Lady Macbeth: A Novel (Paperback)

Historical romance novelist King leaps into deeper historical waters with this captivating take on Lady Macbeth, who tells her side of the story with a forceful, uncompromising daring. Gruadh, the future Lady Macbeth and the daughter of 11th-century Scottish prince Bodhe, survives several kidnappings in her girlhood and, determined to uphold the traditions of fierce Celtic women warriors, learns how to fight. Rue meets Macbeth, whose royal blood is nearly as pure as hers, but her father marries her off to the warrior Gillecomgan, of whom she grows fond. Macbeth kills him during Rue's pregnancy and immediately marries her, as is his right as victor—and there soon prove to be many more compelling reasons for the match. As King Malcolm's tyranny causes unrest, the Macbeths embark on a bloody campaign to win over their countrymen. Based on historical evidence and recent theories of the era, this is an epic tale written in high-voltage prose. King's novel will thrill lovers of Shakespeare adaptations and delight anyone who wants to enjoy a ripping tale of love and ambition. (Feb.)
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“A compelling book, vividly realized with fascinating detail."
–Rosalind Miles, international bestselling author of I, Elizabeth

“Forget everything you ever knew about Lady Macbeth! This the real deal, immediate and powerful. Combining fresh new scholarship with a rare gift for storytelling, Susan Fraser King brings to life the true Scottish Queen–brave, wise, and altogether enthralling.”
—Susan Holloway Scott, author of Duchess: A Novel of Sarah Churchill

“Lady Macbeth paints a most intriguing portrait of the woman we thought we knew. A richly detailed, beautifully written, and moving story.
—Loretta Chase, USA Today bestselling author

“Weaves fact and fiction seamlessly, and transports the reader to eleventh century Scotland. Fluidly written, sometimes lyrical, Lady Macbeth is fascinating, exciting and memorable.”
—Edith Felber, author of Queen of the Shadows

“Spinning her tale from the steel and bones of history, Susan Fraser King tackles one of literature’s most famous villainesses, and utterly transforms her. With vividly drawn details and richly believable characters, Lady Macbeth takes place in a Scotland that feels so authentic readers can smell the heather and feel the cold northern winds; this novel will forever change the way you view Macbeth and his lady.
—Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author

"King is an exceptional medievalist who has moved from historical romance to historical fiction with a novel exploring the life of Lady Macbeth--not Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth, but a full-blooded woman with a warrior's heart and a politician's mind.  She will surely influence the way readers view Macbeth and his queen in the future."
—Romantic Times

“Historical romance novelist King leaps into deeper historical waters with this captivating take on Lady Macbeth, who tells her side of the story with a forceful, uncompromising daring…Based on historical evidence and recent theories of the era, this is an epic tale written in high-voltage prose. King’s novel will thrill lovers of Shakespeare adaptations and delight anyone who wants to enjoy a ripping tale of love and ambition.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A fascinating, layered story: King’s novel turns Shakespeare’s play on its ear, setting history against fable as it brings a nuanced and fierce truth to the life of the much-maligned Lady Macbeth.”
–Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author


From the Hardcover edition.