While we all love a good villain from time to time, we can all agree that sometimes, even the darkest villains might just be misunderstood. (Hello, Wicked!)
In order to give our favorite villains the chance to tell their side of the story, we’ve put together our ten best retellings of classic tales from the villain’s perspective.
Love them or hate them, these books are sure, at the very least, to challenge your perspective and make you rethink some of your favorite classic tales.
Let’s take a look.
10. Medusa: The Girl Behind the Myth by Jessie Burton
This breathtaking novel retells the Greek myth of Medusa from the perspective of, you guessed it, Medusa.
Reimagining the life Medusa had before her exile and the abuse she suffered at the hands of the gods, this villain’s retelling absolutely belongs among the best Greek mythology retellings you need to read next.
Why we recommend it: The writing style in this novel is poetic and lyrical, and I loved Medusa’s heartbreaking character development.
9. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka
This 1989 children’s book is a slightly different villainous retelling from the other books on our list.
It reimagines the classic fable of the Three Little Pigs but from the perspective of Alexander, a misunderstood wolf who is imprisoned after accidentally killing the pigs.
Why we recommend it: This villain’s retelling is hilarious, and the audiobook is even better. (Paul Giamatti is the narrator. Need we say more?)
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter8. Circe by Madeline Miller
It’s no secret: We are big fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe.
A feminist retelling of the Greek goddess and witch Circe, who appears in the classic The Odyssey, this villain’s retelling empowers its protagonist, the villain Circe, by finally giving her a voice of her own.
Why we recommend it: This retelling absolutely changed the way I looked at Greek mythology in general, giving a feminist lens to the genre.
RelatedLiterature’s Darkest Women: 10 Villainesses You Won’t Forget
7. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen
Alias Hook is a retelling of the story of Peter Pan from the point of view of Captain James Benjamin Hook, an intelligent shiphand who is forced to indulge a group of bratty boys who are desperate to fight with him.
When fellow adult Stella unexpectedly finds herself in Neverland, Hook finds an unlikely ally. Can she help him escape his fate of eternal babysitter?
Why we recommend it: This villain’s retelling is a fantastic blend of romance, historical fiction, and fantasy.
6. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
In this retelling of Alice in Wonderland, which won a Goodreads Choice Award in 2016, Marissa Meyer presents the backstory of The Queen of Hearts.
A normal girl in Wonderland, all Catherine wants to do is open a shop and live a simple life. But The King of Hearts has other plans, and her life is soon turned upside down.
Why we recommend it: I loved how much sympathy and compassion was in this retelling, which portrays The Queen of Hearts as a true victim.
Related10 Wonderful Mythology Retellings That Aren’t Greek
5. Villainous: An Anthology of Fairytale Retellings by L.T. Ward and others
If you’re a fan of short stories and looking for villainous retellings, then this is your book.
Ten different fairytales are recounted from the villain’s perspective, including the Pied Piper, Rumpelstiltskin, and Bluebeard the Pirate.
The Evil Queen also makes a powerful appearance, making this collection of retellings a great choice before you catch Gal Godot in the new Snow White adaptation.
Why we recommend it: I loved how accessible these stories were; they are perfect for a bedtime read. Plus, the profits from this book go to Project Night Night, which gives books to unhoused kids. What’s not to love?
4. Drown by Esther Dalseno
This twisted and dark retelling of The Little Mermaid is one of the darker books on our list, making it a great choice for fans of gothic literature.
While it’s not as closely aligned with the villain’s perspective as other choices on our list, this retelling absolutely deserves its spot for the originality and moral ambiguity of its characters.
Closer in tone and storyline to Hans Christian Andersen’s original fable, this heartbreaking book is a beautiful reimagining of what really happened when the Little Mermaid left the sea.
Why we recommend it: This haunting novel with a gothic twist explores what it means to feel deeply – joy, grief, love, and pain. Fans of tragic romance will love this book, as it is more about the emotional journey than a happy ending.
Related10 Iconic Fantasy Books Villains Readers Love to Hate
3. All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella’s Stepmother by Danielle Teller
In this retelling of Cinderella, the villainous Stepmother is reimagined as a poor, long-suffering woman named Agnes.
Having spent her whole life working, Agnes longs to escape to better circumstances. When Agnes unexpectedly becomes the nurse to baby Ella, she does her best to love the finicky and fussy child who ultimately becomes the beloved Cinderella.
Why we recommend it: This retelling has a powerful narrative about the complexities of motherhood, making this novel an excellent choice for anyone who has, or has become, a parent.
2. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
While you’ve likely seen the blockbuster film adaptation that came out last year, Wicked was first a book, and an incredible one at that.
It’s a retelling of the story of The Wizard of Oz, but from the point of view of Elphaba, a misunderstood young witch who, in her attempt to speak truth to power, becomes ostracized as The Wicked Witch of the West.
Why we recommend it: Wicked is a great choice for anyone who cares about social justice, animals, and what it means to stand up for what’s right. And it gives even more backstory to the amazing film and musical adaptations.
1. Grendel by John Gardner
This 1971 villain’s tale is a reimagining of the Old English poem Beowulf from the point of view of the antagonist.
In Grendel, the titular character is presented as a flawed and lonely antihero who is plagued by fear, anxiety, and the sometimes ambiguous nature of good and evil.
Why we recommend it: I loved this retelling! It’s poetic, it’s sad, and I loved that the characters were all complicated and real.
These are the ten best retellings from the villain’s perspective. Do you have any books to add? Leave us a comment!
As always, happy reading!
