I just finished Kill the Beast by Serena Valentino—and wow, it surprised me in all the best ways.
I expected a moody retelling. What I got was a layered, emotional, and sometimes even heartbreaking dive into the backstory of one of Disney’s most iconic characters, Gaston. If you're drawn to stories that flip the script and explore the “why” behind a villain’s choices, this one belongs on your shelf.
A More Human Beast
Valentino gives the Gaston a backstory that actually makes you feel for him. The anger, the isolation, the guilt—it’s all there, but it’s grounded in real, relatable emotion. You start to understand his transformation. It’s not about justifying his behavior—it’s about seeing the whole picture.
I also love how Kill the Beast connects with the broader Villains series. There are subtle nods and crossovers, but it stands on its own if you’re new to the series.
Who This Is For
If you enjoy:
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Fairy tale retellings with bite
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Deep character development
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Fall reading with a slightly gothic edge
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Books that make you think, “Wait, am I rooting for the villain?”
...you’ll want to add this to your list.
I picked up my copy here:
Kill the Beast by Serena Valentino on Amazon (affiliate link)
And if you want to hear more of my thoughts, check out my social media channels for my video review and more other grownup things I love to chat about.
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