From the author of The Book of Gothel comes the lush, magical story behind Shakespeare’s sonnets, as told by one of his most famous subjects—the incendiary and mysterious Dark Lady.
My name has only been whispered, heretofore…
England, 1591. Rose Rushe’s passion for life runs deep—she loves mead and music, meddles with astrology, and laughs at her mother’s warnings to guard her reputation. When Rose’s father dies and a noble accuses her and her dear friend Cecely of witchcraft, they flee to the household of respected alchemists in London. But as their bond deepens, their sanctuary begins to feel more like a cage. To escape, they turn to the occult, secretly casting charms and selling astrological advice in the hopes of building a life together. This thriving underground business leads Rose to fair young noble Henry and playwright Will Shakespeare, and so begins a brief, tempestuous, and powerful romance—one filled with secret longings and deep betrayals.
In this world of dazzling masques and decadent feasts, where the stars decide futures, Rose will write her own fate instead.
Advance Praise
“A triumph of feminist imagination.”—Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman
“The must-read romantic historical fantasy of the summer.” —Constance Sayers, author of A Witch in Time
“A sensual and witchy look at Shakespeare’s England, as well as a compelling and singular take on the Bard himself… Mary McMyne has crafted a masterful tale full of magic, poetry, and intrigue that will keep readers turning the pages into the dark of the night.” —Alyssa Palombo, author of The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
“A bold and inventive tale about a woman ahead of her time in an Elizabethan England you can practically see and touch. Timely, feminist, and wonderfully original.” —Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, author of The Witch and the Tsar
Praise for The Book of Gothel
“A sprawling epic, full of magic, love and heartbreak.”—Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
“A luscious origin story.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Mary McMyne is a magician.” —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked
Recent News
Official Cover Reveal and Pre-Order Launch for A Rose by Any Other Name!
It’s official! A Rose by Any Other Name, my novel about the story behind Shakespeare’s sonnets from the perspective of the Dark Lady, is available for preorder with a cover and official release date.
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MARY MCMYNE 