Malice

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. I read it in one sitting (for book club) and it definitely kept me engaged to do so. But the blurb gave away the book? Like there weren't any surprises along the way. It's really like a prequel to the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale and not a retelling itself, kind of like Wicked by Gregory McGuire actually. I'd heard there was a big cliffhanger, but I don't think there was? Like I really don't think I need the second book at all. I was also expecting a bigger romance, but that's probably just the usual BookTok inflation.

The writing was great and the magic system was excellent. So I do recommend it, just don't read the back right before reading the book itself.