Holly Black

From New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a captivating original novel set between Disney's Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in which newly-queened Aurora struggles to be the best leader to both the humans and Fair Folk under her reign; her beau, Prince Phillip, longs to get to know Aurora and her kingdom better; and Maleficent has trouble letting go of the past.

An Original Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Novel

Heart of the Moors

Kristin

I love these characters and this world so very much! I still remember how I loved the first movie, and how the second movie made me remember my love for everything faerie! (And this book made me love this universe even more!!!) Maleficent is totally awesome (she's a real sassy one!), and I love the fact that Aurora is kind and sweet, yet smart and stubborn, always ready to defend her loved ones! Maleficent's attitude and witty dialogues made me laugh, but the developing relationship between Phillip and Maleficent might be my new favourite thing! I just love how this story tells the tale of how the characters' relationships develop, and how Aurora finally learns the different kinds of love.

A very cute and cozy read, a must for every Maleficent-fan out there!

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All options are my own.

Author: Holly Black

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3.5/5

Publication Date: October 8, 2019

Recommended Age: 13+ (the past comes back to haunt and I don't think some of it is appropriate for younger kids especially since in the first movie Maleficent losing her wings was an analogy for rape. Nothing is really that bad in this one but I worry about the context younger kids might get from watching the movies then reading the book).

Genre: MG (ehhhh) Fantasy 

Publisher: Disney Press

Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a captivating original novel set between Disney's Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in which newly-queened Aurora struggles to be the best leader to both the humans and Fair Folk under her reign; her beau, Prince Phillip, longs to get to know Aurora and her kingdom better; and Maleficent has trouble letting go of the past.

Review: Overall, this book was pretty good. It had a lot of detail that were in the movies and some that wasn't. It had a lot of great insights as well. 

However, I didn't really like the writing style of it and the book was a little weird to read. It's basically marketed as an MG book but the movies were definitely PG 13 and up. Like... There was a lot of stuff in it that would be a bit scary or over the head of younger children. Kinda confused about the marketing but it's whatever. The characters felt flat to me too and Maleficent just didn't feel like Maleficent to me.

Verdict: It's an okay book, just watch it around youngers.

Rosie Qua

With a middle grade feel but a blessed story.

I love Maleficent. She is my favourite misunderstood "villain" and Holly Black (Queen of the fae) wrote a wonderful story for between Film 1 and 2. It was simple and basic but what I needed and my love for Holly Black and Maleficent is even stronger than before. Also Diaval is in it. I'm not mad. Not one bit.

Leelynn Brady

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Disney Press and RockStar Book Tours for this free copy.

So I wasn’t really expecting this to be a MG book, although I guess everyone else was so that’s just me being weird again? But either way, I thought that this was such a great addition into the Maleficent world that was basically revamped with Angelina Jolie’s take on this amazing character. I feel like the movie – I haven’t watched the sequel – gave such an interesting depth to her character that we don’t get to see from the original cartoon movie, and I think that Black did a pretty good job expounding on that depth.

While I haven’t been much of an Aurora fan from Sleeping Beauty – which is such a shame because I feel like she was just a one-dimensional character with no reason for me to root for her at all – this book gave me a better look into her mind as well, and ended up making me like her a little bit more than before. The friendship and love between Aurora and Maleficent – which was already established in the first movie but explored a little more here – was nice to see.

I’m also glad that Black explored the aftermath of Aurora’s sleeping spell, and showing how it affected her to the point that she didn’t even want to sleep again. I mean, imagine being cursed the last time you fell asleep, and fearing that it would happen again even though the person who did curse you wouldn’t do it again. It made it difficult for her to even have a restful sleep, so also imagine how little energy she even has during her reign over two different kingdoms filled with two different types of citizens. It just sounds super stressful.

All in all, I think this was a pretty good edition to the new Maleficent canon story line. I’m curious to see if Black will end up making another book in this world, although I feel like it worked just fine as a standalone.

Krystal Pollock

Loved this book. The writing was amazing and the story itself was great. Now handing it off my 10 year old to read!

Aubrey Erskine

For the full review visit my blog:
 http://shelflifechronicles.com/2019/1...

Heart of the Moors hits the ground running from the very first page. Aurora has just returned to her kingdom of Perceforest after awakening from her curse and being named Queen of both Perceforest and the Moors. So while her Godmother, Maleficent, is protector of the Moors Aurora is officially the Queen. Prince Phillip of the kingdom of Ulstead is also among the cast of characters. While his kiss may not have been what awoken her from her cursed sleep, she sees him as one of her best friends and confidants. With the mess that both her father and Maleficent created behind them, Aurora wishes to unite both her kingdoms and bring peace to her peoples. While a challenge in and of itself there are other forces at work, ones who wish to keep the fae and humans from uniting. It’s the typical Disney story of love, romance and deception all crafted with Holly Black’s typically beautiful and melodic writing. Black knows her fae folklore and it was interesting seeing that focus on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.

Jessie G

2.5

I only read this because it was written by Holly Black and was half price when I purchased it. 

It was.... Fine.

Heart of the Moors An Original Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Novel

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