Malice

More about the book

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress, but in this dark retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love transcends fairy tale norms. Once, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die, a curse that only true love’s kiss can break. In Briar, no one truly cares about its princesses; they prioritize jewels and lavish parties over their fates. I thought I was indifferent too—until I met her. Princess Aurora, the last heir to the throne, is kind and gracious, embodying the future queen her realm desperately needs. Unlike others, she sees me, Alyce, the Dark Grace, feared for my dark magic. While nobles pay me to bottle hexes, they also brand me a monster. Aurora encourages me to embrace my gifts and claims to care for me, despite my powers being tied to her curse. With less than a year until the curse takes her life, my hopes for a future with Aurora fade, and she refuses to kiss another dull prince. I want to help her—if my power caused her curse, maybe it can also lift it. Together, we could create a new world. But we all know how this story ends. Aurora is the beautiful princess, and I—am the villain.