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Villains #12
Heartbroken
She missed the days of wonder. But those days were long past. All that remained was the anger.
You may think you know the story of the Queen of Hearts, the bloodthirsty tyrant known for seeing red. Surely you’ve heard of the young girl Alice, who fell through the rabbit hole to a place called Wonderland, and how she defeated its villainous ruler in order to find her way back home.
But have you ever wondered about the Queen’s own first day in Wonderland? Did she encounter the same wonders—and horrors—as Alice? Are the laws of the land her royal decree—or a desperate attempt to bring order to a place that refuses to make sense?
And why is she so angry?
It may be hard to answer, with any certainty, questions about a world created from the broken shards of others. In the end, it all comes down to a woman fighting against the darkness within, and her unlikely friendship with a little white rabbit.
You may think you know the story of the Queen of Hearts, the bloodthirsty tyrant known for seeing red. Surely you’ve heard of the young girl Alice, who fell through the rabbit hole to a place called Wonderland, and how she defeated its villainous ruler in order to find her way back home.
But have you ever wondered about the Queen’s own first day in Wonderland? Did she encounter the same wonders—and horrors—as Alice? Are the laws of the land her royal decree—or a desperate attempt to bring order to a place that refuses to make sense?
And why is she so angry?
It may be hard to answer, with any certainty, questions about a world created from the broken shards of others. In the end, it all comes down to a woman fighting against the darkness within, and her unlikely friendship with a little white rabbit.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
222 people are currently reading
5298 people want to read
About the author
Serena Valentino
158 books5,826 followersSerena Valentino is best known for weaving tales that combine mythos and guile with her work on the comic book series GloomCookie and Nightmares & Fairy Tales, and her best selling Disney Villain Novels which have earned her critical acclaim for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty and extraordinary female protagonists.
Her Disney Villain novel series would be best enjoyed if read in this order: Fairest of All: The Story of the Wicked Queen, The Beast Within: The Story of Belle’s Prince, Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch, Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch and The Odd Sisters: A Villains Book to be released in Summer 2019. Book 7 will be out Summer 2020, Book 8 summer of 2021, and Book 9 Summer of 2022.
Serena lives in New Orleans with her dog Gozer, and a very tiny kitty named Momma.
Contact: [email protected]
Her Disney Villain novel series would be best enjoyed if read in this order: Fairest of All: The Story of the Wicked Queen, The Beast Within: The Story of Belle’s Prince, Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch, Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch and The Odd Sisters: A Villains Book to be released in Summer 2019. Book 7 will be out Summer 2020, Book 8 summer of 2021, and Book 9 Summer of 2022.
Serena lives in New Orleans with her dog Gozer, and a very tiny kitty named Momma.
Contact: [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 30, 2025
no spoilers but I 100% know who the next Villain is!
August 6, 2025
OMG!! I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK!! AAAAHHHHH!!! 🥳
June 1, 2025
Serena Valentino’s Villains series is the perfect invitation to explore the hidden backstories of Disney’s most iconic antagonists—the characters we love to hate. In book twelve, Heartbroken, we get the chance to find out more about the past of the Queen of Hearts and the events that led her to become the angry, beheading monarch set on shouting “Off with her head!”, who goes after Alice.
When I requested Heartbroken, I overlooked a small but important detail, this is part of a connected series. While maybe the first three books can be read as standalone, this one absolutely cannot. I was kinda disappointed because the synopsis doesn’t mention that you need background knowledge from earlier books to fully grasp the subplot and supporting characters.
Unlike the first three books, which I remember vividly for the way they added emotional depth and complexity to the villains, Heartbroken didn’t capture me the same way. We don't really understand what makes the Queen of Hearts’ descent into darkness until the very end, and by then, it wraps up far too quickly. The exploration of Wonderland’s chaos is intriguing, but this book feels more like the backstory of the White Rabbit than of the Queen herself. Ironically, I found myself empathizing far more with him, and now I’m even more curious to see what happens to his character in the next installments.
One thing I did love was getting a happier ending for some characters from book one. It was really sweet to see the queen who once didn’t love herself finally find happiness.
If you want a series that feels like classic Disney but shows the deeper stories and emotions behind the villains, this is a great choice. Just make sure to read the earlier books first so you can really understand where Heartbroken fits in.
When I requested Heartbroken, I overlooked a small but important detail, this is part of a connected series. While maybe the first three books can be read as standalone, this one absolutely cannot. I was kinda disappointed because the synopsis doesn’t mention that you need background knowledge from earlier books to fully grasp the subplot and supporting characters.
Unlike the first three books, which I remember vividly for the way they added emotional depth and complexity to the villains, Heartbroken didn’t capture me the same way. We don't really understand what makes the Queen of Hearts’ descent into darkness until the very end, and by then, it wraps up far too quickly. The exploration of Wonderland’s chaos is intriguing, but this book feels more like the backstory of the White Rabbit than of the Queen herself. Ironically, I found myself empathizing far more with him, and now I’m even more curious to see what happens to his character in the next installments.
One thing I did love was getting a happier ending for some characters from book one. It was really sweet to see the queen who once didn’t love herself finally find happiness.
If you want a series that feels like classic Disney but shows the deeper stories and emotions behind the villains, this is a great choice. Just make sure to read the earlier books first so you can really understand where Heartbroken fits in.
August 18, 2025
* I'd strongly recommend reading the previous books first, as this book connects to multiple previous stories.
When the Queen of Hearts wakes up in Wonderland, she is more confused than anything. Waking up next to a strange man who called her Queen and interacting with the rude inhabitants of Wonderland would have send her over the edge in no time at all, if it was not for her best friend the White Rabbit. But when you're made of the anger of the Odd Sisters, how much of a chance do you really have in the world of madness that is called Wonderland?
Pro's:
+ This story is very easy to read, even with its multiple storylines. Every chapter is marked really well and I think the author did a really good job in keeping the reader on track. Especially since we're not only diving into the story of the Queen of Hearts, but also into the overarching story.
+ These stories are just as fun for a younger audience as they are for adults who've grown up with Disney. And I think that is because this author always manages to create really approachable stories in this own universe she has created.
Con's:
- I found the dialog in the Queen of Hearts parts of the story quite repetitive and even with the ending it felt a bit unnecessary. It also felt like we've touched on just a slither of this story, even though I can't also tell you what I feel is missing.
It was nice to get another story in this universe, but for me this entry felt a bit more discombobulated than the previous books in this series. I know that could also be the Wonderland element of this story, but I cannot help myself feeling like there was something missing from this story. The overarching story is stronger than ever in this book and it is nice we made some headway in that regard, but the Queen-part of the story felt a bit repetitive. This entry is not the best in this series, but I hope the next book will be better and more fun again.
When the Queen of Hearts wakes up in Wonderland, she is more confused than anything. Waking up next to a strange man who called her Queen and interacting with the rude inhabitants of Wonderland would have send her over the edge in no time at all, if it was not for her best friend the White Rabbit. But when you're made of the anger of the Odd Sisters, how much of a chance do you really have in the world of madness that is called Wonderland?
Pro's:
+ This story is very easy to read, even with its multiple storylines. Every chapter is marked really well and I think the author did a really good job in keeping the reader on track. Especially since we're not only diving into the story of the Queen of Hearts, but also into the overarching story.
+ These stories are just as fun for a younger audience as they are for adults who've grown up with Disney. And I think that is because this author always manages to create really approachable stories in this own universe she has created.
Con's:
- I found the dialog in the Queen of Hearts parts of the story quite repetitive and even with the ending it felt a bit unnecessary. It also felt like we've touched on just a slither of this story, even though I can't also tell you what I feel is missing.
It was nice to get another story in this universe, but for me this entry felt a bit more discombobulated than the previous books in this series. I know that could also be the Wonderland element of this story, but I cannot help myself feeling like there was something missing from this story. The overarching story is stronger than ever in this book and it is nice we made some headway in that regard, but the Queen-part of the story felt a bit repetitive. This entry is not the best in this series, but I hope the next book will be better and more fun again.
July 30, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
August 2, 2025
poor misunderstood, lonely queen of hearts. I love the relationship with the white rabbit. what a fun twist on Alice in Wonderland.
August 10, 2025
I’m not crying…you’re crying!!!
As usual the author has done it again. I love how she intertwines the fairy tales and villains. This continuation is another beautiful story that continues on the main plot line and adds in a new story and new villain. This one might just be my overall favorite in the series for how this plot progresses and how the characters develop.
As usual the author has done it again. I love how she intertwines the fairy tales and villains. This continuation is another beautiful story that continues on the main plot line and adds in a new story and new villain. This one might just be my overall favorite in the series for how this plot progresses and how the characters develop.
August 2, 2025
It was super short and felt more like a bridge for books than the actually story of Queen of Hearts
August 5, 2025
This was an interesting ride for sure. I definitely need to reread Hades story as it's important to this story, plus reading the original Alice in Wonderland books. I liked the multiple storylines in the book along with the twists and decisions of the Odd Sisters and Circe. I'm super excited about Chernobog and how he'll reek havoc, along with Princess Tulips war. This book had me wanting more, though. The ending wasn't my favorite, I did feel the writing in the Wonderland timeline felt repetitive, and I wish we had more backstory on the Queen of Hearts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 9, 2025This series has been ongoing for a while now and I find them a good time usually but this one didn't feel as fleshed out as the other ones. I didn't understand as much what made the Queen so angry whereas other books in this series have done a much better job and made me feel a lot of empathy for the villains, I think this one falls short in comparison
May 19, 2025
Heartbroken, the 12th installment in Serena Valentino’s Villains series, offers a clever and imaginative twist on Alice in Wonderland, diving into the backstory of the Queen of Hearts and shedding light on why she’s so furiously misunderstood. As a longtime fan of the series, I found this book just as captivating as the others. Valentino once again delivers a richly layered tale that reimagines a classic character in a new and emotionally resonant way. Fans of Wonderland will especially enjoy seeing familiar faces through this darker, more introspective lens. The “little white rabbit” completely stole my heart, adding a tender touch to the story’s intensity. A solid 4-star read. Fun, thought-provoking, and full of heart.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's Books | Random House/Disney for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's Books | Random House/Disney for the ARC.
August 4, 2025
Wow! This series is so back! Heartbroken is my favorite Disney Villain novel in a long while! I had so much fun with this book! I will say that I have a previous love for the Alice in Wonderland film and the Queen of Hearts. I'd been wanting a Queen of Hearts novel for SOOOO long! However, with the release of the Gaston book, I became scared for Valentino to tackle a favorite villain. Now, all of the books before Fire and Fate were wonderful! I loved them so much! But, Fire and Fate along with Kill the Beast were so bad, and really brought out my issues with the other books, that I thought the series had lost its mojo... I was so wrong! Heartbroken actually covers the origins of the Queen of Hearts in a compelling and fun way! And, I can't believe I'm saying this, the Odd Sisters and their side of the world were not only cool, but I began to love those characters again! I never thought I'd say such a thing! They had consistently been my least favorite parts of the series, but now the sisters and the Many Kingdoms are showing GREAT PROMISE! Heartbroken not only makes the Queen of Hearts sympathetic, but it fleshes out Wonderland and the lore of the many kingdoms in a very cool, fun, and inventive way!
Firstly, the Queen of Hearts herself! I loved her storyline! It was so interesting how she appeared in Wonderland, and how she had to navigate it with the White Rabbit while tackling their fractured memories! I loved how Wonderland felt like it was ripped right out of the animated movie... But the addition of the Jabberwock was a very nice touch! The Queen goes through a lot, and I like how her journey kind of mirrors Alice in a dark way! Like Alice, the Queen becomes angry and perplexed by Wonderland, and eventually finds herself stranded and alone. However, the Queen can't escape the responsibility of her station. She tries her best to be kind, but she is angry by nature. The "how" of the Queen was so good! It literally made the travesty that was Fire and Fate worth it! They explained Wonderland and the Queen so well! The queen was sympathetic, and honestly I felt for her! This was an actual villain origin where we see her slow development into the villain! Unlike the horrible Gaston plot twist where he's cursed to be a villain. The White Rabbit in all of this is also very compelling! His love for the Queen is so sweet, and I honestly liked how he also wasn't perfect! The characters were very 3-dimensional, which isn't always true for this series.
The Odd Sisters/ Many Kingdoms stuff in this is absolutely amazing! Firstly, we get Chernobog and Bald Mountain! That was a wonderful surprise! And, the way that Wonderland and the Queen were created fits flawlessly into the narrative thus far! I really, really enjoyed the seamless connection. The Odd Sisters themselves were brilliantly used! They were funny, interesting, and dark. I also liked how we get some cameos from previously in the series.... I really liked how this book started tying everything together. Circe doesn't get as much to do, but she is set up for some big things in the future that I can't wait to see. But, yeah, this book sets up A LOT for the future! This book felt like the first act of Avengers: Infinity War... Setting up a HUGE overarching conflict. With three more books to go, I'm excited to see what we get! This book really made me excited for what's to come! I'm hoping for Madame Mim! I also want MORE than three more books! Keep this train moving! So, with Chernabog, we see a lot of the threads from previously in the series begin to become intertwined. We have the Dead woods, Wonderland, Hades, and Tulip all leading to the reemergence of this threat... I'm wondering if the next book will be the end of this arc like how the Odd Sisters was the end of the first arc.
Now, this book isn't a five star book for a reason... It did have some problems. Firstly, it has a very uneven tone. This book is technically a children's book, but it feels like the author wants it to be YA. Heck, I want it to be YA. So, sometimes it's really dark, and sometimes it's really childish. If we can get the next books in the YA section, that'd be great please... And that's it! That's all I didn't like! I LOVE THIS BOOK!
So, I've had my doubts about this series, but if we continue to have this quality, this could get back to its former glory with books like Mistress of Evil and Mother Knows Best! I'm so excited! I'm in love with this series again!
Firstly, the Queen of Hearts herself! I loved her storyline! It was so interesting how she appeared in Wonderland, and how she had to navigate it with the White Rabbit while tackling their fractured memories! I loved how Wonderland felt like it was ripped right out of the animated movie... But the addition of the Jabberwock was a very nice touch! The Queen goes through a lot, and I like how her journey kind of mirrors Alice in a dark way! Like Alice, the Queen becomes angry and perplexed by Wonderland, and eventually finds herself stranded and alone. However, the Queen can't escape the responsibility of her station. She tries her best to be kind, but she is angry by nature. The "how" of the Queen was so good! It literally made the travesty that was Fire and Fate worth it! They explained Wonderland and the Queen so well! The queen was sympathetic, and honestly I felt for her! This was an actual villain origin where we see her slow development into the villain! Unlike the horrible Gaston plot twist where he's cursed to be a villain. The White Rabbit in all of this is also very compelling! His love for the Queen is so sweet, and I honestly liked how he also wasn't perfect! The characters were very 3-dimensional, which isn't always true for this series.
The Odd Sisters/ Many Kingdoms stuff in this is absolutely amazing! Firstly, we get Chernobog and Bald Mountain! That was a wonderful surprise! And, the way that Wonderland and the Queen were created fits flawlessly into the narrative thus far! I really, really enjoyed the seamless connection. The Odd Sisters themselves were brilliantly used! They were funny, interesting, and dark. I also liked how we get some cameos from previously in the series.... I really liked how this book started tying everything together. Circe doesn't get as much to do, but she is set up for some big things in the future that I can't wait to see. But, yeah, this book sets up A LOT for the future! This book felt like the first act of Avengers: Infinity War... Setting up a HUGE overarching conflict. With three more books to go, I'm excited to see what we get! This book really made me excited for what's to come! I'm hoping for Madame Mim! I also want MORE than three more books! Keep this train moving! So, with Chernabog, we see a lot of the threads from previously in the series begin to become intertwined. We have the Dead woods, Wonderland, Hades, and Tulip all leading to the reemergence of this threat... I'm wondering if the next book will be the end of this arc like how the Odd Sisters was the end of the first arc.
Now, this book isn't a five star book for a reason... It did have some problems. Firstly, it has a very uneven tone. This book is technically a children's book, but it feels like the author wants it to be YA. Heck, I want it to be YA. So, sometimes it's really dark, and sometimes it's really childish. If we can get the next books in the YA section, that'd be great please... And that's it! That's all I didn't like! I LOVE THIS BOOK!
So, I've had my doubts about this series, but if we continue to have this quality, this could get back to its former glory with books like Mistress of Evil and Mother Knows Best! I'm so excited! I'm in love with this series again!
September 2, 2025
Warning: Spoilers
This one felt familiar to Ursula’s story to me. Although we definitely had more time with the Queen of Hearts than we did Ursula, it seemed like this was one of the villain stories that was put in place to move along the main overarching plot of the series. Wonderland being created by the shifting of worlds when the Odd Sisters were stripped of their bloodlust and madness and brought to live in the Underworld by Hades was a brilliant idea. I appreciated the friendship between the Rabbit and the Queen and the explanation to what the Rabbit’s “very important date” was. I just felt like this whole story was told to reveal the consequences of the Odd Sisters being at peace in the Underworld and also to reveal more of the chaos that’s ensuing in the Many Kingdoms.
I may also be a little harsh on this one because Gaston was a 5 star novel in my opinion. I absolutely loved his character development, backstory, and tie in with the main plot of Beauty and the Beast. This one just lacked the same connection with the Queen of Hearts and the whole Alice plot line seemed like an afterthought. I would’ve liked to have there be more plot around Alice and the Queen.
All in all, it’s still an enjoyable read and is necessary to continue the series forward. I’m looking forward to seeing which Villain will come next.
This one felt familiar to Ursula’s story to me. Although we definitely had more time with the Queen of Hearts than we did Ursula, it seemed like this was one of the villain stories that was put in place to move along the main overarching plot of the series. Wonderland being created by the shifting of worlds when the Odd Sisters were stripped of their bloodlust and madness and brought to live in the Underworld by Hades was a brilliant idea. I appreciated the friendship between the Rabbit and the Queen and the explanation to what the Rabbit’s “very important date” was. I just felt like this whole story was told to reveal the consequences of the Odd Sisters being at peace in the Underworld and also to reveal more of the chaos that’s ensuing in the Many Kingdoms.
I may also be a little harsh on this one because Gaston was a 5 star novel in my opinion. I absolutely loved his character development, backstory, and tie in with the main plot of Beauty and the Beast. This one just lacked the same connection with the Queen of Hearts and the whole Alice plot line seemed like an afterthought. I would’ve liked to have there be more plot around Alice and the Queen.
All in all, it’s still an enjoyable read and is necessary to continue the series forward. I’m looking forward to seeing which Villain will come next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
It’s definitely not my favorite book in the series but it’s not bad. I think that the king was kind of lame and the Wonderland characters were very very underutilized compared to the white rabbit who was never that interesting. I do 100% blame Hades and the White Queen. Not that I ever liked the White Queen in the first place.
I think that if Valentino wrote longer books then we could definitely get more flushed out characters. I also wanted to see more of Tulip, Circe, Primrose, and Hazel. I wanted to see why Tulip chose now of all times to start a war against Adam and Belle and whether it actually had something to do with the Tree Lords. And the ladies of the light have so much potential that I wanted to see more. I’m hoping that we get more of them in the next few books.
I hope that there is more development of just about everyone. Even Grimhilde who I think is done and I want to see more Snow White with her kids. I think it would be cute.
I think that if Valentino wrote longer books then we could definitely get more flushed out characters. I also wanted to see more of Tulip, Circe, Primrose, and Hazel. I wanted to see why Tulip chose now of all times to start a war against Adam and Belle and whether it actually had something to do with the Tree Lords. And the ladies of the light have so much potential that I wanted to see more. I’m hoping that we get more of them in the next few books.
I hope that there is more development of just about everyone. Even Grimhilde who I think is done and I want to see more Snow White with her kids. I think it would be cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I might. Alice in Wonderland isn't my favorite Disney movie, and the Queen of Hearts barely counts as a villain, as she only shows up at the end, and she has little to no character development. All we really know is that she has a bad and short temper. This book gave us some insight as to how she got to be that way. Now that I've read almost all the Villains books (still working on Poor Unfortunate Soul), little things from previous ones finally make sense. What I particularly enjoyed was pulling in elements of the original Lewis Carroll book that didn't make it into the Disney version. In fact, this book made it make sense as to why they weren't seen in the movie.
August 12, 2025
Heartbroken delivers a brilliant and tragic origin for the Queen of Hearts, weaving together Wonderland’s chaotic creation, the Odd Sisters’ influence, and cameos from past stories into a rich tale that transforms her from lost wanderer to the fierce ruler we know today.
September 4, 2025
Every time I try to read one of the books in this series I just can’t seem to get into them. They never hold my attention. Being that this one is about the Queen of Hearts I thought it would be different but it still didn’t hold my attention. DNF.
August 2, 2025
Serena Valentino really knows how to twist Disney villain’s stories
July 11, 2025
I don’t think this series is for me anymore. I found myself feeling bored and uninterested for the most part. I think I just personally outgrew it. It was interesting to see the Queen of hearts’s point of view, especially with learning why she is the way she is. I did not expect the white rabbit to be friends with the Queen. There is not much I can say in this review since I breezed through it.
I feel like readers who still like this series might enjoy this but I can’t say that I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
I feel like readers who still like this series might enjoy this but I can’t say that I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
August 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Dark Wonderland of Emotion — Valentino Strikes Again with Heartbroken
Serena Valentino has once again worked her magic with Heartbroken, the latest masterpiece in her Disney Villains series. This time, she turns her wickedly brilliant lens on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland—and what she uncovers is as heartbreaking as it is unforgettable.
Let me be clear: Heartbroken is not a standalone. To truly understand the depth of the characters and the way the worlds of the villains collide, the entire series needs to be read in order. Valentino has carefully crafted an interconnected universe, and in this installment, those threads begin to pull even tighter together—culminating in a powerful, suspenseful introduction to the next villain in the saga.
What took me completely by surprise was how much I fell in love with The White Rabbit. A character I once viewed as skittish and comedic is revealed to be so much more. His loyalty to the Queen, the burden he carries as her best friend, and the emotional toll of their shared history completely broke me. I never expected to hurt for him the way I did. He’s the quiet soul caught in the chaos, and his presence adds so much depth to the story.
The Queen of Hearts herself is written with stunning nuance. Valentino peels back her madness to reveal sorrow, betrayal, and a longing for love that makes her both terrifying and tragically human.
If you’ve been following the series, Heartbroken will hit all the right notes: emotional, eerie, and rich with lore. If you haven’t started yet—what are you waiting for? This book is not just a retelling—it’s a revelation.
And just when you think your heart can’t take any more, we even get a glimpse at the next villain in the series—one whose arrival promises cataclysmic consequences for all of the Many Kingdoms… and beyond.
A Dark Wonderland of Emotion — Valentino Strikes Again with Heartbroken
Serena Valentino has once again worked her magic with Heartbroken, the latest masterpiece in her Disney Villains series. This time, she turns her wickedly brilliant lens on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland—and what she uncovers is as heartbreaking as it is unforgettable.
Let me be clear: Heartbroken is not a standalone. To truly understand the depth of the characters and the way the worlds of the villains collide, the entire series needs to be read in order. Valentino has carefully crafted an interconnected universe, and in this installment, those threads begin to pull even tighter together—culminating in a powerful, suspenseful introduction to the next villain in the saga.
What took me completely by surprise was how much I fell in love with The White Rabbit. A character I once viewed as skittish and comedic is revealed to be so much more. His loyalty to the Queen, the burden he carries as her best friend, and the emotional toll of their shared history completely broke me. I never expected to hurt for him the way I did. He’s the quiet soul caught in the chaos, and his presence adds so much depth to the story.
The Queen of Hearts herself is written with stunning nuance. Valentino peels back her madness to reveal sorrow, betrayal, and a longing for love that makes her both terrifying and tragically human.
If you’ve been following the series, Heartbroken will hit all the right notes: emotional, eerie, and rich with lore. If you haven’t started yet—what are you waiting for? This book is not just a retelling—it’s a revelation.
And just when you think your heart can’t take any more, we even get a glimpse at the next villain in the series—one whose arrival promises cataclysmic consequences for all of the Many Kingdoms… and beyond.
July 30, 2025
After the awful Gaston book last year, I was very reluctant to jump back into this series. But when I found out this book would be about the Queen of Hearts I became mildly excited. I was very curious to get more of a background about her character and why she's so addicted to offing peoples' heads. I can say I was at least entertained.
We are introduced to the Queen when she wakes up in the middle of the hedge maze around her castle. She has no idea where she is, who she is, or how she got there. She immediately meets the White Rabbit and, as he is the only thing that is logical in the setting, the two become quick friends. The two decide that she must be the queen and set off to meet her subjects. What follows is her interactions with many of the famous Wonderland characters that we know through Alice. Each of these interactions begins to anger her more and more as she doesn't do well with their illogical, nonsensical way of speaking/living. As a reader, you can see how this begins taking a toll on her.
What was interesting about this one is that there was no one event that turned her into a villain. She really is just a victim of her circumstances that slowly eat away at her and begin to drive her mad. I'm not sure how this fits into the larger plot of the upcoming war, but I was excited at the prospect of Chernabog being the next villain in the series. I might have to stick around for that one next year. At this point, I would only recommend this book to people who have been reading this series up to this point. This was far better than Gaston's book and I thought it was a decent entry in the series.
Thanks to @netgalley for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are introduced to the Queen when she wakes up in the middle of the hedge maze around her castle. She has no idea where she is, who she is, or how she got there. She immediately meets the White Rabbit and, as he is the only thing that is logical in the setting, the two become quick friends. The two decide that she must be the queen and set off to meet her subjects. What follows is her interactions with many of the famous Wonderland characters that we know through Alice. Each of these interactions begins to anger her more and more as she doesn't do well with their illogical, nonsensical way of speaking/living. As a reader, you can see how this begins taking a toll on her.
What was interesting about this one is that there was no one event that turned her into a villain. She really is just a victim of her circumstances that slowly eat away at her and begin to drive her mad. I'm not sure how this fits into the larger plot of the upcoming war, but I was excited at the prospect of Chernabog being the next villain in the series. I might have to stick around for that one next year. At this point, I would only recommend this book to people who have been reading this series up to this point. This was far better than Gaston's book and I thought it was a decent entry in the series.
Thanks to @netgalley for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this story—especially because it takes place in Wonderland! Serena Valentino masterfully weaves together details from both Lewis Carroll’s original tale and Disney’s animated version, which made this book feel rich, nostalgic, and refreshing all at once. As someone who always appreciates when the original story gets the love it deserves, this was such a treat.
Heartbroken stands out for its thoughtful storytelling, character development, and the way it deepens the lore of Valentino’s wider villain series. I especially loved the unexpected sweetness of the friendship between the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit—it added such a touching layer to the narrative. Also, seeing Grimhilde get another chance at the family she so deeply desired was absolutely beautiful.
If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend reading the books in the order Serena published them. While each book can technically stand alone, the interconnected storylines are much more rewarding when followed in sequence. And here’s a tip from personal experience: try to avoid listening to the audiobooks before reading the physical or Kindle versions. There are so many subtle details that can easily be missed if you’re just listening—I learned that the hard way with the Hades book and had to go back and reread it to fully appreciate everything.
All in all, Heartbroken is another strong addition to the Villains series, and I’m so excited to see where Serena takes the story next, especially with the looming presence of Chernabog and the coming war. Now begins the long wait until the next release—but if it’s anything like this one, it’ll be worth it.
Heartbroken stands out for its thoughtful storytelling, character development, and the way it deepens the lore of Valentino’s wider villain series. I especially loved the unexpected sweetness of the friendship between the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit—it added such a touching layer to the narrative. Also, seeing Grimhilde get another chance at the family she so deeply desired was absolutely beautiful.
If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend reading the books in the order Serena published them. While each book can technically stand alone, the interconnected storylines are much more rewarding when followed in sequence. And here’s a tip from personal experience: try to avoid listening to the audiobooks before reading the physical or Kindle versions. There are so many subtle details that can easily be missed if you’re just listening—I learned that the hard way with the Hades book and had to go back and reread it to fully appreciate everything.
All in all, Heartbroken is another strong addition to the Villains series, and I’m so excited to see where Serena takes the story next, especially with the looming presence of Chernabog and the coming war. Now begins the long wait until the next release—but if it’s anything like this one, it’ll be worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
One thing about me is that I will never say no to a Serena Valentino book. I was pretty excited for this one as I love how relatable she makes her villains.
I read Alice in Wonderland last year and there are so many references both to the movie and the classic kid’s book. I highly recommend brushing up on the lore of this world, though of course Serena does a masterful job setting the stage of Wonderland (and all of its strange characters), and giving the Queen of Hearts a satisfying origin story. Fans of “Through the Looking Glass,” are also sure to enjoy this as the White Queen and her chess-themed court make a significant appearance.
I loved reading about the White Rabbit. It’s clear in the movie and book he has a connection to the Queen, but this book gives us more insight into their proximity and where the Queen gets her ideas.
My biggest complaint here is that this story did feel a little more rushed toward the end, but the middle felt like it was dragging on a bit more than I would’ve liked. To be honest, I don’t really pin this problem on Serena Valentino because a lot of the middle feels like a “spark notes” review on what characters in Wonderland are like and their first interactions with the Queen (and how similar they would be to Alice’s encounters).
My favorite part of the Villains series is the writing style Serena Valentino dips into to portray her characters. She puts in so much effort to embody them, and does a phenomenal job of doing so! I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
I read Alice in Wonderland last year and there are so many references both to the movie and the classic kid’s book. I highly recommend brushing up on the lore of this world, though of course Serena does a masterful job setting the stage of Wonderland (and all of its strange characters), and giving the Queen of Hearts a satisfying origin story. Fans of “Through the Looking Glass,” are also sure to enjoy this as the White Queen and her chess-themed court make a significant appearance.
I loved reading about the White Rabbit. It’s clear in the movie and book he has a connection to the Queen, but this book gives us more insight into their proximity and where the Queen gets her ideas.
My biggest complaint here is that this story did feel a little more rushed toward the end, but the middle felt like it was dragging on a bit more than I would’ve liked. To be honest, I don’t really pin this problem on Serena Valentino because a lot of the middle feels like a “spark notes” review on what characters in Wonderland are like and their first interactions with the Queen (and how similar they would be to Alice’s encounters).
My favorite part of the Villains series is the writing style Serena Valentino dips into to portray her characters. She puts in so much effort to embody them, and does a phenomenal job of doing so! I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
June 8, 2025
The saga of the Villains series not only continues but intensifies with its twelfth installment, Heartbroken. This gripping volume masterfully sets the stage for what could either be the epic, shattering conclusion of a grand narrative, or merely the turbulent prelude to entirely new, unforeseen adventures.
At its core, the Queen of Hearts finds herself adrift, navigating the shattered fragments of countless shattered realms. Teetering on the precipice of utter despair and encroaching madness, her very perception of Wonderland's chaotic reality begins to unravel. The author's vivid portrayal of her profound grief is palpable, immersing the reader deeply within the disorienting, bewildering chapters set in this fractured land.
In this maelstrom of psychological turmoil, her sole tether to reality, her unwavering anchor of sanity, remains her loyal friend, the White Rabbit, whose steadfast presence becomes a vital lifeline as the Queen's mind frays with every unfolding page.
Yet, personal torment is but a whisper against the storm gathering on the horizon of the Many Kingdoms. Circe, Primrose, Hazel, and even the enigmatic Odd Sisters are forced to confront the imminent, cataclysmic onset of war. However, this grand conflict is merely the grim overture to a far greater horror. A more ancient and formidable malevolence is stirring, poised to break free from its timeless slumber.
Heartbroken promises not just a continuation, but an escalation of stakes.
At its core, the Queen of Hearts finds herself adrift, navigating the shattered fragments of countless shattered realms. Teetering on the precipice of utter despair and encroaching madness, her very perception of Wonderland's chaotic reality begins to unravel. The author's vivid portrayal of her profound grief is palpable, immersing the reader deeply within the disorienting, bewildering chapters set in this fractured land.
In this maelstrom of psychological turmoil, her sole tether to reality, her unwavering anchor of sanity, remains her loyal friend, the White Rabbit, whose steadfast presence becomes a vital lifeline as the Queen's mind frays with every unfolding page.
Yet, personal torment is but a whisper against the storm gathering on the horizon of the Many Kingdoms. Circe, Primrose, Hazel, and even the enigmatic Odd Sisters are forced to confront the imminent, cataclysmic onset of war. However, this grand conflict is merely the grim overture to a far greater horror. A more ancient and formidable malevolence is stirring, poised to break free from its timeless slumber.
Heartbroken promises not just a continuation, but an escalation of stakes.
July 18, 2025
In Heartbroken, Serena Valentino delivers a haunting and lyrical reimagining of the Queen of Hearts, pulling back the curtain on a character too often painted in one dimension. This isn’t the Wonderland we know from Alice’s tale—at least, not entirely. It’s stranger, sadder, and far more personal.
Valentino crafts a story rooted in sorrow and transformation, inviting readers to see the Queen not as a villain but as a wounded soul trying to impose order on a world that defies logic.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the Queen’s unexpected bond with the little white rabbit. Their friendship adds a surprising tenderness to the narrative, offering moments of heart amid the chaos. Valentino’s writing is both poetic and eerie, perfectly suited to a story about a woman clinging to control as her world unravels.
Heartbroken is a thought-provoking character study wrapped in a dreamlike fairytale—ideal for readers who enjoy fractured retellings and nuanced villains.
Ultimately, this is a story about the cost of heartbreak, the weight of anger, and the desperate search for meaning in a senseless world.
Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
Valentino crafts a story rooted in sorrow and transformation, inviting readers to see the Queen not as a villain but as a wounded soul trying to impose order on a world that defies logic.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the Queen’s unexpected bond with the little white rabbit. Their friendship adds a surprising tenderness to the narrative, offering moments of heart amid the chaos. Valentino’s writing is both poetic and eerie, perfectly suited to a story about a woman clinging to control as her world unravels.
Heartbroken is a thought-provoking character study wrapped in a dreamlike fairytale—ideal for readers who enjoy fractured retellings and nuanced villains.
Ultimately, this is a story about the cost of heartbreak, the weight of anger, and the desperate search for meaning in a senseless world.
Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
August 15, 2025
🐛
We follow the Queen of hearts as she enters into wonderland on her first day. She doesn’t remember her life before wonderland. We see lots of characters. The white rabbit, the caliper, the cat, and so many more. We follow her and rabbit on an adventure. Seeing wonderland through her eyes is neat. I always wonder why she was angry all the time and why she couldn’t remember her life before wonderland. When you finally find out it’s a shocker.
🐇
You definitely get to see the odd sisters in this book. Boy do they have some major info about how wonderland came to be and just the queen of hearts in general. Overall these books continue to get better and better. I know exactly who the next villain is!! This series is already dark as it is, but it’s about to take a major turn into more darkness. I’m so excited, but more terrified for book 13.
♥️
This is one of my favorite ending to a villain’s story . It’s a peaceful / she deserves this ending. I will always recommend this series! Welcome to wonderland where nothing fits together and nothing makes sense. Be careful going through rabbit holes you just might meet some unexpected people. Most importantly remember if you make the queen angry! Well let’s just say she’ll yell OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!! Enjoy your stay!
👑
We follow the Queen of hearts as she enters into wonderland on her first day. She doesn’t remember her life before wonderland. We see lots of characters. The white rabbit, the caliper, the cat, and so many more. We follow her and rabbit on an adventure. Seeing wonderland through her eyes is neat. I always wonder why she was angry all the time and why she couldn’t remember her life before wonderland. When you finally find out it’s a shocker.
🐇
You definitely get to see the odd sisters in this book. Boy do they have some major info about how wonderland came to be and just the queen of hearts in general. Overall these books continue to get better and better. I know exactly who the next villain is!! This series is already dark as it is, but it’s about to take a major turn into more darkness. I’m so excited, but more terrified for book 13.
♥️
This is one of my favorite ending to a villain’s story . It’s a peaceful / she deserves this ending. I will always recommend this series! Welcome to wonderland where nothing fits together and nothing makes sense. Be careful going through rabbit holes you just might meet some unexpected people. Most importantly remember if you make the queen angry! Well let’s just say she’ll yell OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!! Enjoy your stay!
👑
August 10, 2025
Alice in Wonderland has never been my favorite movie, so I really struggled to make it through this book. I just wasn’t overly excited to deal with the chaos and riddles. Something I share with the Queen of Hearts apparently.
To me, this book focused more on the White Rabbit than the Queen of Hearts. I wanted a bit more of her story than we actually got. You can piece parts of it together when she talks about the voices in her head driving her mad and demanding cake. You come to understand a little bit of her journey to becoming the angry and ruthless Queen as well as her justification for everyone losing their head.
However, I did find myself sympathizing with the White Rabbit. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with his character in other stories if he’s continued in them.
You do get closure for Grimhilde towards the end of this book too, which I thought was lovely. She’d been suffering and making others around her suffer too, so it was nice she was able to finally find her happy ending. Tulip is causing problems with her war she wants to wage against Beast. And the Odd Sisters are once again in the middle of it all.
To me, this book focused more on the White Rabbit than the Queen of Hearts. I wanted a bit more of her story than we actually got. You can piece parts of it together when she talks about the voices in her head driving her mad and demanding cake. You come to understand a little bit of her journey to becoming the angry and ruthless Queen as well as her justification for everyone losing their head.
However, I did find myself sympathizing with the White Rabbit. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with his character in other stories if he’s continued in them.
You do get closure for Grimhilde towards the end of this book too, which I thought was lovely. She’d been suffering and making others around her suffer too, so it was nice she was able to finally find her happy ending. Tulip is causing problems with her war she wants to wage against Beast. And the Odd Sisters are once again in the middle of it all.
August 17, 2025
In this installment of the Disney "Villains" series, we follow the Queen of Hearts as she finds herself in Wonderland amidst a bevy of talking animals, seemingly insane people, and terrifying creatures.
I think it's time to put this series to bed. It's run it's course. So far, this has been the least coherent for me. In this book, multiple storylines ranging from the beginning of the series weave their way into the story. This is a lot. Our next villain was revealed at the end of the book, and this is grasping at straws. It's obscure. Though undoubtedly a villain, it's not someone I think of when asked about "Disney villains".
The book's strong point is the relationship between the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. I truly enjoyed seeing that develop. I also liked the imagined backstory for the Queen.
I'll keep on reading the series, because I don't like to leave a series unfinished. But I hope that it comes to an end sooner rather than later.
I think it's time to put this series to bed. It's run it's course. So far, this has been the least coherent for me. In this book, multiple storylines ranging from the beginning of the series weave their way into the story. This is a lot. Our next villain was revealed at the end of the book, and this is grasping at straws. It's obscure. Though undoubtedly a villain, it's not someone I think of when asked about "Disney villains".
The book's strong point is the relationship between the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. I truly enjoyed seeing that develop. I also liked the imagined backstory for the Queen.
I'll keep on reading the series, because I don't like to leave a series unfinished. But I hope that it comes to an end sooner rather than later.
August 8, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
I love this series so much and as a massive Alice fan, I was hyped for The Queen of Hearts’ story. The only reason I have given it 4.5 instead of 5 is because I felt like we didn’t get quite enough depth out of her actual backstory, but then the context of how she came to Wonderland also makes that make sense. Overall, I loved this story and I also love how this instalment of the series has just blown the Disney multiverse wide open. The explanation of how Wonderland came to be and why it is the way it is was so clever and I love that we now have so many more opportunities for other Disney villains to appear in this series that don’t fall into the Many Kingdoms/London. I never want this series to end!!
I love this series so much and as a massive Alice fan, I was hyped for The Queen of Hearts’ story. The only reason I have given it 4.5 instead of 5 is because I felt like we didn’t get quite enough depth out of her actual backstory, but then the context of how she came to Wonderland also makes that make sense. Overall, I loved this story and I also love how this instalment of the series has just blown the Disney multiverse wide open. The explanation of how Wonderland came to be and why it is the way it is was so clever and I love that we now have so many more opportunities for other Disney villains to appear in this series that don’t fall into the Many Kingdoms/London. I never want this series to end!!
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