Cold Hearted

Cold Hearted reimagines the origin story of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, exploring how a young princess became one of literature's most infamous villains. Serena Valentino delves into the formative years of the future Queen, revealing the heartbreak, betrayal, and magical forces that transformed her into the tyrant who famously screams "Off with their heads!" Set in the whimsical yet dangerous world of Wonderland, the story follows her journey from an idealistic royal to a hardened ruler consumed by rage and suspicion. Part of Valentino's popular Villains series, this tale weaves together themes of love, loss, power, and the corrupting nature of pain. The narrative examines how trauma shapes identity and asks whether villainy is born or made. Fans of fairy tale retellings will appreciate the sympathy given to a traditionally one-dimensional character, while the magical atmosphere and emotional depth make it appealing to both young readers discovering these classic tales anew and adults who enjoy darker, more nuanced takes on beloved stories. The book offers a fresh perspective that challenges readers to reconsider who the real monsters are in Wonderland.