I'd read a review of Heather Walter's debut novel, Malice, a few months ago, and I was excited when the library's e-book became available to me. While the writing and relationships ended up being a bit more predictable than I liked (and not because it's part one of a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty), the premise and world-building were interesting enough to keep me reading until the end. I was particularly intrigued by how magic works in the world created here; it seems to be not so much inherited as inherent in everything, though only some have the ability to manipulate it, which can be a curse as much as a blessing. It's not the most subtle read, but if you want a modern fantasy with a dash of romance and plenty of angst, Malice provides admirably.
