I’ll admit I was reluctant to pick this book up. After all, I know what Lady MacBeth has in store for her, and it’s not good—why would I want to read the story of a character I know is doomed? It did not sound like a good time to me...
How wrong I was!
Karsak writes that one of her authorial inspirations is Marion Zimmer Bradley, and I can definitely feel the influence of The Mists of Avalon here. Goddess spirituality, Druidism, and a reframing of an old story that we know only through a particular (very masculine, patriarchal) lens.
Karsak’s shift in perspective is thought-provoking, and not always expected, either—our heroine’s relationship to the three witches in the Scottish Play may surprise you, for example!
We follow the future Lady MacBeth, nicknamed Corbie, or “Little Raven,” from the age of about 16, when she is a ward of her father’s beloved half-sister, Madelaine, in a highland castle. As the daughter of a powerful lord, Corbie is fated to be a pawn in political power games (read: the traffic in women to seal political alliances). As witness to, and victim of, sexual harassment, molestation, and domestic violence against her aunt, the seeds are planted for her to be an avenger.
There are other ways that Corbie’s life is not her own. She wants nothing more than to be loved, but her attempts to follow her heart are best described by the phrase, “People plan and the gods laugh.” As we all do, she muddles along as best she can, every step taking her in the direction of her ultimate fate.
This is the first book in a series of three, and the closing, while not exactly a “cliffhanger,” does not tie things neatly into a bow, either. Consider it the end of Chapter One, rather than the end of a book, and get ready to buy Book Two!
Having read most of Karsak’s other series’ (the Red Riding Hood series is my other favorite), I have to say I was unexpectedly swept away by this book and its main character. The writing is rich and the story thought-provoking. I appreciate this new perspective on a much-maligned Shakespearean character. Highly recommended!
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Popular Highlights in this book
The winds, however, come from four directions, and those directions each have a specific function. When the wind comes from the north it can mean death or change. An east wind indicates wisdom. A south wind is a powerful wind. A west wind is fertile and love-giving.Highlighted by 216 Kindle readers- Cad Goddeau, “The Battle of the Trees,” written by the druid Taliesin.Highlighted by 163 Kindle readers
- It was often said that when two old souls who have lived many lives came together once again, they remembered each other. That was what Banquo meant. Our shared vision…it had been soul magic.Highlighted by 153 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Destined to become Queen of Scotland.
Bound by blood to the Celtic gods.
Gripping Scottish Historical Fiction
Destined for the Scottish throne, Gruoch must marry the man her family decrees. But when she meets Banquo, a gallant Highlander and druid, she is torn between her duty to her family and her heart. Dive into book 1 of The Celtic Blood Series. Perfect for lovers of Scottish and Celtic mythology.
Journey to the spellbinding Scottish Highlands for this tale of true love and fate...
Dive into the complete Celtic Blood series!
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Reviews with images
Historical fantasy at its finest
I've always loved Shakespeare and I love stories that look at characters' backstories in new, fascinating ways. Gruoch's story of how she became Lady Macbeth is an intense read and I was captivated through the entire story. Melanie Karsak weaves a story that makes you want to keep flipping to the next page -- and I kept page turning until I was done with all four novels.Highly recommended if you're looking for a dark, fantasy read about a heroine we've only gotten a glimpse of before.
Top reviews from other countries
Imogen Burton
Bogstandard, boring, and nothing at all to do with Shakespeare.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2019