A review by quitegood
Malice by Heather Walter

challenging dark emotional tense 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

3.75

This is a book of two halves, literally and figuratively. Literally in that the book is split into two parts, but figuratively because if you judged this book on its first half and assumed it wasn't worth your time, you'd be missing out on a thrilling and explosive second half. But I wouldn't blame you if you had dropped this book based on the first 200 pages. 
I want to be charitable and say the slower first part is necessary for the second half to have its impact, but that's like saying a long speach on careful fiscal planning enhances the fireworks show afterwards. Not to say the first half is that tedious, but you do feel like little is happening, and that which does happen feels like a contrivance.
I wish I knew who Alyce was before I learned of her abuse. The book explores it fully come the second half, but in the first half, Alyce comes across as petulant and petty. Later we learn she has good reason to be, but I feel it would been better know this first, not retroactively.

But this book does punch you in the feels, so you've been warned! If you have any trauma at all from your childhood and are not in a good place regarding it, might be best to skip this. 
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