Evil Thing does justice to a villain who began life as an ill-fated hero. This memoir-style novel shows us the gentler, more vulnerable side of Cruella De Vil. Once a neglected child who loved fairytales and playing pretend, Cruella grows into a strong willed woman despite the lack of love and support around her. Her fragile heart was kept hidden away behind cold eyes and jagged responses. The only person never at the end of her chilling barbs is the person that she loved the most, Anita.

The author creates a depth of character so deep, the reader swims in the mind of Cruella as we are pulled along by her fabulous highs and devistating lows. Although it's hard to sympathize with a would-be puppy killer, this novel unlocks the old and bolted doors of Hell Hall, allowing us into the world of a woman who deserved better, but was laid low when her mind gave into it's own pained self. Highly recommended.
*** This critique is based on an arc copy received for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

The next chapter in Disney's Villians book series, Serena Valentino explores the psyche and history of the evil Cruella De Vil. Departing from the prior books, in which fantasy villians are explored, this story has a more realistic tone, presented as an interview between the author and De Vil. Though a risk, this approach very much payed off, a perfect in-story reason to find out who the villain really is.
In order to understand why Cruella is indeed cruel, Valentino writes the character not as misunderstood, but instead a woman who has transformed into being evil due to her prior trauma and social pressures. Though raised by a loving father and friends with the kind Anita, De Vil becomes bitter, in the end transforming into the mother who had caused her such pain. This transition into an understandable bitterness is very well written, helping readers understand why Anita would be friends with her in the classic movie.
Overall, I immensely enjoyed reading this creative memoir of Cruella De Vil. A spin on a classic story, Valentino craftfully allowing readers a sneak behind the curtain of such an infamous, mysterious, yet beloved character.

This is the first novel by Serena Valentino I've read, and probably the most heartbreaking she's written since Fairest of All. Unlike the other books in the villain series, Evil Thing doesn't follow a fairy tale and focuses instead on a story Disney adapted that I've always loved, but with a villain I could never see as being beyond a comic-type image. I still can't see the animated Cruella from so many years ago as anything other than a random, whirl-wind evil that blew through the domestic lives of four sweet souls, but Valentino's book did what no one else has before, including the brilliant author of the original novel: she's brought a fully human, multi-dimensional and tragically heartfelt woman to her pages.

One interesting change from the original Disney film is the age of the two primary female characters; in the animated film, Anita's age could range from 30 to 40, while Cruella appears as a harsh middle-aged woman with a cigarette-roughened voice. The Anita and Cruella from this novel, however, are distinctly younger women whose childhoods and young womanhood are focused on for the majority of the novel. Cruella begins this novel with the flippant, whip-smart dialogue you'd expect from her cartoon self, sounding every bit like the eccentric rich figurehead most of us are familiar with. As she goes into her childhood, though, her voice becomes more grounded and takes us deep into a life I don't think most could have ever visualized before now. Young Cruella had a distinctly prejudiced view of her household and the staff in it, who she saw more as ghosts than people, yet her voice also carries an awareness of events around her that often belies her appearance as a cosseted heiress. The child Cruella reveres her fashionable, distant mother and her loving, more down-to-earth father, though she is also at least partly aware of their faults and the mysterious sadness her governess shows whenever her mother's absence is brought up. Her closest friend is none other than Anita, the much poorer young neighbor whose sweetness is matched by a very strong spine and a lack of care for what any member of the upper class thinks. Again, we're given a sharp departure from the Disney film, where the girls' camaraderie is summed up in a perfunctory line by Roger, referring to Cruella as a "dearly devoted old schoolmate". Of course, one could hardly imagine them as anything close to deep friends in the film, but once again this novel dives deeper. Young Anita and Cruella are completely devoted to each other and their friendship, deepened and stretched through school and a disapproving mother, is simultaneously encouraging and tragic because the girls' future is known to every reader.

Whatever Cruella's bitterness might be at the point of her life when she shares her story, her voice venturing into the past is full of love towards Anita, her parents and any other dear ones in her life. While she gives the impression in the beginning that she's gone to a place of mental instability, her memories are shared with a surprisingly strong and clear voice, recalling her love of everyone who supported her and the mistakes she made misjudging some of them. I relived her life with her, sharing her sorrows and foreseeing some of her terrible choices, but understanding most of her motives in making them. The events we know in 101 Dalmatians are not described in detail in the book, but their culmination and fallout are, sometimes even amusingly, though even here the book differs drastically in tone and feel from any Disney depiction. It's only around the time that Cruella begins planning to make her illegal fur coats that her narrative slips back into the discordant, unstable voice from the beginning of the book.

Valentino ends the book with her own notes, claiming she personally listened to Cruella's story and recorded it herself. It's an interesting and satisfying conclusion to the unusual tale of tragedy and love no one expected to hear about Cruella, and more fitting to the book's piercing realism: I left it feeling as though I'd heard the story of a real woman, someone whose suffering I thought the world should know about. Reality or fiction, this memorable novel delivers the same very true message that the film Joker does, about people who fall through the cracks and what we can be capable of when we feel there's nothing left to lose. It can happen to those we least expect it to, even the once rich and privileged.

Title: Evil Thing
Series: Disney Villains
Author: Serena Valentino
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade | Fantasy | Re-Telling
Rating: 4.5 Stars

We all know Cruella De Vil, if she doesn't scare you no evil thing will. Perhaps you remember her trying to take puppies to make a coat. But that is only part of her story. She must have had a past, something that turned this woman into an "inhuman beast" who ought to be locked up and never released. Well get ready to hear the tell-all tale of Cruella through her eyes.

I enjoyed this book very much. Cruella grew up like most high born ladies of her time and had a relatively normal life. This story really helps you understand why Cruella was the way she was when we meet her in 101 Dalmatians. Without spoiling anything, that was a point where i felt pity for her. Where i came to see why she became so twisted, so like her name suggests, "cruel". For a while, I rooted for her and hoped it would get better, but we all know the ending to her story, don't we. Valentino's portrayal of her really, made me fall in love with Cruella's character and hope she would get a better ending, than what i knew was coming.

Disclaimer: I received this copy from the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favorite Disney movies is one that seems the least Disney-like - no princes or princesses, no kings or queens, no beasts or monsters to be slain or under-estimated, no curses, no magic ... just good storytelling and one very frightening villain. So when I saw this new book from Disney-Hyperion, it caught my eye and I really wanted to read it.

Apparently this is a series - Disney villains get to tell their back stories.

Cruella De Vil was raised in a wealthy home. Her mother was always more focused on wardrobe and style and making sure Cruella looked as good as possible - there was a status to maintain. Her father simply adored her - she was definitely a daddy's girl. Her father left the family fortune to Cruella as long as she never married or at least had her father take the De Vil family name (Cruella is the last of the family line). He also insisted that she not sign the money over to her mother because he felt that her mother was careless with money and would throw it away.

Away at school, Cruella's best (and only) friend was Anita. Anita even visited the De Vil home - much to the fury of Cruella's mother who saw Anita as beneath her daughter. When given a Dalmatian puppy named Perdita as a gift from her father on her 18th birthday, she later gave it to Anita when the puppy peed on her fur coat. And when Anita turned Cruella down on an opportunity to travel around the world (because she, Anita, knew she needed to get some skill in order to get a job and support herself) Cruella took it as a personal affront. And so began Cruella's descent into true evilness.

I definitely have mixed feelings on the book. Cruella is a wonderful villain (in the 1961 animated move - I never saw the live action remake) and I don't think I need to know what made her evil or that she was turned by a domineering mother. If anything, it might make her less evil. We have the thoughts in the back of our minds that she's just misunderstood and could be brought around to reason if given the chance. And that doesn't help the original story, does it? It does, of course, sell books to new readers.

I'm not as familiar with Dodie Smith's original Dalmation books, so it's hard to say how much of this backstory comes from the original source, but I am now curious and I've pulled my old copies of <em>101 Dalmations</em> and <em>The Starlight Barking</em> off the shelves to give them a read.

Looking for a good book? <em>Evil Thing</em> by Serena Valentino is part of Disney's 'Villains' book series which gives Cruella De Vil a backstory so that we can understand how/why she became so thoroughly evil. It is well-written, but do we really need to know why she's as nasty as she is?

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Evil Thing-

Whoa! I am super impressed with backstories of villians. I feel that there is never enough time or information in story lines to complete them during the movie. So, I’m super grateful that this author has taken the time to let us know why Cruella is so vile.





This book is written as a memoir and is really intriguing. I have always loved 101 Dalmatians and I wonder what would possess someone to turn puppies into a fur coat. Serena does a great job delving into a past so horrid that it would be difficult to come out of those events the same person going in.






There is a nature vs. nurture aspect also at play throughout the story. Cruella knew her father loved her and took care of her. However, she yearned for her mother’s affection and it was easy to see why there was this deep sense of yearning. It wasn’t until money came into play did mummy dearest even say “I love you!” I can tell you that jade earrings and fur coats can’t buy you happiness. Especially when you’ve pushed your true friends and supporters away.





This is the first Serena Valentino book that I have read. I have seen them in the store before, but I never have picked one up. Now, I will be more aware of this author when I’m looking for something to read.



Thank you to @Netgalley, Disney Book Group, and Disney-Hyperion for the #ebook of #EvilThing in exchange for an honest review.


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I was really disappointed with this book in the series. It just didn't seem to belong. Maybe as a stand alone novel after the series was finished. So far all the previous books tied in together to continue the story of Circe and the Odd Sisters. There was just no forward movement here. Overall it was a nice backstory to who Cruella is and why she is that way.

I could not put this book down! It was a fantastic read and the life of Cruella De Vil has never been so touching and heartbreaking at the same time! A must read for all Disney fans young and old!

I really wanted to like this title as 101 Dalmatians was one of my favorites growing up (and yes, I did watch it again when I finished the book), but I felt that this retelling was very lacking when it came up against the wide variety that are already out there. Valentino’s series of villain stories has been great and it is very popular in my library, and a story about Cruella, the first I’ve seen, should be an easy yes. Unfortunately, unlike the other titles, I could not get on board with the protagonist. Cruella was too whiny and unaccepting of her faults. It seemed way to forced that she continued to push everyone away and believe in her mother. The idea of cursed earrings was an interesting idea, and one that could have helped the story, but it wasn’t pushed enough. The author didn’t seem to have faith in the idea, so neither did I. I had hoped for so much more, and while this was decent book for a sunny afternoon, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. I will still purchase for the library as I know there will be demand, but only hope that the next installment will be back up to standard.

Thank you, NetGalley, for a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I thought this book was a lot off fun. Cruella isn't my favorite Disney villain (I'm more of a Shadow Man fan!) but Serena Valentino did a wonderful job of delving into the character's background. One of the things I love about Serena's books are all the little movie tie-ins, and she definitely didn't let her fans down with this one! I'm already wondering who her next villain will be!

I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.

Of the many villains of the Disney universe, I have to say Cruella De Vil never stood out to me. Sure, I watched 101 Dalmatians as a kid, but I didn’t really like Cruella as a villain. I found her to be two dimensional. After all, who would find any sympathy for a woman whose goal was to murder puppies??

Enter Evil Thing, a clever revealing of what made Cruella the way she was.

The book starts in Cruella’s high society childhood. The author does an amazing job right from the beginning at capturing childhood innocence. For everything that’s wrong in Cruella’s life, she has a way to explain it away. The pity she receives from those around her who see what is truly happening becomes something that haunts her til the end. The story continues with the same themes through her teenaged and eventually adult life.

Evil Thing was a quick read with surprising turns and heartbreaking resolutions. Because let’s face it, we all know where the story ends up. But to get me to feel for such a woman? That is great writing!

First of all, how was Serena Valentino so lucky to be invited to Cruella’s house, have tea in Hell Hall, AND get exclusive interviews for her tell-all book? Spotted jealous.

I’ve always wanted to read the Villain Books (the cover art is amazing) and thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read the inside scoop from the crazy life of Miss de Vil.

What an emotional story, sharing the child and teen years of heartbreak and vengeance which all morphed Cruella to be the true villain that we all know and hate. Or (after reading) I might not be so sure I dislike the woman so much. Maybe she isn’t such a devil. Nevertheless, she still is an Evil Thing.

Will definitely be reading the others in the series.

This was my first experience with a book by Serena Valentino, and let me say first, she does not disappoint. I have viewed her books in the past and always thought they were interesting, but I thought they would not keep my attention.

Evil Thing, was I wrong! I read this in two sittings. It would have been one, but tiny humans have needs too.

This story tells of how Cruella De Vil lives as a child, her life as a young adult, and most importantly, how the event in 101 Dalmatians came to pass. I must say that this was not at all what I was expecting, but much more! Serena tells such a story that I felt pity for Cruella for the first time ever, (mind you, 101 Dalmatians was a childhood favorite of mine!)

I highly recommend this story!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I look forward to more stories by Serena Valentino!

The Villains series is one of my (and my students') absolute favorite middle grade reads right now and this one does not disappoint! The writing is just as engaging and sophisticated as the others in this series. A quick read, this book tells us about Cruella De Vil's childhood and beyond and how she is just cursed with a lot of bad circumstances that causes her to become the evil villain we know her as. This story gives us an inside glimpse to understanding why and how Cruella becomes who she does. This will appeal to middle grade readers who are fan of this series or even those who love a great fictional memoir of a woman who looked for love and acceptance in all the wrong ways and places. I will be purchasing this for our library collection upon release as it is sure to be popular among my readers.

The publisher Disney-Hyperion generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this next story in the Villains series by Serena Valentino and seeing it show up on Netgalley then getting approved was such a delight, so thank you for that! This story was amazing, and a great addition to the Villians storyline. Cruella is such an under appreciated villain and FABULOUS from top to bottom. Anything Serena writes, I will read.

I received a copy of Evil Thing by Serena Valentino from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5 stars You’ve heard the story of the evil woman that attempted to make a fur coat out of poor, helpless dalmatian puppies. But do you really know the woman behind the plan? Evil Thing takes you into her recollections of the infamous events. You see a side of Cruella that you have never seen before.

Valentino expertly delves into the mind of Cruella and gives us a fascinating back story to the well-known villain. Her character development and storytelling were seamlessly written. As you read through her memoirs, you may just find that you are softening towards the villain you thought you knew (although skinning puppies is still gross).

Reviews will be posted on Netgalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, Twitter, and Barnes and Noble.

First of all Serena Valentino is one of my favorite authors of all time! I haven't met a single book she has written that I didn't like and this one is no exception. I loved every bit of this store, it was as if I were sitting right there with Ms. De Vil!

What made Cruella De Vil into the person she is when we see her in 101 Dalmatians? Was she born evil, hating puppies? Or were there circumstances in her life that led up to that point? Evil Thing addresses her early years and how Cruella became cruel. 


Written in the form of a memoir, the book opens during Cruella's childhood. At the age of eleven, she is taking her lessons every day with her governess Miss Prickett, sees her father rarely, relishes the hour a day she gets to spend with her mother, and has one best friend, Anita. Cruella's mother is dismissive of her and seems to count down the seconds until their hour is up. This is a trend that continues through the whole book and is something that everyone except for Cruella picks up on.

The night the book begins, Cruella and Miss Prickett return to her room after spending time with her mother, who blew them off. She did, however, leave gifts for Cruella, which is how she guages someone's love for her. Later, her father returns from his trip, also bearing a gift, a pair of jade earrings, which Cruella does not fully appreciate until he says "they cost a fortune."

A common theme throughout the book is Cruella trying to get her mother to love her, and she always feels that she falls short. I have to say that I never thought I'd sympathize with Cruella De Vil, but with the way she was raised, it's painted like her life was always headed in that direction, if only a couple of things hadn't gone wrong. Maybe if she'd been allowed to return to school, or if her mother hadn't manipulated her out of her inheritance with the promise of love, maybe if Jack hadn't died...maybe things could've been different for her, better. 

I read this in one sitting, and flew through it. Cruella was written so well, a character with cruel tendencies but humanizing moments. I can't describe how much I loved it, and how my heart ached for the young Cruella who so desperately wanted to be loved. I'll be purchasing a copy of this for sure.

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.

Our society is fascinated with the back story of typical villains, and we should be! Movies from my childhood (circa early nineties) introduce villains without backstories. We were just supposed to assume they were bad people; we were supposed to assume that we didn't like them. As I've grown older, I've become fascinated with backstories of villains. I want to feel a little bit of sympathy for them.

This book does that with Cruella De Vil, the villain from 101 Dalmatians. We meet her as a small child and follow her life through her notorious dog theft. The author doesn't spend a whole lot of time on the part of the story that we already know which was perfect for me. The author spent more time on her childhood relationships which explains Cruella's motivations.

Many thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.