Because of her differences, Alyce is ostracized, even as they need her magical skills. Malice is a book that revolves around deconstructing this villianess narrative. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.) (Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. Perhaps, together, we could forge a new world.īecause we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Even though it was a power like mine that was responsible for her curse.īut 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. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. 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. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. Keep reading this book review to find out my full thoughts. Because I love the construction of monstrous women and seeing the stories behind what we’ve been taught to see as villains. I’ve been excited for Malice ever since you told me queer “Sleeping Beauty” retelling from Malice’s POV. I will always be willing to read queer fairy tale retellings – no exceptions.

Malice by Heather Walter