Looking for Disney villains books in order? This guide lays out Serena Valentino’s Villains series in clean publication order, so you can see the full lineup at a glance.
From the Evil Queen to Cruella and beyond, these novels are character-focused origin stories and reimaginings, mixing fairy-tale vibes with a sharper edge than the classic films.
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Where to Start?
Each book in Serena Valentino’s Villains series tells a complete story centered on a different Disney villain, so you can technically pick up any title and enjoy it on its own.
That said, there is an ongoing narrative running in the background, driven by the Odd Sisters, and that thread hits its biggest payoff in Book 6. So while none of the books are “required” to understand the basic plot of the one you’re holding, reading in publication order gives you the strongest narrative impact and helps you avoid the biggest spoilers.
Disney Villains Books in Order
Let’s get down to it. Reading the Disney Villains books in order is pretty straight forward.
- Fairest of All (2009) — Wicked Queen
- The Beast Within (2014) — Beast
- Poor Unfortunate Soul (2016) — Ursula
- Mistress of All Evil (2017) — Maleficent
- Mother Knows Best (2018) — Gothel
- The Odd Sisters (2019)
- Evil Thing (2020) — Cruella
- Cold Hearted (2021) — Wicked Stepmother
- Never Never (2022) — Captain Hook
- Fire and Fate (2023) — Hades
- Kill the Beast (2024) — Gaston
- Heartbroken (2025) — Queen of Hearts
Who is Serena Valentino?
Serena Valentino got her start writing for Disney after she wrote a goth comic called GloomCookie.
The comic features a character named Isabella as the main villain of the story, but rather than demonize the antagonist, Valentino helped us empathize with her instead.
So when Disney wanted to start a new series about it’s infamous villains, they tapped Serena Valentino to write them, and they chose correctly. Since the first Disney Villains book was published in 2009, the series has experienced explosive growth with a very avid following.
How do authors get picked to write for Disney?
As you can probably imagine, writing for Disney is not like any other writing or publishing job.
For a normal novel, an author writes a book, pitches it to an agent and the agent tries to sell it to a publisher. If that fails, the author can always self-publish the novel (or choose to self-publish from the start).
But with Disney’s impressive legal team and dogged pursuit against all those who would infringe on their copyright, it’s an all but fruitless endeavor to write your own Disney-related book.
You or your agent could pitch it to them, but Disney doesn’t often accept unsolicited manuscripts.
While exceptions do happen, the primary way authors write for Disney is when Disney themselves invites the author to do so.
If writing books for or about Disney is your dream job, the first step is to write successful books in the YA and family-friendly book space and hope for the best.
Disney Villains Books FAQ
Are the Disney Villains books canon?
No. These novels are officially licensed Disney books, but they are not canon continuations of the animated films. Think of them as alternate takes that remix backstories, motivations, and details for a darker spin.
Is this the same series as Disney Twisted Tales?
No. Disney Twisted Tales is a separate line built around “what if” scenarios that rewrite a single movie’s premise. Serena Valentino’s Villains series is its own continuity and structure, with a different tone and approach.
What age are the Disney Villains books for?
They are generally written for older middle grade through teen readers, but the exact age range can vary by title and publisher labeling. If you are buying for a younger reader, it is worth checking the specific book’s age guidance before you pick one.
Looking for more books in order?
If you want more fantasy authors and reading-order guides like this one, start with my Fantasy Books in Order index.
2 thoughts on “Disney Villains Books in Order: Complete Guide [Serena Valentino]”
Is there a book on Dr. Facilier? Since he is apart of Finko’s Disney villains. What’s his story? Hum
Is there going to be books for Madame Medusa of the Rescuers(my personal fave and I wish you would do it)? Dr. Facilier of Princess and the Frog? Jafar of Aladdin? Shan Yu from Mulan? Queen of Hearts from Alice and Wonderland? Yzma from Emperor’s new Groove? Gaston from Beauty and the Beast (cause he was the real villain) Skinner from Ratatouille, OR EVEN Stromboli from Pinocchio?