The Beast Within

The Beast Within by Serena Valentino (Parragon Publishing) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781474840828

Reviewed by Ellie Royce

They’re fairytales, but not as we know them! This book from the Disney Villains series tells the tale of Beauty and the Beast from an unknown perspective -- the Beast's. How did a handsome prince, once jovial and beloved by his people, become a bitter and reclusive monster? Find out in this story of vanity and arrogance, of love and hatred, of beastliness and, of course, beauty. It's a fascinating journey into the characters we didn’t meet and the story we didn’t hear in Beauty and The Beast.

Have you ever wondered just how the beast became cursed and alone? Then this is the tale for you. It’s an engaging read that builds on what we already know without repeating it, as well as introducing us to some wonderful new characters. Less like a fairy tale and more like a myth or legend where actions have consequences and villains are not cardboard cut outs but realistic characters facing choices and dilemmas, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Definitely worth a read it’s suitable for readers aged 12 years and up.

Poor Unfortunate Soul

Poor Unfortunate Soul by Serena Valentino (Parragon Publishing)

PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781474846103

Reviewed by Ellie Royce

 This Disney Villains Book follows on from The Beast Within and continues our relationship with the odd sisters and Princess Tulip Morningstar, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Poor Unfortunate Soul follows the formula of telling a recognisable tale from an unknown perspective. In this instance it’s the Little Mermaid told from the point of view of sea witch Ursula. Cast out by her family, the tragic Ursula descends into wickedness becoming the grotesque sea-witch.

This is another thoroughly engaging and endlessly fascinating story. With just enough familiarity to make it accessible, it weaves in new strands and characters, lifting it to a whole other level. Serena Valentino imbues her villains with emotion. We feel for them even while they perform their despicable acts (and there are plenty of despicable acts!) although in the end, justice is done. (They are still fairytales, after all…) It’s suitable for ages 12 years and older.