My Keen Knife

by Ana Davis

Fair is foul and foul is fair in a country ravaged by the lies of its monarchy. To claim the crown, Adelina, Seba, and Jasibin must learn to be a little wicked…even if it means betraying each other.

All hail Malves, who shall wear crowns.
On the night of her brother’s murder, Adelina Malves holds him as he dies, inheriting both his title and the prophecy that spelled out his doom. If she’s to avenge him and avoid a similar death, she must claim the crown of Jumaral by ruthlessly cutting down every family member ahead of her in the line of succession and uncover the secret that got her brother killed.

Hail! Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.
Ghost-whispering Jasibin holds the key to Adelina’s plan to contact her dead brother—if only his strange magic wasn’t killing him slowly. To fulfill his own prophecy and protect his brother Seba, he must discover the source of his magic before he’s lost to the land of the dead.

All hail, Sebastião, that shall be king hereafter.
Seba is desperate for a way out of Jumaral and the substantial financial debt his dead mother left him. When a witch sees the riches of a king in his future, Adelina’s offer of coin in exchange for help feels like fate, pulling Seba into a fake dating plot with Adelina that hides their sinister plans.

In this stunning, innovative retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in a Portugal-inspired country, three teenagers will stop at nothing to fulfill their destinies.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult, Shakespeare

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2025

About the author

Ana Davis is a fantasy writer, currently pursuing double master’s degrees in what amount to Human Rights and International Conflict (the actual names are a mouthful). She recently graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs. Ana was a mentee for round nine of Author Mentor Match, and she remains far too invested in the books she read in high school English class.

Reviews

[Hannah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou to Turner publishing for this advanced copy I received through NetGalley. And thankyou to Ana Davis for this thrilling adventure.

Spoiler free review.

Love, betrayal and magic.

This was a very distinct read following three teenagers in a Portugal inspired YA Fantasy that draws on Shakespeare’s Macbeth for inspiration. It’s a fast paced read from start to end opening on a pivotal moment that sets the scene and tone for the novel. It includes non-binary representation and multiple points of view.

There’s an interesting tension between established religion and monarchy versus the emergence of science and magical rivals. I loved the revival of Shakespearean themes and motifs making this books an enjoyable and nostalgic read. The ending has me hooked and I cannot wait to continue reading what Davis has to offer.

[vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

gracias netgalley por mandarme el arc!!!! pero aunque amo a shakespeare, lamentablemente a este libro le faltó el poder de la elipsis de escenas con nula importancia y mejorar la manera de dar la infooooo. no, no me estás dando un plot twist atrás de otro si me revelás cosas que 1. jamás hubiera visto venir porque ni las mencionaste, 2. no me interesan, 3. tenés que generar intriga para que el cambio de estado del plot twist se produzca, y ya que nunca nos daba info hasta que se revelaba completamente, no generaba NADA, y 4. debido a todo esto, parecía que las cosas se le iban a ocurriendo a medida que escribía. además cuando ya me di cuenta cómo terminaba me quise matarrrrr, hubiera sido un buenísimo standalone whyyyy???

es un 1.5 para mí porque aparte tampoco me divirtió y a los personajes los sentí raros y no me encariñé. lo siento maría (ana davis), me habría encantado amarlo pero no se pudo.

[Clover · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ✨
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an ARC of this book.
I was drawn to this title by the cover and its premises - a Macbeth inspired tale with intrigue and supernatural elements? Sign me in. Unfortunately I have to say that, to me, this book didn’t live up to its promises: the three MCs felt stereotypical at best and I couldn’t care about any of them, despite Jas being exactly what I like to read, at least in theory. The setting was blurry, and I would have very much liked less secondary characters and a bit more environmental details. What is left of Macbeth in My keen knife? An attempt to motivation that felt weak and left the characters moving without cause.
I’m sure there will be many who will love this, but it just wasn’t for me.

[Teagan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me editorial review:

"Wickedly good and as sharp as a blade, Davis's prose cuts through Shakespeare's original text and creates something wholly new and devilishly divine. Legacy, betrayal, and an undying desire to fulfill one's destiny culminates to form a unique retelling of a beloved and bloody classic. My Keen Knife will slice through the deepest parts of your soul and ask the ultimate question: are we human or are we monster?"

[nana✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this book ended up being such an unexpected delight!

After her brother’s murder, Adelina Malves inherits both his title and the prophecy that doomed him. To claim the crown and survive her fate, she must destroy those ahead of her in the royal line and uncover the secret that killed him. With the help of Jasibin, a man whose gift for speaking with the dead is slowly killing him, and Seba, his debt-ridden brother drawn into her schemes, Adelina’s quest for vengeance becomes a dangerous game of prophecy, power, and desire.

Let me start by saying I’m only vaguely familiar with Macbeth. I can’t say if this is a good retelling, but I really liked the book as its own story! I love how Ana Davis took elements from Macbeth and made them into something new in My Keen Knife.

This book has some unlikable characters who are, in my opinion, actually so well done. I wasn’t convinced at first (I usually root for the good guys) but being inside the heads of the bad ones and seeing all their twisted morals and justifications was fascinating. The dynamic between Adelina and Seba by the end was such a highlight for me! Watching their development, especially Seba’s (and development doesn’t always mean good character development), felt so believable and genius. I loved reading about them! I also had two favorite characters who were done very dirty... iykyk.

Adelina herself is such a great main character! She’s definitely morally grey and mostly out for herself, but she’s also clever, always scheming, and so interesting to follow. The author doesn’t focus on making her good or likable, and I really appreciated that. It’s not the kind of protagonist I read about often, so she felt like a breath of fresh air!

Now, I’ll admit I was a bit confused at times, especially in the beginning, when it came to the plot and some character motives. I couldn’t always figure out what was going on, which left me a little lost. The pacing also starts off a bit slow, but it picks up really well, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. I finished this in just two days because I had to know what would happen next! There are some wild things going on in this book (betrayals (lots of those), witches, death, goddesses, legends, myths, alchemy), it’s chaotic, but it just really works for me!

Another thing that made it so easy to fly through was the writing style. I don’t even know exactly what it is, but the prose completely pulled me in and made the pages fly by. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that I could just sit down and finish in a couple of sittings.

And that ending! I really thought this was a standalone, but with that final page, it just can’t be. I need to know what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of My Keen Knife is excellent - Macbeth inspired, with a Portugal-esque setting and lots of bloody murder!

I felt that the execution didn’t quite meet the expectations in this story (except for the amount of bloody murder - that absolutely met expectations).

I will start by saying that this may be the only story to actually sell me on a fake dating plot device. The banter between Adelina and Seba was solidly entertaining throughout. I hated every character, but in the way you’re supposed to for a story that takes its inspiration from Macbeth.

I felt that the info dump backstory near the end of the book really lost a lot of the intrigue, and the lack of description for how any of this magic works was frustrating. Some threads that were hinted early on were never explained or resolved. The characters’ motivations and behaviors, as well as the world-building near the end, felt very contrived just to drive to the climax.

The lack of resolution at the end really drove home that this book started out quite strong, but falls off in the execution towards the end. I wanted so much more from this story, because it really had the potential.

The references to Macbeth are well handled throughout - you can tell that Davis respects and appreciates the original source material.

To close, I’ll say that I wanted desperately to love this book, but unfortunately it just didn’t come together for me.

Thanks to Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley for an eARC of this book so that I may leave an honest review.

[Ivy Castell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers at Keylight Books and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I had a great time with this book, because it truly does draw you in from the beginning (you can trust me on that).

In this Macbeth inspired YA Fantasy, in a world inspired by Portugal you really have it all. Religion, witches, prophecies, some fake dating, and murder. It follows three teens all unlikable in the best and worst ways and some unreliability as our FMC is very unreliable, which I eat up everytime.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read Macbeth, so I’m sure there’s some I missed out on, but it’s easy to tell that this story was created with a lot of love and care, I really enjoyed this world.

The ending did fall apart for me, I think it could have been a five star read with some tweaks but overall I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for more!

[Aila Krisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 stars
So the thing is, I did like the writing style of this, but plot just ended up feeling kinda tedious and honestly just a bit confusing at times. It’s set in a very atmospheric kingdom, whose rough and craggy coastlines were very reminiscent of the Atlantic coastline of mainland Portugal and the Azores. This setting was beautiful, and really fit the story, it was definitely one of the highlights of this book for me.

The story, on the other hand, didn’t quite work for me, but I don’t know if I can really articulate why. The main three characters were definitely interesting and I appreciated that they were neither clearly good or evil. But that also made the last fourth or so of the book a bit… uninteresting. The one character I liked and actually cared about, Jas, is off-page during this stretch of the story and the focus is on Adelina and Seba. The latter of whom had become absolutely insufferable by that point, making me lose interest in reading his chapters. While Adelina was still an enjoyable character, I really struggled keeping track of her plan, especially the magical elements, which got more and more confusing (and thus less and less compelling) as the book neared its end.

Lastly, the ending. I went into this expecting it to be a stand-alone, as nothing in the description or on the goodreads page indicated that it would have a sequel. So I expected to get a conclusion to the story within this book, but instead I got basically a cliff-hanger, which was disappointing and honestly just straight up annoying. And as much as I enjoyed the writing style of this author, I don’t think I’ll be picking up the sequel.
----
Thank you to Turner Publishing for the ARC

[R.A. Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loveddddd MY KEEN KNIFE!

MY KEEN KNIFE is an addictive, fast-paced read with treacherous twists and turns. Adelina is a delightfully conniving heroine, who manipulates everyone expertly, including the reader. Lovers of fantasy will devour the rich and darkly magical setting.

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Keylight Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

What I liked:

- The author clearly put a lot of thought into the intricacies of the plot. Each character had their own unique motivations, and they were working behind the scenes to their own ends. This kept the plot moving and interesting, and kept me intrigued about what each character would do.
- The morally-gray characters - I appreciate that Adelina in particular acted more in her own interests that anything. The impact of her upbringing shows really clearly in her decisions and motivations, and it made her very believable.
- It was an interesting take on the familiar story of Macbeth, which I appreciated. It’s a story that doesn’t get a lot of retellings, so it felt refreshing.
- The worldbuilding was pretty in-depth, and you can tell that the author put a lot of thought into it.

What wasn’t for me:

- The characters hard to get a read on in the beginning. I couldn’t pin down whether any of them liked each other at all, or what their opinions on each other were in general.
- There were quite a few issues with repeated words and clunky writing that made it difficult to follow the plot.
- It felt like we keep forgetting about plot points - for example, Seba and Adelina’s fake relationship. Once it was established at the start of the story, it was put way on the back burner and seemingly forgotten about until it was convenient for the plot.
- I was CONFUSED. I didn’t know why people were doing what they were doing or acting and reacting the way that they were. Things were being explained in such a way that details were missing. It’s like I was supposed to know certain information already, so it was being left out and just the character’s emotions were being described. So then I was left wondering why they were feeling the way they were because I didn’t have a grasp on what was happening.
- Seba - This character is self-centered, expects everyone (Jas) to fix his problems for him, cowers behind his brother, considers no one else’s problems or feelings or wellbeing, and also he’s just kind of dumb. Adelina, I understand more because she’s grieving and has been raised in a literal viper’s nest, so she’s grown up having to be cutthroat. I think ‘unlikeable’ characters can be done well, provided they have something that makes the reader want to engage with them, and Seba just did not have that for me.
- Jas and Delila came quite literally out of nowhere. I was given no reason to believe they had any chemistry apart from the “flutter” in Jas’ stomach that he mentions literally every time he sees her.

[Samantha Kert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!!

Macbeth was one of my favorite things that I read/learned about in high school, so naturally I was drawn in when I saw that this book was a retelling of the play! I really liked that small parts of the play made it into the book, some of them were so subtle I almost missed it!

This book was one big dark rollercoaster! One moment I thought I knew what was going on and then boom there’s a jaw dropping twist! I had a great time reading each of the MCs pov’s and each of them were complex and interesting in their own ways! It’s not very often that I read a book where the FMC (in this case, Adelina) is extremely morally grey and will stop at nothing to get what she wants! Brothers Seba and Jas were an emotional rollercoaster of their own! I wanted to hug them at some points! Jas’ ability to speak to the dead was really cool but I wish some of what was said in the blurb was mentioned more in the story. Although there was no romance in Seba and Adelina’s fake dating plan it was fun to read their dynamics!

The side characters were just as interesting and it did feel a bit cluttered at times but I thought they added to the plot nicely! I’m going to be honest I was flipping back and forth between four and five stars when I was reading but I ultimately decided 4 1/2 stars! There were some things throughout the book that I couldn’t see past. I felt like there wasn’t enough closure with a character and I was left wondering what happened. There were also multiple times where I was confused on what was going on in a scene. It could’ve been just a me thing but a little more details could’ve helped.

If you like reading books with morally grey characters, unique magic systems, a nitty gritty plot with lots of revelations, a no BS-er FMC, and love retellings then this book is for you!!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing the eARC!

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read Macbeth, so when I saw that My Keen Knife was Macbeth-inspired, I went back and re-read it in preparation. You don't need to be familiar with Macbeth to understand this story, but I was glad I did so that I could appreciate all the references sprinkled throughout the text. It's not 1:1 with the plot of Macbeth, so there's room to be surprised while also weaving certain elements into the heart of the story.

I will lovingly describe our three protagonists as a pack of little sociopaths. Like the original, this story focuses on the pursuit of power to the exclusion of almost everything else, complete with the attendant betrayals and murders. The story actually had a lot to offer in the way of twists and turns, but unfortunately I think it fell flat in the execution.

Davis has a habit of skipping over what I would consider the most exciting parts of the plot only to describe them in hindsight as a "reveal" later. This could be cool once or twice, but I noticed it happening over and over without enough foreshadowing to build suspense, leading to a story that dragged or felt aimless at times. The writing itself is a bit clumsy, which I mostly didn't mind, except for the terribly awkward pet name Seba and Adelina chose for each other.

I love an unlikable or ethically unsound protagonist, and My Keen Knife gives us a barrel full of them. Unfortunately the narrative doesn't give them enough depth to make them interesting. Seba is greedy, Adelina is determined to fulfill her prophecy, Jas is self-hating, and that's... kind of it. I liked the side characters considerably more and would like to see more of their perspectives, especially Calixto.

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere so I'll point out that this is the apparent first in a series, and it ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger! I am interested to know how this tangled web resolves, but I'm not sure I enjoyed the ride enough to pick up book two. All that said, My Keen Knife is a unique take on Macbeth with true morally gray characters that differs from a lot of YA fare out there. If you are a Shakespeare fan or are looking for something a little different, it's worth checking out.

Thanks to Netgalley and Turner Publishing Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.

[Dayna Smith]

One minute I was laughing, the next I wanted to throw the book across the room in frustration — and then suddenly, I was misty-eyed because these characters? They got me. Ana Davis knows exactly how to pull every string in your heart while still driving the story forward with razor-sharp intensity. The pacing? Chef’s kiss. The suspense? Torturous, in the best way. Good luck putting this one down once you start.

The world building is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Think historical Portugal laced with magic, prophecy, religion, and just enough Industrial Revolution grit to give it teeth. It shouldn’t work — and yet, it absolutely does. The setting feels vivid and immersive: sun-drenched courtyards and dangerous alleyways, charming cities that hide rot under their beauty, and a sea that always seems to be watching. Davis nails the atmosphere.

The characters? Messy, layered, and impossible not to love—or hate, depending on the moment. Switching between the three main perspectives made the emotional stakes feel personal and intimate. I didn’t always agree with their choices, but I understood them. That’s the mark of well-drawn characters. Every relationship is steeped in tension — romantic, political, or otherwise — and the emotional payoff is real.

That said, this isn’t a flawless read. Some of the plot twists feel abrupt, and a few emotional arcs could’ve used more room to breathe. Adelina, in particular, is fascinating but occasionally opaque — I wanted to see more of what made her tick beneath the ambition. And while the story thrives on chaos, some moments felt more dramatic than earned.

[Taylor Chown · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Keen Knife by Ana Davis was such an unexpected gem. I went into this knowing it was a Macbeth retelling, but I’ll be honest — I’m not familiar with the original play. Because of that, I’m sure there were moments, parallels, and symbolism that slipped past me, but even so, this book completely swept me away.

Ana Davis has created a world that feels alive — wild, vivid, and deeply atmospheric. It perfectly balances the beauty of a castle and surrounding nature with the darkness woven through the story. Every chapter felt intentional and layered, with a tension that built steadily as the story unfolded.

The characters were another highlight for me. Each one was written with so much care and complexity that I found myself understanding their choices. They felt real, flawed, and deeply human in nature. You can tell Davis put so much thought into crafting characters who not only serve the plot but carry their own weight and purpose.

The storyline was engaging from start to finish — darkly poetic, tragic in parts, and filled with emotional depth. I loved the way power, fate, and ambition were explored throughout, and how each character’s decisions rippled outward in unexpected ways. And in the nicest way possible… I hate that we were left hanging at the end. I turned the final page desperate for more.

Even though I know I missed some of the Macbeth nods, My Keen Knife stands completely on its own, it has lingered after I finished it. Ana Davis has crafted something truly special here, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Thank you very much to Turner Publishing and Ana Davis for this beautiful ARC!

[riri · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC!

I must admit I am not very confident speaking about Macbeth, as I have never read it, so starting this book was definitely an experience – a good one, at that. As a fellow Portuguese, it was simultaneously strange and pleasing to read a book with Portuguese references.
It was hard to get into it at first, maybe because of what I just mentioned above (reading Portuguese names at first really threw me off, I can't lie!), but, after a while, I easily got into the groove of it and I was hooked. The topics of monarchy/religion, magic/science, love/hatred are so interestingly depicted in this book. It is somewhat fast-paced, with very interesting and diverse characters (with queer elements!), which I deeply appreciated.
The characters are simple, you can understand their motives very early on in the story, but there isn't some sort of growth, in a positive way. I felt slightly annoyed by both Adelina and Seba, their characters are egotistical and juvenile, but that is exactly why I got addicted to this book halfway through. They are just teenagers with a thirst for vengeance and power.
I think this might be a popular opinion but my favourite character is Jas, I now hold a very special place in my heart for him.
Without spoiling anything, I am pleasantly surprised with this read, I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The cliffhanger solidified my opinion, and now I am itching for more.

[DarkS · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, My Keen Knife completely wrecked me—in the best possible way. This book is a full-on emotional rollercoaster . One minute I was laughing, the next I was ready to throw the book across the room in rage, and then suddenly I’m sitting there misty-eyed because these characters?? They got me. Davis really knows how to pull every single string in your heart while still keeping the story racing forward. The pacing? Chef’s kiss. The suspense? Torturous in the best way. Basically, once you start, good luck putting it down.

The worldbuilding had me absolutely hooked. Imagine historical Portugal sprinkled with magic, religion, and Industrial Revolution vibes—like, what?? 🤯 It shouldn’t work, but it so does. The setting is gorgeous and dangerous all at once: sunny colors and charming cities on one side, a menacing sea and dark corners on the other. Total atmosphere overload (in the best way).

And don’t even get me started on the characters. They are messy, layered, and impossible not to love—or hate, depending on the moment 😂. Switching perspectives between the three mains made me feel like I was living inside their heads. Every relationship is unique and filled with tension, and honestly, by the end I was attached to all of them.

If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s emotional, beautifully written, and impossible to put down, My Keen Knife is IT. This one’s going straight to my favorites shelf 🖤

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook in exchange for a fair review.

3/5 stars

Okay, I feel a bit bad for this. I liked a lot of the little elements, but it never came together for me. I felt like the characters were a little bit flat and/or stereotypical, especially Seba and Adelina. For me, it seemed like Adelina’s character underwent a violent shift after the first time we see her from Jas’s perspective. She seemed fairly sympathetic from hers, but so untrustworthy and manipulative from the boys’ perspective. And I know this is probably on purpose- unreliable narrator, difference between a character’s perception of themselves versus others’ perception of them… but this felt just too different. It was like two different characters.

And the romance with Seba and Adelina- I felt like we’re supposed to think that they will be together (toxically) in the end, but I also just didn’t see it. It’s a means to an end for both of them, sure, but it just really didn’t do it for me.

The setting felt so nebulous. I thought we were in a standard “medieval/renaissance-esque” fantasy world, until there were guns and motor cars. I would’ve loved to see the setting more clearly, to really get a sense for what the culture is like overall.

I did enjoy parts of this, but it didn’t hit home for me. I don’t think I will read the next one, even with that cliffhanger.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Keen Knife is a razor-sharp, blood-red retelling of Macbeth that blends dark academia, revenge fantasy, and a fierce feminist edge. Hannah Capin crafts a story that feels both mythic and modern—an intoxicating mix of lyrical prose, glossy brutality, and unapologetic rage.

The novel follows Elle, a girl who refuses to play the role of victim after a violent assault. Instead, she transforms herself into a weapon and infiltrates the gilded world of St. Andrew’s prep school, where she intends to destroy the boys responsible—one calculated, chilling move at a time. Capin’s writing is hypnotic, dripping with atmosphere and raw emotion. The narrative pulses with tension as Elle and her coven of friends manipulate their way through halls filled with privilege, secrets, and rot.

This story won’t be for everyone—it’s violent, morally ambiguous, and deliberately confrontational—but that’s exactly what gives it its impact. Capin doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of power or the intoxicating allure of vengeance. Readers who appreciate dark retellings, sharp social commentary, and femme-vengeance narratives (like Heathers or Kill Bill) will find this novel gripping from start to finish.

Bold, brutal, and unforgettable, My Keen Knife is a modern revenge tragedy with teeth. Perfect if you like your YA fiction daring, dangerous, and impossible to look away from.

[Andrea Latiolais · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3-Star Review of My Keen Knife by Ana Davis

My Keen Knife cuts deep — not always cleanly, but with a strangely beautiful precision. Ana Davis delivers a fever dream of femininity, fury, and fractured identity that reads like Hamlet’s “I am cruel only to be kind” had a baby with a confessional zine. It’s poetic, haunting, and a little bit unhinged — in the best way.

Davis’s prose glitters with sharp edges. Every sentence feels carved, deliberate, and drenched in feeling. Yet, amid the lush language and theatrical flair, the story sometimes loses its pulse. The structure wavers between brilliance and bewilderment — like watching Ophelia tell her side of the story but through a cracked mirror. Still, there’s a hypnotic pull to Davis’s voice that keeps you lingering even when you’re unsure where she’s leading you.

This isn’t a book that plays nice; it seduces, confuses, and wounds. You’ll finish it feeling a little dizzy — maybe even a little bewitched.

My Keen Knife is for readers who crave something beautiful and brutal, something that tastes like honey and iron. Think Boy Parts by way of Shakespeare’s tragedy — a soliloquy in red 💄

[Brooke DeBoest · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the death of her beloved brother, Lady Adelina finds herself at an impasse. When a prophecy from three witches leads her to conclude that she must kill her family in order to become queen, she has to decide how far she is willing to go to make this happen. Does she have what it takes, or will the blood on her hands cause her downfall?

The premise of this Shakespearean retelling was intriguing, but I struggled with the story. The novel began in a flashback type situation that I had a hard time getting into. To me, the three main characters whose perspectives the story is told from were unlikeable, so I did not feel invested in their lives or their successes and failures. The worldbuilding also felt shaky at first as I tried to understand the difference between witch magic, alchemy magic, the goddess Ostrea and the great waves, and the different prophecies.

That said, the action picked up during the second half of the book, and I think plenty of high school students will enjoy this as a dark fantasy (you don't need to have read Macbeth to follow this novel).

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for free in NetGalley - opinions are my own

I was looking forward to this as I'm a big fan of Macbeth. I think the book does an excellent job of crafting three sociopaths with varying degrees of relatability. Unfortunately after giving the book a good shot I've decided to DNF at 30%.

What I enjoyed:
- The atmosphere is magical, I enjoy seeing the portrayal of Portugal that Davis has painted

- The essence of the characters. I found Seba fell a bit flat for me, but Adelina and Jas I found endearing in their own ways

- A faithful but not predictable retelling of a classic

What wasn't for me:

- While I liked the essence of the characters, I found Seba and Jas particularly too similar in tone, so I often got their POVs confused. Some more personality injected into their thoughts would have been nice

Thank you so much for the ARC, and I genuinely look forward to seeing Ana's book.

[Jess (BooksFromBed) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 3%

Yeah, no, this doesn't work for me. The writing is amateurish and disjointed, overtly passive, and frontloads an emotionless info-dump about something that needs way more weight and page time. It would have been so much more compelling to actively show Adelina's brother dying and her reaction to it in the moment, but all we get is a few paragraphs of her recalling it a few hours later, and she doesn't seem to care and is instead trying to kill her parents, who, by what little exposition we're given, she seems to love and have a good relationship with. I don't understand. I could forgive a little confusion and vague characterization if the writing was good, but it's not, so I'm not going to force myself to keep going.

[Bubbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Spoiler-free review.
I unfortunately didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. The synopsis of this had me very intrigued, but I feel that it wasn't well executed. The beginning left me incredibly confused, and several parts were repetitive. I think the beginning would have had more impact if we were bonded with the opening characters.
Just like the beginning, I found the other characters to fall flat for me. Some of the choices I questioned heavily and didn't make sense to me.
All in all, I think this might have benefited from a bit more editing and character development.

[Dustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, this is an okay rehash of Macbeth, but it didn't really grip me at all. I didn't find the characters particularly compelling, although I did enjoy how ruthless they were at times. The change in setting from the original was a cool choice and the magic was sufficiently mysterious.

I definitely don't think I'm the target audience for this book, but if you're a fan of YA and the premise intrigues you, you might want to at least give it a look. (Honestly, the cover art alone kind of makes me want to have it on my shelf.)

Thank you NetGalley and Turner Publishing Company for the review copy!

[Kelly E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one is ready for Lady Adelina. Adelina isn’t ready for Adelina! This was a fantastic retelling of MacBeth set in magical YA Portugal, which follows 3 teenagers. It features multiple points of view, and queer and non-binary representation.
There’s alchemy, magic, betrayal, and lots of tension between the monarchy and the religious system. My Keen Knife is a sharp, witty read, and it ends on a cliff hanger. Ana Davis knife-blade prose will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book. While the premise was compelling, the execution didn't quite meet my expectations. The pacing felt a bit off and I found my engagement waning about halfway through. I also wanted more depth from the characters - they just felt like moving pieces. Additionally, I wanted a bit more world building/details.

[Kamilah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an early reader of this book, and now I've read the one that's going to print and I somehow love it even more. You guys aren't ready for Lady Adelina. She's barely ready for herself!

[take care of urself · Rating 5 out of 5]

we love a #girlboss. this book was as beautiful as it was bloody. one of my top reads for this year.

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book with unique plotting and a very macbethy vibe. the characters were generally fantastic. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Sparrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ARC provided through NetGalley*

By all accounts, I should have loved this book, which is why it hurts so much more that I didn’t. And here’s the thing, there were parts of this book that I did absolutely love. There were certain plot twists that surprised me, but, when looking back at the earlier points in the narrative, it makes complete sense. However, all in all, the plotting and pacing of this book was not great, especially towards the end, and it probably should have gone through a couple more drafts of editing. I genuinely had to drag myself to the ending, and that is never a good sign. The end of the book seems to be setting up a sequel, and as much as it hurts the completionist in me, I will not be able to bring myself to read the possible next book.