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

Written by Holly Black

Narrated by Lucy Rayner

WHEN MALEFICENT PUT A CROWN ON AURORA’S HEAD, SHE DIDN’T THINK SHE WAS PUTTING HER IN DANGER.

Ruling a kingdom is challenging under any circumstances. But Aurora—queen of Perceforest and queen of the Moors—is reigning under the weight of two crowns. Caught between the prejudices that divide her kingdom and eager to establish lasting peace, Aurora is determined to sign a treaty to unify the humans and the Fair Folk.

But as spiky dark flowers grow fiercely around Perceforest’s borders and a stable boy mysteriously disappears, tensions between humans and faeries are at a dangerous high.

It’s no help that Aurora hasn’t been sleeping. After all, how can she be certain she won’t wake a hundred years later? Moreover, she can’t be sure whom to trust. Her protective godmother, Maleficent; her sly advisor, Lord Ortolan; her devoted friend, Prince Phillip; and her new admirer, Count Alain, all claim to have her best interests at heart. And it soon becomes apparent that an underhanded plot poses unforeseen danger.

With not only her peace treaty but also the safety of her loved ones at stake, it’s up to Aurora to trust in her own heart and save her kingdom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 15, 2025
• ISBN: 9798217291335

Holly Black

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy books, including the Novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, Book of Night, as well as an Arthurian picture book called Sir Morien. She has been a finalist for the Eisner Award and Lodestar Awards, and the recipient of a Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula Award, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into thirty-two languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library. She invites you to visit her online at BlackHolly.com or on Instagram @BlackHolly.

Reviews for Heart of the Moors

[nicolewbrown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is based on the Disney movie Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. It picks up where the first movie left off with Maleficent making Aurora Queen of Penceforce and the Moors or Queen of the humans and the fairies. Prince Phillip had kissed her but his kiss didn't wake her meaning he didn't love her because it wasn't true love's kiss. But the more time they spend together the more he falls in love with her. But the more time they spend together the more at ease she feels around him and the more she cherishes their friendship.



Aurora is forming a treaty between the fairies and the humans and to celebrate the signing of the treaty she is holding a fall celebration. Lady Fiona is trying to push her brother Lord Alain on her but she would rather dance with Prince Phillip who loves the fairies, unlike Lord Alain. She knows that Phillip is good with riddles so she decides to hold a riddle contest for her hand on the dance floor for the opening dance.



Maleficient overhears Phillip rehearsing his speech to Aurora about how he loves her and she threatens him with bodily harm if he does that. Aurora catches wind that something is up and Maleficient says that he can't walk with her in the Moors without first having dinner with them first. Maleficient tries to scare him off with a frightening dinner, but Phillip does not scare so easily. He attempts to tell her that night, but Maleficient prevents him. The next time he has a chance to talk to her alone he does tell her and she not only tells him no but does so with horror on her face. He is heartbroken.



He gets forced to compete in the contest and when he gets down to him and Lord Alain she gives him a riddle she gave to him a few days ago and he answers "I don't know." leaving her with Lord Alain as her dance partner. Lord Alain and Lord Ortolan, Aurora's treasurer are up to something, mainly getting Aurora and Lord Alain together. But Aurora doesn't want to be with anyone. Maleficient has raised her to protect her heart.



The action really picks up when Maleficient and Phillip get kidnapped and the pages will really fly and you'll be glued to the book as the excitement soars. This was truly a gripping novel that will keep you reading to the very last page. Aurora is sweet and good, but not overly so and Phillip is goofy in his lovesickness over her. Maleficent is mean, but not evil. Not anymore. Aurora changed her. This truly is a fabulous book and I give it five out of five stars.



Quotes



Being in love had nearly destroyed Maleficent. Denying love had destroyed King Stefan. And King Stefan’s inability to love Queen Leila had probably ruined her life, too. Love was terrifying in its power. Love was just plain terrifying.

-Holly Black (Heart of the Moors p 166)



And if I’m wrong, than nothing is fair because we didn’t even get a love story. He didn’t kiss me one time when I was awake. If he was going to betray me, he should have at least kissed me first.

-Holly Black (Heart of the Moors p 270)