Once upon a time, a princess loved a villain and a villain loved her back. Their love wasn’t enough to stop a terrible curse from taking place, cursing the princess to endless sleep. Everyone knows how the story goes. But in this new reimagining, Alyce and Aurora have the power to tell their own story and choose how to use their power. Alyce must decide how far she will go to wake Aurora. What if Aurora awakens and no longer remembers her? Meanwhile, the fae are ominously making plans to steal power and it will take everything Aurora, Alyce, and the Dark Court have to stop them. 

Misrule includes so many of my favorite story tropes: queer fairy tale retelling, LGBTQ+ rep, morally gray characters, revenge, and monstrous girls. It was delightful to see Alyce come into her magic and choose how far she is willing to go for love and power. Walter expands on the intriguing magical world-building from Malice, including the fae and Vila. Aurora learns more about her ancestry and attempts to make sense of the world that she has woken up in. 

Walter beautifully explores what it means to be a villain (and how this changes depending on the narrator), shame around identity, and acceptance of one’s power. It is a heartwarming and thrilling tale as Alyce and Aurora ultimately decide for themselves what it means to be a monster/villain and whether one can ever be redeemed. I love Maleficent, but honestly this is the version of Maleficent and Briar Rose that lives rent-free in my head. 

Alyce and Aurora have a love that stands the test of curses, centuries, and conniving courtiers. Needless to say, I love this couple and queer retelling! Also, I love the imps and their cute little found family! Misrule is an outstanding and cinematic sequel that in some ways I enjoyed even more than Malice. The ending was very satisfying to me, especially how we are given a bit of latitude to imagine our own ending for these beloved characters. I would highly recommend this for fans of fairy tale retellings, LGBTQ+ rep, and action-packed finales. Thank you to Heather Walter, Del Rey, Ballantine, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Kamila Knows Best is a joyful take on Jane Austens’ Emma. It is simply a hilarious, unputdownable adventure. I loved Kamila’s character growth throughout the novel. Not only does she develop more self-awareness, she also sees for the first time how much hard work she has really put into herself and her goals. It was refreshing to see a character who is so committed to her personal and professional dreams. There is such a strong sense of family and friendship that ties the entire novel together. 

One of my favorite parts was the full-circle moment in inclement weather. It would truly be impossible to pick just one favorite scene, as the whole novel is filled with witty banter and lovable characters. And of course, puppies! In fact, a puppy prom! I would highly recommend this for readers seeking a hilarious friends-to-lovers adventure. Thank you so much to Farah Heron, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.