FAQ
What are shards?
Shards are the currency used on Maliven. 100 shards = $1. You use them to unlock and read stories.
How do I buy shards?
You can buy shards two ways: by card, or with crypto (Strike, Cash App, Bitcoin, and more). Both add shards to the same balance. Use whichever you prefer.
How does paying by card work?
Card payments go through your credits account, a separate secure checkout. The first time, you link your credits account to Maliven once (a quick one-time setup). After that, buying shards by card is instant. Your card-funded shards appear in your Maliven balance automatically, and you never have to link again.
How do I link my credits account? (one-time setup)
In your wallet, choose “Pay with card,” then click “Get your code.” That opens your credits account in a new tab. Create one or sign in, and you’ll see a short link code. Copy it, switch back to Maliven, and paste it into the box. That’s it. You only do this once, ever.
Why do I link an account just for card payments?
It keeps your card details on a dedicated, secure checkout and off Maliven entirely. Maliven never sees or stores your card. It only knows your shards were funded. It’s a one-time step that keeps your payment info private.
Do my card shards and crypto shards combine?
Yes. However you fund them, all your shards live in one Maliven balance and are spent the same way.
Do shards expire?
No. Shards stay in your balance until you use them.
How do I read a story?
Open a story, unlock it with shards, then read it anytime in your library. You never have to buy it again.
Is my reading private?
Yes. Your reading and library stay private to your account. Authors never see who bought or read their work, and your activity isn’t shown publicly. For payment privacy too, crypto is always an option.
I’m an author: how do I get paid?
Authors earn 70% of every sale in shards, tracked in your dashboard. Request a payout anytime you hit the minimum.
Can I get a refund?
Book purchases are refundable within 24 hours if you've read less than 30%. After that, all sales are final. Refunds return shards to your wallet. Request a refund in your Library, or read the full refund policy.