Picture an American storyteller who spins tales where villains steal the spotlight and fairy tales take a deliciously dark turn—meet Serena Valentino! Known for her New York Times bestselling Disney Villains series, Valentino blends horror, whimsy, and heart to reimagine the backstories of iconic Disney antagonists. Her unique ability to humanize the wicked has enchanted readers worldwide, making her a standout in dark fantasy.
The Making of Serena Valentino
Born in the United States, Serena Valentino’s creative spark ignited early, fueled by a love for mythos and the macabre. While little is known about her childhood, her storytelling prowess emerged in San Francisco’s vibrant comic scene. She began writing graphic novels, crafting eerie narratives that blended beauty and terror. Her early works, like GloomCookie and Nightmares & Fairy Tales, showcased her knack for creating haunting worlds with strong female protagonists, setting the stage for her later literary success.
Serena Valentino’s Unforgettable Stories
Valentino’s Disney Villains series, published by Disney Press, is her crown jewel, with twelve novels exploring the origins of characters like the Evil Queen and Cruella De Vil. Her debut, Fairest of All (2009), delves into the Wicked Queen’s descent into darkness, weaving a tragic tale of envy and loss. The Beast Within (2014) uncovers the Beast’s cursed past, while Poor Unfortunate Soul (2016) gives Ursula a voice. Her 2020 novel, Evil Thing, narrated by Cruella, is a fan favorite for its bold first-person perspective.
Beyond Disney, Valentino’s graphic novels like Nightmares & Fairy Tales: 1140 Rue Royale tackle historical horror, drawing from real-life atrocities with chilling precision. Her style—dark, lyrical, and empathetic—breathes life into villains, revealing their humanity. Recurring characters, like the mischievous Odd Sisters, tie her stories together, creating a rich, interconnected universe that keeps readers hooked.
Why Serena Valentino Matters
Serena Valentino has redefined fairy tale retellings, proving villains are more than just evil archetypes. Her work resonates with readers who crave complex characters and morally gray narratives, influencing the young adult and dark fantasy genres. Though her Villains series was briefly considered for a Disney+ adaptation, Book of Enchantment, its cancellation only underscores the unique darkness of her vision—too bold for mainstream dilution. Valentino’s upcoming publishing imprint promises to amplify her influence, nurturing new voices in speculative fiction.
- Key Works: Fairest of All, The Beast Within, Poor Unfortunate Soul, Evil Thing
- Notable Series: Disney Villains, Nightmares & Fairy Tales
- Fun Fact: Lives in California with her dog, Gozer, named after a Ghostbusters character
Snag Fairest of All and dive into Serena Valentino’s spellbinding world of dark fantasy!