This was a slow-burning retelling that I really enjoyed. I know it isn't perfect and there could have been more enhancing the world building and some of the events that take place. But as a debut novel, the first in a duology, and something that features a lot of humanizing features, you have to give it props.

I think the biggest draw for me in this story is the fact that you don't need to know the original story. That's because the story gives you some of the characters and world from the book, but the rest is completely created by the author. I'm a huge fan of authors who don't stay true to the original story. We have that story already and hearing someone put their own twist on it makes it more exciting for me.

The beginning of the book really dumps a lot of information on you. I would say the story doesn't actually get going until you're 100 pages in. When Aurora finally shows up, that's when things get interesting. But I was interested in the info dumps because it was as much world building as you get in the story. I liked the idea of Graces; different magical beings that can do everything from enhance your beauty to heal your wounds. The only caveat is that Graces lose their power over time; they use their distinct golden blood to create their elixirs and charms. Alyce is a Vila; it's sort of the same as a Grace except she can't cast spells for good. So she's relegated to potions that make people ugly and curses that help people do malicious things. I loved that the author took the old tale and turned it into this complex magic system where the three fairies from the book represent one group and Maleficent represents the other. However, don't expect any appearances from those folks.

I really loved how Alyce's experiences in this world reflect on the real world. Her "otherness" causes her to be cast out from the rest of society. People constantly see her as a threat because of her genes and ethnicity. She's a Vila; the worst of the worst. However, that's not even close to the type of person Alyce truly is. It's just another set of stereotypes created by people to keep her being the other. If that isn't a reflection of reality, I don't know what is.

I also really like the political/royal intrigue happening in the book. There was some building up to the big reveal and what's happening in the kingdom, but I also felt like this could have been enhanced. However, this part was one of the main reasons I kept reading despite it coming so late in the book.

But the relationship between Aurora and Alyce was really sweet and somewhat romantic. The only thing I wish the author did more was add more context to their relationship. They went pretty quickly from friends to lovers and much of what I had to do was suspend disbelief that they were so quick to fall for each other. But I did find it clever that Aurora has to kiss every man in the kingdom to break her curse only to find it was Alyce all along.

Overall, a great start to a new duology and a debut author. I'm happy to read the next book and anything else Heather Walter writes in the future.

Unique take on sleeping beauty. Liked that it wasn't a straight forward villain story. Alyce is a dark grace and much of the story focuses on her coming to terms with her power and who she is. There is also a romance which seems a little instant to me but not so much as to be distracting. Where it kind of lost me was the strata of political and social status portrayed in the book. The world building was really well done but I felt like political aspect just got confusing and went over my head. Overall it's a pretty enjoyable read and would recommend if you like retellings.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an eARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

Malice is a Sleeping Beauty retelling where the evil fairy falls in love with the princess. In this world Graces are people blessed with magic that can bestow gifts/boons and they are adored, but Alyce, the Dark Grace is reviled, for she can give only curses. Not that that stops people from using her services. Her world is upended when she meets the princess, who somehow actually enjoys Alyce's company. But with a curse set to kill Aurora on her on her next birthday, how could she have time for a friendship with the Dark Grace, let alone anything more?

I thoroughly enjoyed Malice! I love villain origin stories because they are so creative in capturing what exactly could lead a person to villainy. Alyce's character arc and growth is so good, especially when you add Aurora into the mix. *chef's kiss* In addition, the world building and history were fantastic and I was absorbed in the mystery of the past that Alyce has to solve.

I think I would have preferred if this were a standalone, but I am still excited for the next book.

3.5 stars because I'm indecisive.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC!

so apparently I missed the publication date for this -

I’m not really sure if “Malice” was supposed to be a villainous retelling. On one hand, it did tell the side of the fairy tale from the witch’s perspective. On the other hand, Alyce wasn’t really a villain in the first place, so I’m not sure if it really applies. She was perceived as evil, or at least lesser, but she didn’t really have the darkness or the evil drive.

“I know what they will say of me, those who escape to the realms beyond the sea. The Vila who cursed the lovely princess. Trapped her in a tower, never to wake. Razed Briar to the ground for spite.”

The concept of this book was definitely interesting. It’s a Sleeping Beauty retelling from the perspective of the wicked fairy - in which she and the cursed princess fall in love. First of all, YES LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION THANK YOU YES. I am also trash for fairy tale retellings because I don’t have the time or the energy to focus on whitewashed misogynistic homophobic princess books, so I LIVE for these diverse books.

“A princess and a Dark Grace. Quite the pair.”

I was definitely intrigued by the world-building of this book. The kingdoms, the geography and the history were described in a lot of depth, which is kind of rare for most books. I thought that was a nice touch. I also liked the magic system, and how the different creatures had their own types of magic.

“I am reviled and despised for the very reasons I’m sought out. A figure of dark, evil magic. A member of a race all but stamped out. A Vila.
A monster.”

Alyce is part-Vila, which are basically similar to demons. The Vila were dark and evil creatures before they were terminated, which makes everyone else treat Alyce with contempt (wow, imagine being treated badly because of your race - that doesn’t sound familiar at all). However, she works as a Grace - an Etherian-blessed human whose magical blood is used in elixirs to bestow gifts upon humans.

Alyce’s Vila magic works in the opposite way that Grace magic works. Graces can bless someone with beauty or wit. Alyce can curse someone with ugliness or clumsiness. As such, she’s called the Dark Grace.

“Obsessed with charm and beauty and whatever other fripperies those Graces can dish out. Mark my words, Alyce. When the Etherians created the Graces, they weren’t doing us a favor.”

It’s a lot to explain. I thought the world-building was incorporated pretty smoothly into the narrative, but a lot of people have said that it was info-dumping for the first part of the book. I guess that makes sense, since a lot of the history was introduced in chunks and long stories, but I felt like they went along with the storyline pretty well.

“I’ll never be a heroine like Leythana. In Briar, I’ll only ever be a villain.”

The plot was definitely pretty different than the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. In this one, the witch falls in love with the princess, and the true-love’s-kiss curse was placed by someone else. It didn’t really focus on the romance for a while. More of it was focused on Alyce’s development.

That was definitely one of the best parts of this book. At the beginning, Alyce believed that her magic was dark and evil and wrong, she had very low self-esteem, and she based her opinion of herself on the opinions of others - all of which were bad. And then she found out that she was more powerful than she thought, and that her heritage had a secret side to it.

“A terrifying part of my soul whispers that I can do far more than spoil a jug of cream. That I want to.”

Alyce’s arc from a wretched Grace in her dark “lair” to someone more powerful and self-aware was probably the key aspect of the storyline. It was something like a self-acceptance narrative.

“I’m better than this. More than the villain they’ve created. I close my eyes, consider tapping into the magic of the wood and stones and mortar of this house and bringing it all down around their ears.
But I do not. Because I’m a coward.”

I loved her subtle conflict of wanting to be herself and being scared of her own power and the opinions it drew. She had a very believable “dark side” that she repressed because she knew that if she didn’t do it, someone else would.

“Much as I abhor being the Dark Grace, my blood’s power to thwart the Graces’ always gives me a rush of victory.”

I think her transition from just trying to keep to herself every day to experimenting with her powers was executed really well, especially with how her powers always seemed to oppose her desire to be “good”.

“I did that. With my power. Stole Rose’s Grace magic. Made a patron speak to her the way they all speak to me, contentious and spiteful. A delicious mix of elation and wonder surges as Aurora’s question from the library comes soaring back.
What else can I do?”

The characterization was really well done for Alyce. For the other characters, I think it could have been better, but considering the length of this book that would have taken way too long.

Rose was seriously a bitch. She was the Beauty Grace working in the same house that Alyce worked in, and she was so condescending and rude and downright awful and she annoyed me to no end. I’m so tired of this whole “mean-girl” thing where there’s always one character who’s just an absolute bitch, but Rose pulled it off well. I enjoyed that she got more characterization and backstory to her actions, but the end of the book completely negated all of that and it felt useless by that point. I was hoping she would develop, but apparently not.

“Rose was wrong.” The silk of Laurel’s dressing gown rustles. “You’re not hated, Alyce. Not by all of us.”
The crisp points of the crumpled parchment dig into my palm. “Not by all,” I answer. “But by enough.”

Laurel was an interesting character. I liked her for the most part, but she also bothered me. Laurel was the Wisdom Grace who loved books and learning, but she just wouldn’t pick a side? For a while it seemed like she was Alyce’s only ally until she wasn’t? She was definitely one of the nicer characters and I liked that she helped Alyce in her own way, but by the end of the book I felt like she could have been a lot better.

“My gift compels me to tell you you’re treading on thin ice.” Laurel doesn’t even look up as she speaks. “You’re a sheep among wolves, Alyce.”
“Am I?” I start in on my egg, hand trembling slightly from the rush of so thoroughly enraging Rose. For a heartbeat, my nails appear as claws as I pick off a bit of shell. “Or am I the wolf, and they’re the sheep?”

Hilde was absolutely amazing and I have a suspicion that she’ll play some role in the next book. Seriously, this woman made so many hints about shit that it will make no sense if she’s not even mentioned.

“There’s a reason you’re drawn to the first queen,” she says. “I know a bit of history, too. Enough to guess that there’s power in you, girl. More than you realize. I look forward to the day when you wake up and start using it.”

Kal...I don’t know what to say about him. He was definitely important to the story and he really helped Alyce a lot. He played a really big part in Aylce’s character development. I think the way he challenged her and taught her about her heritage and powers was so important.

“Dragon’s teeth, I’m in no mood for wordplay.” A wave pounds against the cliff.
“Are you not?” He snaps the book closed. “Because that is all I see in this book. Lies and trickery. And yet you write it on your heart. Demean yourself because of the opinions of”—he opens the front cover and sneers—“the illustrious Master Walburn. What gives him the right to tell you who you are?”

I can’t say a lot about him without spoilers, but his character was definitely a strong one.

“If you let me teach you…Your power will be unstoppable. You could bring the Etherian Mountains tumbling into the sea.”

Aurora was definitely not what I was expecting. She was rebellious and brave and outspoken, and I loved that she wasn’t the “sweet kind amiable perfect girl who needs a strong man” that Disney has brainwashed us into thinking all good princesses are.

“I wish I could be like you.”
“What?” I suck in air too fast and cough. That’s something I never thought I’d hear coming out of anyone’s mouth, much less a royal’s.
“I do.” There’s not a trace of doubt or mockery. “Destroy things and…” She drops her voice, studying the fountain. “People, even. Let out what simmers inside me. But I can’t. I’m too well trained. Ever grateful and graceful.”

The romance was good for the most part. The whole true-love’s-curse thing brought a whole new level to the fangirl part of my brain that kept screaming “JUST KISS” at my tablet.

“She huffs. “Don’t you trust me?”
No. Yes. My fickle heart can’t make up its mind. Once again, I’m dizzy with the feeling Aurora gives me. Like plunging toward the sea and hoping you’ll grow wings before you hit the surface.”

Aurora and Alyce’s relationship was so sweet and accepting and even though the way they met was kind of too close to insta-love for my liking, I’m not sure what else you expect from a fairy-tale retelling. Their chemistry at first was so obvious and the way they explored each others’ personalities was amazing.

“Forgive me, Your Highness.”
She bats the air. “Enough of that. I’m Aurora to you.”
“Aurora.” The syllables are full and bright on my tongue, tasting of summer berries and fizzy wine.”

However, I feel like their relationship development could have been delivered a lot better. It went from them meeting each other and having this chemistry to them spending more time together despite the repercussions...and then there was jealousy and angst and betrayal that was completely imagined? Alyce started feeling too jealous of Aurora’s suitors and blaming her for so much even though they didn’t even know they were in love?

They were great when their relationship started moving, but when they reached that stage where you’re supposed to, you know, figure out that you like the idiot...it just fell apart. And not in an intense, angsty-romance way. More like “I’m mad at you for doing something that I imagined because I was jealous even though I don’t know why I’m jealous”.

“She tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. Smiles in that way that turns my heart into hot, melted wax.”

There was so much good content to their original relationship dynamic that I feel like the rest of it just didn’t work.

“You must think me a fool.”
“Not at all. I admire you. You’re nothing like…” I grapple for the right words, but they swish through my mind, slippery as eels. “What I thought.”
Her smile rivals the starlight. “I take that as an extreme compliment.”
“It is.” An inexplicable shyness nips at me and I fumble for a distraction.”

I think the romance’s original direction of acceptance and remaking the odds was the best part. Their trust and understanding was a little too automatic, but it made a lot of really beautiful content.

“It is both a relief and a terror to be around someone who doesn’t consider me an abomination. Applauds my power instead of shrinking from it.”

I also loved how natural the romance felt. That’s real representation - when LGBTQ+ relationships are shown as normal or simple, because that’s what they are. Well, that’s what they should be.

“She reaches for the vial. Our hands touch again. My scaly skin juxtaposed with her bronze-kissed glow. Light and darkness. Monster and maiden.”

Lastly, the writing. Some of it felt a little bit clunky at times, but mostly it really suited the book’s style and aesthetic. Heather Walter’s style is so pretty and I saved way too many quotes from the book because I just knew I needed to put them in my review. But I don’t know where to put them, so here are the quotes I couldn’t fit in:

“Against my own instinct, I find myself rushing on. “What else can it be? All I can summon is ugliness and pain.”
“Alyce.” I’ve never heard my name spoken that way before, with compassion, and it almost hurts. “You are so much more than that.”

“Remember what I said, Alyce. About monsters.” The words are low, spoken in a tone that wakes something deep in my core. “Take care you don’t become what they think you are.”

“What would Leythana think now, if she could glimpse the future her efforts had wrought?
I think she would burn it all down.”

“You were right. I’ve lived the lies Briar fed me from the day I drew breath. But I’m tired of being treated like a caged pet, let out only to entertain those who despise me.”

Overall, “Malice” delivered pretty well on its promise of a sapphic fairy-tale retelling. It took me a while to read and I feel like some of the plot points weren’t completely necessary, but it was executed really well.

I read this book and absolutely loved it .
All about the villain .
Brought up in a household where everyone is beautiful . Alyce is strong with dark powers and intentions . She does not fit the mold of the traditional grace.
This is more or less a retelling of sleeping beauty , princess Briar story . But this authors writing swept me away.
I really began to root for alyce and I wanted her to be happy.. This is a ladies happy ending.

“If they want a monster, they shall have one.”

Ohhhhhh I really liked this one! The blurb indicates this is a dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and while I do agree, I feel there are also a few times I thought back on Cinderella and more so, Maleficent while I read. Walter did an amazing job crafting a ‘villain’ that readers can connect with. I also say villain loosely because Alyce has a beauty, innocence and heart that we watch slowly be destroyed by the ignorance and hatred of the people around her. The depth of this story is exceptional with themes of self-acceptance, LGBTQ representation, the blurred lines of good vs. evil and the destructive force of fear, discrimination and ridicule.

I especially fell in love for the strength of the female characters in this book. Many times we see heroines make awful decisions paired with unthinking motives. While there are instances where emotions cloud the better judgment of Aurora and Alyce, it was refreshing to see Aurora step back and reevaluate circumstances as the Princess. Alyce had a lot more growing to do and reigning in but readers can see where this inability to trust people and self comes from. It played well into the creation of Malice. There are two characters that I felt could have been left out. Unfortunately, I can’t say too much because it will give away plot moments. I personally felt the author was constructing strength around Alyce and finding her inner power. The twist that gives her the push to crossover to the dark side so-to-speak, I felt took away from Alyce’s strength and made it reliant on others instead of her. There is an intimate sexual scene and while it is tastefully and beautifully done it made me wonder if this is in the young adult section. I saw a few book sites insinuate a young adult crossover but feel this would be better suited labeled under new adult for those on the younger side of YA.

This is deliciously foreboding, hexing and so much more than just an average fairytale retelling. Slow to build with character driven plot progress and a darkly enchanting morally grey main character. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a more ominous retelling with LGBTQ representation and feminine strength. Thank you to Penguin Random House/Del Rey for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to hit the store and add a stunning copy to my shelves. True rating 4.5/5.

This was such an interesting twist on a very well known story. The characters felt and the story felt familiar while also feeling like something totally brand new! The first half of the book really had me thinking it was going in a certain direction, but towards the end totally left me guessing. Overall I really enjoyed this darker retelling of a well known fairy tale and I already can’t wait for the second half of this duology!

Once upon a time, an evil fairy cursed a line of Princesses to die. The only way to break the curse, true love's kiss. You may be thinking you've heard this story before, right?

I'd say, not quite like this. in Malice, Heather Walter has put her own darkly creative spin on the beloved tale, Sleeping Beauty. Alyce is a Dark Grace, living in a house of Beauty Graces since she was just a young girl. While the wealthy of Briar set appointments with the other Graces to enhance their beauty, they go to Alyce for more sinister potions and tinctures.

Alyce has never fit in with the other girls and is frequently harassed by them; particularly by the beautiful and talented, Rose. As deplorable as their treatment of her is, Alyce grows used to it. She even comes to accept it, in a way. That's why when she crosses paths with the last Princess, Aurora, and Aurora shows her kindness, Alyce isn't quite sure how to react. Why would the Princess want to be friends with her? It doesn't make any sense.

In the midst of all of this, Alyce actually stumbles upon, and befriends someone else. Kal, a man magically imprisoned in a tower, who promises to teach her how to harness her powers. Through her meetings with him, Alyce begins to learn more about her history, potential and the world outside of Briar.

The world Walter created within this story was absolutely immersive. I loved the magic system. Learning about the Graces and their powers, but also the interactions with Fae and the history of Briar. It's richly detailed, but in a way that stays engaging. Alyce was a fantastically created character. I felt her every emotion; also extra points for including her kestrel, Callow. Three cheers for animal companions.

I also thought the relationship between Alyce and Aurora was well done. It felt natural. The stakes were really high and it definitely pushed the drama of the story. I did feel like the end dragged on a bit, but overall, I was so impressed with this. I would definitely recommend Malice for Readers who enjoy the darker side of fairy tales.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to reading more from Heather Walter!

A beautiful retelling of the Sleeping Beauty myth from the perspective of the villain, but a queer twist.

I have become more stingy with giving out five stars over the last year or two; to get one a book has to be one that I know I will read again at least once and probably multiple times. This one definitely fits that criteria! I was lucky to read it in electronic ARC and just ordered a physical copy from BookPeople today after listening to Heather talk about the book in a cool virtual launch event.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. And I must say I really enjoyed this fantasy book. Thank you.

Captivating, Dark, Magical Book.

Cannot wait for the Sequel. It was a delightful, magical read.

Grab your copy, you will love it!! Sleeping beauty, Dark.

What initially drew me to this book was the cover. I mean, it’s stunning and I was captivated. The book itself is a fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty and I do have to commend the author for a job well done. I enjoyed this book. I think more than I expected. I enjoyed the character of Alyce and I appreciate the thought put into her voice in the world.

Malice is a superbly dark and twisty fairytale retelling. The main character, Alyce, is an outcast in the kingdom of Briar, serving the role of “Dark Grace” by concocting elixirs for those who wish to curse their enemies. After meeting a shadowy creature named Kal and then the Crown Princess herself, Alyce begins questioning her place in life. I loved witnessing her growth as she discovered her powers, experienced love for the first time, and eventually reached her breaking point. Alyce has quickly become my new favorite quasi-villain and I can’t wait to see how her story unfolds in the sequel!!

I should have known that I wasn’t going to be into this book from the beginning. This poor thing wanders around in a big dark cloak, a chip on her shoulder, and a big creepy bird. Even if she moves far away, looking and acting like that, no one will want to approach her. That and her attitude is just terrible. Which is partly why I chose 2 1/2 stars rounded down. I don’t like Alyce.

And this is coming from someone who was cast out during all my elementary, middle, and high school years, growing up in small town USA. I didn’t have many friends because I was half Asian. I got made fun of and teased more than anyone should have to go through. But that means I should be able to relate to this girl at least a little bit on some level... But nope. Not even a little.

Before I get into why I don’t like her or the other characters, I do want to say, the writing style is great. It did flow for me, but I kept getting angry at the people. I don’t recall there being more than a couple of nice people in this book. The main characters certainly weren’t. And that cover!!!! It’s sooo gorgeous!!!

So here is where (view spoiler)

Anyway, I could go on venting for a while, but I think you get the gist. I am not saying this is a bad read. It’s not, I just couldn’t find anything relatable. But really, that’s probably only me. I just can’t stand people being terrible and heartless. It makes me cringe, and this one is full of cringeworthy characters. Even the one or two that we are led to believe are good turn out to be mean and awful. Just like everyone. I just wish there was something that really pulled me further into the book, but I just wasn’t in it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for allowing me to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.

A dark fantasy based on Sleeping Beauty where the princess falls in love with a dark sorceress. This story could have been a trite retelling but the worldbuilding adds depth to the fairy tale and the romance between the characters feels true. This is the first book in a duology, so don't expect things to be wrapped up neatly at the end.

This is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty (what is it with me and reading so many retelling lately that I’m just not crazy about?) but with a twist: Alyce, the Dark Grace, the vila, the ones who caused the death curse, falls in love with the princess. She’s grown up in a world that despises her and rejects her.

I loved reading about Alyce’s struggles to live in a world where she’s hated and her compassion and empathy. She’s a beautiful person who is forced to become a monster because of what they think she is, not what she actually is. Her relationship with Aurora is also adorable but I wish they’d had more interactions to make things more believable.

The reason I rated this so poorly was because of the writing. We’re given a ton of exposition at times that could easily have been woven into dialogue or literally any other way other than it being spilled out onto the page. Half of it seemed unnecessary as well, like knowing who rules the other lands when we never go there and it’s never necessary to the plot. Like at all.

It was also terribly predictable in every sense and boring. The ending was the best part to be honest, and I wish it had happened earlier.

While I understand this is a duology... it didn’t have to be. I probably won’t read book 2.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
This was truly incredible. A nice blending of beauty and the beast and sleeping beauty all meshed together in a lovely grotesque package. How deliciously wonderful.

Welcome to Briar, where the queen and her offspring are curse by a mark urging them to find their true love by their 21st birthday, Graces are mortal/fairy hybrids, and where Alice, a Dark Grace, is shunned and feared by all...all except the next princess, Aurora. Heather Walter creates a world of re-telling of the classic Sleeping Beauty but rather than a handsome prince to break a curse, Aurora seeks the help of the Dark Grace/Vila ("evil fairy")/Shifter (shape-shifting being).

Told in 1st-person POV with Alice as our narrator, readers are quickly immersed in this world of Briar where not everything is as it seems as enchantments can change courtiers' appearance, inanimate objects can be animated, and a war fought by Fairy and Vila can have differing perspectives. The limitations of Alice as a narrator is being unable to see what other characters are plotting (a shifty lot, indeed) and there are some portions of the book that were a lot of Alice's inner-turmoil and angst (which could have been shaved down by about 100 pages, imo). The benefits, however, are the twists as she discovers who she can and cannot trust and how she comes into her power. This is such a creative spin on a classic tale and I cannot wait for the follow-up.

This book had so much potential since I love Sleeping Beauty and love a great retelling like Maleficent. However, I struggled with this book. To me it fell flat with a lot of repetition.

I enjoyed the evolution of Alyce's character, but I wish more was done with her magical capabilities. There were a few scenes that ended abruptly which is weird since this book is longer than average. There were a few fight scenes that were ended far too quickly. If you weren't paying attention, you would have missed that they died.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

malice is the sapphic sleeping beauty reimagining i didn’t know i needed. (i mean, that’s not quite true—i read the blurb months ago and immediately thought “I MUST READ THIS,” but i didn’t expect it to be this satisfying.) i couldn’t put it down towards the end and that cliffhanger just left me craving more.

alyce was the highlight of this novel. she was both sympathetic and truly morally gray, and watching her growth was an absolute delight. i particularly loved her romance with aurora—it is a sloooow burn, but it felt so authentic to both characters and i was rooting for them the entire time. i do think her development was a little rushed/sudden in the last few chapters, but at the same time her actions left me even more intrigued about the sequel.

this is definitely one of the more unique retellings that i’ve read—while heather walter wove the classic elements of the tale into her story, she also created a sweeping fantasy world with its own history, cultures, and magic system. while i found the world building a little confusing at times, i genuinely enjoyed learning about briar—particularly the magical elements, which usually bore me!

my biggest struggle was with the ending. keeping things as vague as possible, it felt like walter was trying to accomplish too much in too little time and the end result was ultimately just a little bewildering.

malice is one of those “my heart says five stars but my head says four” reads for me—i loved it so much despite its flaws, and i would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys villain origin stories, morally gray protagonists, sapphic princesses, dark fairytales, or all of the above.

Are you looking for a dark retelling of Sleeping Beauty? (Well, the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty, that is. The original is pretty dark on its own). If so, then look no further! Malice, written by Heather Walter, is the book for you.

The story starts, as all fairy tales do, with a 'Once upon a time...' The rest of the story refuses to follow that tradition. Once upon a time, there was a witch, and she cursed the royal line. Every princess was doomed to die, but for the most part, people didn't care. It was just the way things were.

For her whole life, Alyce didn't care either. She's never had any reason to care about the royalty, or really anybody else. That is until she met Aurora. Aurora changed the way she saw the world. She treated Alyce with kindness when everyone else treated her with fear and disgust.

Now Alyce is racing against time, desperately seeking to find a cure to save Aurora. She stands a better chance than most, since it was a similar magic that created the curse in the first place.

“New patrons are always so grateful when I offer suggestions. I think it makes them feel less the villain.”

First, can I just say that I love novels written from the perspective of the 'villain?' Especially when their perspective forces us to look at them through a different light. That is only part of the reason why I enjoyed Malice so much, but it certainly didn't hurt.

Malice is, at the start, a bit of a slow-burning read. It takes a while to really understand and appreciate what Alyce is trying to tell us. It takes even longer before Aurora comes onto the scene. But once everything falls into place...that is where the story really starts picking up.

The best part of this novel is that it subverts so many different classic fairytale elements. Since I'm pretty sick of those themes, it was such a delight to see! And I know I'm not the only one out there that will feel that way.

“Dragon's teeth, she's even worse than the others. And I once had a man tell me his own rose garden smelled too nice and was attracting bees.”

The whole concept of Graces/Dark Graces was really fascinating. It helped to explain the motivations of many different characters – not just the main ones. It's actually a concept I wouldn't mind seeing explored in further detail.

Malice is the first installment of what will be a two-part series. I have no idea what is going to happen next, but I can tell you that I'm looking forward to finding out!