Literaria: Lady Macbeth has a story to tell + giveaway

Hello, book buddies. How are you doing? Is it me or books are getting more interesting every day? ;o) When Melanie Karsak annouced her next release, I immediately added it to my Goodreads want-to-read list. And here I am today happy because I did! Melanie is also a writer whose books I want to keep reading since Chasing the Star Garden, first in the Airship Racing Chronicles. I still have to read Chasing the Green Fairy, but I don't own it yet.

Come and have a look at this eerie lady!

Lady Macbeth

by Melanie Karsak
(Daughter of Ravens #1)
Publication date: December 3rd 2014
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Something wicked this way comes . . .

Gruoch is born to rule, but long before she becomes Macbeth’s queen, ancient forces claim her soul.

Marked from birth by the old gods, Gruoch is initiated into the ancient religion of her ancestors and begins learning the mysteries of the Goddess Cerridwen. But not everything is as it seems. Soon the Battle Goddess Morrigu imposes her will, and Gruoch finds herself at the mercy of the Wyrd Sisters.

With King Malcolm plotting, the Wyrd Sisters schooling her in arcane craft, and haunted by dreams of a raven-haired man she’s never met, Gruoch feels her fate is not her own. That is, until she meets a druid named Banquo. Gruoch’s heart is swept away when Banquo awakens something in her more powerful than duty, magic, or destiny: love.

This retelling of Shakespeare’s classic work leads readers through an unforgettable saga of one woman struggling to escape her fate without blood on her hands.

Begin the Lady Mabeth Saga with Lady Macbeth: Daughter of Ravens.

Goodreads - Amazon

MY OPINION OF LADY MACBETH:

DAUGHTER OF RAVENS

A story of vengeance and retribution built on ancient lore and magical mysteries, Daughter of the Ravens, the first book in the Lady Macbeth retelling, follows the life of an extraordinary woman from a castle inhabited by violence to the teachings of wise folk in the deep of the forest. The author has done extensive research on all things Celtic and fey. I especially liked the ritual that precedes the Beltane festival when the women in the coven ask the Goddess for a boon in exchange of something the vow to deliver.

In a world at the mercy of men's ruthless desires, it's no wonder magic held women enthralled with the power it brought to them. This is remarkably portrayed in these first steps into the life of our Shakespearean lady. Amidst all kinds of women, Gruoch or Corbie, little Raven, learns of ancient legends, visions of past lives, even a new name that brings new purpose to her future.

I really liked the atmosphere humming with foreboding, but also transcendental magic and mysticism. Besides the beautiful writing style, evocative of past times but clear and easy all the same, I enjoyed how the author intersperses the events with scenes and memories that came before.

While Gruoch trains in the magical arts, she meets a druid that will defy what fate has designed for her future and what she believes about love. Peaceful, it's also a time for sensual awakening, though politics force her hand and in doing so, a new chapter is devoted to darker matters. I really liked those changes and the fallen places to which they take this powerful lady-in-the-making.

Broken heart, dark magic, and a doomed destiny are all brewing in the most unexpected and legendary surroundings. This was one of my favourite parts of the story. I tend to go for drama!

All in all, this novel sets the founding stones for a great story, so the plot is more hinted at than felt actively. Despite its slow pace, it has a strong pull thanks to the well-researched, historical atmosphere, the mystical magic and the star-crossed romance. I definitely want to find out what twisted plans await the Daughter of Ravens.

ABOUT THE MASTER MIND

Melanie Karsak is the author of the Amazon best-selling steampunk series The Airship Racing Chronicles (Chasing the Star Garden and Chasing the Green Fairy) and the award-wining horror/dark fantasy Harvesting Series. She grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and earned a Master’s degree in English from Gannon University. A steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and zombie whisperer, the author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.

Author links:
http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.ca/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak
https://twitter.com/melaniekarsak
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak

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