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Serena Valentino is an American author known for her books that explore dark fairy tales and Disney villains. She was born in Boston and studied literature at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley. Valentino's literary career took off with her first novel, "The Beast Within," a retelling of Beauty and the Beast from the perspective of the Beast. This was followed by other popular titles, including "Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen," which explores the backstory of the Evil Queen from Snow White, and "The Serpent and the Pearl," a reimagining of the Little Mermaid. Valentino's novels have received critical acclaim for their rich world-building, vivid characters, and clever reinterpretations of beloved stories. Her debut novel, "The Beast Within," won the Whitney Award for Best Romance and was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her work has been praised for its dark and atmospheric storytelling, as well as its ability to challenge traditional fairy tale narratives.