What do you think?
Rate this book
City of Villains #2
Disney – City of Villains 2: Dunkle Gefahren
In dieser Fortsetzung von "City of Villains" versucht die Teenager-Detektivin Mary Elizabeth weiterhin, eine dunkle Verschwörung aufzudecken, die ihre beste Freundin und ihren Freund in schurkische Monster verwandelt hat. Mary gräbt tiefer in der dunklen Schattenseite von Monarch City und in der Geschichte der Magie und deckt eine Verschwörungstheorie auf, die weiter reicht, als sie es sich je hätte vorstellen können. Doch eine durch Politik und Ideologien gespaltene Stadt, eine neue Liebe und ihre eigenen inneren Dämonen könnten ihr im Weg stehen …
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
16 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
About the author
Walt Disney Company
38.3k books2,878 followersNote: The decision was made to consolidate all Disney publications under the name Walt Disney Company. This profile is for Walt Disney, the characters he created, and the company he founded. Any questions, please ask in the Librarian's Group.
Walter Elias “Walt” Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. As the co-founder (with his brother Roy O. Disney) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company, today has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion.
Disney is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design. He and his staff created some of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice. He has been awarded four honorary Academy Awards and has won twenty-two competitive Academy Awards out of fifty-nine nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He also won seven Emmy Awards. He is the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Hong Kong.
Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) (commonly referred to as Disney) is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company was reincorporated as Walt Disney Productions in 1929. Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, The Walt Disney Company expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon theatre, radio, publishing, and online media. In addition, it has created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands.
The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 11 theme parks around the world. On January 23, 2006, it was announced that Disney would purchase Pixar in an all-stock transaction worth $7.4 billion. The deal was finalized on May 5. On December 31, 2009, Disney Company acquired the Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for $4.24 billion. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company.
--from Wikipedia
Walter Elias “Walt” Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. As the co-founder (with his brother Roy O. Disney) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company, today has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion.
Disney is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design. He and his staff created some of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice. He has been awarded four honorary Academy Awards and has won twenty-two competitive Academy Awards out of fifty-nine nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He also won seven Emmy Awards. He is the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Hong Kong.
Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) (commonly referred to as Disney) is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company was reincorporated as Walt Disney Productions in 1929. Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, The Walt Disney Company expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon theatre, radio, publishing, and online media. In addition, it has created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands.
The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 11 theme parks around the world. On January 23, 2006, it was announced that Disney would purchase Pixar in an all-stock transaction worth $7.4 billion. The deal was finalized on May 5. On December 31, 2009, Disney Company acquired the Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for $4.24 billion. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company.
--from Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 11, 2022
* You need to read the previous book to understand the story that unfolds in this book.
After the battle of Miracle Lake, in which her friends turned into villains and vanished, Mary Heart's life has been turned upside down so much she can't even go to school anymore. But she decided to stay and find out the truth for her friends and that is what she will do. Because corruption is still running rampant and the legacy people from the Scar will the the ultimate victims in this. And when messages from the Red Queen keep popping up all over town, Mary knows she might be a big part of the solution.
I wonder why I keep doing these things to myself. I didn't like the first book, but when the second book popped up on my Amazon recommendations list and I saw the cover, of course I bought it ( insert clown face here). Yes, the cover is gorgeous and dark, but in the end it has very little to do with the story in the book. Because the story is 95% a filler, probably for the next book and this book doesn't even has the advantage of a great battle scene. It was disappointing again, I can feel the potential just beneath the surface, but it never amounts to anything and therefore it is just a bland and boring mess. If you see a review pop up from me for the next book, please tell me I am the biggest clown of this circus....
After the battle of Miracle Lake, in which her friends turned into villains and vanished, Mary Heart's life has been turned upside down so much she can't even go to school anymore. But she decided to stay and find out the truth for her friends and that is what she will do. Because corruption is still running rampant and the legacy people from the Scar will the the ultimate victims in this. And when messages from the Red Queen keep popping up all over town, Mary knows she might be a big part of the solution.
I wonder why I keep doing these things to myself. I didn't like the first book, but when the second book popped up on my Amazon recommendations list and I saw the cover, of course I bought it ( insert clown face here). Yes, the cover is gorgeous and dark, but in the end it has very little to do with the story in the book. Because the story is 95% a filler, probably for the next book and this book doesn't even has the advantage of a great battle scene. It was disappointing again, I can feel the potential just beneath the surface, but it never amounts to anything and therefore it is just a bland and boring mess. If you see a review pop up from me for the next book, please tell me I am the biggest clown of this circus....
June 22, 2022
I read the first book when it was released and it's been a while. I have to admit that looking back on it, the book didn't leave that much of an impression, but Laure was very helpful and added a lot of reminders helping me to regain all my memories of the first book. And I needed them. Especially because a lot happened in the finale of the first book and the details were all of a sudden getting important in the investigation and chase.
I don't know if it's simply because this wasn't the right moment to read this book or because I was tired and had some issues concentrating, but I had a hard time really enjoying this book. And although I'm absolutely willing to put the blame on me, there is a part of me thinking that the book is to blame too. Mostly because the book seems to suffer from the famous middle book syndrome: Not that much is happening, apart from getting our character from the end of the first book to start of the third.
Our heroine needs this book to learn everything there is to learn and to eventually make the right decision. Or the wrong one, depending on how you look at things. I have to admit that the amount of information, and especially the fact that loads of stories contradict each other a little, is quite overwhelming at times and it doesn't help to really get into the story. There was not much action and yet there was still a little too much going on.
Just like I really missed the characters we've grown to love so much in the first book. Don't get me wrong, our heroine and her partner in crime are amazing people to read about, but I did miss James, I did miss linking all those storylines to the villains we eventually get to know, I did miss the Disneyvillain vibe. The finale of the book, which wasn't that action packed either, promises a lot of that in the next book though, so I'm excited!
I don't know if it's simply because this wasn't the right moment to read this book or because I was tired and had some issues concentrating, but I had a hard time really enjoying this book. And although I'm absolutely willing to put the blame on me, there is a part of me thinking that the book is to blame too. Mostly because the book seems to suffer from the famous middle book syndrome: Not that much is happening, apart from getting our character from the end of the first book to start of the third.
Our heroine needs this book to learn everything there is to learn and to eventually make the right decision. Or the wrong one, depending on how you look at things. I have to admit that the amount of information, and especially the fact that loads of stories contradict each other a little, is quite overwhelming at times and it doesn't help to really get into the story. There was not much action and yet there was still a little too much going on.
Just like I really missed the characters we've grown to love so much in the first book. Don't get me wrong, our heroine and her partner in crime are amazing people to read about, but I did miss James, I did miss linking all those storylines to the villains we eventually get to know, I did miss the Disneyvillain vibe. The finale of the book, which wasn't that action packed either, promises a lot of that in the next book though, so I'm excited!
September 3, 2022
Booon... ben j’ai pas beaucoup plus accroché qu’au 1er tome 🙊 et je suis la première déçue parce que le concept est hyper intéressant et pourrait être génial, mais il y a un truc dans le traitement et dans le style qui me gêne et me freine... bref dommage, c’est pas une saga comme moi oooopsie
May 28, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the City of Villains trilogy. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE THIRD ONE. We pick up right where we left off after the battle and disappearance of James, Mally, and Ursula. Mary Elizabeth tries to figure out where they are and what is going on. Who can she trust? Who is the Red Queen that seems to be sending personal messages her way? My only wish for the series, is for a map of the city. Please please please Disney, turn this into a movie series.
This is the second book in the City of Villains trilogy. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE THIRD ONE. We pick up right where we left off after the battle and disappearance of James, Mally, and Ursula. Mary Elizabeth tries to figure out where they are and what is going on. Who can she trust? Who is the Red Queen that seems to be sending personal messages her way? My only wish for the series, is for a map of the city. Please please please Disney, turn this into a movie series.
September 9, 2022
OMG what a fantastic sequel to this series I loved how we have been able to pick up from where book 1 finished. I loved the plot and the new characters they were absolutely fantastic.
If you have read the first book I highly encourage you to get the second book because Estelle Laure is an absolute genius. There will be a book 3 out soon so I can't wait to get that.
If you have read the first book I highly encourage you to get the second book because Estelle Laure is an absolute genius. There will be a book 3 out soon so I can't wait to get that.
January 13, 2025
Die Autorin hat den Übergang (falls Band eins für einen länger zurückliegt) geschickt gelöst: Sie hat zahlreiche Erinnerungsstützen eingebaut, die den Leser sanft zurück in die Geschichte führen. Ich schätze das sehr, denn es hat mir wirklich geholfen, wieder in die Handlung hineinzufinden. Ohne diese Hinweise hätte ich vermutlich viele entscheidende Verknüpfungen und Zusammenhänge verpasst. Besonders die Ereignisse aus dem dramatischen Finale des ersten Bandes, die nun plötzlich für die Ermittlungen und die Verfolgungsjagd in diesem zweiten Teil von zentraler Bedeutung sind, hätte ich ohne diese Auffrischung nicht mehr auf dem Schirm gehabt.
Trotzdem habe ich mich beim Lesen dieses Buches schwergetan. Vielleicht war es einfach nicht der richtige Zeitpunkt für mich, um mich in die Geschichte zu vertiefen. Leider leidet die Geschichte unter dem bekannten „Mittelband-Syndrom“, das in vielen Trilogien auftritt: Der zweite Band dient hauptsächlich dazu, die Figuren von Punkt A – dem Ende des ersten Buches – zu Punkt B – dem Beginn des dritten Buches – zu bringen. Dadurch fehlt dem Buch eine eigenständige Identität, und es fühlt sich stellenweise wie eine bloße Brücke an, die die Geschichte zusammenhält, ohne selbst wirklich zu glänzen.
Unsere Heldin steht im Zentrum dieses Bandes, und ihre Entwicklung ist zweifellos wichtig für die Gesamthandlung. Sie muss viel lernen, sich schwierigen Entscheidungen stellen und sich auf das vorbereiten, was im nächsten Buch auf sie wartet. Diese Entwicklung ist nachvollziehbar und notwendig, doch sie wird von einer Flut an Informationen begleitet, die mich oft überwältigt hat. Hinzu kommt, dass viele der Erzählungen und Hinweise sich widersprechen oder zumindest nicht vollständig miteinander übereinstimmen. Das hat es mir erschwert, den Überblick zu behalten und mich emotional in die Geschichte einzufühlen. Das Buch fühlt sich dadurch einerseits etwas träge an, da nicht viel Action passiert, und ist gleichzeitig so vollgepackt mit Details, dass ich manchmal das Gefühl hatte, den Faden zu verlieren.
Besonders enttäuschend fand ich, dass einige der Figuren, die ich im ersten Band so liebgewonnen habe, kaum noch eine Rolle spielen. Natürlich ist unsere Heldin weiterhin eine faszinierende Protagonistin, und auch ihr Partner in Crime ist eine spannende Ergänzung der Handlung. Doch ich habe James schmerzlich vermisst. Seine Abwesenheit hinterlässt eine Lücke, ebenso wie die vielschichtigen Verknüpfungen zu den Bösewichten, die wir im ersten Band so intensiv kennengelernt haben. Diese Antagonisten, die mit ihrem Charisma und ihrer unterschwelligen Bedrohlichkeit eine Art „Disney-Bösewicht-Feeling“ erzeugt haben, waren eines der Highlights des ersten Buches. Dieses Gefühl fehlte mir hier völlig.
Das Finale des Buches hat jedoch einen kleinen Hoffnungsschimmer geboten. Obwohl es nicht besonders actionreich war, hat es einige vielversprechende Entwicklungen angedeutet. Es scheint, als würde der nächste Band wieder mehr von den Elementen aufgreifen, die ich im ersten Buch so geliebt habe: spannende Konflikte, charismatische Bösewichte und eine Handlung, die vor Energie sprüht. Genau darauf freue ich mich jetzt – auf ein Finale, das all das wieder zurückbringt, was mich am Anfang so begeistert hat.
Was ich abschließend sagen kann, ist Folgendes: Dieses Buch hat für mich nicht vollständig funktioniert, weder als eigenständiger Band noch als Teil der Trilogie. Es war nicht schlecht – die Sprache ist wie immer angenehm zu lesen, und die Grundidee bleibt faszinierend –, aber es hat mich einfach nicht so gepackt, wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte. Trotzdem bin ich optimistisch, dass der dritte Band das Potenzial hat, alles wieder auszugleichen. Schließlich hat Laure im ersten Buch bewiesen, dass sie fesselnde Geschichten schreiben kann. Ich hoffe also, dass sie im letzten Band noch einmal alles auspackt und die Serie zu einem großartigen Abschluss bringt. Bis dahin bleibt dieser zweite Band für mich eher ein notwendiger Übergang als ein wirkliches Highlight.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Trilogie leidet stark unter dem „Mittelband-Syndrom“: Er dient hauptsächlich als Übergang zwischen dem starken Auftakt und dem hoffnungsvollen Finale, ohne selbst wirklich zu glänzen. Die Handlung ist oft überladen mit Informationen, die sich teilweise widersprechen, während zugleich spürbar die Dynamik und das Disney-Bösewicht-Feeling des ersten Teils fehlen. Zwar punktet die Geschichte mit der Entwicklung der Heldin und einigen vielversprechenden Ansätzen im Finale, doch insgesamt bleibt der Band eher träge und weniger fesselnd. Ich hoffe, dass der dritte Band die Serie mit Spannung und Charme zu einem starken Abschluss bringt.
3 von 5 Sternen!
Trotzdem habe ich mich beim Lesen dieses Buches schwergetan. Vielleicht war es einfach nicht der richtige Zeitpunkt für mich, um mich in die Geschichte zu vertiefen. Leider leidet die Geschichte unter dem bekannten „Mittelband-Syndrom“, das in vielen Trilogien auftritt: Der zweite Band dient hauptsächlich dazu, die Figuren von Punkt A – dem Ende des ersten Buches – zu Punkt B – dem Beginn des dritten Buches – zu bringen. Dadurch fehlt dem Buch eine eigenständige Identität, und es fühlt sich stellenweise wie eine bloße Brücke an, die die Geschichte zusammenhält, ohne selbst wirklich zu glänzen.
Unsere Heldin steht im Zentrum dieses Bandes, und ihre Entwicklung ist zweifellos wichtig für die Gesamthandlung. Sie muss viel lernen, sich schwierigen Entscheidungen stellen und sich auf das vorbereiten, was im nächsten Buch auf sie wartet. Diese Entwicklung ist nachvollziehbar und notwendig, doch sie wird von einer Flut an Informationen begleitet, die mich oft überwältigt hat. Hinzu kommt, dass viele der Erzählungen und Hinweise sich widersprechen oder zumindest nicht vollständig miteinander übereinstimmen. Das hat es mir erschwert, den Überblick zu behalten und mich emotional in die Geschichte einzufühlen. Das Buch fühlt sich dadurch einerseits etwas träge an, da nicht viel Action passiert, und ist gleichzeitig so vollgepackt mit Details, dass ich manchmal das Gefühl hatte, den Faden zu verlieren.
Besonders enttäuschend fand ich, dass einige der Figuren, die ich im ersten Band so liebgewonnen habe, kaum noch eine Rolle spielen. Natürlich ist unsere Heldin weiterhin eine faszinierende Protagonistin, und auch ihr Partner in Crime ist eine spannende Ergänzung der Handlung. Doch ich habe James schmerzlich vermisst. Seine Abwesenheit hinterlässt eine Lücke, ebenso wie die vielschichtigen Verknüpfungen zu den Bösewichten, die wir im ersten Band so intensiv kennengelernt haben. Diese Antagonisten, die mit ihrem Charisma und ihrer unterschwelligen Bedrohlichkeit eine Art „Disney-Bösewicht-Feeling“ erzeugt haben, waren eines der Highlights des ersten Buches. Dieses Gefühl fehlte mir hier völlig.
Das Finale des Buches hat jedoch einen kleinen Hoffnungsschimmer geboten. Obwohl es nicht besonders actionreich war, hat es einige vielversprechende Entwicklungen angedeutet. Es scheint, als würde der nächste Band wieder mehr von den Elementen aufgreifen, die ich im ersten Buch so geliebt habe: spannende Konflikte, charismatische Bösewichte und eine Handlung, die vor Energie sprüht. Genau darauf freue ich mich jetzt – auf ein Finale, das all das wieder zurückbringt, was mich am Anfang so begeistert hat.
Was ich abschließend sagen kann, ist Folgendes: Dieses Buch hat für mich nicht vollständig funktioniert, weder als eigenständiger Band noch als Teil der Trilogie. Es war nicht schlecht – die Sprache ist wie immer angenehm zu lesen, und die Grundidee bleibt faszinierend –, aber es hat mich einfach nicht so gepackt, wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte. Trotzdem bin ich optimistisch, dass der dritte Band das Potenzial hat, alles wieder auszugleichen. Schließlich hat Laure im ersten Buch bewiesen, dass sie fesselnde Geschichten schreiben kann. Ich hoffe also, dass sie im letzten Band noch einmal alles auspackt und die Serie zu einem großartigen Abschluss bringt. Bis dahin bleibt dieser zweite Band für mich eher ein notwendiger Übergang als ein wirkliches Highlight.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Trilogie leidet stark unter dem „Mittelband-Syndrom“: Er dient hauptsächlich als Übergang zwischen dem starken Auftakt und dem hoffnungsvollen Finale, ohne selbst wirklich zu glänzen. Die Handlung ist oft überladen mit Informationen, die sich teilweise widersprechen, während zugleich spürbar die Dynamik und das Disney-Bösewicht-Feeling des ersten Teils fehlen. Zwar punktet die Geschichte mit der Entwicklung der Heldin und einigen vielversprechenden Ansätzen im Finale, doch insgesamt bleibt der Band eher träge und weniger fesselnd. Ich hoffe, dass der dritte Band die Serie mit Spannung und Charme zu einem starken Abschluss bringt.
3 von 5 Sternen!
March 18, 2022
Villains on the loose, a mystery at hand, and one girl who will have to embrace her inner legacy. The story picks up where the first one left off with Mary’s friends and boyfriend all becoming their true villain selves and disappearing, leaving her trying to find them again. It doesn’t help that there’s a voice inside her head now telling her to chop people’s heads off... (aka the Red Queen). Now she’ll have to team up with Belle and Jasmine to uncover the conspiracy and try and find her friends and boyfriend again. She’ll have to face magic and dig deep deep into the dark underbelly of Monarch City to discover what is really going on. Can she save her friends or will she succumb to her inner villain? The story definitely felt like I was reading a Descendant’s novel. It definitely is a middle grade story. The story ends off on a cliffhanger and I am curious to see where the next book goes.
*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
May 17, 2023
Good read. Like the story from a different point of view.
June 16, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Dark Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
City of Hooks and Scars is the second installment in author Estelle Laure's City of Villains series. This dark and edgy YA series explores the reimagined origins of Maleficent, Ursula, Captain Hook, and other infamous Disney Villains like you’ve never seen before. In this sequel to City of Villains, teen detective Mary Elizabeth Heart continues to unravel a dark conspiracy that has turned her best friend and boyfriend into villainous monsters—all while battling her own inner demons.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Dark Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
City of Hooks and Scars is the second installment in author Estelle Laure's City of Villains series. This dark and edgy YA series explores the reimagined origins of Maleficent, Ursula, Captain Hook, and other infamous Disney Villains like you’ve never seen before. In this sequel to City of Villains, teen detective Mary Elizabeth Heart continues to unravel a dark conspiracy that has turned her best friend and boyfriend into villainous monsters—all while battling her own inner demons.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 10, 2022
A much improvement on the first novel, but I feel like that's because all of the background and exposition and world building had already been established, so the story was better allowed to breathe and progress. The pacing was much better snd I thought the smaller cast (with James, Mallie, and Ursula not being big players) was nicer. Interesting to see how everything will eventually conclude in the final installment considering how this one ended.
June 20, 2023
I will be honest here, I did not have high expectations for this book at all. After reading the first one, I felt like I had to finish this one just to see where the direction was even going. And, at first, I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed as if the author had received constructive criticism and bettered themselves as an author. However, it quickly spiraled into its original chaos and overall bad writing. The ending is just the villain crew chanting “Legacy loyalty” over and over in all caps. It made the entire moment cringe-worthy and felt way too silly for a bunch of wanted criminals. Not to mention, the story goes on and on about Mary’s investigation with Bella to expose the chief and her shady dealings. And at the end, it completely flips what it was trying to say by having Mary switch sides to the villains, work for the chief again, and see Bella as a threat. Sure, there was a build up to this, but it made the entirety of the book feel like a waste. Two books in, and it feels like nothing has been accomplished except for running in complete circles. I just can’t justify reading the third anymore, even ironically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
Maybe even 2.5 stars? This series has so much potential and I really enjoyed the first book, but this second one in the series fell flat for me. I felt it was overly complicated and I felt like I missed out on information I was supposed to know that I didn't remember reading in book one. Nothing really happened, it seemed to be like filler before the next book, which I assume will have all the action. It's quite dark, which is part of the appeal of the series, but unfortunately it didn't engage me as much as the previous one which was a really good riff on a gritty noir mystery. I should love this series as it is Disney villains retold, and while I know I'm not the target audience, there is real appeal for that in a book series! I am hoping that the third book is back to the good story, good characters and engaging ride that the first book was. Mary Elizabeth is a great character, and I love the references to Disney, fairytales and noir crime thrillers, but I was disappointed by this one.
August 1, 2022
So this book takes place right where the last one left off- Mary choosing not to go with her friends. She’s now hearing a voice and seeing things in her mind. We finally get to learn who Mary is & more about Chief Ito.
I thought this book was better paced than the first one, although I don’t think these books should’ve been broken apart. They would read better as 1 book. I feel that this second installment wasn’t a complete story. It was just a middle-ground of information to tie the series together.
Will Mary join her friends on the villainous side or will she choose the side of goodness? I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book to hopefully get the ending.
I thought this book was better paced than the first one, although I don’t think these books should’ve been broken apart. They would read better as 1 book. I feel that this second installment wasn’t a complete story. It was just a middle-ground of information to tie the series together.
Will Mary join her friends on the villainous side or will she choose the side of goodness? I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book to hopefully get the ending.
July 27, 2022
I was a huge fan of the first book "City of Villain's" by Estelle Laure however, "City of Hooks and Scars" did not intrigue me at all. I struggled daily trying to get through this book because I felt like there was no character development once so ever and I lost the villain's aspect of the book itself. I was very excited for this book but now I can honestly say, I would not recommend it.
June 12, 2022
I expected more from this book. This book takes place a week after the first one ends and lasts barely another week. Nothing happens. Mary sets out to find her friends and it’s very predictable to guess the ending, even the “plot twist” was not shocking.
July 3, 2023
City of Hooks and Scars is book two in the City of Villains series: a fairytale-inspired crime trilogy by author Estelle Laure. Book one, simply titled City of Villains, ended with a great battle at Miracle Lake which left tenacious protagonist Mary Elizabeth without her best friend, Ursula, her boyfriend James, and mean girl school acquaintance, Maleficient. Now Mary Elizabeth is determined to find them…
Book Two follows immediately on from the events of the first book. Mary Elizabeth continues to unravel a dark conspiracy that has turned Ursula, James and Maleficent into villainous monsters and sent them into hiding where it is feared that they are plotting their revenge. Mary Elizabeth is determined to find them and bring the truth to light, digging deeper into the dark underbelly of Monarch City and the history of magic. As a result of her detective work, she uncovers a conspiracy theory that reaches farther than she could have imagined. But a city divided by politics and ideologies and her own inner demons might just stand in her way.
I have loved the cover art of this book series since the release of the first book and the second book cover does not disappoint either. It is an enticing visual introduction to a unique Disney mystery which sheds an entirely new light on Disney’s villains.
This second novel in the series builds on the history of conflict between Monarch City’s different factions, especially Legacy (descended from magic) and the Narrows (described as “Uptowners with no magic and a chip on their shoulder”). Mary Elizabeth returns to the key landmarks first introduced in book one, including Wonderland, in an attempt to uncover where James, Ursula and Mally have disappeared to, as well as what might befall the city next. Although Mary Elizabeth is no longer pursuing detective work with the City’s police force, she is still very much a detective on a mission all her own in City of Hooks and Scars.
Two key developments drive this story and distinguish it from Book One. First, Mary Elizabeth learns more about a mysterious voice that plagues her and which ultimately reveals a darker side to herself. Second, the story’s events uncover a more complex gray area between good and evil and compel Mary Elizabeth to make some difficult choices. The cliffhanger at the end of Book Two is excellent and will leave readers longing for what comes next. I expect that Book Three will bring with it a battle bigger than that at Miracle Lake.
For readers interested in this series, I strongly recommend starting with book one, City of Villains. The broader context of the story – beyond just Mary Elizabeth’s story – is critical to understanding the motivations of various characters and how and why some of those motivations shift throughout. It is a thrilling mystery series that blurs the lines between good and evil, black and white, and will make readers question everything.
Book Two follows immediately on from the events of the first book. Mary Elizabeth continues to unravel a dark conspiracy that has turned Ursula, James and Maleficent into villainous monsters and sent them into hiding where it is feared that they are plotting their revenge. Mary Elizabeth is determined to find them and bring the truth to light, digging deeper into the dark underbelly of Monarch City and the history of magic. As a result of her detective work, she uncovers a conspiracy theory that reaches farther than she could have imagined. But a city divided by politics and ideologies and her own inner demons might just stand in her way.
I have loved the cover art of this book series since the release of the first book and the second book cover does not disappoint either. It is an enticing visual introduction to a unique Disney mystery which sheds an entirely new light on Disney’s villains.
This second novel in the series builds on the history of conflict between Monarch City’s different factions, especially Legacy (descended from magic) and the Narrows (described as “Uptowners with no magic and a chip on their shoulder”). Mary Elizabeth returns to the key landmarks first introduced in book one, including Wonderland, in an attempt to uncover where James, Ursula and Mally have disappeared to, as well as what might befall the city next. Although Mary Elizabeth is no longer pursuing detective work with the City’s police force, she is still very much a detective on a mission all her own in City of Hooks and Scars.
Two key developments drive this story and distinguish it from Book One. First, Mary Elizabeth learns more about a mysterious voice that plagues her and which ultimately reveals a darker side to herself. Second, the story’s events uncover a more complex gray area between good and evil and compel Mary Elizabeth to make some difficult choices. The cliffhanger at the end of Book Two is excellent and will leave readers longing for what comes next. I expect that Book Three will bring with it a battle bigger than that at Miracle Lake.
For readers interested in this series, I strongly recommend starting with book one, City of Villains. The broader context of the story – beyond just Mary Elizabeth’s story – is critical to understanding the motivations of various characters and how and why some of those motivations shift throughout. It is a thrilling mystery series that blurs the lines between good and evil, black and white, and will make readers question everything.
April 21, 2025
Mood: 🙂😯🪞❤️😈
After the Battle at Miracle Lake, James, Mallie, and Ursula asked Mary to join them, but Mary’s obligations to her aunt and people made her refuse their offer. Now, as the truth of what happened and the role her friends played are being twisted for political power, Mary is regretting her choice. She’s lost her internship, been kicked out of school, and is hearing a voice that is encouraging her worst instincts. With nothing else to do, Mary begins to search for her friends, recruiting the help of Bella, her former partner, and Jasmine, a reporter stuck in the obits and desperate for a story. But as they untangle the web surrounding Miracle Lake, Mary begins to realize that this world is no longer meant for Legacies, and that if she wants to change things, she’ll have to work outside the law.
This book didn’t capture me like the first book did, and I think it’s because you didn’t get to see Mary with her friends until the very end. She spends the majority of the book lost, trying to figure out what to do with herself now that all of her friends are gone. I liked the emersion of the Red Queen, though I’m a little confused about her title. Mary’s inner voice keeps saying “Off with their heads”, which is an obvious call to the Queen of Hearts, and the Red Queen is an entirely different character in Wonderland, but all of the tags are crowns, not hearts, so I don’t know which Mary is supposed to be. Belle and Jasmine working together was fun, as was Aladdin’s cameo as “Al.” Their discovery about magic and Miracle Lake promises some very exciting things for book 3, but it made all of book 2 feel like filler. Still, it held my attention and was a quick, fun read. I’m quite looking forward to book 3 coming later this year!
After the Battle at Miracle Lake, James, Mallie, and Ursula asked Mary to join them, but Mary’s obligations to her aunt and people made her refuse their offer. Now, as the truth of what happened and the role her friends played are being twisted for political power, Mary is regretting her choice. She’s lost her internship, been kicked out of school, and is hearing a voice that is encouraging her worst instincts. With nothing else to do, Mary begins to search for her friends, recruiting the help of Bella, her former partner, and Jasmine, a reporter stuck in the obits and desperate for a story. But as they untangle the web surrounding Miracle Lake, Mary begins to realize that this world is no longer meant for Legacies, and that if she wants to change things, she’ll have to work outside the law.
This book didn’t capture me like the first book did, and I think it’s because you didn’t get to see Mary with her friends until the very end. She spends the majority of the book lost, trying to figure out what to do with herself now that all of her friends are gone. I liked the emersion of the Red Queen, though I’m a little confused about her title. Mary’s inner voice keeps saying “Off with their heads”, which is an obvious call to the Queen of Hearts, and the Red Queen is an entirely different character in Wonderland, but all of the tags are crowns, not hearts, so I don’t know which Mary is supposed to be. Belle and Jasmine working together was fun, as was Aladdin’s cameo as “Al.” Their discovery about magic and Miracle Lake promises some very exciting things for book 3, but it made all of book 2 feel like filler. Still, it held my attention and was a quick, fun read. I’m quite looking forward to book 3 coming later this year!
May 2, 2022
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
In City of Hooks and Scars, readers are transported back to the Scar and one of its inhabitants Mary Elizabeth Heart. She is reeling from the huge battle at the end of City of Villains where she lost her best friend Ursula and boyfriend James who are now missing from their tight knot community. Mary knows something is foul in the City, and begins her investigation into finding out where her friends are by teaming up with a journalist named Jasmine and her old partner Bella.
City of Hooks and Scars doesn’t have the explosive action of City of Villains, but this isn’t a bad thing. The majority of the book focuses on Mary’s investigation plus how she deals with her trauma and PTSD from having to cut off James’ hand to free him from the cruel lab. Mary isn’t a stranger to loss and with the introduction of magic back into the Scar, she knows that she has to peel back the layers of the conspiracy.
Author Estelle Laure masterfully builds the suspense between Mary and the evil voice in her head that encourages her to be villainous. At first, it’s easy to chalk up Mary’s paranoia at being watched to the after effects of the villains battle. Then, the reader realizes that Mary just hasn’t gotten a full view of just how powerful she is, not only as Mary Heart but as the Queen of Hearts.
Rating 4/5 stars
In City of Hooks and Scars, readers are transported back to the Scar and one of its inhabitants Mary Elizabeth Heart. She is reeling from the huge battle at the end of City of Villains where she lost her best friend Ursula and boyfriend James who are now missing from their tight knot community. Mary knows something is foul in the City, and begins her investigation into finding out where her friends are by teaming up with a journalist named Jasmine and her old partner Bella.
City of Hooks and Scars doesn’t have the explosive action of City of Villains, but this isn’t a bad thing. The majority of the book focuses on Mary’s investigation plus how she deals with her trauma and PTSD from having to cut off James’ hand to free him from the cruel lab. Mary isn’t a stranger to loss and with the introduction of magic back into the Scar, she knows that she has to peel back the layers of the conspiracy.
Author Estelle Laure masterfully builds the suspense between Mary and the evil voice in her head that encourages her to be villainous. At first, it’s easy to chalk up Mary’s paranoia at being watched to the after effects of the villains battle. Then, the reader realizes that Mary just hasn’t gotten a full view of just how powerful she is, not only as Mary Heart but as the Queen of Hearts.
Rating 4/5 stars
October 12, 2022
Seit ich den ersten Band um Mary gelesen habe, konnte ich die Fortsetzung kaum abwarten. Weiter geht um die dunklen Machenschaften, die in der Stadt herrschen und durch die ihre beste Freundin und ihren Freund in Monster verwandelt haben..
Mary ist wieder eine Protagonistin, die sich weiterentwickelt hat und schon wird sie wieder vor neue Herausforderungen gestellt. Schon im Buch 1 habe ich sie in mein Herz geschlossen und ich habe so mit ihr mitgefiebert.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder angenehm flüssig und man kann so wieder mehr und mehr in die Geschichte rund um die Dinge in der Stadt eintauchen. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Die Nebenfiguren und natürlich alles rund um Disney hat mich wieder völlig fasziniert.
Die Geschichte geht weiter mit Mary und sie muss weiterhin eine dunkle Verschwörung aufdecken, um ihre beste Freundin und ihren Freund zu retten, die zu Monstern geworden sind. Sie gerät immer tiefer in eine Theorie, die alles auf den Kopf stellt, als man ahnt. Welche Dinge entdeckt sie noch in Monarch City und vor allem die Geschichte der Magie spielt eine Rolle. Nicht alles, was die Politik gemacht hat, in der Stadt war positiv und hat einiges gespalten zwischen den Menschen. Wird es Mary gelingen etwas aufzudecken oder kommt alles ganz anders ?
FAZIT :
Ein aufregendes Wiedersehen mit diesem 2. Band, der wieder so viel bereitgehalten hat.
Mary ist wieder eine Protagonistin, die sich weiterentwickelt hat und schon wird sie wieder vor neue Herausforderungen gestellt. Schon im Buch 1 habe ich sie in mein Herz geschlossen und ich habe so mit ihr mitgefiebert.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder angenehm flüssig und man kann so wieder mehr und mehr in die Geschichte rund um die Dinge in der Stadt eintauchen. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Die Nebenfiguren und natürlich alles rund um Disney hat mich wieder völlig fasziniert.
Die Geschichte geht weiter mit Mary und sie muss weiterhin eine dunkle Verschwörung aufdecken, um ihre beste Freundin und ihren Freund zu retten, die zu Monstern geworden sind. Sie gerät immer tiefer in eine Theorie, die alles auf den Kopf stellt, als man ahnt. Welche Dinge entdeckt sie noch in Monarch City und vor allem die Geschichte der Magie spielt eine Rolle. Nicht alles, was die Politik gemacht hat, in der Stadt war positiv und hat einiges gespalten zwischen den Menschen. Wird es Mary gelingen etwas aufzudecken oder kommt alles ganz anders ?
FAZIT :
Ein aufregendes Wiedersehen mit diesem 2. Band, der wieder so viel bereitgehalten hat.
February 9, 2022
City of Hooks and Scars by Estelle Laure is the sequel to City of Villians. Characters are based on Disney classic characters like Ursula, Captain Hook, Mad Hatter, Malificient, Belle…but this is not Once Upon a Time. The Narrows are the haves and the Legacy who live in the Scar are the have nots, but they have magic in their blood and that magic is coming back. At the heart of this fantasy novel is a political conspiracy and corruption where no one is who they seem. Belle and Mary Elizabeth join with reporter Jasmin to untangle all the pieces. I love the nods to all the Disney classics. Though I found reading this time that Mary’s aunt in my mind was Marisa Tomei’s version of Spider-Man’s Aunt May and villainous Kyle Attenborough had some parallels to a certain ex-president. Reading book one, I had thought Mary Elizabeth may have been written as a Mary Sue, but more of her is discovered in this volume. Fair warning, this is book two, but the story is only getting started. #NetGalley #May2022
April 23, 2022
Mary Elizabeth is still investigating the disappearance of her friends and what exactly is going on in her city all the while battling the voice in her head. Her best friends and boy friend disappeared after the battle of Miracle Lake to plot their next move, but Mary decided not to go with them and has now changed her mind and wants to be be with them however, she can't quite figure out where they are or how to get there. Meanwhile kids from all over the Scar are disappearing and her villainous friends are being blamed for it all.
I love this book, isn't there always a like devilish voice inside of us wanting us to do the thing we wish we could do if we only knew we could get away with it. That is Mary's voice and it keeps things exciting especially every time the Red Queen shows up, off with their heads! This book has a lot of action but even more suspense and I can not wait to see what happens next.
I love this book, isn't there always a like devilish voice inside of us wanting us to do the thing we wish we could do if we only knew we could get away with it. That is Mary's voice and it keeps things exciting especially every time the Red Queen shows up, off with their heads! This book has a lot of action but even more suspense and I can not wait to see what happens next.
December 12, 2022
17yo Mary Elizabeth's whole world had changed. Her best friend has grown tentacles, her boyfriend has a hook for a hand, and Mally has sprouted horns. She hasn't seen them since the Battle of Miracle Lake, and everyone in town is calling them monsters. But Mary Elizabeth thinks she can find them - even though she lost her internship with the police department, she still knows her way around and who to talk to. But now there's a new villain they are calling The Red Queen, and Mary Elizabeth thinks she may hold the answers.
Well, it's the middle book in what is most likely a trilogy - so the plot is primarily setting up for, what I hope, is an epic book three. I really like this look at the origin stories of the villains, and placing them in High School is perfect - it's fun hearing everyone's catchphrases. I missed the romance and angst - boyfriend is gone, best friend is gone - not much drama left when that happens.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Well, it's the middle book in what is most likely a trilogy - so the plot is primarily setting up for, what I hope, is an epic book three. I really like this look at the origin stories of the villains, and placing them in High School is perfect - it's fun hearing everyone's catchphrases. I missed the romance and angst - boyfriend is gone, best friend is gone - not much drama left when that happens.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
May 31, 2022
In this sequel to City of Villains, Mary Elizabeth is left on her own. Her three friends have gone into hiding and she is secluded because of the press camping outside her place. Mary Elizabeth sets out to find her friends and figure out more information about the magic. She does enlist some assistance because she needs the help.
Opinion
This book is just as good as the first. Laure did a stand up job continuing the story. The most fun part for me was playing with each characters name to see if I could come up with what Disney character they were. This twist of a story is great for any Disney fan but especially for the villians fans.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
This book is just as good as the first. Laure did a stand up job continuing the story. The most fun part for me was playing with each characters name to see if I could come up with what Disney character they were. This twist of a story is great for any Disney fan but especially for the villians fans.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing me with an ARC of this book.
June 10, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing for a review copy of this book.
I found this second book in the City of Villains series to be stronger than the first. It's still got the mystery aspect mixed with Disney characters, but the world has already been built, so getting into the story doesn't take as long.
I like too how this story is different than other "modern" settings with the Disney Villains. It's not just a rehash of the Descendents series or Once Upon A Time. It's telling it's own unique story and I think that really is it's strength.
This book isn't the end of the series, so I'm excited to see where Estelle Laure takes it next.
I found this second book in the City of Villains series to be stronger than the first. It's still got the mystery aspect mixed with Disney characters, but the world has already been built, so getting into the story doesn't take as long.
I like too how this story is different than other "modern" settings with the Disney Villains. It's not just a rehash of the Descendents series or Once Upon A Time. It's telling it's own unique story and I think that really is it's strength.
This book isn't the end of the series, so I'm excited to see where Estelle Laure takes it next.
September 1, 2022
This the second book in the series and picks up right where the first one ended. Mary Elizabeth still is trying to find her friends while struggling with this new revelation that nothing is what it seems. While this book doesn't have the same fast-pace action as the first, it does have the fallout and consequences of the battle that ended the first book. Mary Elizabeth still is struggling with her own identity and must decide what is best for her rather than what people tell her is best for her. I am excited to see what happens in the next book.
June 10, 2024
Well, this is definitely something. What, I'm not sure I could say. I really think I'll need to read the final book in the trilogy before I can determine exactly how I feel about it.
One thing I will say, and yes, this dips slightly into spoiler territory, but if you're a Disney fan and you read the first book you probably suspected anyway: my theory about Mary E. being the Queen of Hearts was sort of correct. Except Laure mixes a lot of the Queen of Hearts with The Red Queen and it kind of frustrates. Like, why was this necessary? Come on.
One thing I will say, and yes, this dips slightly into spoiler territory, but if you're a Disney fan and you read the first book you probably suspected anyway: my theory about Mary E. being the Queen of Hearts was sort of correct. Except Laure mixes a lot of the Queen of Hearts with The Red Queen and it kind of frustrates. Like, why was this necessary? Come on.
July 18, 2022
I feel like this series has promise, but it just needs more. I’m beginning to see what the overarching themes and character developments are, but it just needs so much more to be richer and deeper. I don’t really get why these books are so short. I need to be fully immersed in this world with these characters to really care more about those themes and character journeys.
And I need a map!! I need to know what this city looks like. Where things are located and where they are going.
And I need a map!! I need to know what this city looks like. Where things are located and where they are going.
April 28, 2023
I really liked this book! (To be honest I didn’t know it was a sequel) but nonetheless I really loved the Disney mixed with fantasy/dystopian vibes especially using the villains as the main focus. At first for me it started a little slow and it took a bit for me to really get into the plot and the characters but I definitely loved how it all played out and definitely hope for more and wanna look more into these types of darker Disney genre stories!
November 9, 2024
This book was good. Really did not see the twist at the end. Typically when I’m reading a book of this nature my theories are correct, not with this one. Kept me guessing the entire time. While it answered some questions that were left from book one, I have a whole new list of questions from this book. I can’t wait for book three to come out.
March 3, 2025
The second book in the "City of Villains" saga. Mary Elizabeth Heart is still trying to convince her friends to return from their villainous selves and take their former places in life. However, things take an interesting turn of events when Mary Elizabeth learns something about herself that completely shocks her. Another evenly paced, light-hearted read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews