Malice isn't like the other Maligns. While her parents are out making mischief with her little sister Antipathy-Rose, Malice would rather read a book or play cards with her ghostly grandad. When grandad ghosts start disappearing - including Malice's own - Malice ventures down into Underland to solve the mystery with her Uncle Vex and bring Grandad home.
Malice in Underland is full of magic, mischief and fun! This story is really hard to put down and I loved every moment.
Underland was vividly described, with everything from floating heads outside of pubs, to vegan vampires running hipster coffee shops. There's food, drink and some disgusting street sellers. Jennings' attention to detail is incredible and really brings this world to life, encouraging readers to dive headfirst into Underland with Malice.
The characters are fantastically gothic and Hannah Peck's illustrations are brilliant - I especially loved Ma, Pa and the King's Head. Despite her magical streak, Malice is extremely relatable; she's desperate to fit in with her family and is used to hiding parts of her personality to do so. I really loved that Ma and Pa aren't stereotypically nasty parents who punish Malice for being different - they love her as much as she loves them and this family, if a little unusual, is one readers will wish they were part of.
The mystery elements are well developed too, with plenty of clues for readers to watch out for, a riddle to solve and a lot of travelling through Underland. I'm so excited to see that this is the first in a series as I definitely want to see more from this wonderful cast of characters.
Malice in Underalnd is a perfect Halloween read that will help you forget all about trick-or-treating this October (I'd be too worried the Maligns might have done something to the sweets, anyway!)
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