Cold Hearted: A Tale of the Wicked Stepmother (Villains Series #8) by Serena Valentino
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Web ID: 16223777Lady Tremaine's story
I loved this retelling of the Cinderella story from Lady Tremaine's perspective. Villainy really is in the eye of the beholder. And, in this book, fate wins out for Lady Tremaine...I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
I enjoyed the research and imagination that goes
This YA book is a retelling and the backstory of Cinderella from the perspective of Lady Tremaine, THE Wicked Stepmother. She has definitely caused a global setback for all stepmothers to come after her, and true Disney fans REALLY love this book. This was my first Villains retelling, (with a literary nod to Rebecca!), and I enjoyed the research and imagination that goes into a project like this!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Disney with a twist!
We all know the story of Cinderella. Have you ever wondered why Lady Tremaine was the way she was, or even what her story was prior to marrying Cinderella's father? If only you knew, you just may see things in a whole other light.... This was the first time I've read one of the twisted fairy tales/ Villains books. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I can honestly say I now have a completely different outlook on Lady Tremaine, that's for sure. Twisted tale, that's putting it lightly. I'm a huge Disney fan and really loved reading the different aspect of a story that I grew up with. Although I wasn't completely sold on the ending,and I won't say why because I don't want to spoil it, I loved the book. Thank you to Netgalley, Selena Valentino, and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating for me.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Cold Hearted
My son loves watching _Cinderella_, and this has ruined it for me. Not really, but it definitely makes me view all the characters, especially Lady Tremaine and Cinderella, in a different light. The novel starts off before Lady Tremaine marries Cinderella’s father. She is a widowed mom raising her children alone (well, in a house full of servants). She meets a man at a grand party, moves to the Many Kingdoms, and if you’ve read any of Valentino’s novels before, you know exactly where this is headed. The writing style of this series is...interesting. The tone, the vocabulary, and some of the names used makes the books feel like they are for older children, but the subject matter seems to be for teens. However, I will definitely keep reading these because even though some villains are evil just because they are, I like pretending that maybe something caused them to be that way. I am currently working through a backlog of NetGalley reviews. I am so sorry I am so behind, but I was super overwhelmed for awhile, so I took a break. My apologies to NetGalley and various publishers. Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for an e-ARC of this book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
In Fairytales Stepmothers are Evil
Serena Valentino delves into a pre-Cinderella story about the villain Lady Tremaine. Once upon a time there was an evil stepmother and her two evil daughters. Except, Cinderella does not quite agree. After she writes a pleading letter to Fairy Godmother, the fairies must decide if Anastasia and Drizella are worthy of rescuing. Lady Tremaine did her best after the death of her husband, but moving on and raising her daughters to be ladies has not filled the hole in her heart. Scaring her selfish daughters, Anastasia and Drizella, into behaving is not the most effective way to parent. Overcorrecting by becoming overly strict and withdrawn, leads to their cruel behavior. Or is it the meddling of witches and fairies that change the good into horrible people? At first, this version of Lady Tremaine is unrecognizable. Serena Valentino shows how Lady Tremaine gradually slips from benevolence, to dispassion, to callousness, and finally into madness. Serena Valentino makes her seem human with all the worries, sadness, selfishness, and mistakes that even heroes make. This is certainly a story about a romance gone wrong. It’s hard not to feel sympathy, when her life fails to be the happily ever after she expects as she falls into bitterness. There are some wonderful references to all the Disney fairies, as they work together to help the Many Kingdoms. Even if their meddling is one-sided. Also a few mentions of some of the previous Villains Series books. If you have ever questioned the tale of Cinderella, or are just curious about the other side of the story, this is a book about the dark endings of fairytales. Not everyone is destined for a happy ending, some receive cruel fates.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wow
I used to wonder what Cinderella's father was like before he died, and I am glad I never met him. Lady Tremaine was a wonderful mother even though she ended as the wicked stepmother. This book was breathtakingly beautiful.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Highly Enjoyable Latest Installment!
Cold Hearted is the eighth book in the Disney Villains series, Although it can be read as a standalone, references to previous installments might be missed but it doesn't detract from the overall story. All of the Villain's novels focus on one infamous Disney character and twists their back story into a new novel for readers to enjoy. The basic premise of this novel is that the classic story of Cinderella that we have known, where poor Cinderella is mistreated by her stepsisters and stepmother might not be what actually happened. Although this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I feel like each book can be rated completely separately as their stories are all so unique. I wish we would have seen a stronger and more leading role out of Lady Tremaine - maybe this is what made her character turn into someone so cold and cruel at the end - but I found myself wanting more depth from her character. Overall, the book is still highly enjoyable.. I can't wait for the next in the series as well as going back and reading books 4 and 5 which I am behind on.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fantastic new perspective
I love the story of Cinderella so I had to pick up Cold Hearted to be able to expand more of Lady Tremaine’s story. Serena Valentino did a phenomenal job of bringing a new perspective to one of my favorite villains. She actually made you feel sorry for her and her two bratty daughters. The character development was fantastic. The pacing was on point. I didn’t want the story to end. I look forward to reading more from this author.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com