A review by zaqlovesbooks
Misrule by Heather Walter

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. 
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