't love was the ending. That being said, it was a satisfying ending, but I would have preferred something more physical in terms of revenge. I was hoping she would just push him into the room.
Overall really amazing! I can easily see myself rereading this.

I absolutely loved this book. Ava's writing never disappoints, it is always so lyrical and full of prose. Lady Macbeth is haunting and captivating. Ava does such an amazing job personifying feminine rage. Lady Roscille is faced with the challenges that women of any generation can resonate with, the struggle of meeting whatever expectation is set for them. In Lady Roscille's case those expectations are often at war with one another. She is expected to be clever but not too clever, submissive but strong willed, docile yet brave, intelligent but not more so than the men around her. This retelling would have made Shakespeare proud. I will always read anything written by Ava Reid !

Lady Macbeth is a lush and transformative peek into the inner world of one of literature's most famous women.

This is my first Ava Reid novel; I've heard patrons singing her praises and decided to give her work a shot when the ARC of Lady Macbeth became available, since I know it is going to be a highly anticipated release this year. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Reid is poetic without being overwrought, and she refreshes the centuries-old narrative we know well by weaving in other mythologies and folklore.

Though it's perhaps not for Shakespeare purists, devoted historians, or the faint of heart, this dark, modern reimagining of Lady M slides easily into place beside other books on the trendy dark academia shelf. I will absolutely be keeping it in mind for fans of books like A Dowry of Blood and Circe.

As someone whose favorite Shakespeare play is Macbeth, once I heard that the brilliant Ava Reid was writing a Lady M inspired tale, I knew I needed it in my hands as soon as possible! So, firstly I want to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Lady Macbeth. This book is an absolute masterpiece, overflowing with female rage, vengeance, witches, dragons and of course, breathtaking prose. To say that this tale lived up to all my expectations would be false, because it actually EXCEEDED everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. This novel captures all the genius of the original play it is based on, but gives a powerful voice to the woman I always wanted to learn more about. Lastly, I will say that every person MUST read this book when it is published and be forever changed like I currently am!

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

Brilliant!when I tell you i screamed when I saw I got an arc. Ava Reid is a new author to me and possibly one of the favourites.This was absolutely beautiful. Dreamy, moody and atmospheric. I am in absolutely awe of her writing and story telling. She just does it so effortlessly. I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars. 10/10 recommend! Ava Reid can't do no wrong in my eyes.

This is a beautiful gothic retelling of Macbeth. Ava Reid really executed this perfectly. I can’t stop thinking of this story. It was so moody and atmospheric with an unexpected lover.
I only wish it was longer.

Thanks NetGalley and Del Rey for the arc.

Thank you to the publisher and Nethgalley for opportunity to read the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This gothic retelling of Lady Macbeth is beautifully written Ava Reid does it again.
I was hooked from start to finish.

Roscille’s story is filled of suffering,pain, survival, and power (very dark). This book has a little bit of everything from suspense, to a little romance.

I loved this book, whether you love Shakespeare’s Macbeth or not this novel stands on it owns you can go in not knowing anything and enjoy it.

I wish the book was longer but maybe that was intentional it definitely left me wanting more I felt like the ending was a bit rushed but I will forever think about this book.

“All your life you have been muzzled," he says. "So as not to disturb the architecture of the world. But a muzzled dog thinks only of its misery and its shackles. They may rob your body of its power, but they cannot take your mind”

Ava Reid simply does not miss. The darkness. The mild fantasy. The Lord of the Rings Return of the King moment. Ate ate ate. Lisander and Roscille have my whole heart. If you liked any of her other stuff or dark retellings in general, this is for you.

There are some authors I feel extremely lucky to be alive at the same time as them - Ava Reid certainly qualifies.

This is a book you feel down to your very marrow. A brutality wrapped in delicate lace, with prose that takes your breath away. Gorgeous storytelling, gorgeous writing, this one is gonna haunt me for a long time.

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

In Lady Macbeth, Ava Reid expertly breaths new life into the classic Shakespeare tale and the wonderfully complex character of Lady Macbeth, creating a vivid world that was a pleasure to experience.

This was my most anticipated book of the year and Ava Reid did not disappoint! I’m a huge Ava Reid fan as well as a Macbeth fan so this felt like it was made for me. I loved the depth of the character of the Lady, as well as the world we, like the Lady, are thrust into. The beautiful descriptions and introspection of the Lady make the original tale feel almost lacking and missing the key elements that are brought to her character.

I also vastly enjoyed the inclusion of other characters from the original Shakespeare in new and different ways, such as the witches and the Duncane’s children. The setting and the local folklore were also brilliant additions as the readers felt just as isolated and surrounded by magic as the Lady felt herself.

It might be difficult for some readers to make it through all the description to reach the narrative, but the beauty that the description holds is well worth the journey to get there. I, for one, cannot wait to get a physical copy of this incredible book in August.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a copy of this book to me.

I will admit I had very little knowledge walking into this book of Macbeth, apart from what I have gathered from hearsay and a quick internet search. However, you don’t need to know much to know that Lady Macbeth is a famous villainess, perceived as calculating and cruel, forcing her husband’s hand and then succumbing to her own madness at the end. If there is anyone I trust to reimagine a story of a villainess, who has been perhaps mischaracterized and misunderstood, all while tackling topics like female rage and vengeance, it’s Ava Reid.

This book doesn’t pull its punches. The story is unceasingly grim, as Roscille is forced to reckon with who she is and who she wants to be as she is forced into the mantle of Lady Macbeth. Is she the monster her father has made her? Will she be the weapon of her new lord husband? Or will she fight tooth and nail to carve out her own story and find her own power?

While the prose is beautiful and the story is extremely compelling, I had to take multiple breaks while reading this. It’s not for the faint of heart and deals with multiple heavy topics like rape, domestic abuse, physical abuse, torture and suicide. However, I love Ava Reid’s work and am grateful for the fresh perspective this book shines on a controversial character. Definitely recommend!

Lady Macbeth is exceptional. The writing is gorgeous and the story is told as it never has been before. This felt like the perfect mixture of familiar and novel; there were moments when I knew what was coming and others where I was just as shocked as the characters. One of the biggest strengths in this book were the analogies that are woven throughout the entire story. I enjoyed the consistency this created and also marveled at the way that the meaning behind the analogies seemed to change as thing progressed in unexpected ways.

The setting in Lady Macbeth is described so well that it was perfectly clear to me as I read the book. By the time I closed the book, even without it being described I’d have known the bitter wind, the hush of the ocean, and the chill of the stone all around. The setting also suited the story being told and reflected the overall mood perfectly. Learning more about the culture and depth of Glammis throughout the progression of the story constantly kept me hooked, and I thought that the book perfectly mixed the historical research that Ava Reid obviously did with the magic that lurked beneath the surface in the world that she created.

There are few things that I enjoy more than a clever book about a clever character. Roscille is written to be deeply intelligent, but also very young, and both of these things are constantly shown by the writing, not just told to the reader. The characters in Lady Macbeth are unbelievably strong because of this—we are directly told through the writing how they are, and then that is reinforced time and time again through their dialogue, choices, and actions. Even the most despicable characters are good ones, simply for the skill with which they are depicted. In a book where the writing is a gorgeous, the setting is as poignant, and the plot as interesting as those in Lady Macbeth, it is a rarity for the characters to feel like the star of the show, but this is undeniably true for this book.

This book is rage, hopelessness, vengeance, betrayal, and violence. It is also cunning, adoration, devotion, protection, and justice. There were times when I felt like cursing and others when I felt like cheering. Though I expected this to be a book I devoured in one sitting, I instead found myself pausing to set it aside so that I could ruminate over all of the words that I’m sure I will still be thinking about when Lady Macbeth hits the shelves. This book is a masterpiece, and I am already looking forward to picking it up for another read.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Groups & NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I am neither an e-book person nor a historical fiction person, and yet Ava Reid has enthralled me once again.

Seeing all of the characters slowly being broken down over the course of this book was captivating, and I cannot express how happy I was to see the Lady Macbeth get her well-deserved revenge. She really grew as a character, both internally, with what we saw, and externally, with what she allowed other characters to see of herself.

You can really tell how well-researched this whole thing was, and I was honestly fully transported back to this time for the two endless days that I couldn’t put this down for.

I have not read Macbeth, but out of my new-found love towards this book, I will.

Lady Macbeth is both a polarizing and ambitious idea, and this is….in some ways the weakest work of Ava Reid thus far. I feel guilty saying it, seeing as she’s my favorite author. And I know I have a bias towards Juniper and Thorn, but I don’t think this story even touches ASID for me (my lowest-scoring Ava Reid book prior to this review). The thing that sets Lady Macbeth apart as a retelling for me is unlike Juniper and Thorn, it’s based on something much more concrete than an ever-changing folktale. It’s a play, and a very beloved one at that.

It most certainly doesn’t need to be one to one (if it was, people would just read the play and the book would be unable to justify its existence), but core elements of what make the characters…well, the characters need to be kept. Can they start off as different people, eventually growing into the person from the play? Sure, which I think is something that is attempted, but executed sloppily. As harsh as that sounds, I think the major issue was choosing Roscille to be the main character (more on this later).

Lady Roscille is the bastard daughter of Wrybeard, Duke of Breizh (an ancient territory in medieval France). In order to secure an alliance with the Thane of Glammis (an ancient territory in medieval Scotland), he arranges their marriage and sends her away. This leaves Roscille feeling disposed of and helpless – she was raised by her father to see things in people most others do not, think ahead, be generally cunning; but that wasn’t enough to save her from her fate. She is married off to better her father’s standing and to get rid of her presence at court. She has the ability to ensorcell men with her eyes, and because of this is forced to wear a veil at all times and is ostracized due to her being a “witch.”

THE GOOD AND THE BAD

Before I dive into my opinion on Roscille, I would like to take the time to address some things that I overall liked and disliked within the story and writing. As per usual, Reid’s prose is phenomenal. She has an ability to pull you in and grip you beginning to end. The way she paints an atmosphere in her works is easily her greatest and most admirable strength. She lays out the scenes and feelings of characters so, so well. You will never see me saying a bad thing about that.

The Witches are the best, point blank, period. There’s not enough of them to my liking, but I also think that…maybe that’s for the best to a degree? I’m not sure, because I could really make arguments either way. Using them sparingly makes them much more impactful, but at the same time, they are incredibly important to Roscille’s character arc. Either way, the jury is still out as to how I feel about that, but the Witches scenes may be some of Reid’s strongest writing. I loved the choices with them.

I loved what was done with Banquo’s and Fleance’s characters. I think it fit perfectly in line with the story Reid was trying to tell and I liked their expanded roles.

I liked the use of monsters (because I’m a sucker for monsters in stories). My main issue with it comes from Lisander honestly, but I’m going to treat that as a separate problem. The monster portrayal as is, is very good.

This is where my problems and conflicting feelings begin to arise. There’s much of this book I would have outright loved, if only it had been executed to my liking.

The themes that are handled in this book are present in all of Reid’s stories. Xenophobia, misogyny, etc. are repeated in all of her bodies of work and its something I’ve really appreciated about her as a writer. This book’s handling of these topics are definitely the most watery. I don’t think she really explored much of anything new, beyond the life of being trapped in a marriage when you’re a woman. This is completely fine to explore for me, but I think when you’re tackling the same sorts of things again and again, it's difficult to ask people to not compare it to your past works. This could simply be a personal issue or maybe even an issue of reading her books too closely together. Maybe reading a single release per year would fix this problem, but it’s especially apparent to me that Lady Macbeth stands as the weakest handler of these issues. I didn’t feel like it had all that much to say that she hasn’t said before. What it did say just didn’t stand up to the strength of her previous releases.

The next big issue is the characters themselves and the direction they’re taken. Like I said before, it’s absolutely fine for characters to be different. This is an adaptation not the play itself. But in order for it to be a successful adaptation there must be elements that remain true to the spirit of the play. I think what makes Macbeth an interesting character is that he’s introduced and believed to be someone who is just and brave, only for it to slowly be revealed to the audience that he’s really none of those things. Macbeth in this story is an oppressing presence beginning to end. Sure, some people in the audience may be tricked into thinking he’s nice (because he’s extremely manipulative) if they aren’t paying attention, but really he’s horrible from the time he’s introduced until the very end. I think this was a boring choice to make. I know this is typically very much in Reid style, but he doesn’t at all hold up to the previous men who filled this role in her stories. I could look past this decision if it wasn’t for everything else that didn’t work, but…well, there was a lot that didn’t work. I’ll reserve Lisander and Roscille for later to move onto the magic and the Witches.

THE MAGIC AND THE WITCHES

This is a soft magic system which is fine. I’m not looking for an explanation on how any of it really works, but I think there are elements introduced into the magic system deus ex machina style.

All this being said: Roscille barely uses or engages in her magic throughout the entirety of the story. This didn’t feel like a purposeful decision in that it needed to be used sparingly. It seemed like there was just an overall major issue with her not engaging in her magic at all. She never really comes to embrace it in a truly substantial way or learn much about it. It’s just kind of…there. And that sucks.


THE PROBLEM WITH ROSCILLE

Now we finally address the elephant in the room: Roscille. As a character archetype she’s certainly one I gravitate towards. As the titular Lady Macbeth? She falls very, very short. I think this is where the problem lies: this shouldn’t have been a novel marketed as an adaptation of Macbeth or even named Lady Macbeth. It should have been loosely inspired and sold as such. You are creating an expectation when someone picks up your novel. Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most iconic female characters next to Juliet. She is famed for her cunning, ambition, ruthlessness, and eventual madness. While I find the questions behind the Why of Lady Macbeth fascinating (Who is she? Where is she from? What is her name? What made her the way she is?), having a character like Roscille answer them just doesn’t work.

Part of the issue for me lies in the age. Why take a character like Lady Macbeth – a character who is played by mostly middle aged women – and have her portrayed as a seventeen year old? Perhaps if a lot of this was rearranged so it wasn’t the play itself, but as a sort of prequel would have worked better. Show us the person Lady Macbeth was prior to the opening of Macbeth so we can see how her character is molded into the woman she is during the events of the play. Taking someone who is incredibly timid, unsure of the world, still learning herself and her power within it, doesn’t actually work when inserted into the play. It makes for a less active character, who is being pulled around and is passive for the majority of the story. That is a major problem.

We are told around the midmark, repeatedly really, that Roscille is slipping into the role of Lady Macbeth; she is becoming someone who is ruthless and cunning. In…what way exactly? This part was handled so clunky in my opinion. I really didn’t feel like there was much difference between the Roscille we are introduced to in the beginning of the story to the one we end up with in the end. None of her ruthlessness in the end feels particularly earned in a sense, at least not in terms of her becoming who she is supposed to be: Lady Macbeth herself.

I think Roscille was sort of set up to fail from the beginning as a protagonist, which is extremely unfortunate.

THE PROBLEM WITH LISANDER

I’ll be blunt: the romance should have been omitted entirely. It's barely there and it’s not really earned. Much like Marlinchen and Sevas, it’s giving instalove, but without the smooth execution. You’re able to buy Marlinchen’s instant affection and attraction, because it’s introduced chapter one. Really, it’s the catalyst for the entire plot. The romance doesn’t even appear in this story until around the 25% mark.

In Lady Macbeth it just distracts from the plot. I mean…there’s truly not much else to say about this. Could they have been interesting? I think so. But you really need more than that to make a relationship believable. It seemed like there wasn’t a way to introduce Lisander properly into the plot to make him extremely relevant. Maybe Reid was trying something a little looser in line with old romances in fairytales and plays. I think no matter the explanation this just didn’t work for me.

THE CONCLUSION

I still enjoyed this read. I still adore Ava Reid as an author and this book hasn’t changed my opinion of her. I do think this book needed much more polishing or even just an entire rework before publishing. If this was any other writer then my critique wouldn’t be as harsh in that regard. But to me Reid is such an amazing writer who is capable of so much more if given the chance. As it is, Lady Macbeth did not stick the landing for me.

I have read previous books by Ava Reid and was really looking forward to this story. And I enjoyed it just as much as her previous books.
Ava Reid knows how to right female characters who are strong but also flawed and Lady Macbeth is another example of this. She also has great descriptive imagery of Mediaeval Scotland that really makes you feel like you are there.
This story kept me intrigued the entire time and I really couldn’t predict what the ending would be!

Ava Reid does it again with this rich, almost gothic, Macbeth retelling. I was immediately captivated by Roscille and this world Reid has portrayed. So refreshing to read a retelling of something different and thought provoking. I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen!

ava reid's ability to write a book that doesn't leave you completely speechless once it's over. the writing in this book is so perfectly haunting, I couldn't stop thinking about what would happen next and where Roscille would end up at the end. I'm not familiar with the story of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth so this was an amazing place to start my interest in learning more! the pacing is slow, which usually isn't my thing but for this book/story it's PERFECT. ava reid is incapable of writing something that isn't less than perfect and I cannot wait for the reading world to get their hands on this book.

Ava Reid's Lady Macbeth is bone chillingly amazing and captivating. It's dark, compelling and an ode to the classic.

This is my first time reading a book by Ava Reid but after this book, it will not be my last. I couldn't put the book down. The pages turned so fast and sleep alluded me as I needed to keep reading. I always love reading new things and the concept of a woman that is considered macabre and unhinged was done so well. I love Shakespeare stories and retellings and I thought this was so well done. Something I really loved about Lady Macbeth was the imagery and symbolism that is so iconic to the character. The detailed picturesque imagery transported me to Gothic Scotland and the foreshadowing and symbolism was so witty and clever.

I liked the romantic subplot that felt unique while preserving some parts of Macbeth while changing some bits of the story. If I had to say something, I think I would've liked an ending that wasn't so rushed. I felt like I wanted a little more but that's just me finding something but overall, It is such a fun book for lovers of Shakespeare, Gothic lit and lovers of unhinged morally corrupt women. I highly recommend this book!

Embark on an enthralling journey through the captivating reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth by the brilliant mind of Ava Reid, the literary genius behind "A Study on Drowning." The mere announcement of her endeavor to offer a new perspective to one of Shakespeare's most contentious plays had me enthusiastically screaming yes and punctuating the excitement with a fist pump. The anticipation skyrocketed as I delved into an early copy of this retelling, captivated by the enigmatic lady in the veil adorning the cover.

For those uninitiated into the intricacies of the original manuscript or those seeking another exhilarating fantasy escapade, consider this retelling of Lady Macbeth a unique exploration—a feminist lens cast upon the narrative that may spark excitement, even as it challenges the sentiments of steadfast fans of the classic.

"Lady Macbeth" artfully crafts a narrative around Roscille, a beguiling girl presumed to be a bastard and encumbered with presumed witchy powers. The story unfolds as she journeys to Glammis, Macbeth's castle, in a carriage, destined for a wedding ceremony with him. Molded by her father into a girl cursed with witchcraft, a mere pawn in his political machinations, Roscille takes her first steps into Glammis, paving her path in a world dominated by powerful men. Can she navigate this realm, subtly orchestrating her husband into abstaining from consummating their marriage, guiding him with other missions while he remains blissfully ignorant of the subtle manipulation, considering himself the mastermind and using his wife as a clandestine weapon for his schemes?

The lingering questions echo—Who truly holds the reins of control? Who pulls the strings from the shadows?

This thought-provoking and decidedly unconventional retelling not only offers insight into a woman's self-discovery in a world driven by power dynamics but also delves into the poignant struggle of a solitary young woman finding her way through the foggy road of destiny. The narrative is peppered with romantic elements, introducing mythical figures and fantastical elements like witches, dragons, and curses.

For those captivated by the allure of calculated mind games, vicious scheming, and supernatural elements within a dark gothic atmosphere, this enchanting realm awaits your exploration!

As I traverse this modern rendition, my journey has been a captivating exploration, shedding a fresh perspective on one of literature's unforgettable, yet, in my opinion, underrated characters.

With heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for granting me access to this exquisite literary work, allowing me to share my honest opinions. Join me as we unravel the mysteries within the pages and immerse ourselves in the vivid tapestry Ava Reid has intricately woven.

A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/ Ballentine/Del Rey for sharing this incredible book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts.

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍, 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒑-𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒅, 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒆𝒍. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆, 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.


Predictably, Ava Reid’s words have once again, transcended the page, traced worn paths into my woodland heart, slithered through the corridors of my mind, and steeped into my very soul.

Read this for:
🏰 a retelling of Macbeth, but from Lady Macbeth’s POV
🐉 curses! corpses! murder! witches! magic! dragons!
🔪 a poison-eyed, witch-kissed leading lady who is tender, raw, ferocious, and overflowing with feminine rage
🤍strikingly beautiful prose, atmospheric writing that is soft and sharp and quiet and loud

Macbeth, but reimagined. No… reinvented! This isn’t the bard’s version, but a bolder, fiercer, more layered tale woven with ruthless and cunning characters, all set against a bleak and brutal backdrop of a seaside Scottish castle brimming with scheming, violent, savage men.

I’m still trying to catch my breath after Ava Reid knocked the wind out of me. She has done it again, delivering a stunning work of gothic fantasy, laced with magical elements, brimming with unflinching unease.

For fans of Circe by Madeline Miller, and for the women who were little girls like me, running around the house with a wooden sword shouting “I AM NO MAN” after seeing Éowyn slay the Witch-King of Angmar.

Note: You don’t have to reread Macbeth, or even skim the plot points online before/during reading to refresh, like I did. You can just immerse yourself into this masterpiece, see yourself reflected in the transient form of Roscille, Roscilla, Lady Macbeth beneath her veil, in the shifting surfaces of water and blood, in the witch-songs, in the alien world that is all once, all too familiar. Ava Reid has me under her curse ✨

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy)! Lady Macbeth is scheduled to be released on August 6th, 2024 🤍