Series Guide
Malice
By Heather Walter · 2 main books · Complete duology
Use this Malice books in order guide to read Heather Walter’s sapphic dark fairytale duology in the correct order.
Start with: Malice
About this series
Malice reimagines Sleeping Beauty through a sapphic princess-and-villain lens, with dark fairytale magic, court pressure, and romantic tension at the center of the premise.
For first-time readers, read Malice first and Misrule second. Misrule is the direct sequel and conclusion, not an optional companion.
Complete duology · Start with Malice
Quick answer: read Malice, then Misrule. This is a short complete path for sapphic dark fairytale readers.
Read more about this series
For first-time readers, read Malice first and Misrule second. Misrule is the direct sequel and conclusion, not an optional companion.
Complete duology · Start with Malice
Quick answer: read Malice, then Misrule. This is a short complete path for sapphic dark fairytale readers.
Reading order
- 1
Malice
2021
Book 1. Begins the sapphic Sleeping Beauty retelling from the villain-coded heroine’s side.
- 2
Misrule
2022
Book 2. Direct sequel and conclusion to the Malice duology.
Reading Order Notes
These Malice reading order notes help new readers avoid treating the first book as a full standalone.
Why publication order works
Publication order works because the duology follows one direct fairytale reversal arc from setup to consequence to conclusion.
Is Malice standalone?
No. Malice sets up the relationship and curse-driven conflict, while Misrule completes the story.
Is Malice spicy?
It has romantic tension, but it is not usually treated as high-spice adult fantasy romance.
New to this series? Start here
Malice
Best first entry point for Malice. Read this before the rest of the series.
Series at a glance
2
Main books
🌶️🌶️
Spice
Complete duology
Status
3
Tropes
Best for: sapphic dark fairytale readers
Start with: Malice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct Malice reading order?
Read Malice first, then Misrule. That is the complete duology order.
Is Malice the first book?
Yes. Malice is book one and the correct starting point.
Is the Malice duology complete?
Yes. Malice and Misrule make up the complete two-book duology.
Is Malice sapphic romantasy?
Yes. Malice is a sapphic dark fairytale retelling with a central princess-and-villain romantic arc.
Is Malice spicy?
Malice has romantic tension, but it is not usually categorized as high-spice adult romantasy.
Do you need to read Misrule after Malice?
Yes. Misrule is the direct sequel and conclusion, so the story is incomplete without it.