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A review by vaniavela
Misrule by Heather Walter
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Alyce has just lost Aurora. Feeling guilty and remorseful she changes everything she used to be. At the end of the day, if everyone considers her evil and a villain, why not become one for real?
I found the book overall to be well paced. I enjoyed reading how everything has changed over the years since the end of the previous book. I was surprised in that it had better development than Malice; considering that so much changed in the kingdom, I was worried that it would be a rather political book.
I loved the sapphic representation and the character development. I must admit that it was a little tricky to fully empathize with the main characters for some of the plot, as I didn't entirely like their attitudes. Still they were understandable for all the events that were happening.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters in the Dark Court, as we were allowed to read how Alyce interacted with all of them. Also, it was a nice element to give personalities to each of them, as they made the story move forward as needed.
I especially liked that the relationship between Alyce and Aurora was not perfect. Different things happened as the story went along and they both held on to who the other was before; understandable and real. There was a slow but I would say satisfying development in their relationship so I was pleased with the ending they had.
Overall, I liked the sequel.
CW: war, manipulation, violence, torture, dead bodies, body horror, self-harm for magic, self-mutilation, blood, gore, grief, death, character death, fantasy racism/prejudice, nonconsensual kiss, trauma
I found the book overall to be well paced. I enjoyed reading how everything has changed over the years since the end of the previous book. I was surprised in that it had better development than Malice; considering that so much changed in the kingdom, I was worried that it would be a rather political book.
I loved the sapphic representation and the character development. I must admit that it was a little tricky to fully empathize with the main characters for some of the plot, as I didn't entirely like their attitudes. Still they were understandable for all the events that were happening.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters in the Dark Court, as we were allowed to read how Alyce interacted with all of them. Also, it was a nice element to give personalities to each of them, as they made the story move forward as needed.
I especially liked that the relationship between Alyce and Aurora was not perfect. Different things happened as the story went along and they both held on to who the other was before; understandable and real. There was a slow but I would say satisfying development in their relationship so I was pleased with the ending they had.
Overall, I liked the sequel.
CW: war, manipulation, violence, torture, dead bodies, body horror, self-harm for magic, self-mutilation, blood, gore, grief, death, character death, fantasy racism/prejudice, nonconsensual kiss, trauma
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Grief
Minor: Blood and Death of parent