Margin Notes

The novel Kill the Beast by Serena Valentino is a dramatic fantasy novel that combines Walt Disney’s fantastic universe of heroes, princesses, and magical creatures with the compelling stories from the villain’s perspective. This particular story is set in Disney’s original Beauty and The Beast timeframe, encouraging readers to recall their previous knowledge on the well-known fairytale. The story follows one of Disney’s most known villains, Gaston, as he journey’s from being the prince’s best friend, to the small town, handsome, self-righteous, bachelor that viewers and readers best know his as. With its blend of familiar characters, magic, and self-discovery, this book is perfect for young adults looking for an engaging and immersive read, connected to familiar characters.

The novel’s antagonist, Gaston, is known as a skilled hunter, who loves himself; his looks and his talents, with an ego complex that leads him to believe that he’s an excellent match for any young lady. In Valentino’s novel, the reader is introduced to Gaston when he is a young boy, and while his best friend is the Prince. The two boys were known to be as close as brother to the other characters in the novel, since their mothers were close friends. As they got older, it is seen how these two brothers transition from boys to men, and the challenges that arise from those changes. On one hand, the Prince is growing up as a royal and is forced to accept the responsibilities that come from being at court, while Gaston is continuously reminded that he is not royal and must respect the rules that come from working for the monarchy. Throughout Gaston’s journey in navigating the challenges that come with his complex relationship with the Prince, it is seen how he slowly begins adjusting to his role as Royal Huntsman, while also accepting his station. However, through his adjustments, distance begins to grow between he and the prince, causing the two to drift apart. This distancing friendship results in both of their faiths’ being intertwined, leading readers to understand why and how these characters turned into the ones we know today.

Valentina’s novel Kill the Beast is unique for its differing perspective on the villain. The story masterfully explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the struggle for identity. Each character struggles with events from their past, leading them to make life altering decisions, causing readers to see the struggle between seeing the true villain. Readers will find themselves rooting for the brotherly relationship between Gaston and the Prince, while also developing empathy for the monster Gaston turns into.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with familiar characters and storylines, giving readers a comfortable read. Every chapter is packed with excitement and valuable information that provides contexts for all beloved characters in Disney’s original The Beauty and The Beast.

Valentino’s writing is both straightforward and entertaining, drawing readers into the magical world of Walt Disney’s universe. Ultimately, Kill the Best is not just a story that provides a reasoning for Gaston’s journey to becoming a villain; it is really a moral tale about the importance of keeping and prioritizing the good people around you. In the novel, Gaston prioritizes the Prince over himself on numerous occasions, leading him to the events that affected him negatively in the long run. Furthermore, these novel invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the connections they forge with the people around them. It highlights the importance of one’s journey to their identities, therefore encourages discussions of individual experiences and perspectives. Whether you’re new to the Disney world or a seasoned reader, Kill the Beast is the captivating journey of an iconic villain that you won’t want to miss.

Liv Aristotle is a B.Ed. student at the University of New Brunswick, with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She loves reading, especially Y/A novels, art, movies, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family. While Liv may not be an ‘official author’, she has always had a dream of publishing her writings and/or her artwork. Liv hopes to be an inspiring teacher by encouraging her students to fall in love with stories.