Lady Macbeth: A Novel
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ava Reid comes a “masterful reimagining” (Publishers Weekly) of Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most famous villainess, giving her a voice, a past, and a power that transforms the story men have written for her.
“Lady Macbeth doesn’t retell Shakespeare so much as slice cleanly through it, revealing what was hidden beneath. I couldn't look away.”—Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Starling House
A CRIMEREADS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Lady knows the stories: how her eyes induce madness in men.
The Lady knows she will be wed to the Scottish brute, who does not leave his warrior ways behind when he comes to the marriage bed.
The Lady knows his hostile, suspicious court will be a game of strategy, requiring all of her wiles and hidden witchcraft to survive.
But the Lady does not know her husband has occult secrets of his own. She does not know that prophecy girds him like armor. She does not know that her magic is greater and more dangerous, and that it will threaten the order of the world.
She does not know this yet. But she will.
“Lady Macbeth doesn’t retell Shakespeare so much as slice cleanly through it, revealing what was hidden beneath. I couldn't look away.”—Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Starling House
A CRIMEREADS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Lady knows the stories: how her eyes induce madness in men.
The Lady knows she will be wed to the Scottish brute, who does not leave his warrior ways behind when he comes to the marriage bed.
The Lady knows his hostile, suspicious court will be a game of strategy, requiring all of her wiles and hidden witchcraft to survive.
But the Lady does not know her husband has occult secrets of his own. She does not know that prophecy girds him like armor. She does not know that her magic is greater and more dangerous, and that it will threaten the order of the world.
She does not know this yet. But she will.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Really good and different take on Macbeth. Sort of thought she would meet ha are or something like that but overall really good
it took me a week to get through and I personally enjoyed the book even though I don’t enjoy fantasy literature as much as I prefer science-fiction and horror. The story is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s character offering her voice in a past that many people don’t think about when they read Macbeth. I quite enjoyed it because it puts a difference on a character that is already be loved and it’s a fresh take then what people are used to. I have seen some people are divided on this book on good reads while reading this book, but I haven’t looked into the low rating reviews because I didn’t want it to influence my opinion while I’m reading it. All in all I think is a great fantasy book and a solid start to my 2025.
Though I had no expectations going into this story as this was my first Ava Reid book and I’m not a Shakespeare diehard (for no reason other than bc I’m not an intellect), I found myself pleasantly surprised with Lady Macbeth. Make no mistake, there was nothing pleasant in or about the story, but the writing was exceptional and immerses you in this dreary, tragic retelling from the get-go. I just wish there was more to Roscille: rage, plotting, passion - something!
(Disclaimer: I've never read the original story)
• Very interesting
• Sort of about her persevering through a shitty situation and making sure justice is served. All while helping the ladies around her.
• Wasn't difficult to read but the language and context was very wordy. Had to re-read sentences to fully understand what was happening.
• There is implied and explicit r*pe so if you can't handle that I wouldn't read it.
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