Current Read 📖

Okay, fellow bookworms, let's chat about the Disney Villains Series by Serena Valentino! I get so many questions about these books, especially since I'm always raving about them, and I totally get why. They truly offer such a unique and captivating look into the minds of our favorite Disney antagonists. I’ve read every single one, all the way up to the latest, 'Kill the Beast,' which I'm currently devouring – and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! One of the biggest questions I always hear is: **do you have to read the Disney Villains Series books in order?** And here's my honest take based on diving deep into every single one: while each book largely focuses on a different villain and can be read as a standalone story, there's definitely an overarching narrative and interconnected threads that make reading them in publication order a richer experience. Think of it like this: you could watch a Marvel movie out of order and still enjoy it, but you'd miss some of the subtle nods and character developments that build up over time. Valentino weaves a fascinating tapestry of magic, fate, and villainy, and certain characters and events do recur or get referenced across the series. The official publication order generally starts with 'Fairest of All' (the Evil Queen!), then 'The Beast Within' (Gaston), 'Poor Unfortunate Soul' (Ursula), 'Mistress of All Evil' (Maleficent), 'Mother Knows Best' (Mother Gothel), 'The Odd Sisters' (a pivotal original character trio), 'Evil Thing' (Cruella De Vil), 'Cold Hearted' (Lady Tremaine), 'Fire & Fate' (Hades), 'Never Never' (Captain Hook), and finally, 'Kill the Beast.' For me, starting from the beginning helped me appreciate the subtle world-building and the evolving roles of the mysterious Odd Sisters, who often influence the villains' destinies. If you're a completist like me, definitely start with 'Fairest of All.' If you're just curious about a specific villain, you can jump in, but keep in mind you might miss some context. What I adore most about these books is how Serena Valentino truly delves into the why behind the villains' actions. It’s not just about them being evil; it's about their pain, their pasts, and the events that shaped them. You get to see a different side to characters like Maleficent or Ursula, and it often makes you question your own perceptions of good versus evil. For example, in 'Kill the Beast,' the story surrounding the titular character is incredibly nuanced and, much like the cover suggests with its smiling male character, there’s usually more than meets the eye. The books are beautifully written, often with a gothic, fairytale-esque feel that perfectly complements the Disney universe. And don't even get me started on the covers – holding a physical copy, like 'Kill the Beast' with its intricate details, is always a treat for the eyes (and sometimes my red nail polish matches the aesthetic!). If you're wondering where to find them, as I mentioned, Amazon is a great place, and don't forget to check if the first couple of books are still free on Kindle Unlimited – that's how I started my journey! Libraries are also fantastic resources. Trust me, if you've ever wondered about the untold stories of Disney's most iconic antagonists, this series is an absolute gem. Which villain would you love to see get their own book next?