A brilliant origin story of a dark and intriguing character, as soon as this was announced I couldn’t wait to read. Isabelle Schuler’s portrayal of Lady MacBethad is as fierce, scheming and strong-willed as I hoped. Through careful character development and intriguing back story, we see how this ambitious young woman came to be such a pivotal character in Shakespeare’s work. Really enjoyable and well worth a read, well done!

This is the story of Gruoch as a child, adolescent and young woman. Gruoch was the name of the real Macbeth's wife but I'm not sure if this is an imagining of her story or of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. Putting this quibble aside I must admit that I enjoyed this story very much. Gruoch is a determined young woman driven by her grandmother's prophecy that she will one day be queen. She's arrogant too and you can't help thinking that you wouldn't like her if you met her in real life.

A good read and I'm hoping that as it ends as she marries Macbethad, there will be a sequel to it. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a fantastic "prequel" to the story of Macbeth before the events in Shakespeare's play. Lady Macbeth is infamous and this tale, told from her point of view, shows where her 'vaulting ambition' came from and how it affected her choices and how it ultimately led to her marriage to MacBeth (or as he is called in this story, Macbethad). It has a slightly Arthurian feel to it, with pagan rites, druids, sorceresses and a violent, unpredictable Scottish medieval setting that feels otherwordly and yet rooted in political realities. Gruoch, the future Lady MacBethad, is a woman out of her time, striving for queenship so she can look after those she loves and live to her fullest potential. She isn't always very likeable, sometimes spiteful to her friends, and a political animal through and through, but you are always on her side, wanting her to overcome the unfairness of her situation and the men and women who are her enemies. This is a great re-imagining of Lady MacBeth at the start of her path to queenship - and I really hope the author continues her story!

Oh my, I loved this. I found it easy to read (although there were a few pages where I think Adair's character was muddled with Lulach's if I read them correctly, so maybe the proofreading wasn't as it should be) and despite never having read MacBeth nor really knowing the story, I could follow the plot with no problem. Certainly one of my favourites this year. I may well buy the actual book once it comes out just to own it.

This book gives the reader an interesting take on Lady MacBeth’s ‘back story’. How accurate is it, who knows, but a good read whatever.

This is the story of Lady Macbeth before she became the hated Lady Macbeth.

It is well told and holds quite a few surprises if you don’t know her history. I had no idea of her parentage and upbringing and this certainly puts a different slant on the Lady Macbeth of Shakespeare’s play. You will end the novel with far more sympathy.

It starts with Grocha, for that is her given name, as a child. Her father is powerful but there are continual power struggles which threaten her and her family. This is where she learns of politics and how to face the world.

It is difficult to review without adding a spoiler so I will just say that, if you are a fan of historical based imaginings, or faction, you will really enjoy this.

I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers but my views are my own.

'Lady MacBethad' is the feminist Shakespeare prequel you never knew you needed!

Set in medieval Scotland, 'Lady MacBethad' follows a young woman called Gruoch, a descendent of ancient Picti warriors. We join her as she fights, schemes, and plots to fulfil her druid Grandmother's prophecy that she will one day become queen.

My favourite thing about this book was how it presents raw female ambition in a really unapologetic way. Gruoch is ruthless and intelligent in her strategising - she's not the stereotypical 'strong female lead,' and is written as this deliciously nuanced, morally complex character. Fans of Annie Garthwaite's 'Cecily' will love the court politics / power struggle elements.

I also really enjoyed the witchy / druid side to the story. It's a thread which runs through the story but the magic never gets 'too much' or interferes with the historical feel of the novel. Fans of Lucy Holland's 'Sistersong' will enjoy similarities in the local deities and the concept of power coming from the earth.

You do NOT need to be a Shakespeare nerd to read this book - it's not a retelling, it's very much a prequel and functions as a standalone book. However... if you are a Shakespeare nerd there are subtle little treats in the book for you to spot!

Cannot recommend this book enough, there really is something for everyone (yes, there's even a bit of spice for the romance readers!).

Comes out March 2023

I was interested to read this book, and it is certainly well-written and well-researched. However, I found it all a bit hard-going. No-one really came alive in my view, and I certainly didn't care very much about Grua.

I loved this so much. Really easy to read and I couldn't put it down. I feel so differently about Lady MacBeth having read it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Lady MacBethad' by Isabelle Schuler.

Let's talk about 'Lady MacBethad'
So first, it's a reimagining of 'Macbeth' by Shakespeare with the protagonist being of course - Lady Macbeth.

The writing style is a beautiful prose filled to the brim with detail and wonder. However, the story didn't compare well to said writing style. I felt like it was more suited to a television adaptation than a book. It took me around 70% into this ARC to get invested in the story. Was it worth waiting until the final 30%? Probably not but I did enjoy that part.

It's not my favourite Shakespeare reimagining - not by a long shot - but I feel like if it is your type of book, you could love it.

I'm afraid this just isn't for me. The style is bland and it's very similar to all that popular historical fiction in the Philippa Gregory mould: a so-called 'feminist' heroine who wants to learn personal 'combat' and understands modern concepts like 'heathen'. This ends just before Shakespeare starts. Anyone who has read Dorothy Dunnett's 'King Hereafter' which traces the story of Groa will be drawn to make comparisons.