Disney Villains: The Power of Perspective
Have you ever wondered what’s behind the villainous masks of your favorite Disney villains? What if I told you there’s more to their stories than just being evil for evil’s sake? Serena Valentino’s Villains series gives us a wild ride into the hearts and minds of these iconic characters, starting with the Fairest of All released in 2009 and continuing to the latest release in 2024 Kill the Beast. Instead of just seeing them as the bad guys, we get to hear their side of the story and maybe even feel a bit of sympathy for them. Let’s have a look at these series of 11 books and uncover why these twisted tales are worth your time. And don’t worry - I won’t spoil the juicy bits!
Twisted Tales with a Purpose
You might wonder, why focus on the bad guys? Why not stick to the classic good-versus-evil dynamic? Well, that’s exactly what makes these books so intriguing. Serena Valentino’s Disney Villain books offer a refreshingly complex look at these iconic characters. Forget the black-and-white morality of the classic tales, these books take us behind the scenes to reveal the real stories behind the wickedness.
Instead of just being bad for the sake of it, these characters have deep-seated motivations shaped by their own personal dramas—betrayals, losses, and fears that push them to the edge.
The real magic of these books lies in how they flip our understanding of good and evil. By seeing things from the villains’ perspectives, we’re challenged to rethink our notions of morality. Are these characters really evil, or are they just products of their circumstances?
Valentino’s work isn’t just about adding a shadowy twist to old tales; it’s a clever commentary on storytelling itself. By letting villains narrate their own stories, she invites us to question who decides what makes a hero or a villain. It turns out that evil isn’t a birthright – it’s often the result of the twists and turns life throws at us.
The 11 Books You Need to Read
Each book in the series can be read on its own, but readers who follow the entire collection will notice interconnected stories and characters, including the mysterious Odd Sisters, who often pull the strings behind the scenes.
01. Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen (2009)
The Evil Queen’s obsession with beauty and power reveals a woman tormented by envy. A backstory rich with vanity and insecurity that culminates in a quest for eternal youth, exploring how her desire for perfection takes a dark turn.
02. The Beast Within: A Tale of Beauty’s Prince (2014)
In this captivating story, a Prince’s lavish life takes a dark turn when he rejects his betrothed and is cursed by a scorned woman and her enigmatic sisters. As he begins to transform into a fearsome beast, he grapples with strange occurrences in his castle and the loss of his past.
03. Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch (2016)
Cast as a misunderstood figure, Ursula is shown as someone who was wronged and banished, leading her to become the vengeful witch we meet in The Little Mermaid. Her hunger for power stems from a need to survive, not just a lust for control. Maybe she was just a product of the cruel world around her?
04. Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy (2017)
Young Maleficent, raised by crows and shunned by the Fairy Academy, discovers her dark magical potential. As her powers grow, she becomes entangled in a spell that transforms her life, offering a fresh and tragic take on her journey to villainy.
05. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch (2018)
In the Dead Woods, three witch sisters face their dark destiny under their mother, Queen Manea. While Hazel and Primrose grapple with their roles, Gothel is tempted by a blood ritual offering immense power. As Manea’s cruelty forces a dramatic choice, Gothel must navigate betrayal and her own dark desires to reshape their fate.
06. The Odd Sisters: A Villains Novel (2019)
The Odd Sisters manipulate events across various Disney tales. Their magical influence and hidden agendas reveal a complex web of power and deceit. They play a crucial role in shaping the destinies of both heroes and villains, adding layers of intrigue to their involvement.
07. Evil Thing: A Tale of That De Vil Woman (2020)
This chilling tale uncovers the rise and fall of Disney’s most fashionable and feared villain. From her isolated childhood to her iconic style, Cruella’s memoir exposes the complexities of her relationships and the consuming nature of her desires. Journey through a narrative of fierce friendships, tangled family bonds, and a relentless quest for power. If you think you know Cruella, think again.
08. Cold Hearted (2021)
What if the wicked stepmother of Cinderella had her own tale of heartbreak and ambition? Before the glass slipper and the prince, Lady Tremaine’s cold-hearted facade is peeled back to reveal a past marked by grief and shattered dreams. A story that redefines the wicked stepmother we thought we knew.
09. Never Never (2022)
James Bartholomew, a boy who once fell into Neverland, grows up longing for the magical land. Discontented with his life in London, he becomes a pirate, eventually captaining his own ship with the aim of returning to Neverland.
10. Fire and Fate (2023)
Hades never wanted the Underworld, but after dividing the world with his brothers, he ended up with it. His discontent grows, especially after being left out of Hercules’ birth celebration. Reaching his limit, Hades makes a new deal to transform his fate.
11. Kill the Beast (2024)
Gaston, who once lived in the prince’s shadow, finds his chance as the prince fades away. Driven by a relentless desire to be the best, Gaston’s ambition adds a dark new twist to the familiar tale.
Ready to Walk on the Dark Side?
If you’re someone who’s always been curious about the other side of the story, the Disney Villain series is a must-read. These books challenge what you thought you knew, turning villains into characters you can’t help but root for – or at least understand a little better.
