Have you been loving THP’s historical fiction era as much as we have? Well, you might need to buckle in for the book we’re reviewing today: Upon the Corner of the Moon by Valerie Nieman.
Upon the Corner of the Moon retells the real-life story of the Macbeths, not Shakespeare’s version. It focuses on the childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood of Gruach and Macbeth. Upon the Corner of the Moon is the first book in Valerie Nieman’s Alba series, taking us through Scotland in the early 1000s.
Not totally convinced yet? Here are two signs Upon the Corner of the Moon deserves to be next on your TBR!
Book Overview: Upon The Corner Of The Moon
Content warnings: murder, death, graphic violence, gore, rape, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, child abuse, slavery, branding, pregnancy, childbirth, warfare, and weapons (Please read at your discretion!)
Summary: At the dawn of the second millennium, two royal Scottish children are swept away from their families—Macbeth to the perilous royal court of his grandfather, and Gruach to the remnants of the goddess-worshiping Picts. Macbeth learns that blood bonds are easily severed while Gruach finds her path only to lose it when she’s summoned back to the patriarchal world. Each struggle with gaining and losing power, guided and misguided by prophecy and politics as their paths converge in a fiery bid for royal succession.
Upon the Corner of the Moon separates literary legend from reality, immersing readers in a story about the real rulers who changed the face of Scotland. Some legends are true, and the truth sometimes becomes a legend—or a lie. This novel masterfully dovetails the Macbeth legend and the truth without sacrificing either.
You Enjoy Historical Retellings
For those of us who already enjoy historical fiction, Upon the Corner of the Moon is a no-brainer! This retelling of Macbeth starts way before the version told by Shakespeare. We read about how Gruach and Macbeth grew up fostered by different parental figures. Gruach and her brother Nechtan come back to the court only after their father Boidh dies. Then we get to their adolescence, where Gruach is forced into an arranged marriage with Gillecomgan. It’s so interesting to read about people’s lives from over a millennium ago.
You Live For Cliffhanger Endings
We find something so enchanting about historical novels, knowing they draw inspiration by real people and events. We can understand the need for cliffhanger endings, especially for a book as significant as Upon the Corner of the Moon. Patience is a virtue, after all. But beware, if you only know Shakespeare’s Macbeth, you’ll have to wait until 2027 to compare your findings. We have all the context we’ll need about Macbeth and Gruach before they become King and Queen of Alba. And we’ll be ready for book two.
Valerie Nieman’s Upon the Corner of the Moon skillfully retells the famous stories of Gruach and Macbeth, weaving and highlighting much-needed context from their early lives that we’ll not soon forget.
Upon the Corner of the Moon by Valerie Nieman comes out March 11th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think about Valerie Nieman’s Upon the Corner of the Moon? Did you enjoy this retelling of the Macbeths? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
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