She goes though a lot of change and I loved how unpredictable some of her choices were. I really liked Alyce’s character, she’s full of conflicting layers and felt very real. I also have a feeling we’re going to learn more in the sequel!
While I didn’t fully grasp the workings of the curse, and the past Queens of Briar happily signing away rights to their husbands seemed a bit simplistic, I think it was partly to do with me barrelling through the book needing to find out what happened next. The Graces’ organisational system and glittery façade laid over disturbing realities reminded me a bit of ‘The Belles’ by Dhonielle Clayton (in a good way) yet also felt so different.
I also found the magic system of the light Fae and Graces (Fae-blessed humans) really interesting. The world-building was quite good too, with detailed history and lore surrounding the the central kingdom of Briar, its queens and surrounding states. I also really enjoyed Walter’s writing style! It could be beautiful, dramatic, funny…all depending on the situation. It was so satisfying to see threads eventually come together to create the instantly recognisable pillars of the original legend. I loved the premise and the unique spin Walter puts on iconic features of the fairytale. ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is one of the most well-known fairytales, yet the ‘Malice’ and its characters are still so original. My new favourite trope is ‘when the reader gets pummelled in the face non-stop with plot twists in the last 10%’. Goodness me, I’m getting shaky just remembering it. My eyeballs were practically vibrating from zooming across the final pages. I properly struggled to sleep – I was literally buzzing with the adrenaline after shutting the book. THE LAST 10% OF THIS BOOK KNOCKED MY SOCKS OFF. And I-Ĭontent warnings (highlight to see): blood (ranging from voluntary use in magic to being taken forcibly) bullying and discrimination non-graphic sex scene references to past torture violence, injury, murder and death Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. Perhaps, together, we could forge a new world. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Even though it was a power like mine that was responsible for her curse.īut 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. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. One who isn’t bothered that I am the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Let me tell you, no one actually cares about what happens to our princesses.
0 kommentar(er)
