A review by bluejayreads
Malice by Heather Walter

dark

4.75

This is a queer reimagining of Sleeping Beauty told from Maleficent’s perspective, but the reimagination is so solid that it feels much more like a standalone fantasy than a fairy tale retelling. The world is fantastic, I love the complexities of human and fae politics, the romance is well-done, the hatred Alyce (the protagonist) faces because of her blood is heartbreaking, and the magic system is fantastically creative. I really enjoyed the ending, too.
It was simultaneously sad, cathartic, and amazing watching Alyce finally decided to become the monster everyone told her she was.
The ending felt satisfying enough, though, so I don’t know if I’ll read the next book (plus I don’t want to see Alyce defeated by any fairy tale prince if it sticks to the original fairy tale).
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