Reviews

The Magic of Oz Illustrated by L. Frank Baum

elfkey's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.75

_lilbey_'s review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

magmaeyo's review against another edition

3.5

Not my favorite of the series but I thought it was clever. 

topdragon's review against another edition

4.0

The penultimate novel in the 14 book original Oz series ranks among my favorites. It's a nice return to the classic story form of the early Oz books and serves as a nice way to visit with old friends from the earlier stories. Two main plot lines weave together, one involving the return of Ruggedo, former Nome King, who tries to conquer Oz again with the help of a Munchkin boy, Kiki Aru, the only new character to be introduced in this volume. Meanwhile, it is also Princess Ozma's birthday, (the girl ruler of all Oz) and all of Oz's citizens are searching for the most unusual present for her. Not just any present will do so adventures ensue with various groups of Ozma's friends trying to present her with truly unique gifts.

The author of this series, L. Frank Baum, was nearing the end of his life (this book was actually published a little after his death) when he wrote this one and it seems to me he was waxing nostalgic throughout this book. He would go on to write one final Oz novel and even though it is purported to be the darkest of the batch, I look forward to it as well.

tregina's review against another edition

3.0

Up into about halfway through the book, maybe even two thirds of the way, I thought this was going to be my favourite in the series since the first. The structure was tight and the plot seemed to be going places. But then the climax came too soon and fizzled out and the rest was just sort of a pleasant stroll across the finish line.

kshep97's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

2.0

zoes_human's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted

3.0

cowmouflage's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kitsuneheart's review against another edition

3.0

An Oz book where the magic belt is not the solution. Thank goodness. This story actually has some plot and suspense!

Bini Aru learns the pronunciation of the word that will allow the speaker to transform into anything they wish. Eventually he is allied to the nome Ruggedo, and they attempt to get the animals of Oz onto their side by claiming that the Emerald City plans to enslave them.

Spoiler

After run-ins with Dorothy, the Wizard, and other Oz inhabitants, they are eventually defeated and drink the Waters of Oblivion, removing their threat from Oz forever.

While I'm still not a fan of the Oz books, this does stand out as one of the better releases. Holding back on Ozma's magic belt was a good decision. It allows Dorothy and the Wizard to win with cleverness.

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

2.0

One left... If only that word of transformation actually worked.