Malice by Heather Walter ~ a Review

by MK French

Aurora's family was cursed by dark magic, and it could only be broken by true love's kiss. She's a kind princess, likely to be a good ruler for Briar, and doesn't care that Alyce the Dark Grace has the same kind of magic that had cursed her. Aurora can't stand having to kiss princes in the hopes it will break her curse, but she's running out of time.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

April 2021; Del Rey; 978-1984818652
audio, ebook, print (480 pages); fantasy

Told from Alyce's point of view, we learn about the Graces, women gifted with golden blood that are able to do magic by infusing drops of their blood into elixirs. When their magic runs out and their blood is silver, they're essentially put out to pasture, running guild houses for other Graces or getting married. Alyce, however, has the green blood of the Vila, creatures that once were enemies of the fae. Alyce is reviled by other Graces and even the common people in the kingdom of Briar unless they need her to create a curse. She tries to learn how to do more with her magic and loves the princess Aurora, but every step of the way people don't trust her and make her feel unwanted. She's angry and feels unloved, which makes her trust unwisely.

I felt so bad for Alyce, being picked on for things she can't help. The Queen is essentially a figurehead, and the nobility tend to be vain and fickle as well. They also belittle Alyce even as they want her curse elixirs, and humiliating her at her first ball made me want to smack them all. This is the first half of a duology, so its explosive ending will lead into another novel. I can't wait to read it and see what happens next. After so much heartache and betrayal, I do want to see a happier ending for Alyce.

Buy Malice at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up today! Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.