Reviews with content warning for Torture - Malice

Reviews tagging 'Torture'

Malice by Heather Walter

78 reviews

gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Through out this book I was thinking it was enjoyable but nothing adventurous. I couldn't understand the hype and love around this book. It felt like another misunderstood character trope which, don't get me wrong, is good but I couldn't see it being beloved worthy. Then the ending happened and now I understand. It may not be a 5 star read but I can see where the love is coming from.

The second half of the book really let's the villains slowly shine. There are some great moments where it puts there "I'm the villain" scenes front and centre, and honestly I was kind of there for it. Sometimes villains just need to be villains as not to take away from the other characters.

I recommend reading this if you are a fairytale retelling fan. It doesn't follow it all the plot beats, but there are some good easter eggs.

Content Warnings

ankonyx's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

theespressoedition's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Okay, when I heard "Sleeping Beauty reimagined from the villain's perspective" this is not what I expected... in the best way possible! What an incredible book!

I've been in the worst slump with fantasy lately. Almost every book I've read has fallen flat or I've lost my interest a quarter of the way through. That was certainly not the case with Malice. I loved every second and had a tough time putting it down. There was never a dull moment, the story didn't drag, and the characters were exquisite!

It's actually a little tough for me to write an in-depth review about this because there was literally nothing I disliked about the book. I almost feel like that's enough of a review. It's sapphic (with mostly closed-door sexual content). It's a great twist on a classic fairytale. There are predictable moments but also ones that blow your mind. It's overall just an incredible book that deserves way more hype!

I seriously can't wait to get my hands on Misrule. I'm dying to find out what happens next for these characters!

Content Warnings

astravars's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

dusksolace's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

kanra's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Everybody knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, this book is a fantastic take on it. It follows Alyce the dark grace as she learns more about her powers and attempts to break Aurora's curse. Alyce is not a person anyone in this world likes, there are a few who tolerate her but she is constantly mocked and bullied. She's different from everyone because her magic is dark, though she tries her hardest to be good she feels trapped and wants desperately to be free. At times I felt the bullying was too much and didn't see how Alyce was the villain. She has good intentions and doesn't try to hurt anyone on purpose but she gets wrapped up in worse and worse things as the story goes on. At one point I had such an uneasy feeling while reading and had to put the book down because I needed to calm down before continuing. Alyce isn't the only villain in this book and it reads as her being the good guy for a good part of it. At a certain point everything starts turning into the story we all know and it is fantastic. This is a story of downfall, it has mean people and dark magic, and it is so good. I rated this 4/5 because how Alyce is at the beginning is not my favorite and for most of the book she seems too good. Definitely read this book if you want to read about an MC with an unhappy life being pushed into the role of villain.

Content Warnings