The Disney Villains have always been the baddest baddies, but how did they get so bad? Some even started out as villains but became heroes like the Beast. What made these poor unfortunate souls turn to the darkness? The Disney Villains Book Series by Serena Valentino explores what makes these characters tick.

There are four books in the series, and they all flow nicely into one another. The books star the Evil Queen, Beast, Ursula, and Maleficent. Although Beast turned out to be a good guy after all, we do know he shrouded himself in darkness and anger for quite awhile. The cover art for these books is just incredible too.

Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen: A Tale of the Wicked Queen

Why exactly is the wicked Queen so nasty, particularly to Snow White? Perhaps it has something to do with the creepy-looking man in the magic mirror who’s not just some random spooky visage…

Beast Within, The: A Tale of Beauty’s Prince

A cursed prince sits alone in a secluded castle. Few have seen him, but those who claim they have say his hair is wild and nails are sharp–like a beast’s! But how did this prince, once jovial and beloved by the people, come to be a reclusive and bitter monster? And is it possible that he can ever find true love and break the curse that has been placed upon him?

Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch

The tale of the sea king’s daughter Ariel is a beloved one of losing-and then finding-one’s own voice. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the mergirl wants more than her world can offer, and her father demands that she live within the confines of his domain. Her rebelliousness costs the little mermaid her voice and nearly her soul. But the power of good prevails, and Ariel emerges proud and unchanged.

And yet this is only half the story. So what of Ariel’s nemesis, Ursula, the sea witch? What led to her becoming so twisted, scorned, and filled with hatred? Many tales have tried to explain her motives. Here is one account of what might have shaped the sea witch into a detestable and poor unfortunate soul.

Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy

The tale is told as if it’s happening once upon a dream: the lovely maiden meets her handsome prince in the woods. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the maiden finds out that she is a princess – a princess who has been cursed by a dark fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into an eternal sleep. Though her three good fairies try to protect her, the princess succumbs to the curse. But the power of good endures, as her true love defeats the fire-breathing dragon and awakens the princess with true love’s first kiss. The two live happily ever after.

And yet this is only half the story. So what of the dark fairy, Maleficent? Why does she curse the innocent princess? What led to her becoming so filled with malice, anger, and hatred? Many tales have tried to explain her motives. Here is one account, pulled down from the many passed down through the ages. It is a tale of love and betrayal, of magic and reveries. It is a tale of the mistress of all evil.

These young adult novels are really a fantastic read. Serena Valentino weaves wicked tales that tell the other sides of the stories.

Would you curls up with a cup of hot cocoa and the Disney Villains Book Series for a reading adventure this fall?