When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.
The Wicked Years Series
Delve into the darker, more complex reality of Oz through this captivating series. The narratives follow the Wicked Witch of the West and her companions as they navigate turbulent times and uncover unexpected truths about familiar characters. It offers a compelling exploration of moral ambiguity and political intrigue beneath the surface of a beloved fairy tale world.
Recommended Reading Order
Son of a Witch
- 512 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Back in the land of Oz, the adolescent boy Liir was last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch. Bruised, comatose, and left for dead, Liir is tended to at the Cloister of Saint Glinda by a silent novice called Candle, who wills him back to life with her musical gifts. What dark force left Liir in this condition? Is he really Elphaba's son? He has her broom and her cape - but what of her powers? In an Oz that, since the Wizard's departure, is under new and dangerous management, can Liir keep his head down long enought to grow up?
A lion among men
- 426 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The third extraordinary novel in Gregory Maguire's bestselling Wicked series, featuring the beloved Cowardly Lion As civil war looms in Oz, an ancient and tetchy oracle named Yackle prepares for death. Before she can return to dust, however, the Cowardly Lion, an enigmatic figure named Brrr, arrives seeking knowledge about Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West - the woman who defended him when he was a cub. But Yackle, too, demands answers of her own. Brilliant and entertaining, A Lion Among Men is another stellar work from the wildly imaginative and talented Gregory Maguire.
The saga set in the world of Oz reaches a captivating conclusion, weaving together themes of friendship, power, and redemption. This final installment of the Wicked Years series, following the beloved story that inspired a successful musical, promises to deliver an unforgettable narrative that ties together the characters and events that have captivated readers. With its rich storytelling and imaginative world-building, it offers a profound exploration of the complexities of good and evil.