Villains: Mistress of All Evil, Book 4

In "Mistress of All Evil, " Serena Valentino delves into the backstory of Maleficent, the iconic villain from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty. " The novel explores Maleficent's origins as a powerful fairy living in the Moors, a magical realm filled with fantastical creatures. As a young fairy, Maleficent befriends a human girl named Briar Rose, unaware of the darkness that lies within her own heart.

However, jealousy and betrayal ultimately lead Maleficent down a dark path, and she becomes consumed by her desire for revenge. When King Stefan and Queen Leah, rulers of the neighboring kingdom, fail to invite her to their daughter Aurora's christening, Maleficent curses the infant princess, condemning her to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday.

As Maleficent's curse unfolds, readers witness the events of "Sleeping Beauty" from the villain's perspective, gaining insight into her motivations and struggles. Along the way, Maleficent confronts her own inner demons and grapples with the consequences of her actions, ultimately facing a choice that will determine the fate of the kingdom and her own soul.