I am just absolutely obsessed with this series. I love getting to see familiar stories from the perspective of the "villain" and get some insight into why they developed the way they did. The plot about the sisters that connects all the books helps the stories to all feel more higher-stakes as well.

I love the concept and idea of always sharing the villain troph's POV. Thank you Serena Valentino for delivering the emotions, perspective, and building empathy for The Queen of Hearts herself. Like her other books, this 12th book was just as wonderful diving into the layers and paying attention to the Alice and Wonderland story with some cute and new additions. If you love fairytale retellings, I believe that you'll love this too!!

Thank you Random House Children's Books, NetGalley, and Serena Valentino for this ARC.

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.

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.

**Book Review: *Heartbroken* by Serena Valentino**

*I received an ARC of *Heartbroken* from NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books in exchange As a longtime fan of Serena Valentino’s *Villains* series, I was thrilled to dive into *Heartbroken*, the latest installment exploring the tragic backstory of the Queen of Hearts. Valentino’s signature blend of dark fantasy and Disney lore shines once again, delivering a whimsical yet emotionally rich retelling that fans of *Alice in Wonderland* and the broader *Villains* series will adore.

This book picks up with the Queen of Hearts lost in Wonderland, stripped of her memories and unsure of her identity. Teaming up with the White Rabbit, she journeys through the fantastical realm, encountering familiar faces while slowly uncovering the truth about herself. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Odd Sisters weave in and out of the narrative, furthering the overarching series mythology that has been building; especially since *Fire and Fate* (the Hades-centric installment).

One of the strengths of Valentino’s work is how she deepens classic Disney tales, adding layers of tragedy and intrigue that make rewatching the original films even more rewarding. *Heartbroken* is no exception, offering a fresh perspective on the Queen of Hearts that balances her infamous fury with genuine pathos. The whimsical setting of Wonderland provides a vibrant backdrop, and longtime readers will appreciate the subtle connections to past books.

While the story stands on its own, I’d recommend catching up on the series for full context, as many plot threads tie back to previous entries. That said, Valentino’s writing remains accessible and engaging, making this a delightful read whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer drawn in by the *Alice in Wonderland* theme.

With its creative twists, emotional depth, and enchanting prose, *Heartbroken* earns a solid **4/5 stars** from me. I already have theories about where the series is headed next, and I can’t wait to see what Valentino has in store!

**ARC provided by NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.**

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.