2025 Book Review SO FAR!

Hey bookworms! You know how much I love diving into character backstories, especially when they're about iconic villains. That's why Serena Valentino's Disney Villains series has been on my radar for ages, and I finally picked up a few. Today, I want to share a bit more than just my star ratings – I want to dig into why these interpretations of Cruella, Lady Tremaine, and Captain Hook resonated (or didn't!) with me, and why you might want to give them a read too. First up, 'Evil Thing,' Cruella de Vil's origin story. When I saw the book cover with that iconic black and white hair and sinister smile, I was hooked! The original review was a bit lukewarm, and I still stand by that. While it tries to humanize Cruella, showing her childhood and the events that shaped her, I felt it somewhat missed the mark in truly explaining her extreme villainy. It gave some context to her obsession with fashion and furs, but the transformation felt a bit rushed. I was hoping for a more nuanced exploration of her descent into madness, rather than just a series of events leading to her trying to impress one person. It's an interesting attempt, but for me, Cruella's true evil still feels a bit more complex than what was presented. Next, 'Cold Hearted,' which delves into Lady Tremaine's past. This one was a pleasant surprise! The cover art of Lady Tremaine with her stern expression perfectly captures her essence. I loved how Serena Valentino approached her story, really giving depth to her motivations without entirely excusing her actions. Seeing the world through her eyes, and how her own heart became 'cold,' offered a fresh perspective. What truly stood out was the redemption arc for Drizella and Anastasia. It was refreshing to see them break free from their mother's shadow and realize the true nature of their family dynamic. This book made me feel a bit more empathy for the stepsisters, something I never expected! Finally, 'Never Never,' Captain Hook's origin. This was a standout for me! The book cover showing his menacing smile with the hook is just fantastic. I've always been fascinated by villains who aren't just 'evil for evil's sake,' and this book delivers. It paints a compelling picture of what led him to Neverland and his eventual rivalry with Peter Pan. The narrative really got into his head, almost feeling like a long, internal monologue detailing his journey and frustrations. The ending, as I mentioned in my quick review, was truly brilliant – it tied everything together like a perfectly completed puzzle, leaving me with a whole new appreciation for the character and the Peter Pan story. Overall, Serena Valentino's Villains series offers a unique lens into some of Disney's most iconic antagonists. While some hits were stronger than others, I appreciate the effort to explore the human (or not-so-human) side of these characters. If you're a fan of Disney and enjoy a good character study, these books are definitely worth checking out to see if your favorite villain's backstory holds up!