Malice by Heather Walte
Book Description: 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.
Book Rating: 4.9/5
Read: April 14-19
Book Review: I knew I was going to love this book as soon as it was promoted to me on TikTok as a sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the point of view of the evil fairy. I mean, Sapphic, fairytale retelling, and world-building all in one book..? Sign me up.
I loved all the original aspects added to the classic fairytale in this book, which helped prevent it from feeling like a complete rewrite of Sleeping Beauty that was word for word. The world-building was well done, and still incorporations of details from the original story.
As for the romance between Alyce and Aurora, I loved how it flourished throughout the book and didn't feel too rushed. It felt like a natural progression from being strangers to becoming friends and eventually developing romantic feelings for each other. I appreciate that the author didn't rush this development, as I feel like some authors struggle to write in a successful way.
My only problem with the book was how rushed the last part of the book felt. I later found out that Heather Walte wrote a sequel, which wasn't available at the time. I understand that she was probably setting up for the next book. However, I believe that she could have crafted a more satisfying ending that didn't feel so hurried and overloaded with unresolved events.
