Misrule

Book Two of the Malice Duology

By: Heather Walter

Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon

Does true love break curses or begin them? The dark sorceress of “Sleeping Beauty” reclaims her story in this sequel to Malice.

“Fans of reimagined fairy tales and LGBTQ+ themes will be delighted with the conclusion of this fantasy duology.”—Booklist (starred review)

The Dark Grace is dead.

Feared and despised for the sinister power in her veins, Alyce wreaks her revenge on the kingdom that made her an outcast. Once a realm of decadence and beauty, Briar is now wholly Alyce’s wicked domain. And no one will escape the consequences of her wrath. Not even the one person who holds her heart.

Princess Aurora saw through Alyce’s thorny facade, earning a love that promised the dawn of a new age. But it is a love that came with a heavy price: Aurora now sleeps under a curse that even Alyce’s vast power cannot seem to break. And the dream of the world they would have built together is nothing but ash.

Alyce vows to do anything to wake the woman she loves, even if it means turning into the monster Briar believes her to be. But could Aurora love the villain Alyce has become?

Or is true love only for fairy tales?

Book Two of the Malice Duology

Critic reviews

Praise for Misrule

“Fans of reimagined fairy tales and LGBTQ+ themes will be delighted with the conclusion of this fantasy duology.”—Booklist (starred review)

“For readers looking for a sapphic romance with a dash of dark magic, Misrule is a satisfying conclusion to the Malice duology.”—Nerds & Beyond

“The many twists and dark moral questions keep the pages flying.”—Publishers Weekly



Praise for Malice

“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 beautifully imaginative and feminist retelling of a fairy tale so often swept into the dark . . . Walter’s debut is engrossing from its first page, 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

“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

“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

Amaaaazing!

Loved-Loved-Loved this duology! Certainly the best in the past couple of years for me. Finally!! A great story and narrator that I would rate 10 stars for if I could. F'ing Bravo!

The Malice Duology is Bittersweet

For me, the most moving stories that stay with me longest demonstrate the complexities of love.

Great conclusion to a great series.

This book was great. I loved the character development and story. A much more realistic ending to a love story plagued by that many issues as Aurora and Alice had. Although, I could have heard “Dragons teeth” about 500 times less than I did.

I Couldn't Stop Listening

From start to finish, this one grabbed me. I was hooked. It was a nonstop anxiety inducing nailbiter. Great time!

It’s a happy ending when you know what healthy boundaries are like

Such a great story, the emotions are absolutely captivating. I think the epilogue ended this beautifully. It’s stories like these that make me yearn for more. They make me want to see the happily ever after after that.