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sourcandies's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.0
The pacing of the final book felt very off, a lot of discussions about what would happen and then it felt like the majority of the plot being built up happened in the third act. the ending could’ve been better and i wish that we had opportunities to see them happy together but I guess that’s that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-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
3.5
After reading and absolutely obsessing over Malice, I was thrilled to dive into Misrule as soon as possible. The previous book left us on a bit of an intense, emotional cliffhanger and I had to know what happened next...
...what I wasn't expecting was for this book to take place 100 years in the future. That threw me for a loop, I'll be honest. It also made me a little bit frustrated because it showed that Alyce really hadn't grown at all in that time, but completely given in to every bit of evil that was plaguing her from the get-go.
However, that meant there was nowhere to go but up. It just took a while to get there.
This book was a great deal slower than the first and didn't really suck me in until the final third of the story. I kept expecting crazy twists or exciting magic but instead, it became a bit boring, focusing more on the political intrigue and how all of the creatures/monsters were harmed or taken advantage of over the years.
That being said, the ending was really well done. While there were plenty of predictable moments throughout the book, the conclusion was something that gave me pause. I wasn't fully expecting the resolution, which was super pleasing. In addition to that, it also made the slower aspects of the story more beneficial. I believe that if I were to reread it, I would appreciate it more for how it turned out.
I also feel the need to mention that I read this over the course of a month (as a buddy-read) when it would typically be a book I would finish in a matter of days. If I pick it up again in the future, I'd be curious to see how it would make me feel if I flew through it a little quicker and if that would make it feel like an easier, less monotonous read.
As a duology, I'd give it 4 stars. It's a unique twist on Sleeping Beauty and I really enjoyed how the classic fairytale was reimagined!
...what I wasn't expecting was for this book to take place 100 years in the future. That threw me for a loop, I'll be honest. It also made me a little bit frustrated because it showed that Alyce really hadn't grown at all in that time, but completely given in to every bit of evil that was plaguing her from the get-go.
However, that meant there was nowhere to go but up. It just took a while to get there.
This book was a great deal slower than the first and didn't really suck me in until the final third of the story. I kept expecting crazy twists or exciting magic but instead, it became a bit boring, focusing more on the political intrigue and how all of the creatures/monsters were harmed or taken advantage of over the years.
That being said, the ending was really well done. While there were plenty of predictable moments throughout the book, the conclusion was something that gave me pause. I wasn't fully expecting the resolution, which was super pleasing. In addition to that, it also made the slower aspects of the story more beneficial. I believe that if I were to reread it, I would appreciate it more for how it turned out.
I also feel the need to mention that I read this over the course of a month (as a buddy-read) when it would typically be a book I would finish in a matter of days. If I pick it up again in the future, I'd be curious to see how it would make me feel if I flew through it a little quicker and if that would make it feel like an easier, less monotonous read.
As a duology, I'd give it 4 stars. It's a unique twist on Sleeping Beauty and I really enjoyed how the classic fairytale was reimagined!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Murder, Blood, Toxic friendship, and War
Moderate: Grief and Torture
Minor: Self harm
lauraeerika's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
heather is so evil for this what the actually fuck
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Child death
vaniavela's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
Alyce has just lost Aurora. Feeling guilty and remorseful she changes everything she used to be. At the end of the day, if everyone considers her evil and a villain, why not become one for real?
I found the book overall to be well paced. I enjoyed reading how everything has changed over the years since the end of the previous book. I was surprised in that it had better development than Malice; considering that so much changed in the kingdom, I was worried that it would be a rather political book.
I loved the sapphic representation and the character development. I must admit that it was a little tricky to fully empathize with the main characters for some of the plot, as I didn't entirely like their attitudes. Still they were understandable for all the events that were happening.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters in the Dark Court, as we were allowed to read how Alyce interacted with all of them. Also, it was a nice element to give personalities to each of them, as they made the story move forward as needed.
I especially liked that the relationship between Alyce and Aurora was not perfect. Different things happened as the story went along and they both held on to who the other was before; understandable and real. There was a slow but I would say satisfying development in their relationship so I was pleased with the ending they had.
Overall, I liked the sequel.
CW: war, manipulation, violence, torture, dead bodies, body horror, self-harm for magic, self-mutilation, blood, gore, grief, death, character death, fantasy racism/prejudice, nonconsensual kiss, trauma
I found the book overall to be well paced. I enjoyed reading how everything has changed over the years since the end of the previous book. I was surprised in that it had better development than Malice; considering that so much changed in the kingdom, I was worried that it would be a rather political book.
I loved the sapphic representation and the character development. I must admit that it was a little tricky to fully empathize with the main characters for some of the plot, as I didn't entirely like their attitudes. Still they were understandable for all the events that were happening.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters in the Dark Court, as we were allowed to read how Alyce interacted with all of them. Also, it was a nice element to give personalities to each of them, as they made the story move forward as needed.
I especially liked that the relationship between Alyce and Aurora was not perfect. Different things happened as the story went along and they both held on to who the other was before; understandable and real. There was a slow but I would say satisfying development in their relationship so I was pleased with the ending they had.
Overall, I liked the sequel.
CW: war, manipulation, violence, torture, dead bodies, body horror, self-harm for magic, self-mutilation, blood, gore, grief, death, character death, fantasy racism/prejudice, nonconsensual kiss, trauma
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death, Body horror, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Blood
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and War
darkefyres's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and War
Moderate: Death and Murder
litalia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Violence, Toxic friendship, Blood, Bullying, and Death
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
zaqlovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
First, I would like to say that I was shocked to be invited to the second and last book for this now duology. So thank you for that surprise! Especially since it’s the second and last book. Secondly, unlike the first book there will be spoilers here maybe tons of it. But if can cover it up. I will
I’m pretty excited for Misrule, especially seeing as it’s the last book . I prefer more stand-alone’s than unnecessary books where it doesn’t do anything. The first book was amazing as a debut novel and now as it’s sophomore. I hope this book does it justice as we explore on the story.
So with Misrule , we are dealing with one year after what happened at the end of Malice. No longer named Alyce- Nimara as we know now is trying to break the curse on a Aurora ( where this mostly goes along with the retelling part.) A hundred years later pass or ninety-nine, Aurora is still asleep under the curse. Within all those years it appears Nimara has made the throne her home and welcoming to all. Especially with the apparent war going on.
When Aurora wakes up, she’s definitely not liking it. Cause everything has changed her people gone and the person she loved is definitely now different. Which I really love the realistic reaction to that.
This book is definitely much more darker than first of course with Alyce taking the apparent role as Maleficent in this retelling. It’s definitely interesting to see how Alyce is handling from being treated as trash. To now she has power and rules the land with the Dark Order. But you can also see that she does care, throughout the story ; even with how horribly she was treated.
We get to see how embedded the past prejudice can past down from generation to generation. Especially with Vila’s and how much pain and suffering they went through. Simply for something they can’t control — their existence and the horrible outlook people have of them. Especially with characters like Regan and the story of her ‘sister’ Peony.
But I do have to say it’s nice meeting all the new characters in this book. Especially how they interact with frustrating Alyce. I kind of like how we’re seeing her interact with people who show her compassion compared to the first book.Even as she still questioning what is she doing or why. Cause it’s just like what happened to her kind.
The writing doesn’t stray from the original with its colorful imagery and although it’s more poetic in a sense. I love it it suits the book and the overall world as well. It’s what mostly pulled me in from the first book. Definitely glad it didn’t change.
Drawing near to the end , we definitely get so many twists and turns. From betrayals to never ending lies. To uncovering truths and how history repeats from generation to generation. Honestly as we slowly get to see thing unravel, from friendship’s being tested and bore one’s blooming.Though the ending isn’t probably what most expects it’s still satisfying to know it was ambiguous and yet hopeful. I’m both happy and sad that’s it over. Can’t wait to read of Heather Walter’s works in the furture.
Overall please read the first book before you even think of touching this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Racism and Torture
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