"A wondrous tale of courage, subterfuge, and resolve set among Kings and Queens, war and passion in tenth century Scotland. "
A wondrous tale of subterfuge, courage, and resolve set among Kings and Queens, war and passion in eleventh century Scotland. The extremely talented Val McDermid is the latest author to step into Polygon’s series of Darkland Tales, celebrating moments in Scottish history or legend with the most entertaining of stories. Shakespeare's Macbeth is not historically accurate so I suggest you leave any thoughts from the play to one side. Queen Macbeth celebrates Gruoch, married to King Macbeth and on the run from men who see her as a pawn in their fight for the throne. In reality little is known of Gruoch, which gives Val McDermid’s imagination free rein. This story weaves between the meeting of Macbeth and Gruoch and the latter years of their rule, setting the scene for their reign and creating the most interesting of snapshots as she fights for survival while being hunted. The strength of women sits as a vibrant thread running through this novella. There is an immense sense of place with medieval Scotland standing proud, the detailing of clothing, food, and weapons all adding to the vivid picture that is formed. This is a series that we highly recommend, and Queen Macbeth joins as an intense and fascinating tale in its own fabulous right.
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