Malice

"Malice" by Heather Walter is the villain story I craved but didn't get from Maleficent. I love fairy tale retellings and stories from the villain's perspective, so this one really hit home for me.

This book is jam packed with excellent character development across the board. Playing on the differences in perception vs expectation vs reality, Walter does an amazing job of illustrating the flaws and nuance of each individual.

There were twists and reveals that, while I may have known something was coming, luckily didn't fall into that spoon-fed category where you find yourself thinking, "well, obviously," and there were some genuine surprises. Plus, this book delivers with an excellent ending. Can't wait for book 2.