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thing_a_ling's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mellhay's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Gruoch, raised by her loving aunt and cruel husband, is destined to be called by the goddess. When the goddess calls, Aunt Madelaine tells her husband that Gruoch is going to a convent to study the White Christ, but truly she's going to learn the old ways of their people.
This is the first story I've heard narrated by Lesley, and I'm highly impressed. The thick accent of the time and place comes through and feels genuine. Emotion and spirits of the characters come through the rise and fall of her tone. I was really drawn to her narration. Lesley even gives different feel to voices for different characters.
The writing feels so real when I listen to Lesley narrate. The brutal treatment woman lived under as wives and servants alike. The story starts slower, setting the stage of where Gruoch comes from and what she's seen to bring her to who she is. This is Lady MacBeth and her journey through life.
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
Gruoch has lived through much with the way woman are seen and treated in this time. Watching the hatred and love that men could show woman, but mostly the mistreatment above all. She's even been at the receiving end as well.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets. There is a magical feel of old ways to all Gruoch lives through. She has a connection to the goddess, she believes thanks to her father's doing at her birth. I love when Gruoch goes to the ladies, all that she learns and sees, so much magic.
Aaah. Sid. Sid is very different. She's alone in seeing the faerie folk. And she can really see them! Gruoch sees enough to believe it, and so do I. Sid shows Gruoch her past life, one they shared. And when Druid named Banquo arrives at the holiday celebration, Gruoch sees more of that past life. A past life she loves and would do anything to have again. However, Gruoch is having visions of another man. And this man can see her as well. Who is he and what does he mean to her? And the goddess has other plans for Gruoch.
Gruoch is one strong woman. She witnesses abuse and stands in it's face when she realizes at a young age as to what's happening. Even when that abuse finds her. Gruoch also feels love. She finds dear friends and the man that's dear to her. She stands for herself and not just as a pawn for her uncle, the King, to pass around, although she knows she could be married off as a political piece.
I enjoyed the magical feel we get while Gruoch is learning the old ways of her people. This story is set in Scotland and we get that magical historical feel from it.
There is more books to come with Gruoch and her life. I know there's more to come as we haven't gotten through MacBeth's story fully yet, and I very much look forward to what's to come!
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Gruoch, raised by her loving aunt and cruel husband, is destined to be called by the goddess. When the goddess calls, Aunt Madelaine tells her husband that Gruoch is going to a convent to study the White Christ, but truly she's going to learn the old ways of their people.
This is the first story I've heard narrated by Lesley, and I'm highly impressed. The thick accent of the time and place comes through and feels genuine. Emotion and spirits of the characters come through the rise and fall of her tone. I was really drawn to her narration. Lesley even gives different feel to voices for different characters.
The writing feels so real when I listen to Lesley narrate. The brutal treatment woman lived under as wives and servants alike. The story starts slower, setting the stage of where Gruoch comes from and what she's seen to bring her to who she is. This is Lady MacBeth and her journey through life.
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
Gruoch has lived through much with the way woman are seen and treated in this time. Watching the hatred and love that men could show woman, but mostly the mistreatment above all. She's even been at the receiving end as well.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets. There is a magical feel of old ways to all Gruoch lives through. She has a connection to the goddess, she believes thanks to her father's doing at her birth. I love when Gruoch goes to the ladies, all that she learns and sees, so much magic.
Aaah. Sid. Sid is very different. She's alone in seeing the faerie folk. And she can really see them! Gruoch sees enough to believe it, and so do I. Sid shows Gruoch her past life, one they shared. And when Druid named Banquo arrives at the holiday celebration, Gruoch sees more of that past life. A past life she loves and would do anything to have again. However, Gruoch is having visions of another man. And this man can see her as well. Who is he and what does he mean to her? And the goddess has other plans for Gruoch.
Gruoch is one strong woman. She witnesses abuse and stands in it's face when she realizes at a young age as to what's happening. Even when that abuse finds her. Gruoch also feels love. She finds dear friends and the man that's dear to her. She stands for herself and not just as a pawn for her uncle, the King, to pass around, although she knows she could be married off as a political piece.
I enjoyed the magical feel we get while Gruoch is learning the old ways of her people. This story is set in Scotland and we get that magical historical feel from it.
There is more books to come with Gruoch and her life. I know there's more to come as we haven't gotten through MacBeth's story fully yet, and I very much look forward to what's to come!
lee25's review against another edition
3.0
I am a bit torn on this book - I wanted to like it much more than I actually did.
There were parts that I really enjoyed and maybe if it was just one largish book, I would have kept going, but I don't think I care enough about the characters to get the other books and keep reading the series.
There were parts that I really enjoyed and maybe if it was just one largish book, I would have kept going, but I don't think I care enough about the characters to get the other books and keep reading the series.
wordwitch73's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
3.5/5 Stars
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew that it was about Lady Macbeth, but that was about all I knew. That was enough to intrigue me.
The story starts with Gruoch's birth. Her father is the Scottish king, and her mother dies in childbirth. She is raised by her aunt, her father's sister (who calls her Corbie). The early part of the book focuses on her life with her beloved aunt and her aunt's abusive husband. I found myself drawn into the story right away and wondering what would happen with these characters. But then, Corbie is sent off to learn magic and the ways of the old Gods. She discovers that the old Gods are still strong in Scotland and that they want their revenge for being cast aside. A good portion of the book focuses on Corbie learning the magic of the old Gods and finding that she is connected to the Weird Sisters in some way.
Corbie (who is eventually renamed to Cerridwin, but i'll keep calling her Corbie for ease of understanding) falls in love with Banquo. The relationship is definitely insta-love, but there are mystical reasons for this, so I was able to accept their instant connection. She is also drawn to one of her fellow female adepts. (There's a threesome involved--not my favorite part of the book, but that's just me. I prefer monogamous relationships in life and in my books.) But, considering who Corbie's father is, she can't simply choose who to love or, especially, who to marry. Plus Corbie discovers that the old Gods might have plans of their own for her. She has very little say over the direction her life will take.
I found it interesting to see Lady Macbeth as a protagonist and to imagine the path that could have eventually led to her becoming the villain in Shakespeare's play. I did find the book to be a bit slow, but that's probably just because I wasn't as engaged with the parts that focused on the magic as I was with the characters themselves (especially Corbie). Overall, I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
The narration:
Lesley Parkin is an excellent narrator, and her Scottish Brogue was a joy to listen to. This is one narrator I would actually seek out when I'm looking for audiobooks!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew that it was about Lady Macbeth, but that was about all I knew. That was enough to intrigue me.
The story starts with Gruoch's birth. Her father is the Scottish king, and her mother dies in childbirth. She is raised by her aunt, her father's sister (who calls her Corbie). The early part of the book focuses on her life with her beloved aunt and her aunt's abusive husband. I found myself drawn into the story right away and wondering what would happen with these characters. But then, Corbie is sent off to learn magic and the ways of the old Gods. She discovers that the old Gods are still strong in Scotland and that they want their revenge for being cast aside. A good portion of the book focuses on Corbie learning the magic of the old Gods and finding that she is connected to the Weird Sisters in some way.
Corbie (who is eventually renamed to Cerridwin, but i'll keep calling her Corbie for ease of understanding) falls in love with Banquo. The relationship is definitely insta-love, but there are mystical reasons for this, so I was able to accept their instant connection. She is also drawn to one of her fellow female adepts. (There's a threesome involved--not my favorite part of the book, but that's just me. I prefer monogamous relationships in life and in my books.) But, considering who Corbie's father is, she can't simply choose who to love or, especially, who to marry. Plus Corbie discovers that the old Gods might have plans of their own for her. She has very little say over the direction her life will take.
I found it interesting to see Lady Macbeth as a protagonist and to imagine the path that could have eventually led to her becoming the villain in Shakespeare's play. I did find the book to be a bit slow, but that's probably just because I wasn't as engaged with the parts that focused on the magic as I was with the characters themselves (especially Corbie). Overall, I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
The narration:
Lesley Parkin is an excellent narrator, and her Scottish Brogue was a joy to listen to. This is one narrator I would actually seek out when I'm looking for audiobooks!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
eswecker's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
lilyrosexo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lacy30twin1's review against another edition
3.0
I give this book a 3.2. Having no prior knowledge of Scottish history or folklore, I still found this book interesting.
Gruouch/Corbie/Cerridwen is the daughter of Boite, I guess, a fearsome warrior and brother to the king. I'm not really sure why his particular bloodline is so special. Her mother dies during childbirth, so she is sent to be raised by her father's half-sister.
At 16, she is secretly sent to a coven to learn the old ways of the Scottish gods. This is around the time when Christianity is spreading and practicing any other faith was not acceptable. During her time at the coven she learns some of the old ways but also is to be to goddess Cerridwen reincarnated. She also Queen Boudicca. It's a lot I know. Oh, she's also a Wyrd Sister. During her visions with them, she sees her future dark-haired King but doesn't know who he is or how he comes to marry him.
During her time at the coven, she also meets her husband from a past life and because of their "soul tie" she feels that she's meant to be with him. Oh yeah, before she's sent tonthe coven she is to be betrothed to someone to solidify the King's (her uncle) stronghold in the region.
This book was kind of all over the place and a lot of pertinent information was left out. The author appears to have written this book under the presumption that everyone who picks it up is familiar with Scottish history and folklore. Cerridwen's father is significant in the royal bloodline but it's not sufficiently explained. How Gruouch is all those other people reincarnated AND a Wyrd sister isn't explained very well, and the plot didn't really progress in a way that made sense. I think the premise of the book is great. I just wish the execution was better. Because the book truly ended in what seems like the middle of a chapter, I'm going to read the next book.
This author has written 74 books and quote a few of them sound really interesting. I just hope I can enjoy her other writings enough to look pass the clunkiness of the writing style.
Gruouch/Corbie/Cerridwen is the daughter of Boite, I guess, a fearsome warrior and brother to the king. I'm not really sure why his particular bloodline is so special. Her mother dies during childbirth, so she is sent to be raised by her father's half-sister.
At 16, she is secretly sent to a coven to learn the old ways of the Scottish gods. This is around the time when Christianity is spreading and practicing any other faith was not acceptable. During her time at the coven she learns some of the old ways but also is to be to goddess Cerridwen reincarnated. She also Queen Boudicca. It's a lot I know. Oh, she's also a Wyrd Sister. During her visions with them, she sees her future dark-haired King but doesn't know who he is or how he comes to marry him.
During her time at the coven, she also meets her husband from a past life and because of their "soul tie" she feels that she's meant to be with him. Oh yeah, before she's sent tonthe coven she is to be betrothed to someone to solidify the King's (her uncle) stronghold in the region.
This book was kind of all over the place and a lot of pertinent information was left out. The author appears to have written this book under the presumption that everyone who picks it up is familiar with Scottish history and folklore. Cerridwen's father is significant in the royal bloodline but it's not sufficiently explained. How Gruouch is all those other people reincarnated AND a Wyrd sister isn't explained very well, and the plot didn't really progress in a way that made sense. I think the premise of the book is great. I just wish the execution was better. Because the book truly ended in what seems like the middle of a chapter, I'm going to read the next book.
This author has written 74 books and quote a few of them sound really interesting. I just hope I can enjoy her other writings enough to look pass the clunkiness of the writing style.
erikabrooks11's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0