Malice By Heather Walter

Malice is a dark and enchanting retelling of Sleeping Beauty, told from the perspective of the villain. In a kingdom where magic is tightly controlled and those who wield it are feared, Alyce is an outcast—a girl with dark gifts, known as the Dark Grace. Unlike the other Graces, who use their powers to bless nobles with beauty and charm, Alyce's magic is considered wicked and dangerous.

But when she meets Princess Aurora, everything changes. Cursed to die before her twenty-first birthday, Aurora is desperate to break her fate. Instead of fearing Alyce, she sees her as the only one who can help. As the two grow closer, their bond deepens into something more than friendship, challenging everything Alyce has ever known about herself, her power, and her place in the world.

Alyce must decide: Will she be the villain the world expects her to be, or will she forge a new destiny for herself and the princess she loves?

Why Read This Book

• A fresh, villainous take on Sleeping Beauty, giving voice to the so-called "evil fairy."
• Beautifully written and darkly immersive, perfect for fans of gothic fantasy.
• A compelling LGBTQ+ romance that challenges traditional fairy-tale narratives.
• Explores themes of power, destiny, and self-acceptance, making it more than just a retelling.
• The first book in the Malice duology, leading to the sequel Misrule, which further explores the consequences of Alyce’s choices.

About the Author

Heather Walter is an American author, librarian, and lifelong lover of fantasy and folklore. She enjoys reimagining classic fairy tales from fresh and unexpected perspectives, often centering underrepresented voices. With a background in both English literature and library science, Walter brings a rich storytelling style that blends lush prose with deep emotional insight.