Misrule

Book Two of the Malice Duology

No cover

Heather Walter: Misrule (2022, Penguin Books, Limited)

English language

Published June 18, 2022 by Penguin Books, Limited.

ISBN:
978-1-5291-5691-1
Copied ISBN!

View on OpenLibrary

4 stars (3 reviews)

4 editions

reviewed Misrule by Heather Walter (Malice Duology, #2)

Misrule- Review

4 stars

True to its title, this follow-up to the first book, “Malice,” deals with themes of what it means to rule, to lead, and the ways cycles of abuse and violence result in misrule and bad leadership that further feeds those cycles. It asks the question, can these cycles be broken? Is reconciliation possible? Is forgiveness possible?

The misrule of leaders past and present on all sides fuel the chaos and tragedy that plagues the lives of everyone involved, as does systemic bigotry and abuse. All of this feels very pertinent to our times, while being broadly applicable at any time.

I don’t believe the novel nailed the conclusions the book arrives at in those themes, but I admire the attempt, and it’s far closer to the mark than every fairy tale perfect ending. The author recognizes that mistakes are not easily rectified, and forgiveness may or may not ever be …

reviewed Misrule by Heather Walter (Malice Duology, #2)

Review of 'Misrule' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

3.5

MILD SPOILER

I wish the ending had been more obviously happy. It ends on a positive hopeful note but I'm a sucker for clear happy endings. After the ending of Malice, I was really holding out for a happy happy ending. I suppose I will just have to suck it up and make up a post ending happy reunion in my head.

Edit ok I rated it 4 initially but couldn't get over the ending. Especially the part where they both had taken other lovers at some point(s) through those 100 years. Was that necessary? Was it just to show more growth? We've seen them grow already. I personally just would've preferred them to have faith in their love and eventual reunion. I mean, Alyce already went through 100 years being celibate, what's another 100 more?

avatar for sapphiction

rated it

5 stars