Macbeth gets a modern Heathers treatment. If you like Shakespeare retellings, then get ready for the dark and indulgent Foul is Fair.



Elle and her friends Mads, Jenny, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Elle’s sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Elle as their next target.

They picked the wrong girl.

Sworn to vengeance, Elle transfers to St. Andrew’s. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She’ll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school’s hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.

Important Note: Before you read this novel, please look into any content trigger warnings. This is not going to be a book for everyone and, as always, one must proceed with caution. There's plenty in this story that could trigger various people.

Creepy, addictive, snarky and exactly what I wanted to see from Hannah Capin. We all know I loved last year's The Dead Queens Club and have been anticipating more from her. I jumped at the chance to get my hands on this one. Typically, I get a little nervous about Shakespeare based retellings for one reason or another--so even in my excitement, I was a little wary of Foul is Fair.

Capin was quick to remind me why I fell so hard for her debut novel. Foul is Fair is delectable and it is about as subtle as a freshly sharpened knife to the back, which makes it almost charismatic in a chilling way. Foul is Fair is vicious and takes on its source material in a way that is sharp, malicious and completely indulgent. The concept alone promises us that we are in for a wild ride.

Although none of the characters are necessarily likable or unlikable (merely, they are complex and reach varying dynamics) there is something chilling in the way that they are portrayed. The powers that they posses and the lives they lead are sparkling with fear and revenge. Something about each of them stands out and fits a specific archetype; readers will easily find themselves slipping into their lives bit by bit.

Hannah Capin translates Shakespeare into the new age--full of teenage doom and shuttering little moments of revenge. This novel is not for the faint of hear and the sheer biting ruthless Foul is Fair portrays leads us into some darkly comedic angst. It is bloody and witty in ways that may make you flinch back or shy away from the pages from time to time.

Ultimately, I had a good time with these characters. Retellings are only as good as the author's who pen them, but this story of revenge truly hits all the right notes. Capin's claws are sharpened and she's readying for the jugular when it comes to Foul is Fair. If you're looking for something dark, emotionally gruesome, absurd and compelling, look no further than this one.