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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
A little predictable. Overall, I'm more interested in seeing where the next book goes than this one.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love fairy tale retellings, and this is a particularly good one. Looking forward to the sequel!
this book kept me entertained and guessing about 3/4 of the way through, but all of a sudden i was able to guess plot points/twists so it became a little predictable i would say near the end? i loved this book apart from the ending, the last 15/10 pages are so out of character for alyce, even though she was possessed, she openly admits to feeling no remorse for killing innocents, but shrugs off Auroras main suitor? that feels so weird and off really, and i don’t believe alyce would lock aurora in a measly cage as the palace goes down and up in flames?? i loved loved the wlw romance and i’m hoping in the second book it is explained that Mortania had control over alyce’s mind and we just don’t know it! apart from the ending, i’m giving it 4 stars, it made me cry, laugh and ruminate on what would happen next. i’m definitely reading the second book hoping alyce comes back to herself and aurora turns out okay, though not sure if she will forgive alyce AGAIN for such a mistake. but we will see! :))
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
Malice by Heather Walter is an inventive and entertaining reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, blending a sapphic romance with the darker allure of a villain origin story. It’s an alright read for fans of fairytale retellings, though it leans into familiar YA tropes and a straightforward writing style.
What I enjoyed most was the worldbuilding surrounding the Graces and their magic. I only wish this aspect had taken centre stage more often, as it added richness to the narrative.
The book started strong, drawing me in with its creativity and promise of darker themes. However, the ending left me a underwhelmed. For a story about a villain’s rise, it didn’t quite deliver intensity I was hoping for. It fell very short.
What I enjoyed most was the worldbuilding surrounding the Graces and their magic. I only wish this aspect had taken centre stage more often, as it added richness to the narrative.
The book started strong, drawing me in with its creativity and promise of darker themes. However, the ending left me a underwhelmed. For a story about a villain’s rise, it didn’t quite deliver intensity I was hoping for. It fell very short.
i’m so ????! alyce... aurora... it’s just so perfect the betrayal the plot the aesthetic everything is so incredible i’m wow
I really loved the setup for this novel - I felt like I was consuming candy or Lay's because it was hard to stop! Of course, eventually there must be drama and tension and while my heart was pounding, I also was didn't read as fast. I just wanted nice things for Alyce and Aurora and I knew every page was taking me closer to not nice things as Walter set up for book 2.
Can not wait for the second book. A wonderful retelling of a favorite fairy tale.
3.5⭐️
I’d say 3.5 star purely because I wasn’t as eager to finish it like I am with most books.
The action didn’t really start until 70% of the way through. It was predictable but then based off sleeping beauty it would be? So maybe it’s just not my favourite genre.
Saying that, the end has got me intrigued in the second book.
I’d say 3.5 star purely because I wasn’t as eager to finish it like I am with most books.
The action didn’t really start until 70% of the way through. It was predictable but then based off sleeping beauty it would be? So maybe it’s just not my favourite genre.
Saying that, the end has got me intrigued in the second book.
I was having a bit of a picky reading moment, kept starting and stopping books after 1 chapter, but I ended up falling into this story (likely about a 4.5 for me). Can't wait to see how it ends!