Malice: Book One of the Malice Duology (Malice Duology Series, 1)

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We all know I love morally grey and villainous characters and I thought Alys’ character had a lot of nuance and progression, both on her own and how her story intertwines with Aurora’s. Aurora.” The syllables are full and bright on my tongue, tasting of summer berries and fizzy wine.” The Dark Court has become a welcome home to creatures who were vilified and hunted by the prior kingdom. Vila, goblins, imps and demons live together within the castle walls in chaotic harmony. This dark love story is sprinkled with bits of joy and laughter. Alyce’s transformation into Nymara and subsequent reign, creates a safe haven for outcast creatures from all over. My absolute favorites are the Imps. They are delightful, playful, and all around mischievous. They brought a smile to my face throughout this story.

Alys has been raised in an environment where nobody can stand to be around her. Surrounded by the Graces - faeries who make elixirs that enhance the lives of their patrons - Alys just wants to be celebrated like her peers. However, she is The Dark Grace, incapable of bestowing anything but curses. Princess Aurora, the final heir to the throne. The future queen that her realm needs. One that is not bothered that Alyce is the Dark Grace, feared and abhorred for the mysterious dark magic which runs through her veins. Aurora says Alyce should be proud of her gifts, and that she cares for Alyce. Even though it was a power like hers that was responsible for Aurora getting cursed. 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?

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We've all heard how the stories go - the beautiful princess falls in love with the prince and lives happily ever after. But true love is more complicated than a fairy tale, and in this story the villain might just get the girl.

We open on Alyce, morning the loss of Aurora. She finally had the love of her life within reach. Someone who accepted her for who she was rather than the stigma surrounding her. Only to lose that love in an accident born of a moment of great emotion. Alyce grapples with her guilt and changes her entire identity. If she is going to be perceived as this possessed and evil thing, why not live up to rumors. The first part of this book was fast paced and did a great job of introducing you to the way this world has changed in the 100 years since the end of Malice. I was worried before going in that this book would be slow paced and a bit dense like the first one, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is clear that Heather Walter has grown as a writer in that regard – the worldbuilding was flawlessly and succinctly woven into the story making for an easy read, while maintaining a good pace. I did, however, find the second part over long and meandering at times. I wasn’t sure if this book had a clear plot line until nearly the end of this part, two thirds of the way into the book. I felt like this part could have benefited from tighter editing and establishing the main conflict earlier on. Let me start by saying I ADORED “Malice.” And I was so excited for the sequel that I literally marked the release date on my calendar.

Wow this book. I don't even know how to describe and fully review it. Suffice to say you are going to go through an emotional journey. after really enjoying Malice last year, I had to exercise some serious patience for Misrule to come out, and also I was really nervous as to how Walter was going to land the proverbial plane, as there is a lot to deal with. But I'm pleased to say that this book was wonderful. I also liked her relationship with Aurora, which felt very sweet and genuine. Aurora is just as much a prisoner as Alyce, and this shared connection makes their relationship feel realistic. However, I did find the tension that is somehow created between them to be very plot driven and nonsensical at best. It hinges on miscommunication, which is a trope I hate, and felt a bit heavy handed. I also found Alyce's relationship with Kal to be very dubious at best. She falls too easily into a relaxed and intense friendship with him, even when she knows nothing about him and it really highlighted how naive she is.

Rose was wrong.” The silk of Laurel’s dressing gown rustles. “You’re not hated, Alyce. Not by all of us.” Remember what I said, Alyce. About monsters.” The words are low, spoken in a tone that wakes something deep in my core. “Take care you don’t become what they think you are.”

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I really really loved Malice! I thought that almost everything about it was perfect, so therefore I really looked forward to reading the sequel because book one ended on a huge cliffhanger and I was indeed very intrigued by it…