Lady MacBethad

By: Isabelle Schuler

Narrated by: Sara Vickers

Bloomsbury presents Lady MacBethad by Isabelle Schuler, read by Sara Vickers.

LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION DAGGER 2024
LONGLISTED FOR THE GOLDSBORO GLASS BELL AWARD 2024

'Suspenseful, atmospheric and full of twists and turns, I loved the brutal, backstabbing world that Isabelle Schuler conjures up where only the most ruthless can survive' – Jennifer Saint

'Dazzlingly clever and difficult to put down' i

Power. History. Love. Hate. Vengeance.

She will be Queen. Whatever it takes...

Daughter of an ousted king. Descendant of powerful druids. Destined to take her place in history.

As a child, Gruoch’s grandmother prophecies that she will one day be Queen of Alba and reclaim the lands of her Pictish kin. When, many years later, she is betrothed to Duncan, the heir-elect, the prophecy appears to come true. Determined to never to be as powerless as her parents, Gruoch leaves behind her home, her family and her friend MacBethad, and travels to the royal seat at Scone to seal her fate.

But when a deadly turn of events forces Gruoch to flee Duncan and the capital, Gruoch finds herself at the mercy of an old enemy.

Her hope of becoming Queen all but lost, Gruoch does what she must to survive, until she is given a choice: live a long, peaceful life but fall into obscurity, or seize her chance for vengeance and a path back to the throne.

A thrilling, sweeping historical epic, Lady MacBethad reimagines the life of Gruoch – the real life Scottish Queen who inspired one of Shakespeare's most famous characters.

©2023 Isabelle Schuler (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Enchanting Lady MacBethad: A Captivating Journey

Oh, I absolutely adored this book! It has undoubtedly become my favorite read of the year so far. Let me start by saying that even though I wasn't familiar with Shakespeare's MacBeth, diving into Lady MacBethad's world through fresh eyes made the experience truly captivating. This novel stands tall on its own and is a thrilling journey from start to finish.

The novel was well written, and the pacing was just right. It flowed smoothly, striking a perfect balance between moving at a reasonable pace without feeling rushed or dragging on. The characters are wonderfully crafted, though I must admit, they aren't the most likable bunch. But that's precisely what adds depth to the story - Gruoch, also known as Lady MacBethad, is an enigmatic and narcissistic character like no other. Her relentless pursuit of becoming Queen, fueled by delusions of grandeur, keeps you engrossed.

In this era, it's easy to forget that these characters were much younger than we perceive them to be. Gruoch's youthfulness is a reminder of how young they truly were, and it brings a unique perspective to the narrative. She might have been a grown woman on paper, but her actions betray her young age, making her both obnoxious and intriguing.

What I love most about this novel is the absence of clear heroes or villains. It delves into the complexities of ambition, where everyone seems to have their own agenda. The rise of a capitalistic culture, woven into the story's fabric, adds layers of depth and intrigue. And Gruoch's short-sighted shenanigans, while entertaining, left me wondering what mischief she'd come up with next. I found myself secretly wishing I could offer some advice from the sidelines.

One thing to note is that the ending felt surprisingly abrupt. But after pondering it for a while, I've made my peace with it, and I'm eagerly hoping for a part two to continue this tale.

If there's one tiny tweak I'd make, it would be to give Gruoch a darker, more sinister voice, akin to Verity. I can't help but imagine how that might have propelled the novel to even greater heights.

In summary, the quality of writing is top-notch. The characters, while not the most likable, are undeniably captivating, and the entertainment factor wins out. There's a depth of insightfulness that keeps you pondering the story's nuances long after you've turned the final page, particularly about ambition. Furthermore, the ease of reading makes it an inviting and delightful experience for any reader.

Excellent historical fiction book!!!

I was so invested in the characters of this book. I hope the author writes a second book. I want to know what happens next!!!