“Lady Macbeth” by Ava Reid – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Page Count: 432
Quick Summary
Lady Macbeth reimagines one of Shakespeare’s most infamous women, finally giving her a name—Roscille—and a story of her own. She’s a French noblewoman with a dangerous reputation, rumored to possess a supernatural power that can drive men mad. Forced into marriage with the ambitious Scottish warrior Macbeth, Roscille is thrust into a world of political maneuvering, ancient magic, and a fight for survival in a land that sees her as a threat.
What I Loved
A Dark & Lush Retelling: Ava Reid's writing is stunningly atmospheric—moody, immersive, and full of dark, gothic vibes. Perfect for this kind of story!
A Lady Macbeth With Depth: Roscille is complex, flawed, and not always likable, but her journey is compelling. It was refreshing to see her as a fully fleshed-out character rather than just "Macbeth's wife."
A Fresh Take on the Witches: The witches in this book? So good. Reid reimagines their role in a way that adds layers to the story.
Power & Agency: The book does a fantastic job exploring themes of power, fate, and female autonomy. It leans into the idea that history has often erased women’s stories—until now.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Slow Start: The beginning was a bit heavy on the world-building, which made it a slow burn for me. Once I got past the first few chapters, though, I was hooked.
Too Far Removed from Macbeth? This is more of an alternative history than a strict retelling. If you go in expecting a direct tie-in to Shakespeare’s play, you might feel a little lost.
Pacing Issues Toward the End: The second half had some uneven pacing, and the war strategy bits? Yeah, my brain checked out.
Who Should Read This?
If you love historical fantasy, feminist retellings, or dark, atmospheric stories with political intrigue, Lady Macbeth is worth picking up. Even if you’re not a Macbeth scholar, you can still appreciate the fresh take on this legendary character.
Final Thoughts
This book surprised me! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got into it, I was fully invested. While I think the story might have been even stronger as a standalone, separate from Macbeth, it’s still an incredibly well-written and thought-provoking read. If you love dark retellings with a focus on female agency, this one’s for you.
