4.5 stars for this magnificent Macbeth retelling! This book bit me right in the soul and grabbed on and made me cry for all the women who have been hurt in the past, present, and future. Revenge is sweet sweet sweet when boys deserve it. If you are looking for a feminist story about well-deserved payback, look no further. I went in blind, sort of. I read the synopsis before but forgot so it was like going in blind. The writing style was cut and dry, which was perfect for this story. But it did leave me wanting more at times. A retelling that needed to be told.
tw: rape (not depicted), murder, attempted suicide.

Elle (Jade) goes to a St. Andrew's party for her sixteenth birthday with her friends, her coven. Expecting the birthday of a lifetime, Elle is instead met with a group of boys who rule the school and do the unthinkable.

But Elle is not every other girl. Elle is a with.

And Elle is now Jade.

Transferring schools, she attends St. Andrew's with an all-new look, a new name, and her coven at her beck and call. Jade is out for revenge, and she is not stopping until she gets it.

Foul is Fair is a Macbeth retelling for the Me Too movement. It has a bit of Kill Bill, showered with blood and lust and teenage boys trying to outwit each other. Jade does not stop until she gets the outcome she wants. Even when she falls for the boy who is supposed to take the fall for her, her priorities are elsewhere.

I really enjoyed Foul is Fair. The writing voice and the style of this book is so specific and unique. It's dark and modern and cruel, but a fast read, and clever. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're feeling a bit angsty and want a story that is utterly revenge, look no further.

This is unlike any YA book I've ever read (& I've read hundreds of them!). A 16-year-old girl is sexually assaulted by a group of boys at a party and in turn, she chooses to kill them. It is vicious. It is vengeful. It is astounding.

The writing is lyrical and gorgeous, with short sentences that reflect the urgency of the story. Some of the teenage girls are POC and one is trans, but their identities are not part of the plot, they just exist as who they are (a hearty hell yes to this). Apparently it's a modern day feminist retelling of Macbeth but, having never read Macbeth, I can assure you that you don't need to be familiar with it to appreciate this story.

I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long, long time.

A little bit Cruel Intentions and a little bit The Craft...Foul is Fair has all of the makings of the next huge cult teen movie! I was lured in from the first page. Privileged youth, underaged drinking, toxic masculinity, high school hierarchies, it’s all here. Themes of mysticism, girl power and revenge. How far is too far?

I was drawn to this book because of the synopsis (after Gretal told me to read it), but then, only two chapters into the arc, I was completely hooked.

This book is about revenge and justice. It's about four girls who form a pact against the wolves who targeted one of them. It's about friendship and loyalty. It's about guilt. And it's about what people let happen behind closed doors. It's dark and creepy and powerful. The writing is magical and ethereal, and it creates such a haunted atmosphere for this book. Despite this being a contemporary, there is something otherworldly about the way Hannah Capin words her sentences. It's done so well and really left me on the edge of my seat.

I love the message behind this book, though I probably wouldn't suggest going about revenge this way. Jade is such a strong, but also terrifying character. Watching her get into Mack's head and make him do what she wanted done was scary. Every interaction she has with the boys and Piper, left me in awe at her power. She is a witch, and her deception and her twisted way with words are perfect.

Mads was probably my second favourite of the girls. She's just so supportive of Jade, and while she speaks her mind and reminds Jade to stick to the plan, I didn't find her to be annoying like Jenny. I really didn't like Jenny at all, and while I get Summer has feelings for her, I think Summer could totally do better. Jenny just came off as argumentative and stubborn, and it just made me angry whenever she was arguing with Jade. Jade and Mads dynamic was so much more interesting to read for me.

Lilia was a bit of a surprise for me at the end there. <spoiler>I'm surprised the coven took her in so easily, considering she was aware of what the boys said and didn't do anything either. I guess because of the way Duncan treated her, made them more sympathetic?</spoiler). The scene with Piper at the end there left me with my mouth hanging open. I was not expecting that, but the twists and turns in this book were so good!

I do wish there was more though. I really want to see how things pan out at the end. There are things hinted at, but I really want to see how it all came to be.

Overall, highly recommend. It was such a quick and engrossing read! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending me a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Foul is Fair was an incredible read that I absolutely savored. It’s a revenge fantasy retelling of Macbeth full of violence, murder, and manipulative people. But while it’s haunting, it’s also engrossing, absolutely beautiful, and ultimately very satisfying to read. Our main character, Jade, is brilliant and cunning and vicious and I rooted for her every single step of the way. I also adored her coven of friends, and I hope we get to see more of them in the future.

Since this was my first introduction to Capin’s writing, I’m not sure if the lyrical style Foul is Fair is told in is unique to this book, but it was definitely the right choice. I couldn’t put this book down and I reread so many passages simply because I wanted to savor the words.

However, potential readers be warned: this book is full of triggering topics and heavy language use. If you are sensitive to traumatic topics, please make sure to read the full trigger warning list and content advisory on Capin’s website before diving in: https://www.hannahcapin.com/foulisfair.

I’m still reeling from reading this book, and I will definitely be picking up more of Capin’s work in the future. Thank you again to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the privilege of reviewing an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC I received of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I will admit that I was torn on this one. I really liked what it was trying to do in terms of playing off Macbeth in the way that created sympathy and interest in the witches. I also love that it brings in relevant topics (sexual assault) and handles that topic in such an empowering, strong way, For those reasons, I likely will use it in my class at some point soon, especially since I was considering a "reboot" theme and had wanted to use something that adapted classic lit.
On the other hand, the language didn't work for me. I think that there was meant to be a distancing and coldness because of what the protag went through, but it made it hard for me to relate or care. It had the effect, in essence, of distancing me from the character I was meant to be invested in. So while I think it's a strong and innovative book, it wasn't for me.

Whew! This book was a lot, but in a good way. It has some very disturbing content and the author's warning at the front of the book will be appreciated by many readers.

I recently reviewed another book where I complained about the level of suspension of disbelief the story required. The amount of unrealistic situations in this book were a lot more, but I thought it was key to the story. The whole book focuses on a teen girl out for revenge against a group of boys who did the unspeakable. Of course it was unrealistic. Capin's writing style is engrossing and made for a fast read. It's a story that will stick with me for some time.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

Completely enjoyed this revenge fantasy that is perfect for the #MeToo movement. The plot and characters are a mash-up of Heathers and Macbeth and the execution is pitch perfect for that. Very dark with a high body count but a strangely comic bent.

A stunning tale of revenge and friendship. This book had me hooked from the start!

The plot was fast-paced and kept my attention riveted onto the page, desperate to know what Elle and her friends would do next. This book is dark and twisted and does not apologize for it. I found myself rooting for Elle to succeed.

What I really loved about this book was that we follow Elle as she works through what happened to her and what she wants to do about it. Her friends are so supportive and would do anything for her. I also loved at the twists and turns the story took along the way.

I highly recommend this book, and implore everyone to read it!

There are some content warnings to look out for: sexual assault (off page), rape culture, gender based violence. For more specific or additional warnings, please check out Hannah Capin’s website.

I find it difficult to review this book without taking into account the audience that will eventually read it.

For those that are many years removed from high school and college, this is a sharp, dark story that feels incredibly satisfying based on years of the same old narrative, in media and real life. In particular, Jade's attitude in the aftermath is just a delight to read since it's so empowering.

However, for those that are still living in the insular world of high school and college, this may touch a little too close to home and be overly disturbing.

This book was fabulous and horrifying and just the perfect story to get me out of my reading slump. Was it a little over-the-top at times? Sure. But, based on knowing the source material, I was happy to suspend disbelief and go along for the crazy ass ride.

This book was not for me. I didn't connect with any of the characters enough to care about them. I didn't buy in to the plot. Just not my thing at all.

Foul is Fair is certainly an interesting read. It's dark, disturbing, yet also contains a thread of black humour. Capin's prose is excellent, and her retelling of Macbeth does, for the most part, work well. This book was entertaining and fun. The reason it gets four stars from me, rather than five, is that it was also somewhat unbelievable at times. The characters were extremes, and almost emotionless, save for the desire for revenge. Meanwhile, the action took place over such a short space of time it was hard to accept Jade could manipulate Mack so quickly and completely. So, do read this book for the entertainment value. Just be willing to step away from reality and suspend disbelief. If I were to say this would make a good Tarantino movie, that should give you an idea of what to expect.

(This review will go live on my blog (at the link below) and across social media in February as part of your scheduled blog tour.)

This was incredible. The anger of these girls was so palpable it made me want to scream my rage out with them. A wicked re-telling of Macbeth and an incredibly empowering story.

My only quibble would be that the main character is Southeast Asian and the author ... is not.

Isn't a book for everyone. Can be mi

I say this because for some the book may not be understood and even touted as "bad taste and problematic".

This is why it is essential to read it remembering that its basis of narrative construction comes from Shakespeare's "Macbeth".

The book begins with a disclaimer that is literally fulfilled. To me, he is the water separator. Currently a disclaimer is essential to prepare the public for sensitive topics; It's a respect for the work, its interpretation and the reader.

Such scenes are written with a touch of poetry and harshness that it takes you a while to process the scene that is going on in your mind.

It is an extremely visual book. I could see the scenes happening in high school and the flashbacks of Elle / Jade. It's such a sensory book that I could feel the soundtrack (a mix of violin rips and beat songs we heard in Kill Bill).

Hannah's writing is so powerful, heady, chilling, seductive, and frightening that I found myself sometimes wondering how we can get so much through writing.

By far, this was one of the most powerful, theatrical, didactic, and overwhelming experiences I've had the pleasure of having this year.

It's a book that leaves you groundless, wondering what you would do in Elle / Jade's place and a sweeping tribute to Macbeth.


I received this ARC from the publisher and thank you for this amazing opportunity!

Well ... damn.

This is the Shakespearean revenge story of my darkest dreams. It's melodramatic, vicious, lyrical, and laughs in the face of your moral code. Capin re-imagines Lady Macbeth as an assault survivor out for one thing: the blood of those who hurt her.

Literally.

Hence where the melodrama comes in. The plot isn't an example of something that feasibly could/should happen, but that's half the fun. Even though this is a contemporary novel, it's also a fantasy, of rage and ruin and fate catching up to those who assumed they had impunity. This is a world of extremes. And hell, is it ever addictive to read about.

This being said, I personally found certain extremes became too overused - specifically, the extended metaphor of St. Andrews Prep as a kingdom, and certain students as kings or queens. The whole "he's the king, you will be the new king, time to kill the king, go follow your king etc." rhetoric became cheesy, after a while. These students only have a couple of years left at school (at the most). Yet social hierarchy became something they killed over. I mean, realistically, Mack would've laughed in Jade's face when she suggested he kill Duncan, but even though I didn't need the story to be realistic, I still wanted more motive than to become 'king'/team captain. I think readers would've understood the Macbeth allusions without the constant royalty diction.

Nevertheless. No matter how overblown it became, I found I was almost always willing to suspend my disbelief. Jade's hunger & ruthlessness is a palpable presence on the page, and I rooted for her no matter how twisted her goals became. I loved her coven, and I even loved the stone-cold rivalry she had with Piper. The ending was perfect, the writing was perfect, and again, this book was SO addictive. I loved it. I hated it. I devoured it.

Definite recommend to fans of gritty YA. Make sure to be aware of the many triggers, including self-harm and rape. 4/5.

A beautifully written dark tale of revenge and retribution. I really enjoyed the prose and the story. However i would be cautious in recommending this book to young teenagers.

I received an ARC from netgalley to review and rate this book.

I was first attracted to the cover of this book. It had a flair for the past. A little film noir. But the blurb was what really drew me in. It was going to be a perfect October read! I tend to go for the more dark and mysterious due to the month and thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press, I was able to dive right in.

Four girls set out on revenge. It gave me a little Heather's vibes, although these are not the girls to be messed with. You mess with one of them and they will mess up your life in the most dark and insane ways. They will turn you against each other and against yourself. Beware. These four are out for blood and they will stop at nothing.

"Every teenage girl thinks she and her friends are the mean girls, the ice queens, the wicked witches, but Jenny and Summer and Mads and me-we're what they wish they were.....Savage."

With the fast paced story told in a very brutal yet poetic way, I was excited for what the story brought all in the first pages. It was simple, yet filled with revenge that did not hold back. I loved seeing the girls on a mission and the taking the lead. They could manipulate others without even blinking. They would break those boys that attempted to break others. It was ending with them.

A little fantasy, a little film noir, a little death and a whole lot of revenge will come your way. You in? Fast paced teenage blood lust with some strong female leads. I'll take it. Just heed the trigger warnings as it won't be a book for all.

~Review will be posted to my blog http://pastmidnight.home.blog on Feb. 13, 2020, closer to publication date **

**4.5 Stars**

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this eARC.

Golden boys beware, for real! Here we have a crew of four mean girls, but on one special night when Jade (Elle before the party, Jade is what she is after…) is celebrating her sweet sixteen they crash a St. Andrew’s prep party and their lives are changed forever.

After the party we are in Jade’s head as she plots and plans the demise of the golden boys of St. Andrew’s prep that hurt her. Jade’s got a kill list and she’s crossing out names: Duncan, Banks, Duffy, Conner, Porter, Malcom, Mack and one girl, Piper. It is time for revenge, and these girls don’t play, their claws are out and they are ready to draw blood.

What I Liked:

*I learned this was a MacBeth retelling but I knew as I was reading the line “foul is fair, fair is foul” that it felt familiar. Jade’s best friends, Mads, Summer and Jenny are like the witches in MacBeth. Jade refers to them as her coven. They’ve had things done to them when they were younger and these girls learned to fight back and rule the school. They refuse to be victims and they take what they want. They make things happen, they ruin lives if anyone tries to come for them. Not only was MacBeth all over this story, I got Heathers vibes too (which I grew up with and love) and it also made me think of the new tv series Euphoria (I’m kind of obsessed). It’s like Euphoria, in the sense of how the story flows from Jade’s thoughts, memories of the party, and other events that take place.

*This girl squad is tight, they are honest, they are all in and got each other’s backs. But I also loved that the revenge wasn’t only for Jade, but for all the girls who came before her. I know it was kind of sick with the murders but damn was I cheering them on.

*I loved how the “house of cards” fell and how Jade plotted the downfall. I was scared for her and scared of her – but she and her friends took those St. Andrews boys and one girl down like bosses! How are these high school kids so vicious? It helps they are all the rich kids and have power, fast cars, big houses and parents that are hardly around it seems. And lawyers, they have lawyers on hand! So important!

*The story is a powerful message about rape culture. Here we have these golden boys who, in real life, would probably get away with this behavior for the rest of their lives. There was no remorse in these boys, they took what they wanted…but here comes Jade who comes to take what is hers, reclaim the power that they stole from her. Jade plays them like puppets on a string! I was like, damnnnnn girl…I think a lot of us females have had enough so we resonate with her rage. And Jade wouldn’t have have been able to do all of this without the support of her friends who believed her. They didn’t see the rape happen, but they believed her 100%.

*This story is in your face, and unapologetic. The writing is poetic, but sometimes just a few words left an impact. Jade is not a sweet girl – she is hell bent on her plans of revenge. She gives no F’s, she is ruthless, she’s scheming and ready to spill blood. The story is violent, and at times bloody. Jade manipulates Mack to get what she wants.
I think the author did a great job showcasing each character, especially Jade and the boys at St. Andrew’s prep that was involved and their strength and weaknesses.

Things That Made Me Go Hmmm:

*There are so many triggers in this books: sexual assault, rape, rape culture, attempted suicide, murder for the sake of revenge, violence.

*Because this book is so dark, it may not appeal to some readers, especially because Jade comes off as a psychopath, she’s getting high off these murders! Also I enjoyed the poetic writing but I can see how some readers would get confused with the metaphorical writing.

*The way Jade uses Mack to take down the golden boys was at times, for me, not believable. He fell for her so fast and was willing, just because she smiled a certain way, whispered the right words, kissed him a lot, now he’s about to murder his friends? She was doing a lot of emotional manipulation on him, but it didn’t seem like she needed to try very hard. I definitely had to suspend my belief there and go with it.

*What happens next to Jade?! I need to know.

Final Thoughts:
Some books capture the sign of the times so perfectly and this book does it well. It’s the rage we feel these days with the MeToo movement, unleashed through Jade and her coven. Women are fighting back the powerful golden boys that have ruled for what seems like eons and it’s about time.

If you can handle the triggers in this book, I think it’s an intense, bold story that dares you not to look away from the damage rape culture can cause. I believe this is the first book in a series or duology, I’m not quite sure, but I am VERY curious to see what happens next after the ending of this book. I think this book could have stood strongly as a standalone already, but maybe we get to see how society paints Jade when they find out what happened to her and what she’s done in retaliation. Things could get intense, I look forward to reading the sequel.