Technically, this should be 3.5 stars. I might have liked this more had I not seen the musical first, though, so I rounded up. Complicated and occasionally confusing, the story is held together by Elphaba's strange, magnetic character. I kept reading through the blatant political and religious satire--normally one of my least favorite styles of writing--because I simply HAD to know her story, to know her. The ending felt a bit forced; maybe that is the real reason I can't give this book more credit. I wanted more for Elphaba in the end than an accidental death. I suppose that's the danger in creating a character (or rather, filling in the empty parts of one) whose fate is tied to a preexisting story.

well done for what it is! just a fun read... plus i saw the musical and wanted to read it before i went...
adventurous challenging dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I love the story of the Wizard of Oz and its many iterations. However, this one is a tough read because of the heavy politics and the vulgarity of the author. It just comes off a bit creepy. I DNF this book 12 years ago and finally got through it this time around.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
thekaylajan's profile picture

thekaylajan's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 10%

Realized the book is nothing like the broadway and simply stopped caring to finish the book. I’m sure it’s great! I just don’t care. 
adventurous dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Overall this book disappointed me. I did not finish the book and do not see myself as doing so. I found myself struggling to stay involved and engaged with the characters and the plot. The details became a bit tedious.

I did see Wicked! (the play) and found it wonderful.
challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes