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Dark Fairy Tale Queen #4
Bad Beauty
How can the darkness end if no one stops the spinning wheel?
Three years under a sleeping curse. Unbelievable. Woke up to a ruined kingdom, a ruined life. I know exactly who did this. And I will rip out her hair by the roots. Now I’ve got a horrible Beast to deal with. A nasty witch in The Wood. And a man who still won’t admit he loves me. If I’m to take back the kingdom, I will have to end the darkness, starting with the person who poisoned us Cinderella. She is NEVER coming back. I may be beautiful as a rose, but my thorns are deadly sharp.
Three years under a sleeping curse. Unbelievable. Woke up to a ruined kingdom, a ruined life. I know exactly who did this. And I will rip out her hair by the roots. Now I’ve got a horrible Beast to deal with. A nasty witch in The Wood. And a man who still won’t admit he loves me. If I’m to take back the kingdom, I will have to end the darkness, starting with the person who poisoned us Cinderella. She is NEVER coming back. I may be beautiful as a rose, but my thorns are deadly sharp.
464 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2021
43 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Anita Valle
53 books408 followersI think people like to read lists more than paragraphs, so I'll do my bio as such.
* Born and raised in Philly, home of the best cheesesteaks.
* Except for first grade, homeschooled all the way through.
* Two younger brothers and two younger sisters who are my very bestest friends.
* Married at 20, had three kids by 30. Developed the Nine Princesses during that period.
* Gave up the project several times in frustration and despair over the publishing industry.
* At 31, thanks to the internet and Kindle, finally published "Maelyn". So happy.
* Random interests: drawing, reading, music, chocolate, Nintendo, BBC movies, Colin Firth, Panera Bread.
* Born and raised in Philly, home of the best cheesesteaks.
* Except for first grade, homeschooled all the way through.
* Two younger brothers and two younger sisters who are my very bestest friends.
* Married at 20, had three kids by 30. Developed the Nine Princesses during that period.
* Gave up the project several times in frustration and despair over the publishing industry.
* At 31, thanks to the internet and Kindle, finally published "Maelyn". So happy.
* Random interests: drawing, reading, music, chocolate, Nintendo, BBC movies, Colin Firth, Panera Bread.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2022
When I finished Rotten Rapunzel TWO years ago, I was really excited to read the next book and see what happened after the cliffhanger. However, (and it’s hard to fault her for this because I know people’s lives are busy!) Anita Valle took too long to release this book and then didn’t do a great job of reminding me of what had happened in previous books. I was able to follow it mostly as I read, and some things came back to me, but there are still major events that were referenced but not explained that I just had to be content not remembering. It’s unfortunate because I think I might have loved this book and series if I had read them back to back. Another slight negative is that this book was the longest in the series and unnecessarily so. I think a huge chunk could have been cut, making a quick and easy read like previous books, and that would have also increased my enjoyment. As it was I felt like it dragged and it took me forever to read.
All that being said, I think Anita Valle is a good author and by the very end I did feel satisfied with what happened and how it all wrapped up and kinda felt some of the previous feels that I remembered from earlier books. I am glad I finished this series but unfortunately it was a little too late and a little too long for me to enjoy it as much as I should have.
All that being said, I think Anita Valle is a good author and by the very end I did feel satisfied with what happened and how it all wrapped up and kinda felt some of the previous feels that I remembered from earlier books. I am glad I finished this series but unfortunately it was a little too late and a little too long for me to enjoy it as much as I should have.
October 28, 2024
Such a good retelling of classic princesses definitely loved this last book the most with the twists and turns. Quick and easy reads. Lacking spice and depth. Series overall 3.5
August 1, 2021
Good
I liked the story. The beginning was dark and honestly, it was a little frustrating seeing how vindictive and nasty the characters were to each other. The book had SIX parts to it. Each part was to a different character, which was a little frustrating as well. The story was supposed to be about Beauty, but it had the perspectives of multiple people in it. The ending of the book was really good, and the characters started on a path to healing.
I have a feeling that the next book will be about Little Red Riding Hood, if there’ll be another book after this one.
I liked the story. The beginning was dark and honestly, it was a little frustrating seeing how vindictive and nasty the characters were to each other. The book had SIX parts to it. Each part was to a different character, which was a little frustrating as well. The story was supposed to be about Beauty, but it had the perspectives of multiple people in it. The ending of the book was really good, and the characters started on a path to healing.
I have a feeling that the next book will be about Little Red Riding Hood, if there’ll be another book after this one.
September 2, 2021
Cinderella. Snow White. Rapunzel. Beauty.
Four "fairy-tale" princesses. All four are more Grimm than Disney, more vinegar than honey, at least as much sinned-against as sinning.
Can these four women break the cycle of abuse and revenge that has cursed their kingdom for more than twenty years, and find their happy endings at last, even if they aren't quite the way they expected them to be?
Four "fairy-tale" princesses. All four are more Grimm than Disney, more vinegar than honey, at least as much sinned-against as sinning.
Can these four women break the cycle of abuse and revenge that has cursed their kingdom for more than twenty years, and find their happy endings at last, even if they aren't quite the way they expected them to be?
June 17, 2024
This book was *Chefs kiss lol,
While there was actually a couple of things I didn’t care for, I can respect and acknowledge that everything came together nicely. I found it predictable and started catching on to what was going to happen as the story progressed rather quickly, but it still didn’t damper my excitement for when it actually happened. I like the open ending and how the author expertly and subtly wove in characters from other fairytales, indicating at other possible stories. For me I could’ve done without the happily ever after seeing as this started off as a “dark” fairy tail retelling, but like I said, it worked. It didn’t feel forced…character development so to say lol.
The romance was a bit much for me this go around. I was able to ignore the budding and sappy romance in the other books, but this one had a bit more seeing as the author was wrapping up everyone’s story and giving them their happily ever after. I also noticed a few editing errors, but nothing glaring. It was important for me to remember this is a young adult novel written and meant for a younger audience. So all around there was a lot of grace. I would love for the author to try her hand at a mature adult fairy tail retelling, minus the romance part. She seems to have a very creative and imaginative mind.
While there was actually a couple of things I didn’t care for, I can respect and acknowledge that everything came together nicely. I found it predictable and started catching on to what was going to happen as the story progressed rather quickly, but it still didn’t damper my excitement for when it actually happened. I like the open ending and how the author expertly and subtly wove in characters from other fairytales, indicating at other possible stories. For me I could’ve done without the happily ever after seeing as this started off as a “dark” fairy tail retelling, but like I said, it worked. It didn’t feel forced…character development so to say lol.
The romance was a bit much for me this go around. I was able to ignore the budding and sappy romance in the other books, but this one had a bit more seeing as the author was wrapping up everyone’s story and giving them their happily ever after. I also noticed a few editing errors, but nothing glaring. It was important for me to remember this is a young adult novel written and meant for a younger audience. So all around there was a lot of grace. I would love for the author to try her hand at a mature adult fairy tail retelling, minus the romance part. She seems to have a very creative and imaginative mind.
April 24, 2025
I liked how this story tied it all together. I liked the multiple character POV and how Beauty was able to be saved in the end. The final chapters were very fast paced and filled with adventure. I couldn’t put it down. Beauty wasn’t my favorite at first reading this series but she learned to be less self in this story line and made her more likable in the end. And I liked how she and Hunter developed feelings for one another.
The overall vibe kinda reminded me of OUAT which I loved. And the creative spin off of the original stories and how the families grew over time was delightful, Eddie definitely felt shady towards the end although I had hoped he would have changed for the better. He was charming and had a way with people. Although he had a sad background too. And Cindy learning to not need the crown but that heaven was found with the people you loved was very sweet.
Wish this series had another spin off series I would definitely read that. With Beauty aka Helena Rose aka Rose being the new Fairy Godmother and Scarlett being the new little red riding hood or a version of Robin Hood. Who knows, so many possibilities.
The overall vibe kinda reminded me of OUAT which I loved. And the creative spin off of the original stories and how the families grew over time was delightful, Eddie definitely felt shady towards the end although I had hoped he would have changed for the better. He was charming and had a way with people. Although he had a sad background too. And Cindy learning to not need the crown but that heaven was found with the people you loved was very sweet.
Wish this series had another spin off series I would definitely read that. With Beauty aka Helena Rose aka Rose being the new Fairy Godmother and Scarlett being the new little red riding hood or a version of Robin Hood. Who knows, so many possibilities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Finally getting this book off my TBR shelf feels so good! I started the series back in 2022 and haven’t touched it since. But not for bad reasons - this series is so good and so well written.
It took me a bit to remember what happened in the first books, but this story does a good job of recapping what had happened. It also fit the storyline because you get Beauty, Snow White, Repunzel, and Cinderella’s point of views. The only hard thing about this book is that it is so dark - the mood, the tone, the attitudes, the perspectives - it’s all dark. Granted, it is a dark fairy tale. It doesn’t lose any stars for it, but it is something to keep in mind. However, this book just blew me away. It became more intriguing as all the stories started to come together. THE LESSONS that this book goes over; the visceral LIFE LESSONS are done so well, whether it’s subtly or on-the-nose in-your-face. I am just so over the moon with how well this book portrayed everything. I am also very happy with the ending. It wasn’t a “happy ending” which would have been off brand, but it was realistic for this world. The author also did an interesting job of incorporating other fairy tales which was quite impressive and made the story interesting.
I would personally recommend this series if you would like to read a dark fairy tale. You could probably read these books alone, but this last one would make more sense and have a bigger impact if you read the first 3.
It took me a bit to remember what happened in the first books, but this story does a good job of recapping what had happened. It also fit the storyline because you get Beauty, Snow White, Repunzel, and Cinderella’s point of views. The only hard thing about this book is that it is so dark - the mood, the tone, the attitudes, the perspectives - it’s all dark. Granted, it is a dark fairy tale. It doesn’t lose any stars for it, but it is something to keep in mind. However, this book just blew me away. It became more intriguing as all the stories started to come together. THE LESSONS that this book goes over; the visceral LIFE LESSONS are done so well, whether it’s subtly or on-the-nose in-your-face. I am just so over the moon with how well this book portrayed everything. I am also very happy with the ending. It wasn’t a “happy ending” which would have been off brand, but it was realistic for this world. The author also did an interesting job of incorporating other fairy tales which was quite impressive and made the story interesting.
I would personally recommend this series if you would like to read a dark fairy tale. You could probably read these books alone, but this last one would make more sense and have a bigger impact if you read the first 3.
September 17, 2024
This series sure is a roller-coaster of things happening and emotions, I really liked all the tie ins to different fairy tales and stories and I was satisfied with the ending in the end enough though, I desperately want more books in the series.
I really liked the characters they were very flawed, but they were loveable in their own ways.
This series captures that fairytales can be quite brutal, but even when things don't go our way, maybe things happen for a reason. I'm glad that the characters got time to change and heal from their past mistakes (minus Nutty & Edgar, they are the worst).
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series, but I got a few late nights binge reading out of it, and I enjoyed it lots. If you love fairytales and dramatic fantasy stories, then I highly recommend this series for you!
I really liked the characters they were very flawed, but they were loveable in their own ways.
This series captures that fairytales can be quite brutal, but even when things don't go our way, maybe things happen for a reason. I'm glad that the characters got time to change and heal from their past mistakes (minus Nutty & Edgar, they are the worst).
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series, but I got a few late nights binge reading out of it, and I enjoyed it lots. If you love fairytales and dramatic fantasy stories, then I highly recommend this series for you!
April 2, 2023
This was, hands down, the *BEST* book in the series. You do need to read books 1-3 or a lot of this won't make sense, and while they aren't as good, it's totally worth it to get to this one! If I could rate this higher than five stars, I would. There's so much I want to say, but I don't want to give any spoilers, so let's see if I can condense this down. It's a brilliant new twist on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, with characters we've come to know from previous books back in the mix. I loved how everything played out, and thought Valle really outdid herself in finishing off this series. This book makes me want to check out her other series!
September 2, 2025
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its use of multiple perspectives. I especially appreciated Snow White’s point of view, which felt well-developed and engaging, and I also found Cinderella’s sections enjoyable. However, Beauty’s perspective was less effective for me. Her characterization often came across as selfish and overly childish, which made it difficult to connect with her narrative. While there was some growth by the end, the journey to that point felt underwhelming compared to the depth offered by the other characters.
January 20, 2024
This book is creative but very repetitive. Beauty’s storyline was very stale and predictable. As was Edgar’s. The fact that Godnutter never explained herself or her curses and actions seems dumb considering this book was 400 pages. If white magic fixes everything why is everyone so scared to use it or refusing to make more (snowy). The nicknames are obnoxious, as are the men with their ever changing affections. The men just switch women in this series like a gossip girl episode.
November 5, 2025
Wow! I rarely ever give out a five star review but this was just such a wonderful read. Riveting, exciting, and interesting retelling of the classic fairy tales! All whom are morally grey characters, with love triangles, hate, deception, despair, revenge and salvation. Has triggers of suicidal tendencies, abuse, extreme violence and depression.
I absolutely loved the way Anita Valle has interwoven all of the characters bringing them together in this series. Looking forward to the next set!
I absolutely loved the way Anita Valle has interwoven all of the characters bringing them together in this series. Looking forward to the next set!
October 2, 2022
Outstanding
I am amazed at how she is able to intertwine so many fairy tales and make them all mesh together to create an incredible story that has you turning pages as fast as you possibly can. The series was amazing. Each book can be read as a standalone but it was awesome reading it from book 1 through 4
I am amazed at how she is able to intertwine so many fairy tales and make them all mesh together to create an incredible story that has you turning pages as fast as you possibly can. The series was amazing. Each book can be read as a standalone but it was awesome reading it from book 1 through 4
October 14, 2022
I read this book on its own without reading any of the others. I get that this was more of a way to wrap up all the stories, but I was less interested in the other characters and was more focused on Beauty - who this book was about. Needless to say, keep to mainly Beauty's sections and it all makes sense on its own anyway.
November 25, 2023
This book was easily the best book in the entire series. The story was wrapped up very well and was entertaining even though it's a bit predictable. Yes, you do have to read the full series to fully appreciate this book, but the ending was worth it.
June 9, 2024
Buena idea
Me gustó la originalidad del retelling pero no llegué a conectar con los personajes. Me pareció que faltó algo de profundidad sobre todo en la relación entre Snow White y Hansel.
Me gustó la originalidad del retelling pero no llegué a conectar con los personajes. Me pareció que faltó algo de profundidad sobre todo en la relación entre Snow White y Hansel.
September 22, 2024
twisted but tied fairy tales
Not much I can say without hiving everything away, but I love, love LOVE this series! Fantastic storytelling, using so many characters from loved fairy tales, but with a tweak of differences. And yes, I’m sure they all lived happily ever after.
Not much I can say without hiving everything away, but I love, love LOVE this series! Fantastic storytelling, using so many characters from loved fairy tales, but with a tweak of differences. And yes, I’m sure they all lived happily ever after.
August 4, 2021
great story! love the writing style too.
August 20, 2021
The wait was worth it!!
The twist of this series is fantastic!! The ending of this book was really worth the wait! Happy tears! Great writing!
The twist of this series is fantastic!! The ending of this book was really worth the wait! Happy tears! Great writing!
June 15, 2022
the perfect ending to this exciting series. a roller coaster of thrilling surprises and twisted fairy tales.
I would say you MUST READ THEM!
I would say you MUST READ THEM!
February 8, 2023
Started so promisingly but became laboriously and unnecessarily long.
December 16, 2023
twists
Such a unique twist to traditional fairy tales. The blending of stories we know intertwined with all characters into a new story line is fantastic!
Such a unique twist to traditional fairy tales. The blending of stories we know intertwined with all characters into a new story line is fantastic!
April 9, 2024
It was too drawn out
May 6, 2024
The story idea is interested but it feels like it was written by a child. The characters remind me of caillou very whiny
February 3, 2022
*Sigh* I liked to see what happened with the rest of the story, but the insta love is a no no for me.
March 3, 2024
I really appreciated this book and how all of the characters met fates that were appropriate for their growth in the series. And I love the newest Fairy Godmother.
October 22, 2025
TBA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews