Reviews

City of Villains by Estelle Laure

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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review

4.0

I have actually no clue anymore how I came across this book and have absolutely no idea why I decided to pre-order it. However, I think it was the idea of a combined origin stories for a lot of Disney villains that actually pulled me in. And since I'm currently staying at my parents and don't really have the time to read big books right now, this book was the perfect Sunday morning read. I read it in bed in one sitting and enjoyed myself immensely.

Of course, part of the fun is recognizing all the different Disney characters. Some are quite easy (either because they have a very recognizable first or last name), others are a little harder, but I loved how all the characters had something unique and different, something we hadn't seen from them before, combined with some very well known characteristics. I also love how they are now all living in the same city and literally interacting and crossing paths.

Especially because the city seems a really awesome place with quite some history AND an interesting future. I loved how we were thrown into this world and story without info-dumps and lengthy explanations. When we needed certain information we got it, but overall the story was quite fast paced and really moved forward. And yet it never felt like it was rushed. Of course, I wouldn't have been against some more depth and some more emotional scenes, but it's only a minor remark.

And that's mostly because our main character is quite a joy to read about. She has one foot in one world and one foot in the other. Not only does this lead to her being an outcast in both worlds, it also means that there are quite a few moments where she has to choose. And as you might expect from a Villain Origin stories she doesn't always make the easy choice or the one I as a reader would want her to make.

The first book started an exciting story at least and I can't wait to read the next one!

brendalovesbooks's review against another edition

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2.0

The information for this book says ages 14-18, but to me it read a lot younger than that. There were certainly some "older" events that happened, like murder and kidnapping, but it didn't really feel real to me. The whole tone just felt very young, like a Disney channel show.

I love Disney, but this villain story just wasn't for me. I believe this is the start of a series, but I would not continue on. That said, I think younger teens could really enjoy this.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher.

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

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3.0

3/5

I had really high expectations for this book and it wasn’t what I was really expecting, then when things got interesting it ended. Thank God I can borrow the next book right away.

brittster622's review

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4.0

This is a great story that allows you to delve into the world of Disney villains. it's nice to see some of what they might go through growing up, including being in the seedy side of town and experiencing some prejudices. I enjoyed the missing magic which allowed a fun plot point as we are trying to figure out where it went and if it will come back. I liked the characters but thought they were just okay.

I am a sucker for anything Disney or retellings so this story fueled my desires for deeper meanings and information on classic characters.

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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3.0

Out the gate, I will start by saying that this is a younger YA story and if you go in expecting anything else you maybe disappointed. Yes, the main character is a senior in high school, but this definitely a younger YA story. It does a good job nailing the fairy tale-inspired crime aspects of the story; however, with such a large cast of characters the characterizations sometimes get a bit muddled up. Overall, I am interested in continuing on in the City of Villains because I had enjoyed the main selling point of it.

I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.

seknight61's review

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3.0

Fun, quick read. Probably could have been written without Disney characters, but it made it fun. More of an origin story.

bethhthelibrarian's review

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5.0

I had so much fun reading this one. I love origin stories, and to read one about the Disney Villains? Sign me up! This book is set in a Gotham-style setting, where magic is now dead. There are those that are descended from magical families, and those that aren't. There is a lot of rivalry between these two groups, and when Mally goes missing, her friend Mary Elizabeth, an intern at the police department, is put on the investigation. Once Ursula, Mary Elizabeth's best friend, goes missing too, she really delves into the underbelly of the city, and who might want to see magic return.

This was a quick read, and I love Estelle Laure's writing style. I loved her other books too, and knew I was in for a treat with this one. It was a perfect cozy winter night read. I sped to the ending, and then realized I would have to wait for the next book. But it really was a blast seeing some of my favorite characters in a new context and as much younger versions of themselves. It was a simple book, but a great mystery. Can't wait to recommend this one!