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Malice

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Malice

By: Heather Walter
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The princess isn't supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of Sleeping Beauty, true love is more complicated than a simple fairy tale. Perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Holly Black.

Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who cursed a line of princesses to die, and 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 actually cares about what happens to our princesses. I thought I didn't care, either. Until I met her.

Princess Aurora. The last heir to the throne. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn't bothered that I am the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she...cares for me. Even though it was a power like mine that 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.

©2021 Heather Walter (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Literature & Fiction Magic Royalty Science Fiction & Fantasy

Critic Reviews

"Malice is the dark and wicked heart of a fairytale carved into a book. This story is beautiful, vicious magic." (Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand)

"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 again." (S.A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass)

"The story grows deliciously darker at every turn.... Fairy tale lovers of all ages will be thrilled." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

All stars
Most relevant  
I love this take on the traditional story and I’m very partial to a revenge plot from a scorned societal outcast.

Intriguing royal revenge!

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This story was really good from the start and then just when you expect it to end, it takes a sudden turn that I didn't honestly expect.

Loved it and the Narrator.
Would love to know what happens afterwards.

Did NOT expect that ending!

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original story with enough nods to lore. strange and sometimes grating pronunciation. no resolution at end, just clear build up to sequel.

a great read

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Angry women! Fairytale magic! Sapphic love! A dark but fun retelling with complex characters, fascinating magic, and a few great surprises.

Fairytales meet Carrie.

5 stars

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One of the best Audiobooks i’ve listened to - Ann Marie Gideon positively brought it life!!
Thank you Heather Walter - what a story wow

Omgosh yep. That ending tho

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Goooooood book. True love that should have never been. Mistreated and misunderstood Alyce pulled at my heartstrings until she didn’t. If was a great read. The last few chapters made me question everything but in a good way

Wow wow wow

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I am usually great at picking an ending somewhere near the beginning of a story.. this though is one of very few that I did not, and for this reason alone it has risen to one of my favourites. Having said that though the narration was great, the characters well developed and some you love to hate, the twists and turns and the darkness of this story enraptured me. If you are not usually a lover of fairy tales this is for you, if you are then you will pick up little references to childhood stories, but most of all the love that is all encompassing for the main character is definitely worth following. Not your typical lgbt romance.

incredible listen

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From the depth of the characters to the enchanting writing style, this book is every bit as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Alice has such a strong and passionate voice, you'll be drawn into her mind and left feeling both terrified and triumphant in the book's final pages.
Heather Walter perfectly captures how a society can make you feel like a monster, and the guilt and satisfaction that can come with proving them right. This feels all the more poignant as a queer reader. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment.

Beautiful and heartbreaking

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couldn't "put it down". well written and an interesting take on the original story. worth a listen.

good listen

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The story was decent enough.

But the narrator's accent was jarring in places. particularly passage and palm.

accent needs some work

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