Poor Unfortunate Soul

Poor Unfortunate Soul by Serena Valentino (Parragon Publishing)

PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781474846103

Reviewed by Ellie Royce

 This Disney Villains Book follows on from The Beast Within and continues our relationship with the odd sisters and Princess Tulip Morningstar, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Poor Unfortunate Soul follows the formula of telling a recognisable tale from an unknown perspective. In this instance it’s the Little Mermaid told from the point of view of sea witch Ursula. Cast out by her family, the tragic Ursula descends into wickedness becoming the grotesque sea-witch.

This is another thoroughly engaging and endlessly fascinating story. With just enough familiarity to make it accessible, it weaves in new strands and characters, lifting it to a whole other level. Serena Valentino imbues her villains with emotion. We feel for them even while they perform their despicable acts (and there are plenty of despicable acts!) although in the end, justice is done. (They are still fairytales, after all…) It’s suitable for ages 12 years and older.