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Malice

Written by: Heather Walter
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
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Publisher's Summary

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

©2021 Heather Walter (P)2021 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“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 best-selling 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) 

What listeners say about Malice

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Amazing Read

Slow to start but a wonderful whirlwind upon investment. I initially thought I wouldn't like this book because in the first few chapters the main character irked me (she had a very woe is me attitude in the early stages, reasonably so though). I gave the book a chance despite my initial inhibitions and heavens am I happy I did. The story was AMAZING, I grew to love and understand the main character, I cheered when the romance finally (finally) became the core focus, and I was very invested with how the storyline slowly, and brilliantly unfurled to paint a full and colourful picture with key plot points, world-building, romance, and lore. This book worked its way into my heart and definitely sits as one of my favourites.

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good

it's a good sleeping beauty retelling it's interesting and an awesome twist, that said... I am not sure I'll continue it?

the narrator was awesome wonderful voice would totally listen to other books read by her. even the author was awesome I'll look into more of her books. this particular book just kind of left me a little 'meh' for lack of a better word. I am curious how the main character will come back from her actions but at the moment not enough to continue the series. at least not now.

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AMAZING

This book was amazing by far my favorite book, I can't wait for the second part of the series.

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  • 2022-11-16

9/10 recommend

Story had a few predictable moments, but overall enjoyed it. Great performance and enjoyable overall

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