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hilareeads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The seventh book of Valentino's Villains series, this is probably one of the weaker ones, especially since it doesn't really tie into the overall Odd Sisters arc. However, I still very much enjoyed it and don't think it doesn't belong in the series. I love how Valentino always makes the most unhinged villains who seem to be evil just for the sake of it and turns them into vulnerable, three-dimensional characters we can relate to. Cruella just wanted to be loved and her mother was cold and demanding and tragic. Of course she felt betrayed and of course she wanted to find warmth the only way she knew how. Does it make what she tried to do acceptable? Absolutely not. But it makes her more human and her story is worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
chrissydh76's review against another edition
4.0
I really didn't think I'd like this book. I mean, come on. Cruella De Vil? Fur coats? With PUPPIES?!? I thought there was no way I'd find Cruella relatable at all, but I did. That doesn't make her redeemable in any way shape or form, but I have a better understanding of her motivation. Great book!
rmschmike's review against another edition
5.0
At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not, partially because it featured a villain I hadn't much cared about up till now, and partially because it was in first person, not third.
But from the very first page, this book gripped me, and I had a hard time putting it down! The first-person POV gave so much depth to the story, and I actually enjoyed how Serena Valentino made it look like a biography!!
One of my favorite parts about this one was anytime Anita and Cruella referenced their book of fairy tales, which just happened to be about Princess Tulip and the first 6 Villains books!!! And when Cruella's father gave her the (maybe cursed) earrings that were supposedly from the Many Kingdoms, I couldn't help thinking that the Odd Sisters may have had a small hand in this story after all. Of course, it wasn't apparent at all, but it was enjoyable to indulge in that speculation all the same.
Thank goodness I just watched 101 Dalmatians yesterday, or I would've had no clue if she'd incorporated the movie's events well enough. As it turned out, she stuck them in splendidly, and they were so weaved in throughout that I was half-surprised when they began! I could picture every single thing in my head and the word-for-word dialogue was just the best!! One thing I really appreciated was how Serena Valentino explained every single bit of Cruella's outfit—from her dress, to her jewelry, to her fur coat, and even her hair! I also loved that the "Dalmatian Plantation" was referenced, and how it almost ended in a cliffhanger (another one of Cruella's evil plans) but then didn't.
Overall, this may actually be one of my favorite Villains books now—which is surprised because I'd had doubts about it before. This series ended up being REALLY good, although I'm not sure when I'll read them again because second and third books had issues. But the latter half redeemed it, and Evil Thing is definitely a worthy latest addition to these books!
But from the very first page, this book gripped me, and I had a hard time putting it down! The first-person POV gave so much depth to the story, and I actually enjoyed how Serena Valentino made it look like a biography!!
One of my favorite parts about this one was anytime Anita and Cruella referenced their book of fairy tales, which just happened to be about Princess Tulip and the first 6 Villains books!!! And when Cruella's father gave her the (maybe cursed) earrings that were supposedly from the Many Kingdoms, I couldn't help thinking that the Odd Sisters may have had a small hand in this story after all. Of course, it wasn't apparent at all, but it was enjoyable to indulge in that speculation all the same.
Thank goodness I just watched 101 Dalmatians yesterday, or I would've had no clue if she'd incorporated the movie's events well enough. As it turned out, she stuck them in splendidly, and they were so weaved in throughout that I was half-surprised when they began! I could picture every single thing in my head and the word-for-word dialogue was just the best!! One thing I really appreciated was how Serena Valentino explained every single bit of Cruella's outfit—from her dress, to her jewelry, to her fur coat, and even her hair! I also loved that the "Dalmatian Plantation" was referenced, and how it almost ended in a cliffhanger (another one of Cruella's evil plans) but then didn't.
Overall, this may actually be one of my favorite Villains books now—which is surprised because I'd had doubts about it before. This series ended up being REALLY good, although I'm not sure when I'll read them again because second and third books had issues. But the latter half redeemed it, and Evil Thing is definitely a worthy latest addition to these books!
doodlebug86's review
2.0
I got a free copy of Evil Thing from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
To start, I feel like Serena Valentino was working with a hard sell here. This is about Cruella De Vil, who is pretty far from a likeable character, no matter how you look at it. Pretty sure anyone who wants to make a coat out of puppies has some issues. Valentino depiction of Cruella as a spoiled, self-centered, deranged, materialistic, selfish brat is pretty spot on. The idea is an interesting one for an origin story, but at no point did I feel any kind of connection to Cruella, no sympathy, and really no empathy. I felt no attachment to any character, I felt like everyone was pretty flat and boring. There was a small period where Cruella could have become a likable character, but the book had a predetermined end point, and there was no changing that. So rather than feeling like I was being made to understand Cruella, I felt like I was being pushed to dislike her more. I also felt like the idea of the “cursed earrings” were added as an attempt at an excuse for her behavior. Or at least to give the impression that her actions were beyond her control.
I felt like the time line had issues, just between the ages of the characters, and how different things played out. I often had a hard time really understanding the time period it was set it in. For a while I felt like we were in Victorian England, but after that really had no frame of reference for the time beyond what I know of the animated film and that there were cars and Cruella wore a little black dress. The book felt like it really could have been an interview with a person who had a break with reality, and since the book is pretty short, it does go fast. I can’t say this is a book I would pick up again, but it’s possible it would appeal to a younger reader.
To start, I feel like Serena Valentino was working with a hard sell here. This is about Cruella De Vil, who is pretty far from a likeable character, no matter how you look at it. Pretty sure anyone who wants to make a coat out of puppies has some issues. Valentino depiction of Cruella as a spoiled, self-centered, deranged, materialistic, selfish brat is pretty spot on. The idea is an interesting one for an origin story, but at no point did I feel any kind of connection to Cruella, no sympathy, and really no empathy. I felt no attachment to any character, I felt like everyone was pretty flat and boring. There was a small period where Cruella could have become a likable character, but the book had a predetermined end point, and there was no changing that. So rather than feeling like I was being made to understand Cruella, I felt like I was being pushed to dislike her more. I also felt like the idea of the “cursed earrings” were added as an attempt at an excuse for her behavior. Or at least to give the impression that her actions were beyond her control.
I felt like the time line had issues, just between the ages of the characters, and how different things played out. I often had a hard time really understanding the time period it was set it in. For a while I felt like we were in Victorian England, but after that really had no frame of reference for the time beyond what I know of the animated film and that there were cars and Cruella wore a little black dress. The book felt like it really could have been an interview with a person who had a break with reality, and since the book is pretty short, it does go fast. I can’t say this is a book I would pick up again, but it’s possible it would appeal to a younger reader.
kipkiphooray's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ashefaye's review against another edition
2.0
TW: Narcissistic Mother, Possible suicide, couple curse words toward the end
Normally I wouldn’t write a review, because I want to reread this series at some point for reviews. But I absolutely don’t want to reread this one! Now I already kinda hate Cruella as a villain. Mostly because she’s boring and I hate fur farms with a passion. Her character in this book just makes me hate her more. She’s very egotistical and materialistic, which she gets from her mother, but she’s also extremely naïve and stupid. I know the author tries to make you feel sorry for her and I did for maybe 2 seconds in the book. The rest of the time I wanted to burn the book along with Hell Hall! With all that being said, this is probably the only book in the series that can actually be read as a stand-alone. I wish all the books were like that. Also the afterword at the end was kinda fun to read. Honestly, I’m just happy to be done with this book so I can move onto something better.
Normally I wouldn’t write a review, because I want to reread this series at some point for reviews. But I absolutely don’t want to reread this one! Now I already kinda hate Cruella as a villain. Mostly because she’s boring and I hate fur farms with a passion. Her character in this book just makes me hate her more. She’s very egotistical and materialistic, which she gets from her mother, but she’s also extremely naïve and stupid. I know the author tries to make you feel sorry for her and I did for maybe 2 seconds in the book. The rest of the time I wanted to burn the book along with Hell Hall! With all that being said, this is probably the only book in the series that can actually be read as a stand-alone. I wish all the books were like that. Also the afterword at the end was kinda fun to read. Honestly, I’m just happy to be done with this book so I can move onto something better.
eccentricinpearls15's review against another edition
4.0
I have wanted to read this book since it was announced. Cruella is my favorite Disney villain. I loved the backstory, and it explains a lot why she is the way she is.
mmwtjw13's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
siobhanj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0