Reviews

Everyone in today’s culture knows something about the Wizard of Oz. However, Gregory Maguire takes a character we know as nothing but the villain, and gives her a background. He gives her a birth, a childhood, a courtship, and overall depth to a previously one dimensional character. In addition to this one character, Maguire changes the entire perception of the city of Oz. He gives this city of the rainbow social class issues, violence, and even racism. The detailed descriptions in this book give this place life. It is amazing how by adding details he changes the entire idea of the Wizard of Oz. What is right and wrong is no longer a quick decision, and changing human perceptions so drastically is no easy task. This has taught me how to be a mature author, and the power of bringing fantasy into more reality.

angelaaagg's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

allisondoesntread's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sparklyvamp's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

jrobison's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I've been trying to read this book since I was in third grade but I never finished my previous two attempts. I'm glad I gave it another shot! The world building here is incredible, drawing from L. Frank Baum's mythology but infusing a real depth and sense of being lived in. It was such a delight to explore these familiar characters, settings, and events in a new way. The prose is rich, sometimes superfluous, but enjoyable. I am excited to continue the series at some point.

adri01's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

paperback_poodles's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5 There were places for potentially good story lines and character discovery but those were lost in the way the book was poorly put together. It felt as if there were too many different voices writing the story. It seemed to jump from one tone to another, disrupting from the plot. A disappointment as I have read another Maguire book and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were still fulfilling scenes and moments scattered throughout but overall the book was disappointing in the directions it could have gone but didn't.

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