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Villains #1
Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen
The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen… (less)
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen… (less)
Audiobook
First published August 18, 2009
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About the author
Serena Valentino
155 books6,013 followersSerena Valentino is best known for weaving tales that combine mythos and guile with her work on the comic book series GloomCookie and Nightmares & Fairy Tales, and her best selling Disney Villain Novels which have earned her critical acclaim for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty and extraordinary female protagonists.
Her Disney Villain novel series would be best enjoyed if read in this order: Fairest of All: The Story of the Wicked Queen, The Beast Within: The Story of Belle’s Prince, Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch, Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch and The Odd Sisters: A Villains Book to be released in Summer 2019. Book 7 will be out Summer 2020, Book 8 summer of 2021, and Book 9 Summer of 2022.
Serena lives in New Orleans with her dog Gozer, and a very tiny kitty named Momma.
Contact: Serena@serenavalentino.com
Her Disney Villain novel series would be best enjoyed if read in this order: Fairest of All: The Story of the Wicked Queen, The Beast Within: The Story of Belle’s Prince, Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch, Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch and The Odd Sisters: A Villains Book to be released in Summer 2019. Book 7 will be out Summer 2020, Book 8 summer of 2021, and Book 9 Summer of 2022.
Serena lives in New Orleans with her dog Gozer, and a very tiny kitty named Momma.
Contact: Serena@serenavalentino.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,678 reviews
August 29, 2009
A wonderful story about how the wicked queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became so wicked.
I like to casually browse the Young Adult section at Borders and B&N and I'm very influenced by cover art. Reading the inside flap, I only needed one sentence to sway me. I bought it immediately and started reading once I got home. I have to say that the author caught the Disney version of the characters perfectly and I believe that's the way it should be.
The writing was well written and it moved quickly for me. The end of each chapter made me want to know what would happen next and it provided great imagery for my imagination. I watched the classic Snow White right away with the thought of the Queen's life and it changed the whole movie for me-in a good way!
It even has a nice twist at the end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who appreciates an alternate view on a classic.
I like to casually browse the Young Adult section at Borders and B&N and I'm very influenced by cover art. Reading the inside flap, I only needed one sentence to sway me. I bought it immediately and started reading once I got home. I have to say that the author caught the Disney version of the characters perfectly and I believe that's the way it should be.
The writing was well written and it moved quickly for me. The end of each chapter made me want to know what would happen next and it provided great imagery for my imagination. I watched the classic Snow White right away with the thought of the Queen's life and it changed the whole movie for me-in a good way!
It even has a nice twist at the end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who appreciates an alternate view on a classic.
November 8, 2015
*****possible spoilers**********
The Queen (her name never is mentioned) marries the love of her life- (Bleck) becomes stepmommy to little Snow White and is just all peaches and cream. She is almost sugary sweet.
The King gives her a mirror that her late father made before his death. Queen thinks she sees someone in the mirror but everyone just poo-poos her into thinking she imagined it. We then find out that the Queen has had a horrible childhood with an abusive father. (Guess who's soul in trapped in the mirror?)
Alas, as the story goes the King is killed at battle. The Queen begins changing. She is crushed and can't stand any happiness.
She begins with depression bordering on madness and then gets pushed over the edge completely by her lovely mirror and three witch hags.
Even at her worst though she realizes she loves the little twerp Snow White...but a girls gotta be the fairest in the land after all.
The Queen (her name never is mentioned) marries the love of her life- (Bleck) becomes stepmommy to little Snow White and is just all peaches and cream. She is almost sugary sweet.
The King gives her a mirror that her late father made before his death. Queen thinks she sees someone in the mirror but everyone just poo-poos her into thinking she imagined it. We then find out that the Queen has had a horrible childhood with an abusive father. (Guess who's soul in trapped in the mirror?)
Alas, as the story goes the King is killed at battle. The Queen begins changing. She is crushed and can't stand any happiness.
She begins with depression bordering on madness and then gets pushed over the edge completely by her lovely mirror and three witch hags.
Even at her worst though she realizes she loves the little twerp Snow White...but a girls gotta be the fairest in the land after all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
This is the first instalment in the Villains series, which rework the original tales from the initial villain's perspective.
This book had big boots to fill, given the renown of the similarly themed and big-hit movie, Maleficent. I think it did so extraordinarily well. Despite the difference in Disney villain chosen, there were many similarities that linked he two, yet I liked it no less for that.
This traditional villain is given a backstory that belies her following evil and, instead, exposes a vulnerable and authentic character. She is not the stereotypical evil step-mother, so beloved in fairy tales and lore, but is an individual who suffers from the very real feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. The author deftly recreated the way her character is viewed and brings to the fore deeper questions, concerning societal expectations and gender inequality, missing from the Disney adaptation of this story.
This book had big boots to fill, given the renown of the similarly themed and big-hit movie, Maleficent. I think it did so extraordinarily well. Despite the difference in Disney villain chosen, there were many similarities that linked he two, yet I liked it no less for that.
This traditional villain is given a backstory that belies her following evil and, instead, exposes a vulnerable and authentic character. She is not the stereotypical evil step-mother, so beloved in fairy tales and lore, but is an individual who suffers from the very real feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. The author deftly recreated the way her character is viewed and brings to the fore deeper questions, concerning societal expectations and gender inequality, missing from the Disney adaptation of this story.
May 6, 2020
I HAD PUT OFF THIS SERIES FOR FEAR OF BEING DISAPPOINTED... AND I WAS
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. This was just 250 pages of disappointment upon disappointment. I was under the impression that this would be some sort of redemption story, something that would explain the behaviour of the Wicked Queen and perhaps even make me see her in a different light. But no. It's just bad.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Childish: Yes, Disney is for children and yes, this is aimed a younger audience. But usually I don't mind reading children's books. I quite like it, even. This, however, just felt childish and lacking. The world building was poor. The dialogue was stilted. Nothing felt right.
The Queen: First of all, she is never given a name. Not a great place to start a redemption story. Further more, her arc is confusing and irrational. I didn't see how she became the wicked queen. I didn't understand her reasoning or her actions. I didn't get her drive to become the wicked queen. And really, that should have been TOP priority with this book. It failed miserably.
Twists: I hated the twists because there were none. Not a single one that made me think 'oh, that's an interesting take on this story' or 'so that's the reason!'. Again, miserable fail.
What happened?: Yeah, I can't even recollect what happened during this book because nothing really seemed to happen. Nothing exciting anyway. Nothing surprising. Nothing.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. This was just 250 pages of disappointment upon disappointment. I was under the impression that this would be some sort of redemption story, something that would explain the behaviour of the Wicked Queen and perhaps even make me see her in a different light. But no. It's just bad.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Childish: Yes, Disney is for children and yes, this is aimed a younger audience. But usually I don't mind reading children's books. I quite like it, even. This, however, just felt childish and lacking. The world building was poor. The dialogue was stilted. Nothing felt right.
The Queen: First of all, she is never given a name. Not a great place to start a redemption story. Further more, her arc is confusing and irrational. I didn't see how she became the wicked queen. I didn't understand her reasoning or her actions. I didn't get her drive to become the wicked queen. And really, that should have been TOP priority with this book. It failed miserably.
Twists: I hated the twists because there were none. Not a single one that made me think 'oh, that's an interesting take on this story' or 'so that's the reason!'. Again, miserable fail.
What happened?: Yeah, I can't even recollect what happened during this book because nothing really seemed to happen. Nothing exciting anyway. Nothing surprising. Nothing.
August 7, 2023
Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen is the first book in Disney's Villains series.
I love villains and all things villainous, so after seeing this cover, I couldn't resist picking up a copy for myself.
I really enjoyed the overall concept and the story moved at a nice pace. Although at times quite lovely, there were a few things about the writing that annoyed me.
The most prevalent being, how frequently the word, Queen, was used. Oh my goodness!!
If I never hear that again, it will be too soon. Firstly, the Wicked Queen is never called her real name, Grimhilde.
Granted, it's not the most whimsical of names, but good grief.
This being said, I guess I can admit that some of the overall vocabulary used in this was a little too whimsical in nature.
It almost took away from the plot by adding a very elementary feel to what could be a solid YA story.
For the most part, I did enjoy what the author was trying to create here and will probably check out the other books in this series.
I love villains and all things villainous, so after seeing this cover, I couldn't resist picking up a copy for myself.
I really enjoyed the overall concept and the story moved at a nice pace. Although at times quite lovely, there were a few things about the writing that annoyed me.
The most prevalent being, how frequently the word, Queen, was used. Oh my goodness!!
If I never hear that again, it will be too soon. Firstly, the Wicked Queen is never called her real name, Grimhilde.
Granted, it's not the most whimsical of names, but good grief.
This being said, I guess I can admit that some of the overall vocabulary used in this was a little too whimsical in nature.
It almost took away from the plot by adding a very elementary feel to what could be a solid YA story.
For the most part, I did enjoy what the author was trying to create here and will probably check out the other books in this series.
October 29, 2020
3,5 Sterne.
Ein tolles zusatzbuch für alle Disney Fans. Man erfährt viel über die Beweggründe der Handlungen der Königin. Sodass man schier Mitleid mit ihr bekommt und erschrickt, was schlechter Einfluss und Schicksalsschläge in Kombination alles bewirken können. Für alle, die nicht genug von den Film aus dem Disney Universum bekommen ein absolutes Must have!
Ein tolles zusatzbuch für alle Disney Fans. Man erfährt viel über die Beweggründe der Handlungen der Königin. Sodass man schier Mitleid mit ihr bekommt und erschrickt, was schlechter Einfluss und Schicksalsschläge in Kombination alles bewirken können. Für alle, die nicht genug von den Film aus dem Disney Universum bekommen ein absolutes Must have!
April 18, 2020
This book hurt my heart a little bit. The queen was so much more complicated and hurt and loving and..human..then I ever expected her to be portrayed.
She deserved more. She deserved better. She needed help and she rejected it and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book. I loved it.
She deserved more. She deserved better. She needed help and she rejected it and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book. I loved it.
did-not-finish
January 25, 2022Did not finish. Literally made it about five or six pages before quitting. It read like amateurish fanfiction.
The book starts out with the main character briefly introduced as she gets ready in front of her mirror...and then does a lot of thinking and info dumping/reminiscing right away. No no no...either just go ahead and GIVE us the history of the story (like a prologue perhaps), or have something happen in the NOW and give us the history gradually. Don't have literally nothing happening in the now (she's looking at herself in the mirror) while dumping all of the history on us all at once. Especially don't have said person "break away from her reverie" to refocus on the present briefly before going off on another daydream down memory lane...while continuing to stare at the mirror. It's tedious. There were also random page breaks (punctuated by an extra large capital letter beginning the new paragraph) that were completely unnecessary.
Also, purple prose. I noticed that right away on the first page. TOO MANY WORDS. The example that popped right out at me (on page 1) was, "One hundred attendants, fitted in the finest garments of deep blue edged in silver trim...". That right there: "deep blue edged in silver trim". Just say either "deep blue edged in silver" or "deep blue with silver trim". Edged and trim are literally the same thing in this instance, so eliminate one word or the other. Gah. The first description of Snow White was also awful. "She was a lovely creature of three or four with a joyous bounce in her step and an inextinguishable sparkle of happiness twinkling in her eyes." First, she's the royal princess, so the new queen damn well knows whether or not Snow White is three or four, don't pretend otherwise. And again, sparkle and twinkle basically mean the same thing in this example, so just pick ONE. An inextinguishable sparkle in her eye. Done.
The book starts out with the main character briefly introduced as she gets ready in front of her mirror...and then does a lot of thinking and info dumping/reminiscing right away. No no no...either just go ahead and GIVE us the history of the story (like a prologue perhaps), or have something happen in the NOW and give us the history gradually. Don't have literally nothing happening in the now (she's looking at herself in the mirror) while dumping all of the history on us all at once. Especially don't have said person "break away from her reverie" to refocus on the present briefly before going off on another daydream down memory lane...while continuing to stare at the mirror. It's tedious. There were also random page breaks (punctuated by an extra large capital letter beginning the new paragraph) that were completely unnecessary.
Also, purple prose. I noticed that right away on the first page. TOO MANY WORDS. The example that popped right out at me (on page 1) was, "One hundred attendants, fitted in the finest garments of deep blue edged in silver trim...". That right there: "deep blue edged in silver trim". Just say either "deep blue edged in silver" or "deep blue with silver trim". Edged and trim are literally the same thing in this instance, so eliminate one word or the other. Gah. The first description of Snow White was also awful. "She was a lovely creature of three or four with a joyous bounce in her step and an inextinguishable sparkle of happiness twinkling in her eyes." First, she's the royal princess, so the new queen damn well knows whether or not Snow White is three or four, don't pretend otherwise. And again, sparkle and twinkle basically mean the same thing in this example, so just pick ONE. An inextinguishable sparkle in her eye. Done.
February 15, 2011
This was one of those books that I really wanted to like, because I had such high hopes for it. It starts off well enough, chronicling the early years of Snow White and "the Queen", as she is simply called (I actually read somewhere that during development of the 1937 film the Queen was called by the name Grimhilde). I particulary enjoyed the warmth of the relationship between the two, laying down a nice contrast between past and present. Unfortunately, the book was oftentimes laden with awkward and simply juvenile phrasing. I really have to be picky about this, because strong authors like J.K. Rowling have taught us that juvenile writing does not have to be dumbed down to be universally appealing. Also, because my 6-year old son has a major obsession with the original film, and I have watched it soooo many times, I found myself somewhat disappointed in the weak explanations (or lack thereof) for events that occur in the film, during the final third of the novel. Who was that skeleton that the queen kicks once she has assumed her old crone disguise? Where the heck is the Prince all this time (Disney animators had developed an intriguing premise for his capture that did not make it to the original film)? While I don't expect most folks to think of these things while watching the original movie, I did and I am surprised and disappointed that someone writing a counterpoint to such popular source material did not. I'm disappointed that Disney would license something that left so many holes and so much to be desired.
November 24, 2024
در واقع اون داستان ملکه که در کتاب "قصههای همیشگی" خونده بودم رو بیشتر دوست داشتم اما این داستان هم زیبا بود و ناراحتم کرد. دیگه واقعاً دارم به این نتیجه میرسم هیچ شخصیتی کامل بد نیست و اون بدی همیشه یه علتی داره! دلم سوخت براش😭
September 29, 2022
2.5/5 ⭐
0/5 🌶️
The original story is a tale of obsessive vanity but this is a story of neglect, abuse and insanity. This was one of those books that I really wanted to like, because I had such high hopes for it. I like a good villain, but am not a big fan of this retelling classic fairy tales. This was disappointing.
Quotes:
“You are beautiful, my dear, truly. Do not ever forget that, even if I am not here to remind you.”
“I think it was because no one loved her.” “Why?” asked the child. “Because she didn’t love herself. She feared rejection because she was so unlike anyone she’d ever known. She was so full of fear that she sequestered herself away.��
....
0/5 🌶️
The original story is a tale of obsessive vanity but this is a story of neglect, abuse and insanity. This was one of those books that I really wanted to like, because I had such high hopes for it. I like a good villain, but am not a big fan of this retelling classic fairy tales. This was disappointing.
Quotes:
“You are beautiful, my dear, truly. Do not ever forget that, even if I am not here to remind you.”
“I think it was because no one loved her.” “Why?” asked the child. “Because she didn’t love herself. She feared rejection because she was so unlike anyone she’d ever known. She was so full of fear that she sequestered herself away.��
....
May 26, 2018
Re-telling of Snow White!!!
This was very beautiful. I enjoyed Snow White in a way I've never have. I look forward to continue reading more books in this series! Highly recommend tho anyone who loves re-telling and fantasy.
This was very beautiful. I enjoyed Snow White in a way I've never have. I look forward to continue reading more books in this series! Highly recommend tho anyone who loves re-telling and fantasy.
March 31, 2025
“She had abandoned Snow White for magic mirrors and spell books from the strange sisters. Was she so mad, so deranged by the loss of her husband, that she should be too afraid to love her daughter for fear of losing her?” ❣️
ೃ⁀➷ This was a creepy but tragic and interesting Disney retelling of how the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to be such a vengeful person with no motherly instincts to protect the one child of the only man she ever loved. I would have liked to see more world-building in this story just because I felt there was a lot of potential to expand on what the original Disney movie had but nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading this. I think what I liked about this story is that it had many psychological aspects of what influenced the Queen and how it led to her abandoning her morals and everything she valued in life for the wrong choices 💭
ೃ⁀➷ Most of the Queen’s downfall stems from her father’s abuse and lack of love towards her. To have a parental figure constantly tell you that you are ugly, worthless, and the biggest mistake of their life is traumatic and happens to so many people out there who have dealt with abuse from their parents. It’s no wonder that the Queen fixates and lives with the pain of knowing that her mother had died shortly after giving birth to her and that her father has the most intense hate for the Queen for taking away the love of his life. It doesn’t come as surprising that she would be fixated on her appearance and second-guess her worth looking into a mirror from her father’s words, which is so reminiscent to how children never quite grow up feeling reassured in their own skin if they suffer from verbal and emotional abuse from their parents 💔
ೃ⁀➷ Having her father trapped in the Magic Mirror was a psychological aspect that only added to the chilling story of how the Queen obsessed over wanting to hear and see her father’s likeness tell her, for once in her life, that she was the most beautiful and fairest in all the land. I think to have that be the main factor of why she became so fixated on hearing her daily praise did make logical but mind-blowing sense in why she felt such a compelling force and need to consult the mirror. While it doesn’t excuse her actions and how immoral she becomes by the end, she had just been wanting the bare minimum love and praise a parent should grant their own child. She had a taste of something so foreign as being loved for her natural beauty and once she had it, there was no letting it go. I also like that this reflected how people who grow up with deep-rooted insecurities look for someone to tell them what they want to hear, despite how self-destructive the behaviour is in the long run 🪞
ೃ⁀➷ Another complex factor that was explored in this version of the Queen’s villain origin story was how she lost the king. It’s very tragic how the King and the Queen didn’t have much time with each other, yet they were ripped apart when he died unexpectedly. The story shows how strong and powerful grief can be and how it can tear you apart until there are only pieces left of you but not enough to build yourself back up perfectly to the way you were before. Having the King die so suddenly was particularly hard for someone like the Queen, who really didn’t have anyone in her life to rely on or anyone that showed her pure, unconditional love that she was denied for so long in her life. The book deals a lot with how she struggled to cope following his death and it shows that death can change a person for better or for worse 🪦
ೃ⁀➷ The Queen’s scenes of her bonding with Snow White were very precious to read. I think the Queen’s fear of pushing Snow and everyone she loved away after the death of her husband was very realistic because it shows how terrified people become of losing others when grief takes over them. She loved Snow so much that she couldn’t stand to be with her by her side constantly only to have to lose her too and not know when. I honestly wonder what Snow’s POV would look like when the Queen began pushing her away and trying to control her life. I liked that the book doesn’t condone that what she did is right just because she grew up with a traumatic past but instead it shows how a person’s grief can drive what decisions they make and how it can push them between the line of good and bad. It shows that grief isn’t necessarily black and white in terms of coping and how sometimes people get caught up in the choices they make to realize it does them more harm than good.
”Perhaps the Queen should take a bite of the apple, too, and then she could be with her daughter without fear of hurting her.” 🍎
ೃ⁀➷ It almost made me wish that this was her true story because at least Snow White would have had a positive maternal influence at least for a short period of her life before her happy ending. I like to think that there’s an alternate universe where she and Snow White were able to rebuild their mother-daughter relationship and are having their own festivals and celebrations like they used to in better times. I would definitely give this one a read if you love reading villain origin stories or just like to analyze the psychology of villains like me 🌟
ೃ⁀➷ This was a creepy but tragic and interesting Disney retelling of how the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to be such a vengeful person with no motherly instincts to protect the one child of the only man she ever loved. I would have liked to see more world-building in this story just because I felt there was a lot of potential to expand on what the original Disney movie had but nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading this. I think what I liked about this story is that it had many psychological aspects of what influenced the Queen and how it led to her abandoning her morals and everything she valued in life for the wrong choices 💭
ೃ⁀➷ Most of the Queen’s downfall stems from her father’s abuse and lack of love towards her. To have a parental figure constantly tell you that you are ugly, worthless, and the biggest mistake of their life is traumatic and happens to so many people out there who have dealt with abuse from their parents. It’s no wonder that the Queen fixates and lives with the pain of knowing that her mother had died shortly after giving birth to her and that her father has the most intense hate for the Queen for taking away the love of his life. It doesn’t come as surprising that she would be fixated on her appearance and second-guess her worth looking into a mirror from her father’s words, which is so reminiscent to how children never quite grow up feeling reassured in their own skin if they suffer from verbal and emotional abuse from their parents 💔
ೃ⁀➷ Having her father trapped in the Magic Mirror was a psychological aspect that only added to the chilling story of how the Queen obsessed over wanting to hear and see her father’s likeness tell her, for once in her life, that she was the most beautiful and fairest in all the land. I think to have that be the main factor of why she became so fixated on hearing her daily praise did make logical but mind-blowing sense in why she felt such a compelling force and need to consult the mirror. While it doesn’t excuse her actions and how immoral she becomes by the end, she had just been wanting the bare minimum love and praise a parent should grant their own child. She had a taste of something so foreign as being loved for her natural beauty and once she had it, there was no letting it go. I also like that this reflected how people who grow up with deep-rooted insecurities look for someone to tell them what they want to hear, despite how self-destructive the behaviour is in the long run 🪞
ೃ⁀➷ Another complex factor that was explored in this version of the Queen’s villain origin story was how she lost the king. It’s very tragic how the King and the Queen didn’t have much time with each other, yet they were ripped apart when he died unexpectedly. The story shows how strong and powerful grief can be and how it can tear you apart until there are only pieces left of you but not enough to build yourself back up perfectly to the way you were before. Having the King die so suddenly was particularly hard for someone like the Queen, who really didn’t have anyone in her life to rely on or anyone that showed her pure, unconditional love that she was denied for so long in her life. The book deals a lot with how she struggled to cope following his death and it shows that death can change a person for better or for worse 🪦
ೃ⁀➷ The Queen’s scenes of her bonding with Snow White were very precious to read. I think the Queen’s fear of pushing Snow and everyone she loved away after the death of her husband was very realistic because it shows how terrified people become of losing others when grief takes over them. She loved Snow so much that she couldn’t stand to be with her by her side constantly only to have to lose her too and not know when. I honestly wonder what Snow’s POV would look like when the Queen began pushing her away and trying to control her life. I liked that the book doesn’t condone that what she did is right just because she grew up with a traumatic past but instead it shows how a person’s grief can drive what decisions they make and how it can push them between the line of good and bad. It shows that grief isn’t necessarily black and white in terms of coping and how sometimes people get caught up in the choices they make to realize it does them more harm than good.
”Perhaps the Queen should take a bite of the apple, too, and then she could be with her daughter without fear of hurting her.” 🍎
ೃ⁀➷ It almost made me wish that this was her true story because at least Snow White would have had a positive maternal influence at least for a short period of her life before her happy ending. I like to think that there’s an alternate universe where she and Snow White were able to rebuild their mother-daughter relationship and are having their own festivals and celebrations like they used to in better times. I would definitely give this one a read if you love reading villain origin stories or just like to analyze the psychology of villains like me 🌟
December 5, 2019
I have been wanting to read these books forever and this one did not disappoint!
"The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen…"
"The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen…"
September 30, 2025
This was a great start to this Disney Villains series. The author tried very hard to portray the Queen as human and show how she lost her humanity and ability to love, but without TREATING her as a villain. It was interesting to watch it unfold.
March 1, 2017
I have a little bug bear. Just a little one that I need to get off my chest before I continue with without this bug bear would be a glowing review. This series of books are published by Disney Enterprises. Which to me means that they should vet the books before they go out. But it doesn't seem like they have. I was disgruntled reading the beast wishing because they kept calling Prince Adam, The Prince and not by his name which is a little annoying. Then I read this book and instead of calling the Queen by her name Grimhildie. They keep calling her the Queen. Which gets rather annoying after a while. I mean The Queen and The Prince are just their titles. Everyone has a name. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm a big Disney nerd that I know the names of the characters. Seeing as they aren't actually named in the films. But when you are creating lots of different characters with lots of different names. It's really not that hard to use the name of the Prince/the Queen as it was intended to be. They could even put a little note in it to say the name of the character. Grrrr
Other than that little bug bear. I am enjoying this series of books. I am enjoying finding out more insight into what happens before they get enchanted/turn evil. It lets you see more of a perspective. In these days of Disney movies being remastered such as Meleficent. It's good to see the other part of the story.
In this book we are looking at The Evil Queen /snow whites evil step mother. But it's not as simple as that. Grimhildie was once a lovely person. A kind and gentle soul. Whose mother dies when she is a baby and whose father always blames her for her mother's death.
Grimhildie's parents were rather rich and they made mirrors. Not knowing her mother Grimhildie has always wanted the love of her father but never got it. So when she marries into the White household. Grimhildie is determined to show Snow all the love she deserves.
Sadly when snows dad dies Grimhildie turns into a mean and nasty lady. Her heart is full of blackness. When presented with a magic mirror that speaks to her and is her father. Grimhildie seeking love and seeking to heal her broken heart. Turns even more wicked and unkind. Which links into the Snow White and the seven dwarfs story we know today.
It was good to see a different more kinder and compassionate side of Grimhildie at the start of the book. It is easy to feel compassion for her when her husband dies. You still think she's an evil witch thou when she tries to kill Snow.
All in all a pretty good book. I just wish they would use the characters name and not just their title.
Let me know what you think of the book.
Happy reading everyone
Other than that little bug bear. I am enjoying this series of books. I am enjoying finding out more insight into what happens before they get enchanted/turn evil. It lets you see more of a perspective. In these days of Disney movies being remastered such as Meleficent. It's good to see the other part of the story.
In this book we are looking at The Evil Queen /snow whites evil step mother. But it's not as simple as that. Grimhildie was once a lovely person. A kind and gentle soul. Whose mother dies when she is a baby and whose father always blames her for her mother's death.
Grimhildie's parents were rather rich and they made mirrors. Not knowing her mother Grimhildie has always wanted the love of her father but never got it. So when she marries into the White household. Grimhildie is determined to show Snow all the love she deserves.
Sadly when snows dad dies Grimhildie turns into a mean and nasty lady. Her heart is full of blackness. When presented with a magic mirror that speaks to her and is her father. Grimhildie seeking love and seeking to heal her broken heart. Turns even more wicked and unkind. Which links into the Snow White and the seven dwarfs story we know today.
It was good to see a different more kinder and compassionate side of Grimhildie at the start of the book. It is easy to feel compassion for her when her husband dies. You still think she's an evil witch thou when she tries to kill Snow.
All in all a pretty good book. I just wish they would use the characters name and not just their title.
Let me know what you think of the book.
Happy reading everyone
October 20, 2025
Ser reina está bien hasta que tu espejo te hace gaslighting
September 8, 2017
This is not a book for the kiddies. This is a rather very depressing story. We are introduced to 'the Queen', Step mother of Snow White, commoner married to the king. The King met her when she was working at her father's mirror shop. Her father is the greatest mirror craftsman in the Kingdom and the King is overwhelmed by her beauty.
Alas 'the Queen's' birth lead to the death of her mother and her father cursed her every day for killing the woman he loved. He tells her she is ugly, he belittles her, when she attracts the King he calls he a witch. She suffers endless abuse at his hands; when he dies the King comes and marries her. But her self-esteem is no existent and she is easily manipulated by black magicians. Since she has nothing of her self and only the parts reflected by the King's admiration she falls into depression when he leaves on his frequent quests. (Hey King did you want a wife or a nanny?)
His death leaves her with only the words of her father and her father in a mirror.. She descends further into madness. She turns to the black arts and isolates herself further. She turns away Snow's suitors and forces Snow to act as a servant. (I would look into the rules of succession for kingdom I don't see how a non royal King's wife gets to keep ruling). Her madness grows and grows and we all know how the story ends.
The original story is a tale of obsessive vanity but this is a story of neglect, abuse and insanity.
Alas 'the Queen's' birth lead to the death of her mother and her father cursed her every day for killing the woman he loved. He tells her she is ugly, he belittles her, when she attracts the King he calls he a witch. She suffers endless abuse at his hands; when he dies the King comes and marries her. But her self-esteem is no existent and she is easily manipulated by black magicians. Since she has nothing of her self and only the parts reflected by the King's admiration she falls into depression when he leaves on his frequent quests. (Hey King did you want a wife or a nanny?)
His death leaves her with only the words of her father and her father in a mirror.. She descends further into madness. She turns to the black arts and isolates herself further. She turns away Snow's suitors and forces Snow to act as a servant. (I would look into the rules of succession for kingdom I don't see how a non royal King's wife gets to keep ruling). Her madness grows and grows and we all know how the story ends.
The original story is a tale of obsessive vanity but this is a story of neglect, abuse and insanity.
March 2, 2021
Ihr wolltet schon immer mal wissen wieso Schneewittchens Stiefmutter böse geworden ist?
In diesem Buch erfahrt ihr es.
Als Disney Fan wird euch das Buch super gut gefallen.
Euer Readandfit
In diesem Buch erfahrt ihr es.
Als Disney Fan wird euch das Buch super gut gefallen.
Euer Readandfit
November 19, 2022
"And what would the King think of his Queen now? She sometimes imagined that he was looking upon her from wherever he was, judging her for what had become her wicked ways. She felt that something else within her was taking over, and that she no longer had any ability to control her own actions."
As a lifelong villain supporter, this series caught my eye immediately and I longed to own them at first sight! This series is the revelation of all the secrets of the villains we've grown up with and learned to hate/love. I loved jumping into the Disney world of tales and losing myself completely. I've always helplessly wandered ever since I was a child what led to the creation of a villain, and I've always believed that no one is born a villain but can easily become one! I'm so excited for the potential this series has to offer.
The Tale of the Wicked Queen: Fairest of All - the flip tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
My thoughts:
*What I'm left wondering about 🤔is the Odd Sisters and their mysterious appearances in relation to the villains and their actions.
*I LOVED the twist at the end and the ending!
*I may have got into QUEEN mode myself a time or two in my real life while reading this book.
*This was a quick and satisfying read. I just savored every moment.
*Adored the catchy chapter titles. Very captivating!
*Can't wait to rewatch the original Disney movie having this new perspective logged into my mind. I'm also very interested in watching Snow White and the Huntsman since I've never seen it!
*Yummy poisoned apples and magic mirrors!
It was inspiring to learn how the Evil Queen was created. Unearthing her dark past actually made me feel differently about her. It was kind of heart breaking. Grief, loss, and emotional abuse can really shape a person’s future forever.
As a lifelong villain supporter, this series caught my eye immediately and I longed to own them at first sight! This series is the revelation of all the secrets of the villains we've grown up with and learned to hate/love. I loved jumping into the Disney world of tales and losing myself completely. I've always helplessly wandered ever since I was a child what led to the creation of a villain, and I've always believed that no one is born a villain but can easily become one! I'm so excited for the potential this series has to offer.
The Tale of the Wicked Queen: Fairest of All - the flip tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
My thoughts:
*What I'm left wondering about 🤔is the Odd Sisters and their mysterious appearances in relation to the villains and their actions.
*I LOVED the twist at the end and the ending!
*I may have got into QUEEN mode myself a time or two in my real life while reading this book.
*This was a quick and satisfying read. I just savored every moment.
*Adored the catchy chapter titles. Very captivating!
*Can't wait to rewatch the original Disney movie having this new perspective logged into my mind. I'm also very interested in watching Snow White and the Huntsman since I've never seen it!
*Yummy poisoned apples and magic mirrors!
It was inspiring to learn how the Evil Queen was created. Unearthing her dark past actually made me feel differently about her. It was kind of heart breaking. Grief, loss, and emotional abuse can really shape a person’s future forever.
February 10, 2017
I like the twist on the Evil Queen's backstory, but this one didn't really do it for me. Disjointed, the pacing was way off, and it just didn't make much sense a lot of the time. Years passed without mention, then a month, then a few more years. It felt like she had to try to fit it to the timescale of Snow White growing up, and so just did that by saying the Queen got a bit more mad during that time.
I really liked the first few chapters, with the Queen being young and how she met the king. But after that it felt mostly like filler, and nothing really happened outside of the story we already know.
Compares to Poor Unfortunate Soul which had so much more to it, I'm disappointed in Fairest of All.
I really liked the first few chapters, with the Queen being young and how she met the king. But after that it felt mostly like filler, and nothing really happened outside of the story we already know.
Compares to Poor Unfortunate Soul which had so much more to it, I'm disappointed in Fairest of All.
June 26, 2022
I am an adult, but I did enjoy!
I like it, but not I love it.
I could see precious beautiful Queen changed to evil wicked Queen.
I wish I could read more her evil part. It's little weaker than I expected.
Very easy reads.
I like it, but not I love it.
I could see precious beautiful Queen changed to evil wicked Queen.
I wish I could read more her evil part. It's little weaker than I expected.
Very easy reads.
October 3, 2019
3,5 ⭐en realidad
March 6, 2021
My love for retellings will continue to grow no matter my age. Plus diving into the villains side? Well, shit - I just have to read the book. I just think getting a different perspective on the villains, and the princesses/princes, sort of makes you fall in love with what you grew up with as a child. Or maybe that's just me?
Heck even when Disney creates a movie from the Villain side I get giddy with excitement. So it was interesting for me to think back on certain movies, animated or not, and be like - huh, okay this part reminds me from this scene in this movie. Or show. Definitely made the book that more entertaining for me this time around.
I did feel about the mirror though. In the beginning, it hurt the Queen to see her dad in it. Mostly because he was a horrible human being. Then to have the ending with her in it? Hot damn - I would love to see a movie that had this ending in it.
In the end, definitely excited to dive into the next book of this series!
__________________________
“I cannot live in fear of losing him, for fear of not living my life at all.”
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings from different perspectives.
Plus, I feel like I've been on such a villain kick and again, I love it.
It's such a good story and I loved every minute of it.
Heck even when Disney creates a movie from the Villain side I get giddy with excitement. So it was interesting for me to think back on certain movies, animated or not, and be like - huh, okay this part reminds me from this scene in this movie. Or show. Definitely made the book that more entertaining for me this time around.
I did feel about the mirror though. In the beginning, it hurt the Queen to see her dad in it. Mostly because he was a horrible human being. Then to have the ending with her in it? Hot damn - I would love to see a movie that had this ending in it.
In the end, definitely excited to dive into the next book of this series!
__________________________
“I cannot live in fear of losing him, for fear of not living my life at all.”
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings from different perspectives.
Plus, I feel like I've been on such a villain kick and again, I love it.
It's such a good story and I loved every minute of it.
April 30, 2018
Actual rating: 2.7
I thought it was nice to hear from the Queen’s perspective, and everything actually made sense. With that being said, I didn’t care for the changing perspectives mid chapter, the odd language (that tried to sound old and fairy tale like but failed), the added characters, or the almost word for word overlap of the Disney movie.
The ending was, okay. Overall, it was an enjoyable story with its fair share of problems.
I thought it was nice to hear from the Queen’s perspective, and everything actually made sense. With that being said, I didn’t care for the changing perspectives mid chapter, the odd language (that tried to sound old and fairy tale like but failed), the added characters, or the almost word for word overlap of the Disney movie.
The ending was, okay. Overall, it was an enjoyable story with its fair share of problems.
September 27, 2018
4.5 :)
This was my first retelling of Snow White. I loved the Queen and the King and got to know them way better than Snow. I was hoping for something in the end which didn't seem to eventually happen and immensely disappointed me but immediately confused me too. Was it happy? The end? She did say I love you unlike her what her father said. I need a baby sequel to tell me what happened!
It was the sweetest book and never did I think I'd ever love to come the wicked Queen and hope for her throughout the book. Never thought I'd cry for her too. The story of Snow White never had such an effect on me before.
I highly recommend it! A short lovely and heart-rending read.
This was my first retelling of Snow White. I loved the Queen and the King and got to know them way better than Snow. I was hoping for something in the end which didn't seem to eventually happen and immensely disappointed me but immediately confused me too. Was it happy? The end? She did say I love you unlike her what her father said. I need a baby sequel to tell me what happened!
It was the sweetest book and never did I think I'd ever love to come the wicked Queen and hope for her throughout the book. Never thought I'd cry for her too. The story of Snow White never had such an effect on me before.
I highly recommend it! A short lovely and heart-rending read.
March 9, 2024
نههه😭 دلم میسوزهههه. ناراحت شدم🥺
و البته از داستان سوپرایز شدم. عجب سیری داشت این داستان. چقدر ملکه خوب و مهربون بود. دلم سوخت براش💔 حقش نبود و بنظرم الکی الکی به این روز افتاد. از ویلنهای دوستداشتنی شد برام😭
~او چجوری به این نقطه رسید؟~
باورتون نمیشه داستان آیینه جادویی چی بود. و اون مرد توی آیینه کیه🫠
صفحات آخرش قشنگ بود:))
و وای. پایانش دارک شد😳🤣
▪︎Es ist seltsam, wie allein ein Geruch solch lebendige Erinnerungen hervorrufen kann. Wie er die Zeit zurückdreht - der Geruch der Werkstatt, der modrige staubige Duft ihres alten Zuhauses.
عجیب است که چگونه فقط یک رایحه میتواند به چنین خاطرات زندهای جان دهد. چگونه این خاطره زمان را به عقب برمیگرداند. بوی کارگاه، عطر غبارآلودِ کپکزدهی خانه قدیمیشان.
▪︎"Vielleicht bin ich wirklich die Schönste im ganzen Land. Aber wie kann ich jemals wieder glücklich werden?"
"Glück ist Schönheit, und Schönheit ist Glück. Schönheit erfreut das Herz und bereitet weder Alt noch Jung jemals Schmerz."
"Wie sehr ich mir wünschte, dass deine Worte wahr wären", flüsterte die Königin.
"شاید من واقعا در تمام این سرزمین زیباترین باشم. اما چگونه میتوانم دوباره شاد شوم؟"
"شادی، زیبایی است و زیبایی، شادی است. زیبایی، دل را شاد میکند و هرگز برای پیر و جوان درد ایجاد نمیکند."
ملکه زمزمه کرد: "چقدر آرزو داشتم که حرفهایت واقعی بودند."
▪︎Du hast ja keine Ahnung, wie es ist, durch einen einzigen Schicksalsschlag alles zu verlieren, was dir lieb und teuer ist.
تو نمیدانی چگونه است اینکه در یک لحظه هر چیزی که برایت عزیز و ارزشمند است را از دست بدهی.
و البته از داستان سوپرایز شدم. عجب سیری داشت این داستان. چقدر ملکه خوب و مهربون بود. دلم سوخت براش💔 حقش نبود و بنظرم الکی الکی به این روز افتاد. از ویلنهای دوستداشتنی شد برام😭
~او چجوری به این نقطه رسید؟~
باورتون نمیشه داستان آیینه جادویی چی بود. و اون مرد توی آیینه کیه🫠
صفحات آخرش قشنگ بود:))
و وای. پایانش دارک شد😳🤣
▪︎Es ist seltsam, wie allein ein Geruch solch lebendige Erinnerungen hervorrufen kann. Wie er die Zeit zurückdreht - der Geruch der Werkstatt, der modrige staubige Duft ihres alten Zuhauses.
عجیب است که چگونه فقط یک رایحه میتواند به چنین خاطرات زندهای جان دهد. چگونه این خاطره زمان را به عقب برمیگرداند. بوی کارگاه، عطر غبارآلودِ کپکزدهی خانه قدیمیشان.
▪︎"Vielleicht bin ich wirklich die Schönste im ganzen Land. Aber wie kann ich jemals wieder glücklich werden?"
"Glück ist Schönheit, und Schönheit ist Glück. Schönheit erfreut das Herz und bereitet weder Alt noch Jung jemals Schmerz."
"Wie sehr ich mir wünschte, dass deine Worte wahr wären", flüsterte die Königin.
"شاید من واقعا در تمام این سرزمین زیباترین باشم. اما چگونه میتوانم دوباره شاد شوم؟"
"شادی، زیبایی است و زیبایی، شادی است. زیبایی، دل را شاد میکند و هرگز برای پیر و جوان درد ایجاد نمیکند."
ملکه زمزمه کرد: "چقدر آرزو داشتم که حرفهایت واقعی بودند."
▪︎Du hast ja keine Ahnung, wie es ist, durch einen einzigen Schicksalsschlag alles zu verlieren, was dir lieb und teuer ist.
تو نمیدانی چگونه است اینکه در یک لحظه هر چیزی که برایت عزیز و ارزشمند است را از دست بدهی.
September 16, 2023
Because she didn’t love herself. She feared rejection because she was so unlike anyone she’d ever known. She was so full of fear that she sequestered herself away.
Before she became known as Snow White's wicked stepmother, just who was she? Serena Valentino weaves a compelling story that made the Queen a character that I actually felt compassion towards.
A peasant girl whose cruel father was a creator of mirrors falling in love with a kind and loving widowed King. I was completely spellbound by the tale and very pleased by the ending.
I will definitely read more of this series.
Goodreads review published 16/09/23
Before she became known as Snow White's wicked stepmother, just who was she? Serena Valentino weaves a compelling story that made the Queen a character that I actually felt compassion towards.
A peasant girl whose cruel father was a creator of mirrors falling in love with a kind and loving widowed King. I was completely spellbound by the tale and very pleased by the ending.
I will definitely read more of this series.
Goodreads review published 16/09/23
April 2, 2021
''Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?''
Prvi deo serijala o tome kako su čuveni Dizni zlikovci postali zli i koji govori o neimenovanoj Zloj kraljici iz Snežane bio je zanimljiv, ali na momente repetativan, pa i nekako razvučen. Sve vreme sam imao utisak da je Valentinova mogla još više da pusti mašti na volju, ali su mi se mnogo svidele Odd Sisters, koje upravljaju svim koncima iz senke, i koje se pojavljuju i u nastavcima.
Sve u svemu, drago mi je da sam napokon uzeo ovaj serijal u ruke, i baš se radujem priči o Ursuli i zasebnoj knjizi o Odd Sisters.
Prvi deo serijala o tome kako su čuveni Dizni zlikovci postali zli i koji govori o neimenovanoj Zloj kraljici iz Snežane bio je zanimljiv, ali na momente repetativan, pa i nekako razvučen. Sve vreme sam imao utisak da je Valentinova mogla još više da pusti mašti na volju, ali su mi se mnogo svidele Odd Sisters, koje upravljaju svim koncima iz senke, i koje se pojavljuju i u nastavcima.
Sve u svemu, drago mi je da sam napokon uzeo ovaj serijal u ruke, i baš se radujem priči o Ursuli i zasebnoj knjizi o Odd Sisters.
September 6, 2020
Oh my days! I really enjoyed this book! I mean to be honest I love anything Snow White anyway. So to get this new point of view from the Evil Queen was really interesting! I’m starting the second volume now! If anyone’s a Disney I truly recommend!
Highly recommend 5/5
Highly recommend 5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,678 reviews