Read: Fairest of All (Book 1) – September 8, 2023
The Beast Within (Book 2) – September 11, 2023
Poor Unfortunate Soul (Book 3) – October 28, 2023
Mistress of All Evil (Book 4) – January 9, 2024
Mother Knows Best (Book 5) – August 30, 2024
The Odd Sisters (Book 6) – October 15, 2024
Summary: Serena Valentino’s Disney Villains series explores the backstories and motivations of some of Disney’s most iconic antagonists. Each book focuses on a different villain, delving into their pasts and providing a nuanced perspective on their actions. The series includes titles like “Fairest of All” (featuring Maleficent), “The Beast Within” (centered on the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast”), and “Mother Knows Best” (focusing on Mother Gothel from “Tangled”). Valentino’s storytelling emphasizes themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, inviting readers to see the complexities behind these characters often viewed as purely evil.
My Thoughts: Serena Valentino’s Disney Villains series, books 1 to 6, offers a captivating reimagining of beloved Disney antagonists, inviting readers to explore the darker, often misunderstood sides of these characters.
- Fairest of All: This retelling of “Snow White” through Maleficent’s eyes provides a compelling origin story, blending tragedy with ambition.
- The Beast Within: Delving into the Beast’s past, this book reveals the complexities of his transformation, adding depth to his character and highlighting themes of redemption.
- Poor Unfortunate Soul: Focusing on Ursula, this installment gives insight into her motivations and desires, painting her as a figure of empowerment, rather than just villainy.
- Mistress of All Evil: It is a riveting and empathetic exploration of Maleficent’s character, diving deep into her backstory and the events that shaped her into the iconic Disney villain
- Mother Knows Best: This take on Mother Gothel from “Tangled” explores her obsession with youth and control, offering a heartbreaking look at her vulnerabilities.
- The Odd Sisters: It delves into the enigmatic lives of the titular characters, who are both fascinating and complex figures within the Disney Villains universe.
Overall, the series is beautifully written, combining dark fairy tale elements with rich character development, making it a must-read for Disney fans and lovers of gothic tales alike. Valentino masterfully invites empathy for these infamous characters, showing that their stories are far more complex than simply being “villains.”
