Read Serena Valentino Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 8, 2026

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Serena Valentino’s body of work has captivated readers, particularly those with a deep appreciation for the darker side of Disney. With her series of books, she brings to life a collection of iconic Disney villains in ways that are equal parts eerie, tragic, and intriguing. Valentino’s writing offers a refreshing take on classic characters, delving into their backstories, motivations, and the complexities that have often been overlooked in their more familiar animated portrayals. Through these tales, the villains, traditionally seen as one-dimensional antagonists, are reimagined as multifaceted figures whose actions, while not always justified, stem from deep emotions and personal struggles.

Her series is not just a rehash of familiar plots but an exploration of the internal worlds of some of the most iconic characters in the Disney pantheon. With an elegant balance of gothic atmosphere, character-driven plots, and moral ambiguity, Valentino has created an enthralling world where the lines between good and evil are not always clear, and readers are invited to see the Disney villains from a new perspective.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the books written by Serena Valentino, particularly her Villains series, and discuss why they have become such an enduring phenomenon among fans. We’ll explore the background of the series, the correct reading order, what makes these books so special, and whether or not it’s essential to read them in order to enjoy the full experience.

List Of Serena Valentino Books In Order

More On Serena Valentino Books In Chronological Order

1. Fairest of All (2009)

Okay, so this is the one where it all starts! *Fairest of All* is Serena Valentino’s take on the classic *Snow White* story, but with a twist. We dive deep into the life of the Evil Queen, and it’s not just a ’she’s evil because she’s evil’ kind of story. It’s a really sympathetic look at her pain and jealousy, giving a backstory that actually makes you feel for her. Who would’ve thought you’d start rooting for the villain, right?

2. The Beast Within (2014)

Next up is *The Beast Within*, where we get to know the backstory of the Beast from *Beauty and the Beast*. This one is pretty intense, as it explores how the Beast ended up in his enchanted form, and guess what? It’s not just the usual ’be careful what you wish for’ kind of thing-there’s a lot more emotional depth here. You get to see the layers of guilt, the frustration, and the ultimate need for redemption, making you feel a little less sorry for Belle and more invested in his journey.

3. Poor Unfortunate Soul (2015)

Okay, who doesn’t love *The Little Mermaid*? But this time, we’re in the perspective of Ursula, the sea witch. *Poor Unfortunate Soul* isn’t just about Ursula being evil either-it’s about how she came to be the way she is, why she’s so obsessed with power, and the choices that led her to cross paths with Ariel. It’s got that twisty, tragic quality that Valentino does so well, making you think twice about all those ’villains’ we’ve grown up hating.

4. Mistress of All Evil (2016)

*Mistress of All Evil* takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most iconic villains-Maleficent. But we’re not just seeing her as the wicked fairy godmother we know and love from *Sleeping Beauty*; we’re getting a whole new side to her. The book explores how Maleficent’s wickedness came about and even shows us her tragic, heartbreaking past. By the time you’re done, you might actually feel sorry for her (if you weren’t already!).

5. Mother Knows Best (2017)

This one is all about Mother Gothel from *Tangled*, and it really sheds light on her motivations. It’s not just ’she wants to stay young and beautiful’-there’s so much more to her character than that. *Mother Knows Best* is a thoughtful exploration of love, obsession, and the dangers of wanting to control everything around you. By the end, you realize she’s a bit more relatable than you might’ve originally thought, even if she’s still a pretty messed-up character.

6. Queen of Snow (2019)

Now we’re shifting gears to *Queen of Snow*, which centers around the Snow White stepmother’s daughter, the Snow Queen. It’s got this chilling, mysterious vibe that you can’t help but be drawn into. The Snow Queen’s story is all about the idea of isolation, family, and betrayal, and let me tell you, it’s got so many twists and emotional beats that will keep you turning pages. This isn’t the Snow Queen you know from *Frozen*-it’s something a little more complex and darker.

7. Goddess of Vengeance (2021)

*Goddess of Vengeance* is the newest in the series, and it’s a wild one. This time, we’re focusing on the villainess of *Hercules*, Megara. It’s kind of like a redemption story where we get to see her journey from love to betrayal, and eventually, how she became so fiercely independent and strong. It’s also packed with a lot of emotional moments that really show the power of self-forgiveness and self-worth. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been through the wringer but came out stronger, you’ll definitely vibe with Megara’s story.

Background On Serena Valentino Books

Serena Valentino’s Villains series began with Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen in 2009, and it immediately garnered attention for its dark take on Disney’s iconic villains. The series quickly became a fan favorite, with each book focusing on a different villain from Disney’s classic animated features. Valentino’s ability to humanize these characters and explore their backstories in rich detail turned these formerly one-dimensional antagonists into complex, emotionally-driven figures.

The series is a reimagining of well-known Disney stories through the eyes of the villains, offering a perspective that goes beyond their villainous actions. Instead of simply portraying the villains as evil for evil’s sake, Valentino investigates the emotional and psychological layers behind their behavior. For example, in Fairest of All, the Evil Queen from Snow White is given a tragic backstory that adds depth to her jealousy and desire for beauty. In The Beast Within, readers are introduced to the backstory of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and the story delves into the events that led to his curse. Valentino’s writing in each book is rich in gothic tones, adding a darker, more atmospheric element to the familiar Disney tales.

Her works are often praised for their strong narrative voice, atmospheric world-building, and compelling re-imaginings of beloved Disney characters. Through her books, Valentino has successfully made these villains relatable, showing readers that behind their malevolent actions, they are, in fact, deeply human. Her stories explore themes of loneliness, heartbreak, revenge, and power, which resonate with readers on a universal level.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to reading Serena Valentino’s books, particularly her Villains series, one of the first questions that arises is whether or not the books should be read in order. The series is composed of several interconnected novels, and while each book stands on its own in terms of its individual plot, there are overarching themes and character developments that can be better understood if the books are read in the proper sequence.

Here’s a breakdown of the Villains series in the suggested reading order:

1. Fairest Of All: A Tale Of The Wicked Queen (2009)

   • This book introduces the reader to the first villain in the series, the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It provides an in-depth look into her psyche and motivations, exploring why she became so obsessed with beauty and power.

2. The Beast Within: A Tale Of Beauty’s Prince (2014)

   • The second book shifts focus to the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. It explores the events leading up to the Beast’s curse and reveals how his arrogance and pride contributed to his transformation into a beast.

3. Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale Of The Sea Witch (2011)

   • This installment delves into the backstory of Ursula, the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid. Readers learn about her origins, her relationship with her family, and the events that led to her thirst for power.

4. Mistress Of All Evil: A Tale Of The Dark Fairy (2013)

   • The fourth book introduces Maleficent, the villain from Sleeping Beauty. This story explores her tragic past, her fall from grace, and her eventual role as the villain who curses Aurora.

5. The Odd Sisters: A Tale Of The Odd Sisters (2016)

   • This novel shifts the focus to a group of witches known as the Odd Sisters, who have appeared as minor antagonists throughout the series. It ties together several plot threads from the previous books and deepens the mythology surrounding the villains.

6. Mother Knows Best: A Tale Of The Queen (2018)

   • In this book, the focus is on the story of Mother Gothel from Tangled. The book sheds light on her complicated relationship with Rapunzel and her deep-seated fears and desires that drive her actions.

7. Evil Thing: A Tale Of That Devious Demon (2020)

   • The final book in the series shifts its focus to the story of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians. This story explores her origins and her obsession with fur, giving a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations.

What I Like About The Series?

What makes Serena Valentino’s Villains series so captivating is her ability to give voice to characters who, in the Disney films, are often viewed solely as antagonists. Valentino doesn’t just explore the villains’ motivations; she delves into their emotional vulnerabilities, exploring the trauma, loneliness, and insecurities that often fuel their actions.

One of the most compelling aspects of the series is Valentino’s writing style. Her prose is lyrical and rich in atmosphere, drawing readers into dark, gothic worlds that feel immersive and haunting. The mood and tone of each book are carefully crafted to match the character at its center, with The Beast Within featuring a darker, more brooding tone, and Poor Unfortunate Soul offering a more tragic and whimsical atmosphere.

Additionally, Valentino’s characters are deeply complex. No longer are they mere villains; they are real people with real emotions. Take Maleficent, for example. In Mistress of All Evil, she is presented not as a straightforward antagonist but as a tragic, misunderstood figure whose actions are driven by loss and betrayal. This adds layers to her character, making her more than just a classic villain.

Valentino also excels at building tension and suspense in her storytelling. There’s an underlying sense of impending doom throughout each novel, and while readers know how these stories will ultimately unfold, the journey is one filled with emotional depth and unexpected twists.

Should You Read Serena Valentino Books In Order?

The short answer is: Yes, reading the Villains series in order enhances the overall experience. While each book in the series is designed to stand alone, there is a thematic and narrative thread that ties them together, making it more rewarding to read them in sequence.

The books feature subtle references and crossovers between characters and events that provide a deeper understanding of the broader narrative. For example, the Odd Sisters play a pivotal role in multiple books, and understanding their backstory in The Odd Sisters is critical to grasping their influence on the events in the other stories.

Moreover, reading the books in order allows readers to witness the evolution of Serena Valentino’s writing and the growing depth of her characters. Each subsequent book builds upon the foundation set by its predecessors, with earlier stories providing context for later developments. Characters grow, their motivations become clearer, and the overarching themes of power, loneliness, and revenge are explored more thoroughly.