About Malice by Heather Walter
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Author: Heather Walter
Series: Malice Duology #1
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling
Length: 470 pages
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 14mins
Publisher: Del Ray
Publication Date: April 13th, 2021
★★★★☆ 4.07 out of 5 Stars on Goodreads
Malice by Heather Walter Summary
A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.
Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss.
You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily-ever-after.
Utter nonsense.
Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. I thought I didn’t care, either.
Until I met her.
Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though it was a power like mine that was responsible for her curse.
But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps, together, we could forge a new world.
Nonsense again.
Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. And I—
I am the villain.
TRIGGER + CONTENT WARNINGS
Blood-powered magic, death/murder, flashbacks of torture, bullying
Read an Excerpt of Malice by Heather Walter
More About Heather Walter
Heather Walter has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with both English and Information Science degrees, books are–and always will be–a definitive part of her life.
As an author, Heather loves writing about what-ifs, flawed protagonists, and re-imagined history. Her favorite characters are usually villains.
When not writing, you can find her reading (duh), knitting, binging TV, and planning her next travel adventure. Visit the author’s Twitter →
What Do Readers Say About Malice?
“I definitely recommend Malice if you’re looking for a captivating, dark sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty that is bound to keep you on your toes with all of its twists and turns. The writing is so enchanting and vivid – I could really imagine myself in this world!” – Dezzy @ The Thoughtful Voice
“Malice is a book that revolves around deconstructing this villianess narrative. Because of her differences, Alyce is ostracized, even as they need her magical skills. Alone and reviled, Alyce questions whether her power is a curse or blessing, wondering if she will be hated by everyone she meets. What intrigued me about Malice is the way that Alyce’s society has constructed her monstrosity.” -Lili @ Utopia State of Mind
“If you are nostalgic for Disney, but wanting something a bit older and darker, looking for more sapphic books, or adore villain origin stories, I recommend giving this book a try! Overall, it was a super fun read.” -Keri @ Are You My Book?
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