Lady Macbeth

December 17, 2007
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.

January 15, 2008
Celtic magic mixed with early Christianity weaves through this retelling of the life of the legendary, power-mad Scottish queen. All the elements of Shakespeare's famous play are present: the betrayals, the magic, the medieval setting, and the bloody rise of Macbeth from lord to king through murder. But King in her hardcover debut draws on the historical record and research done by the great historical novelist Dorothy Dunnett for "King Hereafter" to rework the familiar story from the viewpoint of Macbeth's lady, whose name according to an 11th-century document was Gruadh. She was of Scots royal blood, and thus it can be gathered, and as King retells it, that she was from an early age a pawn for power. The author has published as Susan King and Sarah Gabriel. Recommended for historical fiction collections.Mary Kay Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2008
Adult/High School-During her childhood, Lady Gruadh, the last female descendant of Scotlands highest royalty, is taught to battle like other Celtic women warriors. Her father, Bodhe, marries her off to a northern warrior and lord. Macbeth murders her husband and forces marriage on Lady Gruadh, who is pregnant. Because of much unrest, the Macbeths battle to protect their lands and her son, Lulach, from Vikings, Saxons, and ultimately Lord Malcolm. Kings prose is rich with excellent details of 11th-century Scotland and vivid characters that are true to life. Specifics of language, customs, food, clothing, daily life, and warfare are incorporated effectively into the story. Kings scholarly research provides the necessary ingredients for a well-crafted story, one that Shakespeare lovers and historical fiction enthusiasts will enjoy."Gregory Lum, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2008
This is not a retelling of Shakespeares play but a retelling of Shakespeares original source material. The novel follows Gruadh (here given the more appealing nickname of Rue) as she moves from being a pawn to a wife, a widow, a mother, and eventually, queen. Rue and Macbeth are both strong and intriguing characters, without being overly romanticized. Their relationship, born of necessity and grown into respect and a form of love, feels true to the time but easy for modern readers to relate to. Rues quick change from hating to loving her first husband is a little harder to accept. The details of Scottish royal succession, and even Scottish naming practices, can be difficult for a casual reader to keep track of, but they are not integral to the plot. It is rare for a historical novel to present a strong, female character who does not feel anachronistic; this one succeeds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)