Below is the complete list of Serena Valentino’s Disney Villains books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Disney Villains Books
About Disney Villains
Behind every notorious fairy-tale villain lies a history of ambition, betrayal, heartbreak, and choices that gradually lead toward darkness. Serena Valentino explores these hidden stories in her Disney Villains series, a collection of young adult fantasy novels that reimagine familiar Disney antagonists through their own experiences. Drawing upon characters from classic animated films, the books combine Gothic fantasy, psychological drama, dark magic, and interconnected family histories to examine how individuals become the villains audiences recognise.
The series began with Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen (2009), which revisits the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Rather than introducing her as an entirely merciless figure, Valentino explores her earlier life, troubled relationship with her father, and complicated feelings toward her stepdaughter.
Her growing obsession with beauty and the influence of a mysterious magic mirror gradually expose the insecurities underlying her cruelty. The novel establishes the series’ central concern: understanding a villain’s experiences without necessarily justifying the harm they cause.
The Beast Within (2014) examines the prince from Beauty and the Beast, exploring the arrogance, betrayal, and supernatural interference that contribute to his transformation. Poor Unfortunate Soul (2016) turns to Ursula, revealing a complicated history of rejection, resentment, and rivalry connected to the underwater kingdom.
In Mistress of All Evil (2017), Valentino explores Maleficent’s upbringing and the circumstances that transform a powerful fairy into an enemy of the royal family. Her story introduces important connections between magical beings whose actions influence events across several fairy-tale worlds.
Mother Knows Best (2018) revisits Mother Gothel from Tangled, examining her obsession with youth, her relationship with her sisters, and her willingness to manipulate others in pursuit of immortality.
A defining feature of the series is its recurring trio of witches, Lucinda, Ruby, and Martha, collectively known as the Odd Sisters. Their involvement connects stories that would otherwise take place in separate fictional worlds.
The Odd Sisters (2019) places these characters at the centre of the narrative, exploring their origins, relationships, and influence over the tragedies surrounding other villains. Their history provides a deeper understanding of the magical forces operating throughout the series.
Later novels broaden the fictional universe. Evil Thing (2020) examines Cruella de Vil’s childhood, privileged upbringing, and increasingly destructive ambitions, while Cold Hearted (2021) follows Lady Tremaine from Cinderella, exploring the experiences behind her treatment of her stepdaughter.
Never Never (2022) revisits Captain Hook from Peter Pan, revealing his earlier life and the events that shape his rivalry with Peter. Fire and Fate (2023) turns to Hades from Hercules, exploring the Lord of the Underworld’s complicated relationship with the Olympian gods.
In Kill the Beast (2024), Valentino examines Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, exploring the origins of his arrogance, jealousy, and hostility toward the Beast.
Heartbroken (2025) focuses on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, examining her arrival in Wonderland, her struggle to impose order on its chaotic world, and the experiences that contribute to her notorious temper.
The thirteenth novel, Call of the Dead: A Tale of Two Demons, is scheduled for July 2027. It brings together Chernabog from Fantasia and the Headless Horseman associated with The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. The announced story serves as the conclusion to the interconnected series.
Although the books feature different central characters, their shared mythology creates continuity. The Odd Sisters, magical bargains, recurring family connections, and the mysterious Book of Fairy Tales link individual narratives into a broader history.
Valentino also expands familiar stories beyond their animated versions, introducing new relationships, supernatural influences, and personal histories. Her villains often begin as vulnerable or misunderstood individuals before their decisions lead them toward increasingly destructive behaviour.
The series includes graphic novel adaptations of Evil Thing and Fairest of All, as well as collected editions containing previously published stories. These adaptations and collections are separate from the main numbered prose novels.
As of November 2026, twelve principal novels have been published, with the thirteenth announced for 2027.
What distinguishes Disney Villains is its sustained exploration of moral complexity. Valentino portrays jealousy, grief, rejection, and ambition as powerful influences without erasing personal responsibility. Through familiar antagonists viewed from unfamiliar perspectives, the series examines the fragile boundary between suffering and cruelty, revealing how the stories traditionally told about heroes can look very different when experienced by those cast as villains.