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Villains #7
Cruella, die Teufelin
Selbst die grausamsten Bösewichter kennen wahre Freundschaft, große Liebe und wagemutige Träume. So auch Cruella, die nun an der Reihe ist, ihre Geschichte zu erzählen. Sie handelt von einer einsamen Kindheit, aufsehenerregenden Outfits, einem fatalen Autounfall und von einer Frau, deren Leben dem Untergang geweiht ist. Es ist eine Geschichte über das schwierige Band weiblicher Freundschaft, über Mütter und Töchter und über brennendes, zerstörerisches Verlangen.
Die amerikanische Ausgabe stand im September 2020 auf der Bestseller-Liste der New-York-Times!
Die amerikanische Ausgabe stand im September 2020 auf der Bestseller-Liste der New-York-Times!
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2020
About the author
Serena Valentino
176 books6,394 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 1,353 reviews
October 8, 2021
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Cruella De Vil, like many villains before her, is grossly misunderstood. In Evil Thing, Valentino does a great job building a backstory for one of my favorite villains.
Beginning when she is just a young child, Evil Thing explores the key relationships in Cruella's life, particularly that with her Mama, Father and Anita.
Through the examination of these relationships, the Reader begins to understand how Cruella developed into the person we come to know through the original-101 Dalmatians animated film.
In fact, there is even a portion at the end that overlaps with the timeline from that original movie.
The narrative is told from Cruella's perspective, as if she is recounting her life story. The narrator, Susanne Blakeslee, absolutely nailed Cruella's voice and intonation.
It really was an incredible voice performance and I highly recommend the audiobook as a medium for taking in this story.
Having read previous books in this series, I was actually surprised by the level of depth this one had.
Cruella's story is a tragic one, full of disappointments, neglect and heartbreak. I felt for her, but I also wanted to shake her. She seemed to be blinded by love a lot of time; unable to see people for who they truly were, much to her detriment.
Overall, this is an engaging and fast-paced story. If you are a Cruella fan, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
Also, please do listen to the audiobook if you have the opportunity. It really is a stellar Cruella performance.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I really enjoyed my time with it!
Cruella De Vil, like many villains before her, is grossly misunderstood. In Evil Thing, Valentino does a great job building a backstory for one of my favorite villains.
Beginning when she is just a young child, Evil Thing explores the key relationships in Cruella's life, particularly that with her Mama, Father and Anita.
Through the examination of these relationships, the Reader begins to understand how Cruella developed into the person we come to know through the original-101 Dalmatians animated film.
In fact, there is even a portion at the end that overlaps with the timeline from that original movie.
The narrative is told from Cruella's perspective, as if she is recounting her life story. The narrator, Susanne Blakeslee, absolutely nailed Cruella's voice and intonation.
It really was an incredible voice performance and I highly recommend the audiobook as a medium for taking in this story.
Having read previous books in this series, I was actually surprised by the level of depth this one had.
Cruella's story is a tragic one, full of disappointments, neglect and heartbreak. I felt for her, but I also wanted to shake her. She seemed to be blinded by love a lot of time; unable to see people for who they truly were, much to her detriment.
Overall, this is an engaging and fast-paced story. If you are a Cruella fan, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
Also, please do listen to the audiobook if you have the opportunity. It really is a stellar Cruella performance.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I really enjoyed my time with it!
March 15, 2020
Dahlings! Cruella De Vil here. You may wonder what an icon like me is doing here, on Goodreads. Just to be clear, I don't have an account for this foolish website and I won't have one in the near future. Instead, I decided to annoy a French reader of Serena Valentino, Hugo, while he was writing an annoying review of my MARVELLOUS MEMOIR. You know what people say: You are never as well served as when you serve yourself. That's why I decided that I will write an amazing review of my own book( and this is also the reason why this book is told by me unlike the rest of Serena's series which is by the way, not as good or interesting as my novel).
Okay, duckies. Now you are probably wondering how ME and well, this gothic woman with her horrible dog Gozer met. Let's say our relationship is as complex as the one I have with Anita. You know, the dishrag that married a foolish songwriter after his stupid dog threw them both in the pond.
The answers to those questions are in EVIL THING: A TALE OF THAT DEVIL WOMAN. I know... This title sucks. It should have been: Cruella De Vil: The fashion girl we all deserve and need.
Just to be clear, forget those stupid fairies, those odd and ugly creepy triplets sisters or all the other nonsense you've been known. My life is in London, in the 1920s, in the mansion of my family, in Miss Upturn's Academy, in a beautiful estate and finally in Hell Hall( it wasn't always its real name, dears. But you will have to read my book to know why). That's right: No spoilers, only teasers.
This absolute masterpiece will reveal all about my childhood, my relationship with my parents ( both of them were very different), how I handled dim-witted servants, how I was kind to a stupid girl named Anita as well as the origins behind my love for furs. But that's just the beginning. We start the story when I'm eleven, then we're arriving at my sixteenth, seventeenth and twentyfifth birthday. ( I hate time jumps. They were sooo many details we could have told about me and we should have explored every year of my life but this brat Serena refused. And she didn't want my story to be divided in three- uh I mean- tenth books- hell to a series of its own. Though I'm much more interesting than an old witch who wants to stay young with a golden flower ( and yet her book is the longest in the series, ugh).
This installment is obviously the best one in the series. It's in the real world, it's about me, told by myself... And Serena Valentino did an amazing job by transliterating my beautiful life. I would say she is a talented one and I might consider inviting her to the signing in Hell Hall. About that, duckies, preorder my book! Buy it, rate it, review it and make sure I can use the royalties to buy furs, a new car, gin, jazz records, diamonds and other treats for myself. And Serena Valentino deserves it too for her brilliant ideas through the series. When I was coughing because of smoke or couldn't express my feelings well, she helped me so that it would felt authentic in the book. AND she brought someone at my place: an inn-between to save me from a moron. That sounds strange, isn't it? It's a private joke. Don't pay attention to those white rats and their insipid owners or to the two bloody fools of henchmen I mistakenly hired. Of course, they are in this story but the most important part is the before and... well the after of it.
You will have to decide if I'm responsible for my acts ( I'm not, of course) and if I deserve recognition and success ( I do!).
Don't forget something, sweeties: Distinguish yourselves. It's the most important message in this book.
Cheerio. Cheerio dahlings. I know you're not imbeciles nor idiots or fools and will read this magical turn page book that I've read in one sitting, about the dreams and descent into madness of an emblematic character.
Okay, duckies. Now you are probably wondering how ME and well, this gothic woman with her horrible dog Gozer met. Let's say our relationship is as complex as the one I have with Anita. You know, the dishrag that married a foolish songwriter after his stupid dog threw them both in the pond.
The answers to those questions are in EVIL THING: A TALE OF THAT DEVIL WOMAN. I know... This title sucks. It should have been: Cruella De Vil: The fashion girl we all deserve and need.
Just to be clear, forget those stupid fairies, those odd and ugly creepy triplets sisters or all the other nonsense you've been known. My life is in London, in the 1920s, in the mansion of my family, in Miss Upturn's Academy, in a beautiful estate and finally in Hell Hall( it wasn't always its real name, dears. But you will have to read my book to know why). That's right: No spoilers, only teasers.
This absolute masterpiece will reveal all about my childhood, my relationship with my parents ( both of them were very different), how I handled dim-witted servants, how I was kind to a stupid girl named Anita as well as the origins behind my love for furs. But that's just the beginning. We start the story when I'm eleven, then we're arriving at my sixteenth, seventeenth and twentyfifth birthday. ( I hate time jumps. They were sooo many details we could have told about me and we should have explored every year of my life but this brat Serena refused. And she didn't want my story to be divided in three- uh I mean- tenth books- hell to a series of its own. Though I'm much more interesting than an old witch who wants to stay young with a golden flower ( and yet her book is the longest in the series, ugh).
This installment is obviously the best one in the series. It's in the real world, it's about me, told by myself... And Serena Valentino did an amazing job by transliterating my beautiful life. I would say she is a talented one and I might consider inviting her to the signing in Hell Hall. About that, duckies, preorder my book! Buy it, rate it, review it and make sure I can use the royalties to buy furs, a new car, gin, jazz records, diamonds and other treats for myself. And Serena Valentino deserves it too for her brilliant ideas through the series. When I was coughing because of smoke or couldn't express my feelings well, she helped me so that it would felt authentic in the book. AND she brought someone at my place: an inn-between to save me from a moron. That sounds strange, isn't it? It's a private joke. Don't pay attention to those white rats and their insipid owners or to the two bloody fools of henchmen I mistakenly hired. Of course, they are in this story but the most important part is the before and... well the after of it.
You will have to decide if I'm responsible for my acts ( I'm not, of course) and if I deserve recognition and success ( I do!).
Don't forget something, sweeties: Distinguish yourselves. It's the most important message in this book.
Cheerio. Cheerio dahlings. I know you're not imbeciles nor idiots or fools and will read this magical turn page book that I've read in one sitting, about the dreams and descent into madness of an emblematic character.
August 7, 2020
This is the story of Cruella De Vil. It follows something of The Great Gatsby route, being centered in that same old money world. All she ever wanted was her mother's love. Love that was not to be found even though Cruella could never see it. He mother was more obsessed with "things" and social status and couldn't be bothered with raising a child. **Shakes Fist** Darn you, Serena Valentino, for making me feel empathetic to such an evil villain. If I had any criticism, it would maybe be that Valentino tried to connect and explain too many little things to the movie.
Apparently Valentino has written a whole series of these books about Disney villains, but this was my first exposure. I liked it well enough that I'll check out some others.
Received a review copy from Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Apparently Valentino has written a whole series of these books about Disney villains, but this was my first exposure. I liked it well enough that I'll check out some others.
Received a review copy from Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
June 23, 2021
4 Sterne | Pluspunkte: Detailliert; Zusammenhänge mit dem Film | Minuspunkte: Spannung kam sehr spät auf, Handlungen nicht alle nachvollziehbar
Der siebte Teil der Villains-Reihe, welche erstmalig die Geschichten der Bösewichte aus bekannten Disneyfilmen erzählt, ist auf dem Markt und ich glaube, wir kennen alle die Frau, um die es darin geht: Cruella de Vil, modeverrückte und herzlose Antagonistin aus 101 Dalmatiner, deren Kaltblütigkeit durchaus für Gänsehaut sorgen kann. Schon seit dem Start der Villains-Reihe war ich gespannt auf ihre Geschichte, welche sich als Reise durch ein Leben voller Einsamkeit, Sehnsucht, falscher Wertvorstellungen, Träume und Ängste entpuppt hat.
Das Buch wird aus der direkten Sicht Cruellas erzählt, vermittelt ihre Gedanken ungefiltert und lässt einen den Sog des Bösen, der das einst liebe Mädchen mit jeder Seite fester zu umschlingen scheint, deutlich spüren. Einige bekannte Namen wurden gekonnt in das Leben Cruellas gewebt, was mir direkt das Gefühl gegeben hat, dass die neu geschaffene Vergangenheit hervorragend durchdacht und an den Originalfilm angepasst ist. Die Entwicklung von Cruella erschien mir nachvollziehbar – während ich über die Handlungen anderer Charakter hin und wieder den Kopf schütteln musste. Natürlich war von Anfang an klar, wie das Buch endet und dass es für Cruella keine Rettung geben wird, jedoch erschien mir die geringe Motivation der Nebencharaktere, auf Cruella einzuwirken, dafür eine fast etwas zu einfache Lösung. Meiner Meinung nach hat darunter auch ein Stück weit die Spannung gelitten, genauso wie unter dem Langziehen einzelner Momente. Mir fehlten in dem Buch dann und wann etwas Abwechslung, Eigeninitiative und Dynamik. Der einnehmende Schreibstil der Autorin, welcher den Ton der Geschichte und der Protagonistin perfekt trifft, hat mich allerdings etwas hinwegtrösten können.
Der siebte Teil der Villains-Reihe, welche erstmalig die Geschichten der Bösewichte aus bekannten Disneyfilmen erzählt, ist auf dem Markt und ich glaube, wir kennen alle die Frau, um die es darin geht: Cruella de Vil, modeverrückte und herzlose Antagonistin aus 101 Dalmatiner, deren Kaltblütigkeit durchaus für Gänsehaut sorgen kann. Schon seit dem Start der Villains-Reihe war ich gespannt auf ihre Geschichte, welche sich als Reise durch ein Leben voller Einsamkeit, Sehnsucht, falscher Wertvorstellungen, Träume und Ängste entpuppt hat.
Das Buch wird aus der direkten Sicht Cruellas erzählt, vermittelt ihre Gedanken ungefiltert und lässt einen den Sog des Bösen, der das einst liebe Mädchen mit jeder Seite fester zu umschlingen scheint, deutlich spüren. Einige bekannte Namen wurden gekonnt in das Leben Cruellas gewebt, was mir direkt das Gefühl gegeben hat, dass die neu geschaffene Vergangenheit hervorragend durchdacht und an den Originalfilm angepasst ist. Die Entwicklung von Cruella erschien mir nachvollziehbar – während ich über die Handlungen anderer Charakter hin und wieder den Kopf schütteln musste. Natürlich war von Anfang an klar, wie das Buch endet und dass es für Cruella keine Rettung geben wird, jedoch erschien mir die geringe Motivation der Nebencharaktere, auf Cruella einzuwirken, dafür eine fast etwas zu einfache Lösung. Meiner Meinung nach hat darunter auch ein Stück weit die Spannung gelitten, genauso wie unter dem Langziehen einzelner Momente. Mir fehlten in dem Buch dann und wann etwas Abwechslung, Eigeninitiative und Dynamik. Der einnehmende Schreibstil der Autorin, welcher den Ton der Geschichte und der Protagonistin perfekt trifft, hat mich allerdings etwas hinwegtrösten können.
February 15, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Book Group - Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely was looking forward to the release of this book since I am a huge fan of the Villains series by Serena Valentino. All of the books so far were brilliantly written and I expected nothing less from Serena and I must say, this was the BEST villains book in the series (in my humble opinion). I loved the approach she took in focusing of Cruella's childhood and her friendship with Anita and the influence it had to the personality she had during the events with the dalmatians. I did like the roles of the odd sisters in the previous books but I loved how Serena left them out with Cruella because when I heard of the release of this book, I was figuring out in my head how their role would be and I could not come up with anything so I was happy to see that I didn't have to think about it. I was cheering, screaming, dreaming and smiling all throughout reading this book. I can not wait to buy a hardcopy for myself and add it to my villains' collection. This sure is a book that you don't want to miss.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I absolutely was looking forward to the release of this book since I am a huge fan of the Villains series by Serena Valentino. All of the books so far were brilliantly written and I expected nothing less from Serena and I must say, this was the BEST villains book in the series (in my humble opinion). I loved the approach she took in focusing of Cruella's childhood and her friendship with Anita and the influence it had to the personality she had during the events with the dalmatians. I did like the roles of the odd sisters in the previous books but I loved how Serena left them out with Cruella because when I heard of the release of this book, I was figuring out in my head how their role would be and I could not come up with anything so I was happy to see that I didn't have to think about it. I was cheering, screaming, dreaming and smiling all throughout reading this book. I can not wait to buy a hardcopy for myself and add it to my villains' collection. This sure is a book that you don't want to miss.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
May 8, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me to read Evil Thing, book 7 in the Disney Villian series, In the words of Cruella "It was simply Mahvelous Dahling!" I loved this book so completely, was written in the format of a memoir by Cruella's own words. The backstory included her childhood, which was interesting because her Mother was a very typical high class socialite, wanted to go out running than be anywhere near her daughter and then there was her Father, who was loving, kind and funny, absolutely adored Cruella. As the story progressed, we get to see how Anita fits in to the story and I loved the evolution of that relationship. Cruella had a very difficult relationship with her Mama and that played a large role in what made Cruella become what she was in the end. The servants and staff from her childhood are included in the story and are very interesting pivotal pieces in the puzzle as well. I adored this book and look forward to book 8! My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Google Play and NetGalley
February 16, 2020
Cruella's story, told from her point of view. In this book, you are Cruella as a child, teen, and adult, so you can see how she changes and becomes evil. I really appreciated seeing how she grew up and also her friendship with Anita, who we all know as the owner of Perdita. Quick read.
July 29, 2020
Boy, I am a sucker for fairytale interpretations. Even when my mind tells me to put the book down every. Single. Page. I. Read. And I should have put this book down. It was not good, y’all. I swear, I don’t think an editor touched this novel and if they did, they must think their audience is quite dim-witted. I don’t like it when authors assume I need everything laid out for me. It’s better to show and not tell, you know. Yeah. It was rough.
I’ve read all of Serena Valentino’s Villains series as released by Disney because who doesn’t love to get in the head of the antagonist? As a whole, they generally lack depth, but connect some dots in interesting and original ways. I thought the previous book in the series was the last, as all loose ends appeared to be wrapped up. Evil Thing exists outside of the universe created in the previous novels above and beyond a quick mention here and there. It didn’t need to be included. I know I sound harsh, but there was so much POTENTIAL here. Understanding Cruella de Vil’s motives? Hell yes, gimme. But not like this.
I’ve read all of Serena Valentino’s Villains series as released by Disney because who doesn’t love to get in the head of the antagonist? As a whole, they generally lack depth, but connect some dots in interesting and original ways. I thought the previous book in the series was the last, as all loose ends appeared to be wrapped up. Evil Thing exists outside of the universe created in the previous novels above and beyond a quick mention here and there. It didn’t need to be included. I know I sound harsh, but there was so much POTENTIAL here. Understanding Cruella de Vil’s motives? Hell yes, gimme. But not like this.
June 13, 2024
Distinguish yourself.
چقدر تلخه وقتی که شرایط نرمال نیست و آدم سعی کنه به خودش و دیگران بقبولونه که همه چیز عالیه... و گاهی این موقعیت باعث دور شدن و رنجش دوستای واقعی میشه.
این مجموعه درکل یه جنبه روانشناسی هم داره. اینکه چه چیزایی باعث آدم بد و شرور شدن کسی میشه که کاملا عادی و حتی خیلی مهربونه:(
هیچ پیش زمینهای درباره کروئلا نداشتم و داستانش سوپرایزهایی داشت برام. به خصوص وقتی کارکترهای معروف انیمیشن رو وارد میکرد و میدیدی وای جدا چجوری اینا به اون موقعیت رسیدن:)
اولش زیادی از خانواده و خونهشون گفت اما در ادامه که خوندم متوجه شدم خود کارکتر کروئلا تعریف بیش از حد اینا رو ایجاب میکنه. و بنظرم کروئلا بیشتر کارهاش رو از سر حماقت انجام داد.
چقدر تلخه وقتی که شرایط نرمال نیست و آدم سعی کنه به خودش و دیگران بقبولونه که همه چیز عالیه... و گاهی این موقعیت باعث دور شدن و رنجش دوستای واقعی میشه.
این مجموعه درکل یه جنبه روانشناسی هم داره. اینکه چه چیزایی باعث آدم بد و شرور شدن کسی میشه که کاملا عادی و حتی خیلی مهربونه:(
هیچ پیش زمینهای درباره کروئلا نداشتم و داستانش سوپرایزهایی داشت برام. به خصوص وقتی کارکترهای معروف انیمیشن رو وارد میکرد و میدیدی وای جدا چجوری اینا به اون موقعیت رسیدن:)
اولش زیادی از خانواده و خونهشون گفت اما در ادامه که خوندم متوجه شدم خود کارکتر کروئلا تعریف بیش از حد اینا رو ایجاب میکنه. و بنظرم کروئلا بیشتر کارهاش رو از سر حماقت انجام داد.
July 25, 2020
I absolutely love Serena Valentino's Disney Villains book series and Evil Thing was absolutely no exception! 101 Dalmatians was always one of my favourite Disney films as a little girl and it is my very own princesses favourite now too. I absolutely love Cruella De Vil as a villain and hearing her side of the story was like finally slotting the last piece of the jigsaw into its place. I believed every word of Criella's ast and to me it made erfect sense. Brilliant, will be keeping this aside for when my mini me is bigger ❤️
June 5, 2020
Not bad but very much a slow descent into madness.
“Evil Thing” gives the infamous Cruella the chance to tell her side of the story we all know so well and this time we get to meet the young girl desperate to make her father proud and earn her mother’s love even if it means giving up everything.
I haven’t read the other books in this series so I don’t know if they’re all this kind of character study but it was interesting to see this rather long, drawn out take on Cruella going from this young girl who is blinded by her mother’s presence and her wishing to twist herself into someone worthy of Lady De Vil’s affection even if it meant burning bridges with those who truly care for her.
My biggest critique is I felt like the emphasis here was on the drawn out part, there is very little action with any and all moments that could have amped up the tension or offered something to the plot happened offscreen so we only got Cruella’s perception on what might have happened behind closed doors or her self isolation which helped create her iconic image. I wish we could have gotten more of that grit and sass that comes with such an iconic character and while I appreciated the arc of her delusion what was fed by her innocent attempt to be loved this book was really, really slow.
Overall this isn’t bad just not what I would have expected for a character that has been portrayed so many times with such a commanding presence so if you’re looking for the wide eyed fashionista shrieking through Hell Hall you’ll be disappointed.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
“Evil Thing” gives the infamous Cruella the chance to tell her side of the story we all know so well and this time we get to meet the young girl desperate to make her father proud and earn her mother’s love even if it means giving up everything.
I haven’t read the other books in this series so I don’t know if they’re all this kind of character study but it was interesting to see this rather long, drawn out take on Cruella going from this young girl who is blinded by her mother’s presence and her wishing to twist herself into someone worthy of Lady De Vil’s affection even if it meant burning bridges with those who truly care for her.
My biggest critique is I felt like the emphasis here was on the drawn out part, there is very little action with any and all moments that could have amped up the tension or offered something to the plot happened offscreen so we only got Cruella’s perception on what might have happened behind closed doors or her self isolation which helped create her iconic image. I wish we could have gotten more of that grit and sass that comes with such an iconic character and while I appreciated the arc of her delusion what was fed by her innocent attempt to be loved this book was really, really slow.
Overall this isn’t bad just not what I would have expected for a character that has been portrayed so many times with such a commanding presence so if you’re looking for the wide eyed fashionista shrieking through Hell Hall you’ll be disappointed.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
April 23, 2021
✨ "I was living the grandest life I could wish for. I was married to the love of my life; my mother was safely tucked away in my childhood home; I was rich, beautiful, and happy. I was Lady Cruella De Vil. But of course, isn't it always the case that the higher you fly, the farther you fall? And I would indeed fall, farther than I could have possibly imagined."
A very cool and interesting origin story of Cruella De Vil! This book focuses on her childhood and how the iconic villain came to be. The story was engaging and definitely made me feel sympathetic towards her.
I found this to be significantly better than the other books in the series. For once, it was a legit origin story instead of deviating from canon. No talk about politics and battles and 'The Odd Sisters' in a shared magical universe.
And unlike its predecessors, this book can be read as a standalone (there are very mild references to the magical realm but nothing hard to understand) which definitely added to my enjoyment. I also loved how this book focused on a tale that doesn't involve a Disney princess.
I don't usually comment on book covers but I feel that this one was poorly designed. The title is in black font and hence illegible. The taglines, author and cover blurb are in red font and thus hard to read against a black background. Strange choice of colours.
August 22, 2022
کروئلا دویل! دزد ۱۰۱ سگ خالدار...
داستان به پیش از ۱۰ سالگی کروئلا دویل میپردازد و سیر زندگی او تا زمانی که همگی میدانیم که نقشه دزدیدن ۱۰۱ سگ خالدار را کشید.
کروئلا تنها دختر خاندان دویل و تنها بازمانده و وارث ثروت دویل بود.
زندگی پرفراز و نشیبی که کروئلا در این کتاب از خودش تعریف میکند آنچنان درگیر کننده است که میتوان گفت گاهی خود را در نهایت دلسوزی برای او مییابید. و گاهی از حماقت و سادهلوحی او خود را در اوج عصبانیت مییابید.
شاید به راستی کروئلای شیطانی، شوم و نفرین شده بود؟
شخصیتپردازی کتاب به طور کامل حول محور کروئلا میگشت، شخصیتش پیچیدگی عجیبی داشت. روند کتاب در ۴۰ صفحه پایانی سرعت زیادی میگیره و شاید جای یکم توضیحات بیشتر رو داشته. فاصله طبقاتی حاکم بر لندن در در آن زمان و تفاوت در نوع نگاه افراد با توجه به طبقه اجتماعی و خانوادهشان به خوبی تصویر شده.
درکل کتاب کوتاه خوبی بود که ترجمه مطلوبی داشت.
و شاید با خواندن این کتابها نظرمون نسبت به خیلی از شرورهای داستانهای کودکیمان تغییر کند.
داستان به پیش از ۱۰ سالگی کروئلا دویل میپردازد و سیر زندگی او تا زمانی که همگی میدانیم که نقشه دزدیدن ۱۰۱ سگ خالدار را کشید.
کروئلا تنها دختر خاندان دویل و تنها بازمانده و وارث ثروت دویل بود.
زندگی پرفراز و نشیبی که کروئلا در این کتاب از خودش تعریف میکند آنچنان درگیر کننده است که میتوان گفت گاهی خود را در نهایت دلسوزی برای او مییابید. و گاهی از حماقت و سادهلوحی او خود را در اوج عصبانیت مییابید.
شاید به راستی کروئلای شیطانی، شوم و نفرین شده بود؟
شخصیتپردازی کتاب به طور کامل حول محور کروئلا میگشت، شخصیتش پیچیدگی عجیبی داشت. روند کتاب در ۴۰ صفحه پایانی سرعت زیادی میگیره و شاید جای یکم توضیحات بیشتر رو داشته. فاصله طبقاتی حاکم بر لندن در در آن زمان و تفاوت در نوع نگاه افراد با توجه به طبقه اجتماعی و خانوادهشان به خوبی تصویر شده.
درکل کتاب کوتاه خوبی بود که ترجمه مطلوبی داشت.
و شاید با خواندن این کتابها نظرمون نسبت به خیلی از شرورهای داستانهای کودکیمان تغییر کند.
July 26, 2020
This installment, #7, was formatted a bit differently than previous books which featured some characters unique to this series, but not to the Disney world. This was told as a bit of a memoir and is much stronger for it. This was easily the best book of the series and in my opinion brought new life into it. I'm ready to see what is next!
May 27, 2021
Dany - per RFS
.
Care Fenici, chi ha avuto il piacere di guardare il film d’animazione, La Carica dei 101, ricorderà sicuramente il divertente motivetto (sopra riportato) che compone Rudy (nel film) pensando a Crudelia De Mon, scommetto che lo state pure canticchiando, come me del resto. La canzone non si distacca poi tanto da come viene presentata. Alta, scheletrica, capelli mezzi neri e mezzi bianchi, tubino nero, scarpe rosse, anello e orecchini di giada, sigaretta con bocchino che emana uno sgradevole fumo verdastro, zigomi alti e l’immancabile pelliccia.
“Io vivo per le pellicce, esiste una sola donna in questo sciagurato mondo che non le ama?”.
Se poi ci mettiamo la follia di trasformare degli adorabili cagnolini maculati in un set di pellicce, completiamo l’opera, e si sa, chi se ne importa dei visoni o dei conigli, i cuccioli di cane sono intoccabili, e quindi eccovi presentata una delle più cattive donne del mondo Disney. Tutti abbiamo avuto paura di Crudelia da bambini, ma poi l’abbiamo rivista in Once Upon a Time e prima ancora nel live action del film d’animazione, interpretata dalla meravigliosa Glenn Close. Ce l’hanno mostrata in tutti i modi possibili sempre come una grande cattivona. Ma se non fosse proprio così la realtà dei fatti? Ultimamente la Disney, lo avrete notato, sta cercando di dare più spazio alle donne, niente più principi azzurri, soprattutto stanno rivedendo il contesto dei cattivi, i Villain appunto, sono veramente nati così? O magari lo sono diventati?
Il libro che ho letto per voi viene raccontato dal solo punto di vista di Crudelia e la parola chiave si riassume in “e se…”. Con i se e i ma non si va da nessuna parte, ovvio, ma siamo nel mondo della fantasia e ci è consentito sognare dicendo proprio: e se. A questo proposito penserete che un’opera Disney sia per bambini, anche se non mi ci vedo a raccontare questa “favola” al mio cuginetto di quattro anni prima di andare a letto, direi con una certa sicurezza che è una storia per adulti, che fa riflettere su quanto la vita a volte sia ingiusta.
Crudelia nasce in una famiglia nobile londinese, molto ricca. La madre è una grande amante del lusso, dei balli, della vita abbiente e, attenzione, adora le pellicce. Il senso materno, invece, è proprio inesistente, ma questo lo percepiamo noi, mentre la protagonista vede la cosa come normale e anzi è grata di poter stare con la sua mamma un’ora ogni giorno. Il padre, invece, è di tutt’altro stampo, un uomo diverso che ama sua figlia. Completano il quadro le “vie di mezzo”, ossia alcuni domestici che hanno l’onore di passare del tempo con la famiglia ma che non ne fanno parte. E poi, infine, c’è Anita, una piccola orfanella accolta in casa dal tutore, amico dei De Mon, che Crudelia prende sotto la sua ala. Oserei dire che abbiamo una bambina a cui non manca niente se non gli affetti, e tutto gira intorno all’amore che spera di ricevere dalla madre.
E se la sua mamma l’avesse amata? Probabilmente Crudelia sarebbe diventata primo ministro, chi lo sa. Possiamo giocare ai se quanto vogliamo, il risultato però non cambia. Non vi toglierò la gioia di leggerlo e continuare per conto vostro il gioco dei se, di certo, non mi vergogno a dire, che ho pianto, e anche parecchio. Alla fine del racconto posso dire con assoluta certezza che mi spiace tanto per Crudelia, provo pena per lei, ed è una storia che mi ha fatto molto riflettere. La protagonista non è nata folle, lo è diventata a causa del dolore e della solitudine. È con il dolore che si scopre al meglio se stessi, ma uscire dal tunnel della propria mente completamente da soli, senza nemmeno un affetto o un aiuto, direi che è quasi impossibile.
È un libro fantasioso che fa riflettere e ti obbliga a pensare “e se…”.
.
Care Fenici, chi ha avuto il piacere di guardare il film d’animazione, La Carica dei 101, ricorderà sicuramente il divertente motivetto (sopra riportato) che compone Rudy (nel film) pensando a Crudelia De Mon, scommetto che lo state pure canticchiando, come me del resto. La canzone non si distacca poi tanto da come viene presentata. Alta, scheletrica, capelli mezzi neri e mezzi bianchi, tubino nero, scarpe rosse, anello e orecchini di giada, sigaretta con bocchino che emana uno sgradevole fumo verdastro, zigomi alti e l’immancabile pelliccia.
“Io vivo per le pellicce, esiste una sola donna in questo sciagurato mondo che non le ama?”.
Se poi ci mettiamo la follia di trasformare degli adorabili cagnolini maculati in un set di pellicce, completiamo l’opera, e si sa, chi se ne importa dei visoni o dei conigli, i cuccioli di cane sono intoccabili, e quindi eccovi presentata una delle più cattive donne del mondo Disney. Tutti abbiamo avuto paura di Crudelia da bambini, ma poi l’abbiamo rivista in Once Upon a Time e prima ancora nel live action del film d’animazione, interpretata dalla meravigliosa Glenn Close. Ce l’hanno mostrata in tutti i modi possibili sempre come una grande cattivona. Ma se non fosse proprio così la realtà dei fatti? Ultimamente la Disney, lo avrete notato, sta cercando di dare più spazio alle donne, niente più principi azzurri, soprattutto stanno rivedendo il contesto dei cattivi, i Villain appunto, sono veramente nati così? O magari lo sono diventati?
Il libro che ho letto per voi viene raccontato dal solo punto di vista di Crudelia e la parola chiave si riassume in “e se…”. Con i se e i ma non si va da nessuna parte, ovvio, ma siamo nel mondo della fantasia e ci è consentito sognare dicendo proprio: e se. A questo proposito penserete che un’opera Disney sia per bambini, anche se non mi ci vedo a raccontare questa “favola” al mio cuginetto di quattro anni prima di andare a letto, direi con una certa sicurezza che è una storia per adulti, che fa riflettere su quanto la vita a volte sia ingiusta.
Crudelia nasce in una famiglia nobile londinese, molto ricca. La madre è una grande amante del lusso, dei balli, della vita abbiente e, attenzione, adora le pellicce. Il senso materno, invece, è proprio inesistente, ma questo lo percepiamo noi, mentre la protagonista vede la cosa come normale e anzi è grata di poter stare con la sua mamma un’ora ogni giorno. Il padre, invece, è di tutt’altro stampo, un uomo diverso che ama sua figlia. Completano il quadro le “vie di mezzo”, ossia alcuni domestici che hanno l’onore di passare del tempo con la famiglia ma che non ne fanno parte. E poi, infine, c’è Anita, una piccola orfanella accolta in casa dal tutore, amico dei De Mon, che Crudelia prende sotto la sua ala. Oserei dire che abbiamo una bambina a cui non manca niente se non gli affetti, e tutto gira intorno all’amore che spera di ricevere dalla madre.
E se la sua mamma l’avesse amata? Probabilmente Crudelia sarebbe diventata primo ministro, chi lo sa. Possiamo giocare ai se quanto vogliamo, il risultato però non cambia. Non vi toglierò la gioia di leggerlo e continuare per conto vostro il gioco dei se, di certo, non mi vergogno a dire, che ho pianto, e anche parecchio. Alla fine del racconto posso dire con assoluta certezza che mi spiace tanto per Crudelia, provo pena per lei, ed è una storia che mi ha fatto molto riflettere. La protagonista non è nata folle, lo è diventata a causa del dolore e della solitudine. È con il dolore che si scopre al meglio se stessi, ma uscire dal tunnel della propria mente completamente da soli, senza nemmeno un affetto o un aiuto, direi che è quasi impossibile.
È un libro fantasioso che fa riflettere e ti obbliga a pensare “e se…”.
July 15, 2021
Once again, I am going against popular opinion. This story was disappointing. But it could be because I just saw the new Disney release of the live-action movie Cruella, which I loved!!
This story was slow and boring. There were too many repeated phrases both in memories and dialogue and repeated details of her relationship with her mother. The writing stumbled along; never creating atmosphere or attachment to the characters.
I have read all of the Villain series except the Odd Sisters. I haven't loved any of them, but get sucked in by the covers and the hope the 'this one' will be better.
This story was slow and boring. There were too many repeated phrases both in memories and dialogue and repeated details of her relationship with her mother. The writing stumbled along; never creating atmosphere or attachment to the characters.
I have read all of the Villain series except the Odd Sisters. I haven't loved any of them, but get sucked in by the covers and the hope the 'this one' will be better.
January 2, 2026
کتاب رو که باز کردم میدونستم قراره با دخترکی که برای جلب رضایت مادرش هر کاری میکنه رو به رو بشم. بوی آشنایی میداد.
کروئلای داستان ما که برای جلب رضایت مادرش هر کاری میکرد و تهش به جنون کشید. شایدم بخاطر اعتماد به نفس کاذبی بودش که بقیه بهش میدادن. یک چیزس که وجود داشت کروئلا بار ها و بار ها بهش ثابت شده بود که مادرش شخص سنگدل و بی رحمیه ولی بازم بزای جلب رضایت و دفاع از همچین مادری بی قید و شرط دست به کارهای احمقانه میزد.
حقیقتا تصمیمات کور کورانهاش اونو به همچین مخمصهای کشید که تهشم به دیوانگیایش ختم شد.
همیشه بقیه باعث نمیشن تو به پوچی برسی بلکه گاهی اوقات این تصمیمات احمقانه خودمونه که مجبوری عواقبش رو تا انتها به دوش بکشیم.
کروئلای داستان ما که برای جلب رضایت مادرش هر کاری میکرد و تهش به جنون کشید. شایدم بخاطر اعتماد به نفس کاذبی بودش که بقیه بهش میدادن. یک چیزس که وجود داشت کروئلا بار ها و بار ها بهش ثابت شده بود که مادرش شخص سنگدل و بی رحمیه ولی بازم بزای جلب رضایت و دفاع از همچین مادری بی قید و شرط دست به کارهای احمقانه میزد.
حقیقتا تصمیمات کور کورانهاش اونو به همچین مخمصهای کشید که تهشم به دیوانگیایش ختم شد.
همیشه بقیه باعث نمیشن تو به پوچی برسی بلکه گاهی اوقات این تصمیمات احمقانه خودمونه که مجبوری عواقبش رو تا انتها به دوش بکشیم.
September 11, 2023
I still enjoyed this novel, but I think the beginning of the story was repetitive and drug on too long. The ending was extremely rushed, and there are definitely several unanswered questions. Intriguing!! I am also wondering about the Odd Sister tie-in here??? Is just knowing Tulip is a character in a series Cruella reads it???
August 28, 2020
Loved this! So great to get more of Cruella's background and find out why she is what she is. Brilliant.
March 2, 2020
Evil Thing is the 7th offering in Serena Valentino's Villains series.
Highlighting 101 Dalmations' Cruella De Vil.
Readers are introduced to the broken girl behind the iconic villainess.
The only child of Lord and Lady De Vil.
Cruella grew up a very sheltered and cosetted child.
A lonely bird in an extremely gilded cage. Where nothing mattered more than the appearance of perfection. The trappings of class and social position.
And the mandate from both Cruella's parents that she "distinguish herself".
Though her father loved her dearly. As a busy lord, he is never there for her in the parental sense.
Her mother...
Is a beast of another breed altogether.
Because though she has nothing but time.
She prefers spending her time shopping, traveling, and living the glamorous life of an aristocrat.
Instead of nurturing her lonely child.
And leaving Cruella searching for the motherly approval and acceptance that she is sadly never destined to receive.
Adversely.
It is amongst the people that she has been raised to view as being beneath her.
The family servants, her governess, and even her untitled best friend, Anita.
That Cruella does find both acceptance and even love.
At least until the death of her father.
And the further alienation of her mother.
At its heart, this is a story of a "poor little rich girl".
A girl turned woman who was given the world. But who was never given a solid position in the life of the person who mattered most.
Her mother.
This story is written with an emotional depth that gives it a universal appeal.
Cruella is divested so fully of her demonizing qualities. That one can't help seeing her for the broken and utterly desperate human that she has been left to be.
The transition between the past that created her, and the fulfillment of that creation.
Is nothing less than seamless.
Although the relationship that one has with the character that they thought they knew. Wil be forever changed.
I would like to thank Netgalley and The Disney Group for providing a copy of the work on which my unbiased critique is based.
Highlighting 101 Dalmations' Cruella De Vil.
Readers are introduced to the broken girl behind the iconic villainess.
The only child of Lord and Lady De Vil.
Cruella grew up a very sheltered and cosetted child.
A lonely bird in an extremely gilded cage. Where nothing mattered more than the appearance of perfection. The trappings of class and social position.
And the mandate from both Cruella's parents that she "distinguish herself".
Though her father loved her dearly. As a busy lord, he is never there for her in the parental sense.
Her mother...
Is a beast of another breed altogether.
Because though she has nothing but time.
She prefers spending her time shopping, traveling, and living the glamorous life of an aristocrat.
Instead of nurturing her lonely child.
And leaving Cruella searching for the motherly approval and acceptance that she is sadly never destined to receive.
Adversely.
It is amongst the people that she has been raised to view as being beneath her.
The family servants, her governess, and even her untitled best friend, Anita.
That Cruella does find both acceptance and even love.
At least until the death of her father.
And the further alienation of her mother.
At its heart, this is a story of a "poor little rich girl".
A girl turned woman who was given the world. But who was never given a solid position in the life of the person who mattered most.
Her mother.
This story is written with an emotional depth that gives it a universal appeal.
Cruella is divested so fully of her demonizing qualities. That one can't help seeing her for the broken and utterly desperate human that she has been left to be.
The transition between the past that created her, and the fulfillment of that creation.
Is nothing less than seamless.
Although the relationship that one has with the character that they thought they knew. Wil be forever changed.
I would like to thank Netgalley and The Disney Group for providing a copy of the work on which my unbiased critique is based.
August 31, 2021
This story is Cruella's memoir - her childhood, her tortured relationship with her mother, her friendship with Anita and everything in between.
Another book I wanted to love (because I'm obsessed with Dalmatians and Cruella is obviously my favourite villain), but this book was such a disappointment.
I was exhausted reading this book. It was the same toxic pattern over and over again. Her mother is cruel. Delusional, naive Cruella is SO desperate for her mother's love, she makes excuses for her behaviour and pushes everyone else away. I struggled to accept that an eighteen year old would still act like a five year old brat. Her absent mother isn't a convincing reason for her to be so evil.
However, I did enjoy Anita and Miss Pricket's characters. They were beautifully written.
If the story wasn't so drawn out, I think I would have enjoyed this more.
Another book I wanted to love (because I'm obsessed with Dalmatians and Cruella is obviously my favourite villain), but this book was such a disappointment.
I was exhausted reading this book. It was the same toxic pattern over and over again. Her mother is cruel. Delusional, naive Cruella is SO desperate for her mother's love, she makes excuses for her behaviour and pushes everyone else away. I struggled to accept that an eighteen year old would still act like a five year old brat. Her absent mother isn't a convincing reason for her to be so evil.
However, I did enjoy Anita and Miss Pricket's characters. They were beautifully written.
If the story wasn't so drawn out, I think I would have enjoyed this more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
Ich bin absoluter Fan von der Villains-Reihe. Dem 7. Band "Cruella - die Teufelin" stand ich allerdings von Anfang an etwas skeptisch aber auch interessiert gegenüber, ob Serena Valentino es schafft beim Leser Verständnis für das Verhalten von Cruella de Vil zu wecken.
Leider hat mich die Begründung nicht wirklich abgeholt und ich fand sie zu "schwach".
Ist natürlich die Frage, ob es überhaupt die "richtige Begründung" und damit Verständnis für das Verhalten der Protagonistin gibt (in meinen Augen gibt es zumindest keine).
Auch wenn dieser Band mich leider etwas enttäuscht hat, freue ich mich auf den 8. Band der Reihe.
Leider hat mich die Begründung nicht wirklich abgeholt und ich fand sie zu "schwach".
Ist natürlich die Frage, ob es überhaupt die "richtige Begründung" und damit Verständnis für das Verhalten der Protagonistin gibt (in meinen Augen gibt es zumindest keine).
Auch wenn dieser Band mich leider etwas enttäuscht hat, freue ich mich auf den 8. Band der Reihe.
July 5, 2022
I love this Disney Villains series and this book was great. Telling the tale of how Cruella de Vil came to be. When you see villains in this light, you kind of feel sorry for them...kind of. Dealing with childhood neglect, and a warped sense of what love should be, Cruella was destined to be a villain from the start.
July 10, 2020
Well, that was disappointing.
2.5 stars
Watch my reading vlog and review for this book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSat-bWramc
2.5 stars
Watch my reading vlog and review for this book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSat-bWramc
March 21, 2020
First things first, a huge THANK YOU to Serena Valentino for this fun contest she had on her FB page that offered a PDF ARC of Evil Thing to the winners. Of course, this review is based on my personal opinion and my own feelings.
Fairy tales are cautionary stories, as they provide important lessons. But what does Serena creates with those retellings? Well, I'll tell you. It's not just about creating amazing backstories for the undeveloped characters of Disney pictures that are villains. It's about incorporating her own places ( like the dead woods or the fairylands) and characters to the mixture, to the point that you'll forget they're not a part of the Disney Pantheon( but for me, they definitely are. So cheers to Lucinda, Ruby, Martha Nanny, Tulip, Circe, Oberon, Pflanze, Manea, Jacob, Nestis, Primerose, Verona and soo many more).
However, they don't appear in this story ( at least, physically, teasing). Why is that? Because this new installment, while in the same universe as the other books, doesn't take place in the same part ( the Many Kingdoms, land of magic, royalty, and hypocrisy at its finest) nor in the same timeline. Actually, the villain that featured this book is sooo hmm special that a few changes needed to be done. So here we are in the real world! Our world, most specifically in London during the 2O's when large households were filled with servants and little girls were expected to be decorative objects and married to wealthy men that would provide to tell them what their opinions were. Charming, isn't it? What's funny is that, nowadays, this way of life is still deeply rooted in some cultures.
As you have guess, the main character of this book is a vampire bat, an inhuman beast, The Devil Woman in person. Ladies and Gentlemen: Cruella De Vil. And not only she refused to share the spotlight with the ongoing characters of the series, but she decided that this story would be better if she wrote it herself. Pour some wine in a glass, dears, while Cruella goes back in time before the madness with the dalmatian puppies happens.
Serena Valentino sends us in a dreamy-like mansion where Cruella and her family live, in Belgrave Square. I honestly didn't picture her childhood there. I thought she grew up in Hell Hall as an orphan. But careful dears. Though her life seems charming at first, don't forget it's from her point of view and that she isn't the most self-aware person we know. This is one of the aspects I loved the most about this material: We are amused by her sass and her lack of perspective or reality but this is also disturbing as she doesn't notice the madness that starts plaguing her. We have to separate her words from the truth ( and she isn't even trying to lie! This is simply her complex, yet riveting psychology).
You may wonder how her life led her to become a would-be puppy murderer?
Everything seemed perfect: her mother, despite her serious engagements such as tea with friends or shopping, had the kindness to spend one hour with her a day, asking her always the same questions (what a thoughtful mum) and sometimes, staring at the beautiful clocktower ( a normal thing to do, really). Lord De Vil, who loved dearly Cruella, was always at the House Of Lords ( and he didn't always bring her expensive gifts, what a fool!). Her best friend Anita is nice but she's destined to be a nanny! And though her governess, Miss Pricket allows Cruella to learn every subject that Cruella loves, even those addressed only to boys; she remains an in-between!
Now, if I'm writing this review with this tone, it's not because I didn't love this book, quite the contrary. It's what I've felt during this reading: everything is hypocrisy or irony in Cruella's social-circle or life. Evil Thing aims at showing how miserable your life can become when you look for love and approval towards people that will never express the same amount of devotion to you. The destructive, burning desire of Cruella isn't a fur coat: it's what it was supposed to grant her that she craved for.
It's with burning tears rolling down my cheeks and a taste of disgust in my mouth that I finished this book.
Cruella might be rude, and insane but all of it is actually quite understandable. She did deserve to be locked up and never released. But what about the other women of this story that are free to go, living beautiful lives based on Cruella's misfortune? That's real life, unfortunately. Happy endings aren't for everybody and this a reality that Serena Valentino portrays here with brilliance.
Cruella is so much more than an evil thing ( and is the title of this novel only referring to Cruella? Is it even referring to her, or to the veil of darkness that cursed her ( yes, surprising, huh?) and changed her? She is a sassy, brave woman, determined to please everyone, willing to honor the promise that she made to her father. Not just a devil woman, would-be puppy murderer, selfish, rude, impulsive, reckless and superficial person.
And as Belle saw the man behind the beast, we see the human behind the shrew.
I've never thought another book in this series could top Mother Knows Best. But it did. In my humble opinion, it's the best book in the series. And my favorite one. I hope you'll enjoy it when it will hit the shelves on June, 7. That it will open your eyes about your life as it did for me. Sometimes, the oppression of society pushes us to unleash the truth, no matter what it will cost us. Life is only worth living if somebody loves us. That's why we make everything to be loved and accepted, like Cruella.
Fairy tales are cautionary stories, as they provide important lessons. But what does Serena creates with those retellings? Well, I'll tell you. It's not just about creating amazing backstories for the undeveloped characters of Disney pictures that are villains. It's about incorporating her own places ( like the dead woods or the fairylands) and characters to the mixture, to the point that you'll forget they're not a part of the Disney Pantheon( but for me, they definitely are. So cheers to Lucinda, Ruby, Martha Nanny, Tulip, Circe, Oberon, Pflanze, Manea, Jacob, Nestis, Primerose, Verona and soo many more).
However, they don't appear in this story ( at least, physically, teasing). Why is that? Because this new installment, while in the same universe as the other books, doesn't take place in the same part ( the Many Kingdoms, land of magic, royalty, and hypocrisy at its finest) nor in the same timeline. Actually, the villain that featured this book is sooo hmm special that a few changes needed to be done. So here we are in the real world! Our world, most specifically in London during the 2O's when large households were filled with servants and little girls were expected to be decorative objects and married to wealthy men that would provide to tell them what their opinions were. Charming, isn't it? What's funny is that, nowadays, this way of life is still deeply rooted in some cultures.
As you have guess, the main character of this book is a vampire bat, an inhuman beast, The Devil Woman in person. Ladies and Gentlemen: Cruella De Vil. And not only she refused to share the spotlight with the ongoing characters of the series, but she decided that this story would be better if she wrote it herself. Pour some wine in a glass, dears, while Cruella goes back in time before the madness with the dalmatian puppies happens.
Serena Valentino sends us in a dreamy-like mansion where Cruella and her family live, in Belgrave Square. I honestly didn't picture her childhood there. I thought she grew up in Hell Hall as an orphan. But careful dears. Though her life seems charming at first, don't forget it's from her point of view and that she isn't the most self-aware person we know. This is one of the aspects I loved the most about this material: We are amused by her sass and her lack of perspective or reality but this is also disturbing as she doesn't notice the madness that starts plaguing her. We have to separate her words from the truth ( and she isn't even trying to lie! This is simply her complex, yet riveting psychology).
You may wonder how her life led her to become a would-be puppy murderer?
Everything seemed perfect: her mother, despite her serious engagements such as tea with friends or shopping, had the kindness to spend one hour with her a day, asking her always the same questions (what a thoughtful mum) and sometimes, staring at the beautiful clocktower ( a normal thing to do, really). Lord De Vil, who loved dearly Cruella, was always at the House Of Lords ( and he didn't always bring her expensive gifts, what a fool!). Her best friend Anita is nice but she's destined to be a nanny! And though her governess, Miss Pricket allows Cruella to learn every subject that Cruella loves, even those addressed only to boys; she remains an in-between!
Now, if I'm writing this review with this tone, it's not because I didn't love this book, quite the contrary. It's what I've felt during this reading: everything is hypocrisy or irony in Cruella's social-circle or life. Evil Thing aims at showing how miserable your life can become when you look for love and approval towards people that will never express the same amount of devotion to you. The destructive, burning desire of Cruella isn't a fur coat: it's what it was supposed to grant her that she craved for.
It's with burning tears rolling down my cheeks and a taste of disgust in my mouth that I finished this book.
Cruella might be rude, and insane but all of it is actually quite understandable. She did deserve to be locked up and never released. But what about the other women of this story that are free to go, living beautiful lives based on Cruella's misfortune? That's real life, unfortunately. Happy endings aren't for everybody and this a reality that Serena Valentino portrays here with brilliance.
Cruella is so much more than an evil thing ( and is the title of this novel only referring to Cruella? Is it even referring to her, or to the veil of darkness that cursed her ( yes, surprising, huh?) and changed her? She is a sassy, brave woman, determined to please everyone, willing to honor the promise that she made to her father. Not just a devil woman, would-be puppy murderer, selfish, rude, impulsive, reckless and superficial person.
And as Belle saw the man behind the beast, we see the human behind the shrew.
I've never thought another book in this series could top Mother Knows Best. But it did. In my humble opinion, it's the best book in the series. And my favorite one. I hope you'll enjoy it when it will hit the shelves on June, 7. That it will open your eyes about your life as it did for me. Sometimes, the oppression of society pushes us to unleash the truth, no matter what it will cost us. Life is only worth living if somebody loves us. That's why we make everything to be loved and accepted, like Cruella.
April 6, 2026
4.75 Stars
Easily the best one so far. I loved how the author gave Cruella a backstory that helped explain her descent into heartbreak and madness. The way the author connected this novel to the original 101 Dalmatians and how the original characters know Cruella, so clever.
Fun read.
Easily the best one so far. I loved how the author gave Cruella a backstory that helped explain her descent into heartbreak and madness. The way the author connected this novel to the original 101 Dalmatians and how the original characters know Cruella, so clever.
Fun read.
April 6, 2026
Really fun read! But I didn’t feel that it ended as strongly as it had started. Still my top two in this series so far (“Fairest of All” being my first fav)!
October 19, 2022
I just loved this!!!!!
I love reading books from the traditional villain's POV and this one told the story of exactly HOW Cruella ended up being the way she was.
I was mesmerized by her story. She was just a little girl who needed her mom's love. That is it. I admired the author's style of writing and the way she portrayed Cruella as any normal teenage girl who needed her mom's approval.
I felt awful when she gets the news of Jack's death, that was definitely the last straw for her which sent her reeling back to her mom for support. I did feel bad for the puppies as well once she turned evil but the author wrote the book in a way that one could sympathise with Cruella for her state.
I love reading books from the traditional villain's POV and this one told the story of exactly HOW Cruella ended up being the way she was.
I was mesmerized by her story. She was just a little girl who needed her mom's love. That is it. I admired the author's style of writing and the way she portrayed Cruella as any normal teenage girl who needed her mom's approval.
I felt awful when she gets the news of Jack's death, that was definitely the last straw for her which sent her reeling back to her mom for support. I did feel bad for the puppies as well once she turned evil but the author wrote the book in a way that one could sympathise with Cruella for her state.
December 5, 2022
Este tomo es de mis favoritos de la serie de los Villanos. En él se nos cuenta la transformación de Cruella, tomando como punto de partida su niñez.
La historia de Cruella es realmente triste y es muy frustrante ver como no es capaz de enfocar más allá de la pasión que siente hacía su madre.
Con esta entrega se hace un parón respecto a los nexos que han existido entre los anteriores libros aunque la historia se conecta de alguna manera con los tomos anteriores.
Ojalá pudiera dar una opinión más extensa porque hay muchos puntos que podrían ser comentados...pero no merece la pena desmigar la historia, así que os animo con su lectura!!
¿El fin justifica los medios?
La historia de Cruella es realmente triste y es muy frustrante ver como no es capaz de enfocar más allá de la pasión que siente hacía su madre.
Con esta entrega se hace un parón respecto a los nexos que han existido entre los anteriores libros aunque la historia se conecta de alguna manera con los tomos anteriores.
Ojalá pudiera dar una opinión más extensa porque hay muchos puntos que podrían ser comentados...pero no merece la pena desmigar la historia, así que os animo con su lectura!!
¿El fin justifica los medios?
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