Malice

A Novel

By: Heather Walter

Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this “bewitching and fascinating” (Tamora Pierce) retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.

“Walter’s spellbinding debut is for all the queer girls and women who’ve been told to keep their gifts hidden and for those yearning to defy gravity.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

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 a power like mine 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 One of the Malice Duology

Critic reviews

“The villain takes center stage in Walter’s superlative debut, a refreshing spin on Sleeping Beauty. . . . Fairy tale lovers of all ages will be thrilled.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A truly original and clever retelling of a classic that had me racing to the end—you’ll never look at ‘Sleeping Beauty’ the same way again.”—S. A. Chakraborty, author of the bestselling Daevabad trilogy

“Absolutely dazzling! Full of love, power, and betrayal, Malice is as compelling as a spell, as captivating as an enchantment, and as fascinating and delicious as a fairy-tale curse. I loved it!”—Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of the Queens of Renthia series

“Malice is the dark and wicked heart of a fairy tale carved into a book. This story is beautiful, vicious magic.”—Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand

“A beautifully imaginative and feminist retelling of a fairy tale so often swept into the dark . . . Walter’s debut was engrossing from page one, with a striking cast of characters, thrilling romance, and a world so vivid it will wrap thorns around your dreams.”—Roshani Chokshi, author of The Gilded Wolves

“I spent a lot of late nights getting lost in this world of sorcery, intrigue, and—of course—true love. I’m sure I won’t be the only one!”—Richelle Mead, internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy

“Lively characters, a tempting sapphic romance, and a richly built world make this a book to savor.”—Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

Couldn't stop listening.

This book is exactly what I was looking for. LGBT+ representation, fantasy, magic, overcoming oppression, strong women! A somewhat familiar story but unique enough to stand alone. A few predictable parts but it ends strong. I am very pleased with the ending and fingers crossed there's more malice to come. 20 stars!

Spoilers Included in review

Very well written and cute I'm regards to the blossoming relationship. Build up and lore is impeccable unfortunately it follows along with the same old LGBTQ+ formula, one of them sorta survives and they don't get to live happily ever after. Should have expected it, yet here we are, another sad gay story, even if it slaps for 90% of the time.

Rooting for the Villian

Ever empathize with the Villain in the story? What drives villains? What pushes people beyond their limits?
Well, here we have an author who explores those questions.
I didn't like how Game of Thrones ended either.
Maybe there will be a sequel.

The villain …. Swoon!

A hero will sacrifice the one she loves to save the universe. The villain will destroy the universe to save the one she loves. Alice is a villain, and I loved her. The story is deeper and much more intricate than I had expected. The world building is great, and the twists and betrayals are sublime. I am saddened that I will have to wait a full year for book 2 :(

I highly recommend if sapphic, romantic fairy tale retelling is your thing! It wasn’t mine, but it is now!

Fabulous!

A twisting (or only a view from a different angle?) of a well known fairytale. The story seems inhuman, but it turns out to be the opposite. A girl never ac'knowledge and accepted by people around her, except for a few, reach her limits and becomes what her mockers call her and expect her to be. Very well written, and read! Recommended!