Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James Published by Allen & Unwin on May 1, 2010
Source: Purchased
Genres: New Adult, Psychological, Suspense, Thrillers
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Beautiful Malice unfolds a haunting story in which people, motives, and circumstances are never what they seem.
Who is Katherine Patterson? It is a question she hopes no one can answer. To erase her past, Katherine has moved to a new city, enrolled in a new school, and even changed her name. She’s done the next best thing to disappearing altogether. Now, wary and alone, she seeks nothing more than anonymity. What she finds instead is the last thing she expected: a friend.
Even more unlikely, Katherine’s new friend is the most popular and magnetic girl in school. Extroverted, gorgeous, flirtatious, and unpredictable, she is everything that Katherine is not and doesn’t want to be: the center of attention. Yet Alice’s enthusiasm is infectious, her candor sometimes unsettling, and Katherine, in spite of her guarded caution, finds herself drawn into Alice’s private circle.
But Alice has secrets, too—darker than anyone can begin to imagine. And when she lets her guard down at last, Katherine discovers the darkest of them all. For there will be no escaping the past for Katherine Patterson—only a descent into a trap far more sinister . . . and infinitely more seductive.
Beautiful Malice is about an unhealthy friendship that turns toxic and malicious. From its innocent beginnings getting to know a person, breaking them out of their shell and suddenly becoming BFFs, the novel takes an unexpected dive where the same friend becomes psychotic, co-dependent and downright scary. I haven’t read any books that delve into the topic as deeply as Rebecca James has, and it is frightening because of how realistic it is.
Katherine has moved to Sydney with her parents to start a new life, away from the intense media scrutiny and reputation that has been built after her sister was murdered. She keeps to herself at her new school but one day, befriends the charismatic, beautiful girl called Alice. Alice is friendly and charming at the start, but slowly reveals her dark side as she spirals into self-destructive, malicious behaviour. This is the story of how Katherine escapes from a toxic friendship and Alice’s evil clutches.
Beautiful Malice is an intense, addictive and compelling read. Alice is a truly psychotic character, going from sweet and friendly to scary and hurtful throughout the book. The dark depths to what she does to Katherine and Robbie in the book is horrific, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. I just needed to find out what was wrong with her and how it was all going to be resolved throughout the book. It’s the type of book that tells us the ending at the start, and we sort of have to put the pieces together as we’re reading the novel.
It was refreshing to see the focus of the novel to be on the friendship and the drama rather than the romance itself. Although there is a bit of insta-love, I’m sort of glad there was a bit of happiness in Katherine’s life, after being subject to such a horrible friendship and past.
Published as a young adult book in 2010, I think this book more accurately matches up with the new adult genre today. The high school drama and romance takes a back seat and the book deals with some real, psychological issues such as toxic friendships, dealing with murder, teenage pregnancy and bullying. I think Rebecca James has done a fantastic job with the genre and proud to say that she’s an Aussie author.
From its innocent beginnings, to finding happiness, to its inevitable crash and burn, Beautiful Malice was enveloping from start to finish. I found it scarier than a B grade horror movie, and that’s how you know when a psychological horror is done well. Perhaps the scariest part of all is that I know people who have exhibited signs of what Alice has done, creating endless drama just for attention and her own self-satisfaction. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and new adult reads that aren’t solely focused on the romance. Now if you excuse me, it’s time to go to sleep with the lights on…
Rating: 5 out of 5
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I LOVE this book. It's one of my favorites! I agree with basically everything you said about it. It's a pretty scary read, and it didn't even need anything paranormal to make it that way.
I hope your review will influence others to pick it up and try it. This book really does deserve more attention.
Great review!
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I know right, I've seen it on the shelves but was glad I finally bought it! It was really, really creepy, like I had trouble sleeping and got nightmares sort of scary. I think so too Kaitlin, was glad to generate a bit of interest about it. Thanks for commenting!
[…] known a few Tim and Lila’s in my life. Lila’s character reminds me a lot of Alice in Beautiful Malice, with a slightly different […]
I've seen this around but never gave it much thought except when looking at that cover-it looks awesome. Now that I know the story inside is just as good I will definitely be picking this one up next time I see it. The romance sounds a bit iffy but if the other relationships overtake that part then I will for sure enjoy it 🙂
Alise recently posted…[Vlog] Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The book is mainly about the psychological drama and not about the relationship, you'll see what I mean. Glad you'll be picking it up!
I hadn't heard of this one before now! It sounds awesome! I love those novels that give you chills especially ones involving female friendships as they can get really intense and subversive! Awesome review Jeann, going on my TBR!
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Yeah, I haven't read anything like this before it's really scary. Thanks Dani! Glad to have helped the TBR lol
Ooooh, interesting! I love psychological stuff and I'd never heard of this one. Thanks for reviewing! I deeply intrigued and adding it to my TBR.
Awesome, no problems Meg, I hope you enjoy!
Great review! I have to read this book ASAP. <3 creepy & scary stories and this sounds like smth I would like.
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It was definitely super creepy, hope you enjoy it!
I found a copy of this book for a bargain price and I brought it with me (I believe it was 1 euro :p) and I think I'm happy I did. I like books based on friendship rather than romance and psychological thrillers are fun. Great review :)!
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Wow Mel you lucky thing! I thought I was scoring at seeing it for $10! Even better when the book is awesome lol.
Ooh can you recommend me any other psychological twisted books? I loved this one, don't think I've read many like it!
Haha yes I do enjoy books sometimes, seems like 5 stars are becoming rarer and rarer the more I read lol! Yeah, the whole scary friend thing is a real thing, which makes it scary. Thanks Melissa!
Great review Jeann! I love it when I discover older books from other blogs and this one is something I can definitely sink my teeth into, being a lover of psychological twisted plots and characters. And 5 Stars! Whoa. Need to get this ASAP then!
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Wow! Five stars from you? I actually hadn't heard much about this book at all, but I like the fact that it's raw and real. I like it when the darker aspects of human nature (and girls) are highlighted – because that's really a part of life. Love it. Great review, Jeann! 🙂
I wanted to read this book since I saw it, I love Aussie authors, but I couldn't find it at that time.
I'm really glad to see that it was good as I expected.
I'll have to try find it again, I need something different from usual romance plots.
Based on everything you wrote in review, it reminds me a little bit of Courtney Summers books – girls could be really mean and twisted, we are not a "flowers" everyone tries to make us look like.
Great review.
Glass @ Way Too Hot Books
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Thanks Glass, Looks like i'll need to check out Courtney Summers books! I love this author's stuff and haven't been able to find anything like it.
Wow, I really am intrigued by this book now! Will surely be checking it out!
Great review, Jeann!
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Thanks Pili! Glad you'll be checking it out!
WOW, this seems like an awesome story, Jeann. I love creepy reads, and if what happens seems realistic, all the better. I need to add this one to my TBR as well.
Great reviw 🙂
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Thanks Lexxie, creepy realistic reads are the best lol, but I need to space them out otherwise I get nightmares!
Ooh this one sounds deliciously creepy! I want >.< I am reading Sweet Damage soon, all her book's titles are creepy as.
Fab review, Jeann! <33
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It was awesome, I actually liked it better than sweet damage. There seemed to be more of a romance element in sweet damage. Can't wait to see what you think of that one!
I'm glad you liked this book, I loved it too.
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It was fantastic Rochelle! Thanks for visiting.