Malice (Forget Tomorrow)

by Pintip Dunn

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Malice through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Malice is the latest novel from the mind of Pintip Dunn, though it is the first time I’ve read anything by this author. I’ve got to say, if this book is anything to go by, I’m impressed.
Timetravel, viruses, and a quest to save the human race. That is what you’ll find within these pages. These three genres are merged together by Dunn’s writing, resulting in an extraordinary and fast-paced read.
Alice knows that somebody in her life will someday – in the next ten years – kill two-thirds of the population. She doesn’t know who this person is…yet…but she knows she has to kill them before it’s too late. No sweat though, right? It’s not like the fate of the world is hanging on her hands.
Alice is what you’d call a goodie two shoes. She’s spent the majority of her life keeping herself going and taking care of her brother. She was not built for a world of high tension and stakes – or was she? This is a girl who quickly proves to be resilient, caring, and determined.

“Malice? Did the voice just call me Malice? That can’t be right. The evilest thing that Alice Sherman has done all year is make sure her brother’s fed.”

Warnings: The description for Malice should probably give you a good idea of some of what is in store. This novel covers a deadly (and slightly graphic) virus, which has naturally devastating results. Also covered are themes and subjects such as child illness and death, alongside some very serious mental health concerns.

Malice was simultaneously everything and nothing like what I expected. It was a thrilling read, from start to finish. One that I couldn’t put down. Or predict. I loved that about this novel. Actually, there’s a lot I enjoyed about it.
Alice’s quest sounds like a crazy one, doesn’t it? Having to hunt down a person without having the first clue of who is doing it. Having the stakes so high certainly didn’t hurt the matter (for us – less so for Alice). It’s the flip side of a dystopian novel – with that hovering just outside of possibility.
I know not everyone loves time travel, I myself tend to be very particular about its implementation. But I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed this particular interpretation. Even if it did break my reading flow, from time to time.
As far as the romantic subplot goes? I have to admit, that whole situation was shockingly sweet, and I’m actually quite glad it was included. It was a much needed humanizing and hopeful series of moments in what could have otherwise been a dark tale.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the revelation behind who it is. I’m trying to be careful in what I say here. Basically, I think I have concerns about their motive and reasoning? Maybe that’ll feel better with time. Everything else about this book was a lot of fun, so I won’t let it hold back my opinion.
Malice was a fun and entertaining read. One that I literally couldn’t put down. I finished the book in one sitting, though my stiff knees didn’t much appreciate it by the time I was done. Worth it! I’m looking forward to seeing what else Dunn has written, and will write.

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