We know, thanks to the description, that the villain wins in the end. My only major gripe comes at the end - which, of course, I’ll try to step around so that I don’t spoil this for future readers - when Alyce finally reaches her breaking point. I was ranting and raving the entire time about its many upsides: its pacing, its character development, the excruciatingly beautiful execution of the mother-of-all-slow-burns. I found myself itching to get back to the story, which was particularly distracting given that I chose to start reading during a very busy week. However, the expansive lore was interesting enough, I didn’t mind! And there were some parts that could have been whittled down to exclude some repetition. There were pockets of exposition that seemed to go on just a hair too long. Any fantasy novel that boasts its own unique lore runs the risk of feeling a bit overburdened by world creation, and Malice, unfortunately, falls under the same umbrella. What I mean is that the writing itself is quite densely packed. While I’m not directly referring to the page count, it can be considered a thicc queen at over 400 pages. Together, they work on dismantling the curse, leaving Alyce to learn more about her mysterious Vila heritage, and honing the magic she had grown to hate. There is a curse hanging over Aurora’s head that can only be broken with true love’s kiss. Further, she doesn’t seem even the slightest bit frightened.
Aurora seems to be the only person who sees her for who she is, not what. Until she meets Princess Aurora and they become fast friends. Try as she might to make herself fit, it’s clear she never will. The Graces can make people beautiful, but she can only make them ugly. However, Alyce’s half Vila blood has given her the reputation as the “Dark Grace.” Her magic doesn’t work quite the same.
Often for the vanity of the upper echelon. In general, they are capable of using their magic for charms and enchantments. She is, by trade, a Grace - someone whose magical aptitudes put them in roles of service for the Kingdom. Malice follows our anti-hero Alyce (also known as Malyce) as she navigates the sticky waters of Briar’s polite society. You’re not here to hear about my youthful gay panic. Anyway, let me get into the nitty-gritty.
And then we got into the Lara Croft era, and that was enlightening. It’s Pride Month, so you know I had to absolutely go for this queer fairytale retelling! I don’t know a single millennial-gay that didn’t realize they were just a hair on the gay side after crushing on some Disney princesses.
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