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The Fire of Winter
She is known as Lady Macbeth. What leads her down the path of murder? What secrets fire her destiny?
Gruah, the granddaughter of King Cìnéad III of the Royal Clan Alpin, marries two men in less than six months, one she loves and one she hates; one in secret, the other arranged by the High King of Scotland. At the age of eighteen, she lays her palm upon the ancient stone of Scone and sees her destiny as Queen of Scotland, and she vows to do whatever necessary to see her true love, Macbeth macFindlaech, beside her on the throne. Amid the fiery times and heated onslaughts from Denmark and England, as the rule of Scotland hangs in the balance, Gruah seeks to win the throne and bring revenge upon the monsters of her childhood, no matter the cost or amount of blood tainting her own hands; yet, an unexpected meeting with the King called the Confessor causes her to question her bloody path and doubt her once blazing pagan faith. Will she find redemption or has the blood of her past fire-branded her soul?
The story weaves the play by William Shakespeare with the actual history of Macbeth and his Queen in 11th-century Scotland. “...a woman's story at a winter's fire...” (Macbeth, Act III, Scene IV)
“This beautifully written reworking of the Macbeth tale told from Lady Macbeth’s point-of-view flows from the page and you quickly become immersed in the politics and intrigues of feudal Scotland as she fights for her rightful place and her true love! A mesmerising read that grips from start to finish and Gruah is now one of my all-time favourite literary crushes. “ - Iain Leonard, ARC Reviewer
“Brilliantly conceived and beautifully written, The Fire of Winter is a tale not to be missed by lovers of Shakespeare, lovers of history, or lovers of the written word.” - Riana Everly, Author of Teaching Eliza and Through a Different Lens
Gruah, the granddaughter of King Cìnéad III of the Royal Clan Alpin, marries two men in less than six months, one she loves and one she hates; one in secret, the other arranged by the High King of Scotland. At the age of eighteen, she lays her palm upon the ancient stone of Scone and sees her destiny as Queen of Scotland, and she vows to do whatever necessary to see her true love, Macbeth macFindlaech, beside her on the throne. Amid the fiery times and heated onslaughts from Denmark and England, as the rule of Scotland hangs in the balance, Gruah seeks to win the throne and bring revenge upon the monsters of her childhood, no matter the cost or amount of blood tainting her own hands; yet, an unexpected meeting with the King called the Confessor causes her to question her bloody path and doubt her once blazing pagan faith. Will she find redemption or has the blood of her past fire-branded her soul?
The story weaves the play by William Shakespeare with the actual history of Macbeth and his Queen in 11th-century Scotland. “...a woman's story at a winter's fire...” (Macbeth, Act III, Scene IV)
“This beautifully written reworking of the Macbeth tale told from Lady Macbeth’s point-of-view flows from the page and you quickly become immersed in the politics and intrigues of feudal Scotland as she fights for her rightful place and her true love! A mesmerising read that grips from start to finish and Gruah is now one of my all-time favourite literary crushes. “ - Iain Leonard, ARC Reviewer
“Brilliantly conceived and beautifully written, The Fire of Winter is a tale not to be missed by lovers of Shakespeare, lovers of history, or lovers of the written word.” - Riana Everly, Author of Teaching Eliza and Through a Different Lens
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
2 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Marley
7 books95 followersD. K. Marley is the CEO of The Historical Fiction Company, Historical Times Magazine, the Hist Fic Chickie Blog & History Bards podcast. Historical Fiction author specializing in Shakespearean adaptations, Tudor era historicals, Colonial American historicals, alternate historicals, and historical time-travel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 9, 2019
“The Fire of Winter” by D.K. Marley is a retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” told from Lady Macbeth’s perspective. It is also told in a more modern way (without all of the flowery, Old English words and speeches), making it accessible to today’s readers. I am only somewhat familiar with Shakespeare’s original “Macbeth” from reading it in high school. From what I remember, it seems like Ms. Marley stays true to the basic plot, characters and storyline of Shakespeare’s work.
Our main character in “The Fire of Winter” is Gruah (who becomes Lady Macbeth). I love the idea of seeing the story from her perspective and finding out what leads her to commit the awful deeds that she does. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Gruah can be described as a Slytherin through-and-through. She is power hungry and ambitious, to the point where it becomes an all-consuming obsession and seems to drive her to madness. I find it fascinating that Shakespeare wrote a woman to machinate these elaborate schemes that killed kings and who worked the political system, in a time when women were meant to just provide heirs and stay at home embroidering. Gruah is certainly ahead of her time. She would definitely be a feminist if she were alive today.
I grew anxious as the events unfurled, especially during the nail biting climax (“double, double toil and trouble”)! I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of history and Shakespeare!
Content: This is a general market book. I would rate it PG-13. Some examples of the content are: mention of ale and a man’s loins; a lady says she will be naked in bed; a man talks about bedding a woman; a woman is called a “b****”; “d***” and “hell” are used; “bastard” is used of a child born out of wedlock; a girl was raped in her past: mention of a woman’s breasts; a fade to black sex scene; a woman is raped, not much detail and it’s fade to black.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank D.K. Marley and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
Our main character in “The Fire of Winter” is Gruah (who becomes Lady Macbeth). I love the idea of seeing the story from her perspective and finding out what leads her to commit the awful deeds that she does. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Gruah can be described as a Slytherin through-and-through. She is power hungry and ambitious, to the point where it becomes an all-consuming obsession and seems to drive her to madness. I find it fascinating that Shakespeare wrote a woman to machinate these elaborate schemes that killed kings and who worked the political system, in a time when women were meant to just provide heirs and stay at home embroidering. Gruah is certainly ahead of her time. She would definitely be a feminist if she were alive today.
I grew anxious as the events unfurled, especially during the nail biting climax (“double, double toil and trouble”)! I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of history and Shakespeare!
Content: This is a general market book. I would rate it PG-13. Some examples of the content are: mention of ale and a man’s loins; a lady says she will be naked in bed; a man talks about bedding a woman; a woman is called a “b****”; “d***” and “hell” are used; “bastard” is used of a child born out of wedlock; a girl was raped in her past: mention of a woman’s breasts; a fade to black sex scene; a woman is raped, not much detail and it’s fade to black.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank D.K. Marley and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
September 8, 2020
"'Twas what we wanted, remember?"
But as the army, led by Malcolm Canmore, the Earl of Northumbria, and MacDubh march ever closer, it is difficult to remember why they had wanted this power, this responsibility, for it had brought them nothing but heartache.
Determined to marry her true love, Macbeth macFindlaech, Gruah, daughter to Boite MacCinead and distant kin to King Mael Colium, risks the wrath of the king. But with ambition in her heart and the pagan gods by her side, Gruah fears no one. But she is not satisfied to just marry the man she loves. She wants more, she wants Scotland, and she will stop at nothing to be crowned queen.
Do you think you know the story of Lady Macbeth? Think again!
From a child's desperate suffering to nights filled with nightshade and poppy induced dreams, The Fire of Winter by DK Marley is the untold story of Lady Macbeth. A woman's whose crown, like her hands, would be forever stained with the blood of her enemies.
When ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints, and when one decides to use violence to further one's quest for power, the results are a kingship that is forged in tyranny. For those who love Shakespeare, then one would be familiar with his infamous Scottish play. Marley has taken this story one step further and presented her readers with a book that is rich in historical detail, mythology, pagan rituals, and fatalistic violence.
This novel is epic in the telling, and I was immediately enchanted with the compelling narrative and the emotional prose that kept me turning those pages long into the night. This is a story that is filled with cliff-hanger tension and historical controversy. The Fire of Winter is a novel that does not just threaten to mesmerise — it does.
The Fire of Winter is the story of one woman who is determined to never again be in a position where she is vulnerable and open to attack. But Marley asks her readers what you would do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Would you seek revenge, or would you try to forget, move on with your life? The latter is not an option for Gruah (Lady Macbeth), for fate plays her a ruthless hand. She has to act, or she will be forever lost.
The fire that burns in Gruah's very soul, the passion in which she approaches life at the beginning of the book is the very thing that leads her onto a road that takes her to her own predestined damnation. Gruah is the perfect example of an anti-hero, and although the reader can sympathise with her plight, she becomes, later on in the novel, someone who is unrecognisable even to herself. There were times when I lost all sympathy for this character, but at the same time, as she spirals out of control, I could not help but remember the young, innocent girl at the beginning of the book. The tragedy of this story is not the many lives that Gruah sacrifices to get what she wants, but it is the knowledge that perhaps, in the end, she gets what she deserves. I thought Marley's portrayal of Grauh was fabulous. This is a character that both appalled and impressed in almost equal measures.
The "witches" in this novel, are not of the supernatural kind but are instead the daughters of a man who used their mother very poorly and treated them even worse. With an explanation as to how these sisters came to meet with Macbeth on that fateful day at Forres, one cannot help but sympathise with them because, along with Macbeth, they are used to further one woman's ambition. Marley has wavered slightly from the interpretation that Shakespeare presented to his audience. They may be disfigured and shunned from society, but these women are not hags, nor are they evil. They are a product of their time and the circumstances of their birth. Marley does, however, give the nod to Shakespeare by using excerpts from his play to depict the mythical women that one has, after almost four hundred years, come to associate with the story of the Scottish king whose throne was saturated with the blood of the innocent. I thought the depiction of the sisters was very vivid in the telling.
Macbeth is a man swept up in his desires for Gruah, but he also fears that the king is leaning away from the tanistry rights of old, in favour of leaving the throne to his son. Macbeth is a strong contender for the throne, but he is wary. It isn't until he becomes infatuated with Gruah and then allows himself to be so cruelly manipulated that he begins to follow a path of savagery that will ultimately lead to his ruin. Macbeth is a man who promised much, but whose actions haunt him until the day he dies. At times Macbeth is blinded by his love for Grauh. He is a good man, but he is misled. Does that make him a weak man, incapable of thinking for himself? Perhaps. But it also made his story shamelessly compelling. I thought Macbeth was fabulously portrayed. He was a character that I enjoyed reading about.
The battle between Christianity and paganism is also played out between the pages of this book. As Gruah seeks forgiveness for her sins, she looks to the Church, but her pagan beliefs and her shame stop her from receiving the absolution that she so desperately needs. Marley has a clear understanding of how Christianity managed to take hold in a country that was ripe with superstition and pagan practices, and I thought the comparison between the two vastly different beliefs was vividly portrayed.
The Fire of Winter by DK Marley is a novel of exceptional scholarship. This is a novel that will hook a reader in from the opening sentence and will not let go until that final full stop.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
July 4, 2021
A fractured Shakespearean tale of Lady Macbeth. A fascinating and creative look into the mind of one of literature's most enigmatic villains.
Gruah is lead by ambition and the need for revenge. But learns that neither is fulfilling at the end. The tale starts when Gruah is about 18 years old. Flashbacks give us information about her formative years. And the story ends when she is 70. I appreciated the family tree at the beginning since it allowed me to understand the complex familial relationships that form the foundation to the story.
I liked the author's take on witches and witchcraft. I was left with no clear answer to the question whether the prophecy gave birth to rumour which allowed the prophecy to be fulfilled... and whether the three women actually were witches or not.
A lot of research into Scottish history and culture was evident and made the tale believable.
Overall, a very good read.
(Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy)
Gruah is lead by ambition and the need for revenge. But learns that neither is fulfilling at the end. The tale starts when Gruah is about 18 years old. Flashbacks give us information about her formative years. And the story ends when she is 70. I appreciated the family tree at the beginning since it allowed me to understand the complex familial relationships that form the foundation to the story.
I liked the author's take on witches and witchcraft. I was left with no clear answer to the question whether the prophecy gave birth to rumour which allowed the prophecy to be fulfilled... and whether the three women actually were witches or not.
A lot of research into Scottish history and culture was evident and made the tale believable.
Overall, a very good read.
(Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy)
July 30, 2019
The Fire of Winter tells the story of Lady Macbeth, Gruah. I found it fascinating to have this historical figure to be brought to life. I loved how the author made Gruah as a strong and determined woman. The plot is so well written, I did not want it to end.
I like The Fire of Winter. I would love to read other tales written by D K Marly in the future. I am giving this one four and an half stars. I recommend it for those who love to read historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I like The Fire of Winter. I would love to read other tales written by D K Marly in the future. I am giving this one four and an half stars. I recommend it for those who love to read historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
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August 2, 2019Guest Post from the Author + Giveaway @ Let Them Read Books!
July 8, 2025
"Wonderful, creative story that enhances William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth .
This story follows Lady Macbeth, Gruah, from the age of 18 to 70 years old. It takes what is known about the real history of Lady Macbeth and meshes it perfectly with the Shakespearean play. The creativity of the story, giving a twist to Hecate and the witches while holding true to their character and roles, is amazing to me.
First part of the book can be a little slow, establishing the families and lines and Gruah laying the groundwork for her path in life, but it moves much faster as the play and book come together.
I would love to see this as a miniseries."
This story follows Lady Macbeth, Gruah, from the age of 18 to 70 years old. It takes what is known about the real history of Lady Macbeth and meshes it perfectly with the Shakespearean play. The creativity of the story, giving a twist to Hecate and the witches while holding true to their character and roles, is amazing to me.
First part of the book can be a little slow, establishing the families and lines and Gruah laying the groundwork for her path in life, but it moves much faster as the play and book come together.
I would love to see this as a miniseries."
October 3, 2019
Since I am a huge Scotophile and a Shakespeare fanatic, I had to read this retelling of Macbeth from Lady Macbeth's POV right away. This book did not disappoint with it's rich dialogue, lush settings and royal intrigues. D.K. Marley is a master storyteller and has made Macbeth relevant and contemporary for today's readers. Highly recommend! I cannot wait to read more books by this author.
September 26, 2019
It was a struggle to read with the old Scottish words.
I don’t know how true to history the story is as I don’t really know much of Scottish history even though I should as I have a lot of Scottish, English, Irish DNA.
Poor Gruah did not realize at a young age what she was wishing and hoping for her life. I don’t blame her for wanting to be rid of her first husband but she certainly did things the wrong way in trying to get life to become as she wanted it.
If you wish to know some history, read this book. If you want to understand life of the ancient life, read this book. If you want some fantasy life of ancient Scotland, read this book.
I don’t know how true to history the story is as I don’t really know much of Scottish history even though I should as I have a lot of Scottish, English, Irish DNA.
Poor Gruah did not realize at a young age what she was wishing and hoping for her life. I don’t blame her for wanting to be rid of her first husband but she certainly did things the wrong way in trying to get life to become as she wanted it.
If you wish to know some history, read this book. If you want to understand life of the ancient life, read this book. If you want some fantasy life of ancient Scotland, read this book.
August 25, 2019
A Woman's Story .. The Fire of Winter
D.K. Marley, skillfully delivers an absolutely beautiful, richly detailed, complex and atmospheric read here that vastly intertwines historical with shakespearean fiction along with a factual events to create an astonishing fractured Shakespearean retelling. Expertly told from the descriptive voice of Lady Macbeth, Gruah.
Gruah, An alluring and ginger haired beauty, who happens to be a Princess and the granddaughter of King Cìnéad III of the Royal Clan Alpin,
She marries two men in less than six months, one she loves and one she hates; one in secret, the other arranged by the High King of Scotland.
At the age of eighteen, she lays her palm upon the ancient stone of Scone and sees her destiny.
With her ambitions heart that spurs her desire to become Queen of Scotland. A woman who instead changes the fate of herself and those around her. She rises up from a victimized little girl, to a pawn used in a political marriage to become one of the strongest and first woman to be coronated Queen of Scotland. A woman who changes the fate of herself and those around her.
What really stood out for me was the author intricately plots a character driven romance that fights poignancy through the complex conflicts of fate. Morley ability to move the reader to see another multilayer in the book. We Are introduced to Hecate, {The only named Witch In Shakespearean play} She is often maligned as a witch, she has gained wisdom after enduring years of cruelty and abuse from a man who claimed to love her but cast her aside. She bears him three children, daughters, and they align themselves with the future Queen of Scotland, Gruah, to bring revenge upon the monsters of their past.
The Daughters of Hecate are, Sorcha, Alana, and Fiona - {The Unnamed witches in the Shakespearean play} There is a secret behind their birth leading to the throne of Scotland, but now they live as banished women in a small crannog on Loch Tay. Are they witches or victims like so many women of the politics of a Kingdom? The make three key predictions just like in the Shakespearean play, Macbeth. In Marley’s retelling there is an agenda to these woman.
Lady Macbeth, chooses to fight for her rightful place and seeks vengeance to the wrongs done to her in her and her family. Along with the man she herself has chosen like her ancestors before her, Gruah, and her husband Macbeth must conquer and remove all opposition in front of them to become the reigning King and Queen of Scotland.
Marley, paints exquisite picture with the spreading of Christianity, that changed Scotland transforming it from the old Pictish practiced of "Celtic polytheism", a vague blend of druidism, paganism. When Gruah, unexpected meets with the King called the Edward, The Confessor, it causes her to question her bloodstained path and doubt her once mothers pagan ancestral faith.
D.K. Marley, beautifully descriptive writing grabbed my full attention all the way through to a satisfying end. This reworking storyline gives a voice to Gruah, Lady Macbeth like no other. As the chapters progressed, the characters are fleshed out as the political drama and intrigues of feudal Scotland come to life. The authors ability to engage the reader as she weaves all the characters into this plot driven novel, to create an astounding and powerful storyline of intrigue and violence of royals of 11th century Scotland.
#Historical Fiction # Shakespearean
#TheFireofWinter #DKMarley #HFVBTBlogTours
#Historical Fiction # Shakespearean
#TheFireofWinter #DKMarley #HFVBTBlogTours
July 29, 2019
Gruah knew she was destined for greatness from a young age from seeing her destiny after touching the Stone of Scone. However, Scotland is treacherous and after watching her mother murdered, Gruah escapes to the forest and is taken care of by outcasts, Hecate and her daughters. Gruah and Hecate practice the old ways of Cailleach. The Goddess keeps a flame burning in Gruah. When Gruah is married off by her father to Gille Comgain, Gruah knows that she must find a way to be with her true love, Macbeth in order to fulfill her destiny. Through brute force, manipulation and violence, Gruah claims what is hers, but at a price.
History and literature combine to tell the tale of a woman who helped to shape Scotland's history and later become immortalized through Shakespeare's work. Through DK Marley's writing, the life of 11th century Gruah comes to life. Gruah's character is strong and unbending, stopping at nothing to fulfill her destiny that will end with her enemies dead and her and her true love as King and Queen of Scotland. However, Gruah is so filled with vengeance that her destiny will come with a high cost. Gruah's path seemed like such a slippery slope where one death only causes more death. In this sense, the realities of 11th century Scotland are brought to life. With every decision Gruah made, I kept waiting for her to learn her lesson and finally reach contentment and peacefulness, this is a long journey for Gruah. I enjoyed the continued theme of a woman's will guiding the men of Scotland who believed that they held control. From Gruah to her unassuming cousin Donella to the 'witches' Hecate and her daughters, it was their will that drove the actions of others.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
History and literature combine to tell the tale of a woman who helped to shape Scotland's history and later become immortalized through Shakespeare's work. Through DK Marley's writing, the life of 11th century Gruah comes to life. Gruah's character is strong and unbending, stopping at nothing to fulfill her destiny that will end with her enemies dead and her and her true love as King and Queen of Scotland. However, Gruah is so filled with vengeance that her destiny will come with a high cost. Gruah's path seemed like such a slippery slope where one death only causes more death. In this sense, the realities of 11th century Scotland are brought to life. With every decision Gruah made, I kept waiting for her to learn her lesson and finally reach contentment and peacefulness, this is a long journey for Gruah. I enjoyed the continued theme of a woman's will guiding the men of Scotland who believed that they held control. From Gruah to her unassuming cousin Donella to the 'witches' Hecate and her daughters, it was their will that drove the actions of others.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2019
"Innocent I am not, nor have I ever been."
The cunning and fierce Lady Macbeth takes center stage in DK Marley's The Fire of Winter!
This is a modern re-telling of Shakespeare's Macbeth told by Gruah, later known as Lady Macbeth. I've never read the play before (no judging!!) so I have no point of reference but based on other's reviews it seems that Marley sticks close to the original story. I must say though, I kind of want to read it now!
Gruah is a fiercely ambitious woman that will stop at nothing to reach her goal to be with Macbeth and become Queen of Scotland, even if it means using deceit, murder, and black magic.
"I want a man whose blood is Scotland, whose ancestry reaches deep like the roots of a mighty oak, whose dark eyes reflect like the pools near Callanish and a voice as smooth as the wind from the slopes of Ben Nevis. A man who traverses the Highlands quick like the red deer stag with ambition to match."
As with anyone who is desperate for power and control, Gruah finds out it's a long fall from the top. She isn't a particularly likable character but I found her story fascinating.
If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages, filled with court intrigue, witches, revenge, passion, and danger then I highly recommend The Fire of Winter!
The cunning and fierce Lady Macbeth takes center stage in DK Marley's The Fire of Winter!
This is a modern re-telling of Shakespeare's Macbeth told by Gruah, later known as Lady Macbeth. I've never read the play before (no judging!!) so I have no point of reference but based on other's reviews it seems that Marley sticks close to the original story. I must say though, I kind of want to read it now!
Gruah is a fiercely ambitious woman that will stop at nothing to reach her goal to be with Macbeth and become Queen of Scotland, even if it means using deceit, murder, and black magic.
"I want a man whose blood is Scotland, whose ancestry reaches deep like the roots of a mighty oak, whose dark eyes reflect like the pools near Callanish and a voice as smooth as the wind from the slopes of Ben Nevis. A man who traverses the Highlands quick like the red deer stag with ambition to match."
As with anyone who is desperate for power and control, Gruah finds out it's a long fall from the top. She isn't a particularly likable character but I found her story fascinating.
If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages, filled with court intrigue, witches, revenge, passion, and danger then I highly recommend The Fire of Winter!
July 2, 2021
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an interesting re-interpretation of Macbeth, which is not a typical choice for a Shakespeare re-telling. Gruah, or Lady Macbeth, was a compelling character both in the original Shakespeare play and in this book. Her motivations were well-explained and believable, and her downwards spiral was portrayed realistically and sympathetically. As far as the backstory and family lines, some of the explanations in the beginning of the book were a little confusing and hard to follow--some refreshers throughout the story of who is related to whom and with what implications for tanistry and inheritances would have been helpful.
D.K. Marley did a wonderful job establishing the setting of 11th century Scotland. I especially enjoyed the look into England's history, with Edward the Confessor and how William and the Conqueror's reign was set up. The shift from paganism to Christianity was interesting to see, as was the shift from tanistry to direct inheritance. The tension between the thanes was reflective of the times and accurately done.
My favorite element of this re-telling may have been Hecate and the three witches (Sorcha, Fiona, and Alana). The three witches are one of the most interesting aspects of the original play, and the backstory and arc they were given were incredible and contributed to Gruah's own development.
As far as fidelity to the original, I thought D.K. Marley did an outstanding job of including all the iconic portions of the play (Malcom's "O? By whom?", the conversation with Ross, Oengus, and the old man, the storming of MacDubh's castle, Malcom's vice speech to MacDubh, "out, out damned spot," Macbeth's soliloquy after Lady Macbeth's death, etc.), even when Lady Macbeth was not present in the original. These sections felt natural and not contrived, and were great nods to the original play.
The writing style was a bit overdone in places, but overall, it was easy to read. I loved the twist at the end, and the ending portion, especially the last line, gave me chills. I just felt that the story dragged a bit and did not have to go on for 32 chapters.
This book was an interesting re-interpretation of Macbeth, which is not a typical choice for a Shakespeare re-telling. Gruah, or Lady Macbeth, was a compelling character both in the original Shakespeare play and in this book. Her motivations were well-explained and believable, and her downwards spiral was portrayed realistically and sympathetically. As far as the backstory and family lines, some of the explanations in the beginning of the book were a little confusing and hard to follow--some refreshers throughout the story of who is related to whom and with what implications for tanistry and inheritances would have been helpful.
D.K. Marley did a wonderful job establishing the setting of 11th century Scotland. I especially enjoyed the look into England's history, with Edward the Confessor and how William and the Conqueror's reign was set up. The shift from paganism to Christianity was interesting to see, as was the shift from tanistry to direct inheritance. The tension between the thanes was reflective of the times and accurately done.
My favorite element of this re-telling may have been Hecate and the three witches (Sorcha, Fiona, and Alana). The three witches are one of the most interesting aspects of the original play, and the backstory and arc they were given were incredible and contributed to Gruah's own development.
As far as fidelity to the original, I thought D.K. Marley did an outstanding job of including all the iconic portions of the play (Malcom's "O? By whom?", the conversation with Ross, Oengus, and the old man, the storming of MacDubh's castle, Malcom's vice speech to MacDubh, "out, out damned spot," Macbeth's soliloquy after Lady Macbeth's death, etc.), even when Lady Macbeth was not present in the original. These sections felt natural and not contrived, and were great nods to the original play.
The writing style was a bit overdone in places, but overall, it was easy to read. I loved the twist at the end, and the ending portion, especially the last line, gave me chills. I just felt that the story dragged a bit and did not have to go on for 32 chapters.
August 23, 2021
Truly interesting story of Gruah, Lady MacBeth and her driving ambition for Scotland and the man she loves. Handfasted to the man she loves and forced to marry a man she loathes, Gruah plots and schemes to place her lover, on the throne. With royal bloodlines on both sides, Gruah feels that it's her destiny to ensure that he is the heir to the throne with her lover sitting on it as King beside her.
I didn't find Gruah particularly lovable but you have to admire her courage and strength in a time when women were considered nothing but baby breeders. A very interesting take on Scotland's history and worth the read.
I didn't find Gruah particularly lovable but you have to admire her courage and strength in a time when women were considered nothing but baby breeders. A very interesting take on Scotland's history and worth the read.
March 6, 2020
I am a huge anglophile and I wanted to love this book as a lover of history and Shakespeare. I found that it got too bogged down in the history of the era (to the point where I had to stop and look up information in order to understand what was happening).
May 20, 2020
He/she who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for him/herself.
A novel was written beautifully and easy to understand. A beautiful retold of a person who has consumed by power and vengeance and how every life is destroyed during the process.
A novel was written beautifully and easy to understand. A beautiful retold of a person who has consumed by power and vengeance and how every life is destroyed during the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
The author successfully wields her very first sentence to create a special place for Gruah right in our hearts. She not only brings the Shakespearean Lady Macbeth to life, but also informs us about the circumstances that left her with as good as zero options.
Many of us have always wondered about Lady Macbeth’s side of the story. Thanks Ms. Marley for giving the much needed answers – about Lady Macbeth’s behaviour and her subsequent demonisation.
Gruah’s love for her motherland propels her to a pedestal amongst men who fought either for the fortunes or for their personal honour.
The plot is strong, characters stronger and dialogues powerful. The is pace perfect, but the long sermons drag the book down by half a point.
Apart from other historical elements, the author uses the witch-burning metaphor brilliantly to illustrate Christianity’s impact on womenfolk: common and noble. Also, the map of Scotland as well as the Clann Alpin family are very useful.
This is a MUST READ!!!
Thanks NetGalley and Ms Marley for the book. This is an honest review.
P.S.: This book contains child abuse, explicit language and violence.
Many of us have always wondered about Lady Macbeth’s side of the story. Thanks Ms. Marley for giving the much needed answers – about Lady Macbeth’s behaviour and her subsequent demonisation.
Gruah’s love for her motherland propels her to a pedestal amongst men who fought either for the fortunes or for their personal honour.
The plot is strong, characters stronger and dialogues powerful. The is pace perfect, but the long sermons drag the book down by half a point.
Apart from other historical elements, the author uses the witch-burning metaphor brilliantly to illustrate Christianity’s impact on womenfolk: common and noble. Also, the map of Scotland as well as the Clann Alpin family are very useful.
This is a MUST READ!!!
Thanks NetGalley and Ms Marley for the book. This is an honest review.
P.S.: This book contains child abuse, explicit language and violence.
October 20, 2021
I really enjoy the story that tell the stories about famous side characters in famous stories. This was a great read and found it to be a wild ride that was a lot of fun and worked for the time period.
August 2, 2021
An interesting approach to Shakespeare’s Macbeth as told from the perspective of Lady Macbeth. A refreshing look at this tragic tale of a powerful woman and what drives her. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2019
The Fire of Winter tells the story of Lady Macbeth. Gruah’s greatest ambition is to be the queen of Scotland. She is willing to do whatever it takes - including getting her hands dirty - to see her husband crowned. When she meets Edward the Confessor, Gruah begins to question her evil deeds. She wonders if her crown was worth the price of blood. Could Gruah ever find redemption or would she continue to bloody her hands that she could never wash off?
At first, Gruah is not a likable character. She comes across as a woman with a thirst for vengeance. She doesn't care who she hurts as long as she gets her vengeance in the end. This made her very ruthless. Gruah is portrayed throughout most of the novel as an ambitious, power-hungry manipulator. Later in the novel, Gruah’s character begins to change, and I hoped for her redemption. I wanted her to regret and be haunted by her evil doings. Gruah may seem like a typical villain, but she becomes a very complex queen who questions her beliefs and her actions.
Overall, this novel is about ambition, power, love, and morality. One thing that I like about The Fire of Winter is that it touches upon religion in medieval Scotland, which were the Celtic faith and Christianity. The characters were at times one-dimensional. The writing was choppy in parts. Some of the parts were rushed. Still, the author did an excellent job in integrating the real history of Macbeth with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Fire of Winter will not only appeal to fans of the play but to anyone that loves reading redemption stories of famous villains. I recommend this novel for fans of Ophelia, Hag-Seed, and Mistress Shakespeare.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
At first, Gruah is not a likable character. She comes across as a woman with a thirst for vengeance. She doesn't care who she hurts as long as she gets her vengeance in the end. This made her very ruthless. Gruah is portrayed throughout most of the novel as an ambitious, power-hungry manipulator. Later in the novel, Gruah’s character begins to change, and I hoped for her redemption. I wanted her to regret and be haunted by her evil doings. Gruah may seem like a typical villain, but she becomes a very complex queen who questions her beliefs and her actions.
Overall, this novel is about ambition, power, love, and morality. One thing that I like about The Fire of Winter is that it touches upon religion in medieval Scotland, which were the Celtic faith and Christianity. The characters were at times one-dimensional. The writing was choppy in parts. Some of the parts were rushed. Still, the author did an excellent job in integrating the real history of Macbeth with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Fire of Winter will not only appeal to fans of the play but to anyone that loves reading redemption stories of famous villains. I recommend this novel for fans of Ophelia, Hag-Seed, and Mistress Shakespeare.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
August 25, 2019
D. K Marley has fully captured the often-violent struggle for power and the crown in 11th century Scotland with her novel The Fire of Winter. This is a retelling of MacBeth from Lady MacBeth’s point of view, told with vivid, passionate prose as her world dwells in the twilight of the pagan gods and the dawn of Christianity.
The age-old adage “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is alive and well here as Gruah, the future Lady MacBeth begins her ambitious climb out of a terrible marriage with a hateful man and toward what starts out, at least, a love match. MacBeth’s ambitions match hers and passion and love draws them and keeps them together.
This is a tragedy, after all, and disillusionment, corruption, and an addiction to dwale begin to take its toll in a spectacular fall. Gruah kept me turning the pages as her machinations brought MacBeth to her, then away. Utterly fascinating, a wonderful retelling steeped in deep research and highly recommended.
The age-old adage “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is alive and well here as Gruah, the future Lady MacBeth begins her ambitious climb out of a terrible marriage with a hateful man and toward what starts out, at least, a love match. MacBeth’s ambitions match hers and passion and love draws them and keeps them together.
This is a tragedy, after all, and disillusionment, corruption, and an addiction to dwale begin to take its toll in a spectacular fall. Gruah kept me turning the pages as her machinations brought MacBeth to her, then away. Utterly fascinating, a wonderful retelling steeped in deep research and highly recommended.
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